Page 125 of Wanted You More

Except this time, it’s worse.

“I’ll be right back,” I slur, grabbing Lincoln’s arm and pushing off him to find the bathroom. I bump into a few people along the way, wincing when my bad arm takes the brunt of the impact every time.

I’d popped an ibuprofen before we left, but it barely touched the ache shooting down my arm that’s progressively getting worse.

Surprisingly, the line for the bathroom isn’t that long. I’m behind two other girls on their phones, snapping pictures when I lean against the wall with a groan.

The blonde laughs. “I feel you, girl.” She looks from her camera to me. “As soon as I put these heels on I knew I was toast for the night. It’s painful to be hot.”

My eyes go to the cute black stilettos she’s wearing. “They make your legs look amazing.”

She beams. “Thanks! Hey, you know Lincoln Avery, right? I’ve seen you two at parties together. I always thought he was hot but never wanted to step on any toes.”

Oh God. I hold my hands up. “We’re friends, but I learned the hard way last year not to butt into romantic business. All I can tell you is that he’s single, and I’m pretty sure he isn’t talking to anybody.”

Hope fills her face. “Cool.” She frowns when she sees a flash of pain take over. “You okay? You don’t look so hot all of a sudden.”

I shake my head. “I need some Motrin or something,” I tell her, holding my arm and resting my head against the wall.

She perks up and digs through the tiny bag hanging on her arm. “I got you.” I don’t think about it before downing the two pills she gives me and swallowing them. When it’s her turn to use the bathroom, she waves me off. “I hope you feel better! Thanks for the info on your friend.”

I give her a thumbs-up before closing my eyes and waiting for my turn.

The rest of the night is a big blur.

I think I dance with my friends.

Drink a little more.

Lose badly at flip cup.

Then everything gets fuzzy.

Fuzzier than normal.

Not like an anxiety attack is coming.

Something else.

The noise is too much, too loud.

The space too suffocating.

The music blasts, shaking the house. Eachthudof the bass leaves my ears ringing as I stumble around the crowd.

Boom, boom, boom.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

I don’t know how I make it outside, but I find the cooler night air nipping at my bare arms and doing little to drag me out of whatever is taking over.

My limbs feel heavy.

My eyelids heavier.

All of a sudden, I hear my name being called by familiar voices, and then I hear someone gasp as I drop to the wet ground.

Boom, boom, boom.

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