Page 76 of Pitcher Perfect

“Hey, Siri, call Austin.”

He picked up right away. “It’s like you could tell I was about to slum it and eat a tuna sandwich. With your truck closed today, I had to resort to this.” His voice almost made me feel better—almost.

“Hey,” I croaked.

“Whoa. What’s wrong?”

“I’ve got a migraine coming.”

“Oh, shit. Ty’s mom gets those. What can I do?”

If I didn’t feel like I was on death’s door, I would stop to appreciate how Austin didn’t even hesitate to help me.

“Any chance you could pick up some Excedrin Migraine or something from the pharmacy?”

“Of course. Do you need anything else?”

“Nope. Thank you.” I was going downhill quickly.How did I miss the signs?Extra energy yesterday, poor sleep last night, woke up with a headache, body feeling like a truck ran over it.I’m an idiot.

“Hold tight. Is the restaurant door unlocked?”

“Yeah.”

“See you in a few.”

“Thanks, Austin.”

“Of course.” He hung up.

I crumpled onto the floor and covered my face with my hands. Sitting in darkness helped a little.

“Shit. Caleb.” Austin’s voice was soft.

I didn’t know how much time had passed. I lifted my face when I sensed him crouching in front of me. “Here’s the Excedrin and some water. Open your mouth.”

He placed the pills on my tongue then tipped a water bottle to my lips.

“Do you have a prescription for something at your place? If you give me your keys, I could go grab it.”

I shook my head as I blinked to bring him into focus. “Forgot to transfer the prescription here. Don’t get migraines often.” Movement to my right caught my attention. A big, hulking figure stood at the counter. “Dom?”

“Hey, man. Sorry about the migraine. They’re the fucking worst.”

Before I could ask why Dom was there, Austin spoke in the same quiet voice. I appreciated the low volume.

“You’re in no state to finish up here, and using a knife is a workman’s comp claim waiting to happen. Dom is the best cook of the four of us, so he’s going to take over for you and I’m going to be his sous chef. Ty and Ethan have the brewery covered.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but he gently rested his hand on my arm.

“Let us help you. We promise not to give anyone food poisoning. I was just going to be hanging out at your truck anyway. All four of us aren’t needed to serve beer. Dom and I can do this. Okay? Just let me take care of you, Caleb. I want to.”

“What about your work?”

“My work can wait. You’re more important.”

Even through my brain fog, I understood the weight of those words. I tried to nod, but it hurt. “Okay. Thank you. Both of you.” I looked up at Dom and smiled. I didn’t want to let the town down, and I didn’t have much choice if the event was to have its food. Ambrose seemed empathetic, but I didn’t want to push.

“No problem. If you can manage it, can we talk through your plan? Then Austin will take you home while I get started.”

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