Page 92 of You and Me, For Real
Teddy looks up at me, whining as if sensing the storm brewing under my skin. I try to calm my racing heart. “It’s okay, boy.” Stupid me. He’s probably more worried about Ashton. “I’llget you back to her, don’t worry.” Roxy and Teddy, along with Churro, allow me to tow them along.
“You okay?” Scarlet whispers.
“Yeah.”
“What was that all about?”
“I have no idea.” I comb my fingers through my hair. “I need to check on Ashton, though.”
She nods, her face solemn. “I figured.”
“Are you going to be okay?”
“I’ll be fine.”
The way she says it is like she wants to add “eventually.” Which is fair enough. I did land a pretty solid jab on her tonight.
I kiss her cheek. “Thank you,” I say, hoping the gesture conveys my sincerity for a multitude of things. Primarily for the strangeness of the situation—being rescued by the woman I just crushed, only to chase aftermycrush.
25
ASHTON
My breaths are too short.
My vision darkens.
Not enough oxygen.
I know this. And yet, I can’t help the quick intake of breath.
I pace the downstairs bathroom, my shoulders twitching. She’s here. My mom ishere. How? Why?
My pulse races.
Voices travel through the door.
“I tried talking to her. I can’t get her to respond.”
Wren.
“Okay. I’ll try.”
Griffin.
His voice is calming, familiar, a balm to my nerves.
“Ash, can you let me in?”
I shake my head, unable to answer. My hands tremble.
“Please.” His voice breaks. “I want to help.”
I’ve never allowed anyone to see me like this. But I can’t calm my erratic heartbeat.
I swing open the door and continue pacing.
Griffin slips inside and gently closes the door.
