Page 59 of The Idiot

“Are you still mad at me?”

Sighing, I stare back at his troubled eyes. “I wasn’t mad.”

Chewing his lip, he swallows like he’s either fighting nausea or feeling vulnerable. “I’m not a cockslut.”

Rolling my eyes, I squeeze his shoulder. “I know.”

Getting up, I give him a once-over. He looks like he did when he got the flu last year, making me want to spoon in behind him until he’s back to his chaotic self.

“Do you need anything for your stomach? I can grab some ginger ale from the bar.”

Averting his gaze, his lower lip pouts. “No,” he says sullenly.

“It’s not a problem. I’ve got to walk past one when I go to my room to get my toiletry bag.”

“I got someDramaminefrom Walt and Darnell’s room,” he mumbles, wrapping his arms across his chest, rolling onto his side.

He’s still not looking at me. Why won’t he look at me?

“The grandpas?”

Shrugging, he confirms, “Yeah.”

“You went to their room?”

“They’re old. They have everything and… and I needed someone to talk to after you blew up on me.” Heaving a breath, he pinches his eyes closed, hugging himself tighter, and mumbles, “I didn’t know they were going to try sandwiching me.”

“Theywhat?”

“It’s fine. I left before anything happened. I said I was sick.”

I’m going to kill them. Correction—I’m going to kill them, and then I’m going to kick Jesse’s ass. Right after I go get something to replace his nipple pastie.

“Stay here and don’t get up. It’s still choppy out there.”

“I won’t.”

“Yeah, just like I told you not to get sandwiched.”

“How was I supposed to know they were bad grandpas?”

“Would you shut up about the grandpas? Just promise me you won’t get up. I’m serious. Don’t move around the cabin until you feel better. I didn’t pack enough Band-Aids for your big thick head if you wobble and bash it into something else.”

“Fine,” he grouses, burying his face in the pillow.

I don’t know where in the hell we stand, but one thing is for certain. I’m stuck with him, not just here. I’m pretty sure I’m stuck with him for the rest of our lives through some bizarre bond that’s stronger than nipple pastie adhesive. We always find a way to gravitate toward each other.

CHAPTER 19

Jesse

How long does it take to get ice? Ugh. How do people stay on cruises? It’s like paying for cabin fever and nausea. I think I’m starting to feel better because I’m bored. It helps knowing Murph is speaking to me again.

Seriously? More Gilligan’s Island? Tossing the remote onto the nightstand, I sigh in frustration.

Oh, shit. Murph forgot his phone.

Swiping it up, I wake up the screen. No password. How very trusting of him.

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