Page 71 of Under Ground

“She wanted to let me know I had support whatever I did. And we talked about her fears for her kids.” I blow out a breath. “Sounds like there are some real weirdos out there, but I guess that’s all part of the deal.”

“Is that a yes?” His expression is so full of hope. He loves me; he really does. I have faith in that. And I have to have faith in us.

“I’m not going to make that decision right this second. I mean, you might not love me that much when I break out in spots.”

He grimaces. “About that …”

I raise my hand to my face. The skin’s warm, but smooth. “What?”

“You’ve already got them, but I’m guessing you didn’t notice.”

I stare at him. “Where?”

“There are a couple on your shoulder, and one right between your breasts.” He tilts his head. “You’re not covered like Casey obviously is. Yet.”

I groan. “Oh no.”

“But I’ll help you put lotion on them if you want.” He shrugs, and I might feel rotten, but I laugh. “I think you’re full of food and pills and need to sleep now, though. Am I right?”

I nod. “Thank you for being here, even after …”

“There’s nowhere else I can be.” Leaning forward, he presses a kiss to my forehead. “Now, rest. I’ll still be here when you wake up. And I’ll come and get you if Casey needs you.”

I snuggle down under the blankets.

Yes, Casey needs him. But I need him too.

And maybe that’s all that really matters.

18

Lana

“Don’t scratch.”

I’m vaguely aware of my hand on my neck.

Alex.

Is that Alex’s voice?

“Lana. Don’t scratch. Give me a second.”

I let out a sigh as cool liquid splashes my neck, and I force my eyelids open.

Alex hovers over me, the calamine bottle in one hand and a wad of cotton wool in the other.

“How long have I been asleep?”

He dabs at my skin. “It’s morning. After your lunch, you slept all the way through.”

“Casey.” I push myself up.

“She’s fine. I’d appreciate it if you got up to put some of this stuff on some parts of her, but I’ve kept her distracted with videos and food.”

I sigh. “The way to her heart.”

He chuckles. “Something like that.”

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