Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(31)

“What? Tell me,” I direct.

Maggie weeps as my brain starts to process what’s happened. “I’m on my way. Don’t move. Okay?”

“Yeah,” she weeps.

“I need to hang up to call for a ride, but I’ll call you right back, okay?” I check, packing a bag of clothes.

“Ooo-kay,” she blubbers.

“Everything is going to be okay. I love you,” I inform her and then hang up, not waiting for a response.

I rush around the apartment grabbing things that I will need if what is happening is what I think it is. Locking the door behind Sadie and me, I call Joe. There’s no other person who can get me to Maggie quicker — not even a cab.

With my bag over my shoulder and Sadie at my side, I sprint toward Joe’s as I dial his number — please pick up, Joe. The building staff let me in without question, recognizing me right away. By the time I enter the elevator for Joe’s building, the phone signals that it’s been answered.

“Hello?” Joe’s voice greets groggily.

“Joe!” I yell. Adrenaline is coursing through my veins from the full on run I just completed to reach him.

“Emma? What’s wrong?” he presses.

“Joe! I’m in your elevator,” I share.

“What’s going on?” he asks.

The elevator door dings open. Tears threaten my eyes and begin to pour when I hear the latch and lock turn.

When our eyes meet, my arms wrap around his neck. “We need to go,” I cry.

“Go where?” he searches.

“We need to get to Maggie!” I share, letting go of him. “You need to get dressed and we need to get to her.”

As Joe dresses, I start grabbing extra clothes for him to pack. By the time we’re in his car, I’ve called Jared three times and he has yet to pick up. I know Jared is a heavy sleeper, so I’m not surprised that he’s not answering.


Getting frustrated, I switch to calling Nathan’s phone. Without success after a two attempts, I regretfully call Pop-Pop.

“Emma, sweetheart,” Pop-Pop answers in a groggy tone.

“I’m so sorry to call Pop-Pop, I . . . .”

Before I can finish he cuts me off, “It’s okay darling. What’s up? You don’t sound good.”

“I’ve been trying to get a hold of Jared,” I inform him.

“Is everything okay? What happened?” he seeks.

I do my best to fight back the tears and control the lump in my throat. “It’s Maggie,” my voice cracks.

“Jared!” Pop-Pop shouts.

I hear Pop-Pop pounding his fist on their bedroom door.

“Jared. Wake up!”

Silence falls for what feels like minutes.

“Something’s happened. Emma’s on the phone.”

There’s a rustling sound and then Jared’s voice. “What’s wrong, Kitten? Did you have the dream?” Jared asks full of concern.

“No . . .” I whimper. “It’s Maggie.”

There’s silence for several heart beats. “I’m on my way,” Jared announces in a stern, controlled manner.

“Meet me there,” I instruct him.

“Where are you?”

“In the car with Joe,” I acquiesce.

“Good,” he comments. “Do you know what it is?”

I can hear the strain in his voice.

“No . . .” I reply. “But, I’m pretty sure.”

“Do you need me to stay on?” he checks.

“No,” I object. “I told her I’d call her back.”

“Okay . . . I love you, Kitten,” soothes Jared.

“Love you,” I mutter.

My brain glazes over as Joe speeds through the streets. I call Maggie, but she doesn’t answer. After two more attempts, I text her that I’m already on my way. When we arrive, I dart to the front door of her estate and vigorously pound on the door until Arnold, her butler, answers.

“My apologies, Ms. Emma. I didn’t know we were expecting you,” he serenely states, letting us in. “I wasn’t aware until the system told me someone was at the gate . . . .”

“Maggie called,” I blurt, heading for the stairs.

“Is everything alright?” Arnold questions, confused by my frantic state. He follows closely.

“I hope so,” I answer, taking the steps two at a time. “Would you please wake Ava? Maggie and I will need her assistance.” I stop right outside of Maggie’s bedroom, causing Arnold, Joe and Sadie to almost collide into me.

“Of course, Ms. Emma. Anything else?”

“Jared’s on his way. He should be here soon,” I inform. My hand is shaking on the door knob.

“Yes, Ms. Emma,” Arnold agrees before leaving us.

I look to Joe who is standing in front of me. My heart pounds and my ears ring as I try to figure out what to say while the need to rush in to help Maggie sirens in my head. “I need you . . .” my voice trails.

“Whatever you need, just tell me.” Joe gently places his hands on my face.

“If it is what I think it is . . . I need you to let me go in first. Don’t question anything . . . just . . . .”

Joe nods and kisses me with panicked sweetness, not willing to let go for several seconds. We don’t say anything for a moment. Sucking in some air and courage, I enter the bedroom, closing the door behind me. Sadie whimpers as Joe restrains her from following in after.