Page 62 of Tangled in Vows

My heart plummets into my stomach when I see the email in my sent folder. The timestamp is from yesterday afternoon, and only one line is above the lyrics.

What do you think about an extra song?

Underneath it are the lyrics I wrote over five years ago. The same lyrics I never wanted a soul to see because these words were meant for me and me only.

This can’t be happening. I will wake up any second now, and this was all just a dream. Or rather, a nightmare.

I draw in a stuttered gasp, the ice-cold panic inside me threatening to swallow me belly first. A bead of sweat rolls down my neck and dark spots invade my vision, and I lean forward and put my head between my legs.

In the distance, I can hear Holden calling my name.

But I can’t focus on him right now.

My entire body is trembling, my skin too tight. I wrap my clammy hands around myself, trying to calm down the hurried breaths that burst in and out of my lungs. Pressing my knees against the sides of my head only increases the volume of blood flowing through my ears.

Will this be over soon? I’m not sure how much longer I can endure this insufferable pain in my chest that is trying to shred me to pieces from the inside.

A hand touches my back, and I jolt upright.

Chapter 20

Holden

Day 681 without you: It’s been almost two years since I last saw you. That’s worse than being locked up.

Something is going on with Olivia, but I have no idea what.

Something in addition to all the shit we’re already dealing with.

After the last twenty-four hours, I almost expected things to be awkward. Maybe there’d even be some sadness, shock, or anger.

But when she walked into the kitchen this morning, she seemed mostly rushed, maybe even nervous.

Something must have happened during her conversation with Heather, who also seemed a bit flustered when she left. Which was nothing compared to how I found Olivia shaking on the couch, holding on to herself as if her life depended on it.

But she didn’t react to me talking to her, so I gently placed my hand on her back, and she jumped up like something bit her.

I only had a moment to notice her wide, panicked gaze and ashen pallor before she made up some excuse about being tiredand needing to lie down. She ran out of here like her ass was on fire.

Stormy walks up to where I’m sitting on the couch and nudges my leg.

I dig my fingers into her fur. “I know. I don’t think it’s good she’s hiding in her room either.”

She lets out a quiet whine and stares at me with big eyes.

“Well, what do you want me to do?”

Another whine.

“Fine. I’ll try to talk to her.”

Just as I’m about to get up, my phone buzzes in my pants with a text message.

Archer: The crew just left. We both know this isn’t my specialty, but it looks pretty neat.

Me: Thanks for letting me know. Something came up, so I’m not sure if we’ll make it there today.

Archer: What happened?

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