Page 67 of From You to Me

Even though he wasn’t my favorite person at the moment, I was grateful he picked up on my desire to leave that bar.

I bid good night to Lily and dashed to my room. That night, I had the most disturbing sleep, tossing and turning in my sheets as I tried to get some shut-eye.

A stiff neck greeted me the following morning when I woke up, and I groaned as I slid out of bed. I tried to stretch out the ache, with my one hand massaging my neck.

The same heavy feeling from last night sat on my chest. Auntie M would’ve wanted me to enjoy my life, and although I felt guilty that she hadn’t popped into my mind these past few weeks, it wasn’t like I had completely forgotten her.

So why was it still nagging my head?

I blew out a breath as I checked the notification on my phone.

Gabe–Hey, chica. I hope you’re doing okay. Strawberry and I just came back from the park. I know you’re having a hard time, especially since it’s that time of the year and you’re not here. But I’m sending you lots of love. I’m sure she’ll understand, I love you xx

That time of the year?

My eyes glided to the date on the screen, and my heart stopped.

My entire world came to a halt when the realization dawned on me.

It was Auntie M’s sixth-year death anniversary.

And I wasn’t there with her.

A sob spilled out my lips as I shot off the bed. A thud echoed through the room as my phone dropped, but I didn’t care as I rushed out.

A daze of dizzying spell hit me as all the air left my lungs. I gasped as I clutched the door and dashed inside.

I had to get there now.

CHAPTER 15

JAY

My hand stilled on the towel when I heard a loud slam thunder through my room. Wet droplets from my hair hit my face as I turned around.

My eyes widened as I took in Evelyn standing before me, clutching her chest while she tried to heave out something.

The expression on her face screamed that something was terribly wrong.

My instincts kicked in, and I took her in my arms in two quick strides. “What’s wrong?” I inquired, grasping her cheek. Panic set in when I noticed the dazed look swimming in her brown eyes. “Evelyn.” I grasped her shoulder, shaking her out of it. “What’s wrong?” I repeated.

Her eyes darted to me. “Seattle,” she rasped out. “I have to get to Seattle.”

My brows lifted into a frown. “Evelyn, is something the matter?”

She shook her head furiously while the hand grasping her chest tightened.

It took me a moment to realize she was having a panic attack. A sharp inhale escaped me as I carefully pushed her chocolate locks away from her face and pressed my palm to her chest, rubbing her chest in smooth circles. “Hey,” I whispered. “Deepbreaths, sweetheart. Deep breaths, okay?” I nodded, locking my gaze with her, urging her to draw in the air.

Her eyes told me she understood what I was saying. Her lips pursed as she willed herself to breathe.

After several attempts, she gasped when the oxygen finally hit her lungs.

I breathed out a sigh of relief and gathered her closer to me. I still wasn’t sure what was going on with her.

She slid out of my grasp, hugging her body as she whispered through her ragged breathing, “I need to get to Seattle.”

Although her breathing returned, the daze in her eyes still remained. I gently hooked my finger under her chin and brought her gaze to mine. “What is it, Evelyn?”

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