Page 178 of Josephine and Clay

The thought lands before I can stop it.

Clay left without a goodbye, a text, or even that stupid grin. He was just… gone.

Tessa told me after Boone found the note. Her message had been careful, gentle, and full of all the things she didn’t know how to say.

I told her I understood.

At the time, I almost believed it.

Another cramp folds through me.

I lean over the side of the bed, grab my phone, and call Penny before I can convince myself I’m being dramatic.

She answers on the fifth ring with a voice thick from sleep. “If this is about a cow, I need you to know I spiritually clock out before sunrise.”

“Penny.”

That’s all it takes.

Sheets rustle violently. “Josie?”

“I’m having pain.”

She wakes fully in an instant. “What kind?”

“Low cramping. Sharp enough to wake me up.”

“Any bleeding?”

My throat tightens. “I haven’t checked.”

“Go check.”

I hate how calm she sounds, and I love her for it.

I make it to the bathroom with one hand braced against the wall and the other over my stomach. Every step feels careful and fragile, as if my body might crack open if I move wrong.

Please be okay.

I check.

Nothing.

Relief hits so hard my knees almost give out.

“No blood,” I tell her.

“Okay.” Her voice softens slightly. “That’s good. I’m coming over.”

“You really don’t have to⁠—”

“Josephine Wright, if you finish that sentence with anything remotely resembling I’m fine, I will personally drag you into my car wearing whatever shoes I find first.”

Another cramp twists through me.

I grip the counter hard enough for my knuckles to ache.

Penny hears the sharp inhale. “Josie?”