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I rested my head on my sister’s shoulder and closed my eyes, focusing on breathing in and out, slowing it with each breath I took.
“What brought this on?” she asked.
“Thinking. First about Dad. Then the container. Then that someone is out there who wants me taken again.”
“Keep breathing,” she repeated as she continued rubbing my back.
Jada returned to the room and handed me a glass of water. I took a sip, then held it out to her. I was about to lie down on the bed when I heard the cell phone Jacy had given me that morning ring.
“It’s in the side pocket of my purse,” I said to my sister, who was sitting close enough to reach it.
She looked at the screen. “It’s Press. Do you want to talk to him?”
“I do,” I said, holding out my hand for the phone. “Hi,” I answered.
“Did I wake you?” he asked.
“Not at all. I’m sitting here with Seraphina and Jada.”
“Oh, I won’t keep you, then.”
“Press? Wait.”
“I’m still here.”
“Can you hang on just a minute?”
When he said he could, I covered the phone with my hand. “Do you mind if I talk to him alone?” I asked.
“Of course not,” my sister said, leading Jada out into the hallway.
“Sorry, I’m here. How are you, Press? How was today?”
“Long and exhausting. The boys left a few minutes ago. They’re staying in the guesthouse you were in. Beau went with them, but Tryst is here. He and my dad are still downstairs, talking.” He cleared his throat. “Don’t let me keep you.”
“You aren’t. I want to talk to you. I, um, was in the midst of a panic attack when you called. Or coming out of one.”
“Did something happen?”
“I let my mind wander.”
“I’m so sorry I’m not there, Luisa.”
I smiled. “Don’t be. I’m a grown-up, right? I need to learn how to work through it on my own when it happens.”
“Do you have a book you can read?”
“I think so. My tablet should be in my bag.”
“Go and get it. I’ll stay on the phone with you.”
I knelt down and opened my suitcase. My tablet was right on top, but when I tried to power it on, nothing happened. “It’s dead. I must’ve forgotten to charge it.”
“I’m sure mine is here somewhere. Bear with me a moment.”
“Press, you don’t have to do this.”
“I think tonight I need it as much as you do. Ah, here it is. Let’s see now. Where were we?”
