Chapter 23

I can’t breathe. I need to go. Go home and forget all of this. All my confidence is gone, and a sickening feeling is rising inside me, urging on the breathlessness of an anxiety attack. My face heats as color creeps up my skin, and I desperately push across the overcrowded floor, rushing to find my escape through the crowds haphazardly. I feel like an idiot and start tugging and twirling a strand of my hair manically.

I’ll text Leila and tell her I felt unwell.

I move forward into the room and realize the quickest way out is across the dance floor. It’s less crowded and easier to navigate than the bustling side aisles. I push on, rage and emotion spiraling inside me, and I’m not looking where I’m going, blinded by watery eyes and complete disappointment in myself.

Pushing my way through a group of people in the middle of the dance floor, I look up and come face to face with Jake; stopping dramatically, I almost have a heart attack.

Shit!

Literally two f