Page 251 of Call Me Baby 2: Side B

Or… me,

and went on a date with someone else?

Calm down, calm down, calm down.

Don’t release a single note of emotion.

Don’t let MenoPaola smell fear.

I strap on my marble mask and shrug.

“Yeah. It was good.”

Her face falls. “Good? Don’t bullshit me, sweetheart. That boy ate standin’ up at the counter when he got home.”

My next breath clogs my throat.

“He came here. Last night.

“After our… date?”

The words leave me in pieces I’m trying to fit together. If he was here last night, then I was the one he lied to.

My stomach’s caving in on itself,

when the speaker comes alive in my ear,

Celie’s voice flooding:

“Bitch, I’m freezin’. Where the fuck you at?! Unlock the basement door before I lose a toe!”

I draw in deep through my nose,

breathe out slow through my mouth,

then lift my chin and say,

“I gotta take a shit.”

Paola’s expression jumps

as my eyes fall shut.

I really said that. Out loud.

To Andrew’s mom.

Fuck it. I’ve said worse.

(No, actually, I don’t think I have.)

Maria gives me an odd, confused look.

“Yeah,” I run with it ‘cause it's too late now. “Stomach’s messed up. Need privacy. The guest one’s too echo-y, so I’ll use the one in the basement.” I take a step back toward the door with a raised palm. “Trust me. For everyone’s sake.”

I bolt down the basement stairs,

one hand on the railing,