Page 136 of Foreplay on Words

“You’re sure you didn’t give him any alcohol?” That was Emory. He didn’t sound happy.

“Yup, just good old-fashioned tap.”

“What the hell is wrong with him?” Nathan asked. I think it was Nathan, but I couldn’t lift my head.

“You don’t even want to know.” My voice sounded funny again.

“What’s on his wrist?” Emory asked as I felt my hand move.

“Is that a hospital bracelet?”

Emory appeared right in front of my face, and my eyes widened. “Evan, can we try to sit you up?”

“No...” I groaned as I closed my eyes again.

I felt someone move my arm, but I couldn’t find the energy to pull it back.

“It’s from the urgent care across the street.”

“What happened to you?” Nathan asked. When I squinted my eyes open, it looked like his head was floating in the air behind Emory.

“Tha birch attacked me.” Why did my voice sound like that?

“A tree attacked you?” Nathan laughed.

“No...no...no. Moan. Tha birch.”

“Simone?” Emory guessed. It sounded like he was trying not to laugh. Asshole.

“Yup.”

“That bitch attacked you? Is that what you’re trying to say?” Nathan asked again.

I nodded my head slowly. “Couldn’t breathe.”

“Is that why you were at the urgent care?” Emory was talking again. “You couldn’t breathe?”

“Uh-huh.” Why were they asking me so many questions? I only wanted to sleep.

“You guys are fine for now, but I need to start closing up. Can I get ya anything before I close down the taps?” the bartender asked quietly. I could still hear him.

“I think we’ll gather up our friend and get out of your way. Thanks for taking care of him.” Emory was a nice guy. Well, unless he was teaching your girlfriend how to whip you... with an actual whip.

“No problem. Quietest non-drunk drunk I’ve had in a while.” The bartender laughed. I think they were talking about me.

“Okay...up you go.” I think his name was Nathan...told me as he put an arm behind my back and slowly sat me upright.

“Evan? You still with us?” Emory asked as I closed my eyes again.

“Do you think we should take him back to the urgent care center?” Nathan sounded worried, but I was fine.

“I don’t think so.”

“Evan? Can you breathe okay now?” Emory’s fingers snapped in front of my face, and I felt myself falling backward.

“Nope, I got you,” Nathan laughed as he propped me back up. “Evan? You need to see the doctor again?”

“Nooo... No doctor. Just nurse.” I shook my head. “She gave me little white pills.”

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