Page 37 of Years in the Making

“Better enough to try some soup?”

I think for a moment, and when the idea of eating soup doesn't make me gag, I nod. “Would you mind putting it in a mug? They’re in the narrow cabinet next to the fridge.”

He comes back with two mugs, spoons sticking out of both. “You could have used a bowl for yourself,” I say when he hands a mug to me.

“Careful, it’s hot. I happen to prefer soup in a mug. Well, broth-based soups anyway. There is something about cream soup in a mug that just doesn’t work for me.”

“No, I get that. Something about the viscosity of it.” We both make a face and laugh. “Thank you for coming. I just really hope you don’t end up in the same situation.”

“Me too, but of all the people who could get me sick, I’d be least upset if it was you.” He would say the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard when I have a fever and may actually be hallucinating.

FOURTEEN

TEDDY

As the words leave my mouth, I think maybe I’ve come on too strong. Watching Nellie’s face twist this way and that makes me start to panic. “I mean, ultimately I’d really prefer not to get sick.” I laugh, trying to break the tension.

She finally smiles at me and raises her mug to blow across the top. “Wanna keep watching?”

“Absolutely. I need to know what that cranky lady’s maid is up to.” She probably thinks I’m just placating her, but after three and a half episodes, I am absolutely hooked.

Nellie finishes most of her soup, and I convince her to try a piece of toast. She encourages me to make myself something more substantial so I make a couple of peanut butter and jam sandwiches. When we are done eating, I clean up quickly and get her to put her pillow onto my lap. She manages to keep everything down and within half an hour of her head hitting the pillow and my hand combing through her hair, she’s sound asleep again. I am grateful for the slower pace of the show since I spend half the episode watching the flutter of her eyelids as she dreams, her mouth occasionally turning up in the corners.

She wakes briefly and goes to brush her teeth. When she returns, she is the one who reorganizes our positions on the couch so I’m on my back and she’s wrapped around me, head buried in my chest. I am convinced that when we get up, I’ll have a Nellie-shaped sweat spot. Between how hot she is and my body temperature, I feel a bit like I’m melting. But if melting from our combined heat is how I’m going to go, I’m fine with it.

The next day I wake to a clear sky and Nellie wrapped around me like a sloth. I’m going to be sore from sleeping on the couch, but when Nellie wakes and announces she’s feeling better, I decide the minor aches are worth it. She makes me eggs and toast and just toast for herself, and we have breakfast on the deck next to the pool.

“You don’t have to run off, do you?” she asks, brushing the crumbs off her fingers.

“Nope. All yours for the day, LG.”

“Feel like going for a swim in a bit?”

I’m still desperately trying to take things slowly, and having her pressed against me all night has chipped away at my resolve. “I didn’t bring a suit. I didn’t expect you to be feeling up for a dip.”

“I’m sure I can find something for you,” she says, standing and grabbing our plates. “I’m going to change and see what I can round up.”

“Sounds good,” I lean back in the deck chair and watch her walk into the house. Right before she passes through the patio door, I nearly suggest that we say to hell with suits and just skinny-dip. But I know that will absolutely lead to other things, and she hasn’t even tried to go there yet so I keep my mouth shut.

She comes out a little while later wearing an oversized T-shirt that ends mid-thigh, leaving her long legs on display. I don’t notice at first that she’s carrying a pair of swim trunks.

“These still have the tag on them.” She rolls her eyes. “My dad doesn’t use the pool much, but my mom still buys him a new pair of trunks every summer.”

After changing, giving myself a much-needed pep talk, and brushing my teeth, I rejoin Nellie on the patio. Her eyes sweep over me as I walk towards her, and I see her lips turn up at the corners ever so slightly. She likes what she sees apparently. Next, it’s my turn to appreciate the view as she slips the T-shirt off. She’s in a one-piece, but it’s the kind I’ve only ever seen on vintage pinup posters. If someone had asked me if Nellie had a pinup model body before I would have said no. But goddamn if she doesn’t look incredible.

“I like the polka dots,” I say lamely, pointing at her suit.

“Oh yeah? Like anything else?” She spins slowly giving me the best 360 view I’ve ever seen.

I take a step towards her and when her eyes lock on mine, I move even closer. “There is one thing,” I say, laying my hands on her waist.

“And what’s that?”

“I just think it’s a bit too dry.” And with that, I wrap both my arms around her and launch us into the pool.

When she pops out of the water, she’s laughing, and I’m momentarily frozen in place watching her wipe the water from her face as she treads in place. When she sees me, she smiles sweetly and starts swimming my way. I back up until I’m against the side of the pool but she keeps coming. Her hands land on my shoulders and she wraps her legs around my waist, my hands immediately go to hers.

“How about now? Wet enough?”

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