Page 41 of Broken

“Here.” He reached for my bottle, helping me sit up, and I took several long sips.

“Thanks.” I smiled, already starting to feel better.

Trying to look stern, Leo pointed a finger. “Just don’t do that again, okay? I’m not built for that shit.” I laughed, and my stomach gave an enormous growl, drowning it out. Leo grinned as he pulled me to my feet. “Come on. I think that’s our cue to call it for today. Feel like our favorite place?”

My stomach rumbled again just at the thought. “Mmm…yes, please.”

We headed down the sidewalk that connected the storefronts of a string of businesses and ducked into our go-to soup and sandwich shop after a long day’s practice.

The scent of buttery bread, cheeses, and soups flooded my senses as we pushed open the door, making my stomach growl again. Luckily, the line wasn’t long, it was so late, and Leo ordered a meatball sub while I ordered a tuna melt with a sideof broccoli cheese soup. We filled our drinks and found a booth along one of the half-walls that separated the different seating areas.

“Oh, my God, it smells so good in here.” I grabbed my stomach. “I’m so freaking hungry. I feel like I could eat a horse right now.”

“I hope you do.” Leo’s brow raised as he gave me a stern look. “You can’t push yourself like you did today without eating, Izzy. You know that.”

“Well, it wasn’t like you thought to take a break, either.” I took a sip of my drink, feeling the cold liquid hit the bottom of my stomach, it was so empty.

“Okay, you’ve got a point, but damn, that freaked me out.”

“I know. Me, too.” I gave him an understanding look. “I’m sorry.”

“Nope, I’ll only accept it if you eat all of that food you ordered.”

I grinned. “I’ll do my best. I’m gonna go see if it’s ready.”

“No,” Leo stated when I started to slide from the booth. “I’ll get it. I don’t need you passing out again or anything. In fact, you should call Annie or Tucker or someone to come pick you up. I’m not okay with you driving after passing out like that.”

“Yes, Dad.”

Leo raised a teasing eyebrow, pretending to be serious. “Damn straight. And don’t you forget it. Now, seriously, call someone or I’m giving you a ride instead.”

I released a deep breath when he left, pulling out my phone. He was being a bit ridiculous. It’d only happened because I hadn’t eaten, but I knew Leo meant it. He’d had my back as much as Tucker and Jet when Daddy got sick, and he wasn’t letting me leave here without a ride.

Me: Can one of y’all come pick me up? I overdid it at dance today.

Annie: I told you you were pushing too hard. And I can’t. I’ve already got Archer in bed. Can Leo give you a ride? Or, guys?

Jet: Stuck under a mountain of homework from hell, but I can come if you need me.

Tucker: On my way.

Me: Thanks. At the sandwich place across from the studio.

“Tucker’s coming.” I put my phone away just as Leo was getting back.

“Good.” He slid our trays on the table, and my mouth watered as the smell of heated tuna and steamy soup hit my senses. I quickly picked up one of the halves of my sandwich, and I audibly groaned when I took a bite, the flavors bursting in my mouth like a melody.

Leo laughed, taking a bite of fruit before picking up his own, and we ate in silence as I downed my entire sandwich and half my soup.

“Ugh, I’m so full.” He groaned, setting the last bite of his sandwich back on his tray. “Sorry, little guy. You must be sacrificed.”

I gave him a look, shaking my head. “You’re so weird sometimes.”

“You know it.” He grinned. “I’m gonna go to the restroom and stop by the frozen yogurt machine on my way back. You want anything?”

I held up my spoon. “Still working on mine. And I thought you were too full?”

“There’s always room for dessert, Izzy.” He rubbed his stomach as he stood. “I’ll be back.”

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