Page 63 of Anti Player

“That’s true.” I didn’t consider that option, but it’s too late now.

Matt leaves and I pour some electrolyte drink for Asher and once again tell him small sips. I do the same for Brett. I head to the kitchen to make them both some chicken broth. They may not want to eat now but they may get hungry in a few hours. After I’m done with the soup, I head over to the couch and sit with Asher. At one point I get up to ask Brett if he wants soup, but he says he can’t think about eating or drinking anything so I head back over to the couch. Asher is fast asleep, and I continue to watch the movie on Netflix. My eyes lull shut and I fall into a deep slumber.

CHAPTER

SIXTEEN

Madison

I walk into the apartment after a long-ass day and night. The lights are off but the television in the main room is on. I walk over to it quietly and spot Kaleb fast asleep, sitting up with my son’s head on his lap. Asher is wrapped in a blanket and my heart gushes and splatters to the floor. Why did Kaleb come to help with babysitting? And why is he on the couch with Asher and not my brother?

I walk over and touch his shoulder. “Kaleb,” I whisper.

“Ma wa,” he replies.

“Kaleb.” I give his shoulder a stronger nudge and his eyes open slightly. He picks up his head and looks around until he sees me.

Then he stretches his arms above his head and yawns. “You’re home.”

“I am. Why are you babysitting Asher? Where’s my brother?” I look over my shoulder, wondering where Brett is. “He better not have left on a booty call.”

“Nothing like that,” Kaleb says, and he stands to his full height and stretches again. “Asher and Kaleb got food poisoning from the sushi they ate,” he explains.

“Oh no, why didn’t he call me? Why didn’t you call me? I would’ve come straight home,” I say frantically. “Is Asher okay? Where is Brett?” My breathing is erratic.

Kaleb reaches out. “Maddie, I had everything under control. I took care of Asher. He threw up three times then he had some electrolytes, we watched a movie, I made him broth but he didn’t want any.”

“Gosh, Kaleb, I feel terrible. I would’ve come home. Is Asher feeling better now?” I ask.

“He watched a couple of kid-friendly movies with me. He didn’t want to sleep in bed on his own so I let him crash on the couch. I must have passed out too,” Kaleb says.

“Is Brett okay?” I ask.

“He was puking his guts out but he passed out, which I take as a good sign. I made him drink some electrolytes too,” Kaleb replies.

“You should’ve called me. You don’t have to take care of my kid,” I say. I reach down to pick up Asher to take him to bed with me.

“What are you doing?” Kaleb’s voice stops me.

“Picking him up to take him to bed,” I state the obvious.

“I’ve got him,” Kaleb says and then he picks Asher up in his arms. My son wraps his little arms around Kaleb’s neck and places his head on his shoulder.Don’t fall for him,the voice in my head warns.

I can’t argue that. “Follow me,” I say to him, and I guide him to my room. I open the blanket on the bed and Kaleb slowly lowers Asher to the pillow, supporting his head and laying him down softly.

When he turns back to me, he says. “I may smell like vomit.”

“Thank you so much for taking care of him,” I say. We are standing less than three feet apart.

“It was nothing. Besides, you helped me with Jack and Jane all the time,” he reminds.

“Do they ever call you?” I ask.

He frowns. “No. I should go.”

“Thanks again, Kaleb,” I say to him. “I’ll walk you out. I want to check on Brett.”

He nods and I lead him to the door. He says goodbye softly and that he hopes Asher and Brett feel better soon. I close the door behind him. I go and check on my brother. He stirs awake when he hears me.

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