Page 71 of Sack

She took a larger swallow and handed the bottle back before resting her forehead on her knees again.

He capped the bottle, stood, and set it on the bathroom counter.

Less than a minute later, she moaned, “Oh, God. Get out.”

“What?”

She was panting. “Get out. Shut the door. I’m going to be sick.” She scrambled to the toilet, and he was at her side, placing a hand on her back. She looked over at him, unshed tears making her eyes shine. “Please. I don’t want you to watch.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Ivy.”

Her body spasmed and she lost the fight to not throw up. The red liquid he just had her consume came out but not much more than that. A few more violent dry heaves wracked her body before she collapsed, face resting on the seat of the toilet.

“I don’t like you seeing me like this.”

He tucked that stubborn lock of hair behind her ear again. “You’re sick.”

“It’s embarrassing.” Her eyes were closed, and he wasn’t sure if it was because she was so exhausted, or she was hiding from him.

“It’s only embarrassing if you let it be.”

“I’m using the toilet seat as a pillow. I’m not letting it be, it just is.” He chuckled and she said, “I guess it could’ve been worse.”

He brushed his finger along the shell of her ear. “How so?”

“You could’ve been around the first time I threw up. Now that was gross. I think I threw up something I ate last week.”

He smiled. “Seems like you’re feeling a little better.”

“It won’t last long. The cramping will start again. Especially if I stick something in my stomach.”

Colt winced. “It was supposed to make you feel better.”

“I know. And I appreciate you running out to get it. I’m sure it will help once the worst of this has passed.”

“Do you think you can try to get some rest while you’re feeling a little better? That’s probably the best thing for you.”

“Yeah. I feel like I could sleep for a week if the pain doesn’t come back.”

“Do you want to try the bed now?”

“No.” She scooted back from the toilet and lay down on the floor. “Right here is good.”

He wouldn’t argue with her. He’d already made a mess of the whole taking-care-of-Ivy business. He’d just be there for her if she needed him and let her do what she felt was best. He sat himself down, leaning his back against the wall, legs stretched out in front of him and crossed at the ankle.

“You don’t have to stay,” she mumbled, not bothering to open her eyes.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“Then at least get in my bed. You’ve got to be sore after today’s game.”

He ignored that. “Go to sleep.”

She didn’t say anything else, her breathing evening as he watched over her.

Ivy

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