Page 90 of Johnathan

“Well, of course not. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still spend time together today. I’m grabbing my keys right now and I’ll stop at the store for some kids’ electrolytes and stuff that will be easy on her tummy before I come over.”

“No, I can’t ask you to do that. What if she’s contagious? I don’t want you to get sick.”

“Have you forgotten I’m used to being in a room with twelve of those beautiful little germ incubators on a regular basis? I’m sure whatever it is is currently coursing through my veins too. I’ll be fine. Does she have a favorite flavor of sports drink? Sometimes that’s easier to get down than the really salty electrolyte drinks.”

“Whatever flavor purple is, she’d love.”

“Perfect. Do you need anything?”

He sighed, feeling relieved. He’d been trying to hold off calling his mom, but with Abby on her way, there was just a little bit more breathing room. “Just you.”

“I’m definitely on the menu and happy to service you however you may need.”

“Abby….”

“Hanging up now before I get myself in trouble. I’ll see you both in an hour, tops.”

John walked back to the couch where Katy was propped against a few pillows, her favorite pink blanket draped across her lap.

“How’s my princess doing?”

“My tummy hurts. I need water.”

“Here.” He grabbed her water bottle from the table. “Little sips, okay? We don’t want to hurt your tummy more by taking a big drink all at once.”

“Daddy?”

“Yeah, baby.”

“Can we watch princess movie?”

“You’re sick of the rescue puppies? I kind of like seeing what sort of trouble that mayor is going to bring each episode.”

“I want princesses.”

“Okay, kiddo. Princesses it is.”

John opened the door before she even had the chance to knock.

“Hey. I brought the whole pharmacy with me.”

She took him in. His hair was wild, each strand standing straight up and in a completely different direction than the one next to it. His eyes looked so tired, but holy hell, he still looked delicious in a pair of sweatpants that were slung low on his hips and a plain black shirt. She was certain it was that one brand she loved, and she couldn’t stop the blush that crept up her neck.

“You didn’t have to do that, Abby. But thank you.”

“Well, I wasn’t sure what she could tolerate or what would upset her tummy, so I wanted to make sure we had everything on hand. I even picked up some noodles and fruit O’s cereal. My mom always made us noodles and butter and let us eat that cereal when our stomachs were off. And I got a little panda bear heating pad for her tummy, and some kid’s ice packs for her forehead. Basically, anything we could need so we can hunker down and get her feeling better by nighttime.”

“That’s perfect, sweetheart.”

“So where is she?”

“Hanging out on the couch. Give me these bags and I’ll take them to the kitchen.”

“Ms. Abby!” Katy’s whole face lit up.

“Hey, sweet pea.” Abby sat on the couch next to her, brushing some of her hair off her sweaty forehead. The poor kiddo definitely had a fever. “How are you feeling?”

“My tummy hurts. I go to see the doctor.”

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