Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(151)

“I thought he didn’t want you to talk to them,” he reminds.

“I know,” I say, looking back at Jared. “But, I have to. They need to know what’s going on, especially since this will change things.”

“What do you mean?” Joe searches.

I shake my head, not willing to share as a tear traces my cheek.

“Emma, what is it?” Joe presses, pulling me close.

“I can’t,” I choke. “You’ll understand . . . soon.”

“Is there anything I can do?” Joe checks.

With a smile, I reply, “No.” I kiss him passionately.

“You sure?” he checks, clearly wanting to know more.

“Do you trust me?” I ask.

“Of course,” he replies. “Why?”

“When I ask you for help . . . I need you to do it, whatever it is. No questions asked. Okay?”

“Okay,” he assures, holding me tight.

“Thanks,” I accept.

Joe helps me pull back the blankets to cover Jared and then we get into the bed ourselves. As we lay snuggled into each other, my mind goes back over the events of the evening since Jared called. I’ve seen Jared upset before, but that was mostly when he was dealing with ghosts from his past. Sure, he’s been affected by a man when a relationship was over, but it never drove him to drink whisky like tonight.

My heart breaks for lying to my best friend. A lie has been revealed, and I’m not ashamed of it anymore — in fact, I’m glad that he knows about Joe and me. However, there’s something very important that I’m not telling him — can’t tell him. If I tell him, I break a promise — if I don’t, Nathan and Jared might not make it. He can’t know — not yet. Will he ever forgive me?

Breathe, Emma. Just Breathe.