Page 48 of Omega's Refuge

My stomach twinged unpleasantly and nausea prickled me. I was taken off guard by the queasy sensations rolling through me. I hadn’t had much to drink last night, so I knew my unhappy stomach wasn’t a result of a hangover. Perhaps my nausea was simply from stress brought on by the negative thoughts I had about Steve?

I closed my eyes, hoping the nausea would fade, but it got worse. I sat up as sweat broke out on my face and body. I threw back the covers and hurried into the restroom. The nausea had come over me so quickly, I felt a bit flustered. I fell to my knees on the cold, hard tile floor and vomited into the toilet.

I dry heaved for a while, eventually slumping down onto the cold tile floor until the nausea passed. Once I felt stronger, I slowly got up and brushed my teeth. I stared at my pale reflection, feeling worried. I didn’t have a weak stomach and rarely got physically ill. Even when I got the flu, I didn’t usually throw up.

It concerned me that I’d also felt horribly nauseous the other morning. I’d put that queasiness down to drinking too much the day before with Rex. I’d managed not to actually vomit, but it had been a struggle. However, once that nausea had passed, I’d felt fine the rest of the day.

Until this morning.

Perhaps I’d caught a bug? I felt my forehead, but didn’t seem to have a fever. Was it possible the stress of what had happened with Steve was just too much for my system? It had been a traumatic trip. Plus, whenever I thought of Steve, my stomach ached. Maybe the nausea really was just my body’s way of handling anxiety.

I peered at my reflection, squinting. “I feel fine now. Itmustjust be stress.”

Since I no longer felt queasy, I decided what I needed was a shave and a shower. A little niggle of excitement went through me at the thought of seeing Rex again. Last night had been amazing, and I felt closer than ever to Rex. I was excited to spend more time with him.

Once I was dressed, I made my way to the main house. When I entered the dining area I found Joe and the others at the table having breakfast. There was a bunch of luggage lined up at one end, and I felt melancholy at the idea of all my new friends leaving the ranch today.

Rex was at the head of the table and my usual seat next to him was empty. As I approached the table, Rex gave me a warm smile and said, “I saved you a seat.”

“Thanks.” My heart squeezed happily at how normal he was being. You never knew how someone would handle the morning after sex, but Rex was behaving just how I’d hoped. The affection in his eyes did the strangest things to me, and I felt jittery as I took my seat.

“How’d you sleep?” he asked. “I mean, once I left.”

My face warmed. “Like a log.” I added under my breath, “Once you left.”

He grinned and went back to eating his breakfast.

When I glanced up, Joe and Martha watched me with big happy smiles, and the heat in my face increased. In fact, the whole group was looking at me with conspiratorial smiles. It seemed everyone knew that Rex and I had spent the night together. At first, it made me nervous, but then it sunk in how happy they all seemed, and I began to relax. I had nothing to be ashamed of. Rex and I were both adults and free to do as we chose.

Despite being sick earlier, I ate a big breakfast. I downed five pieces of bacon, scrambled eggs, and two hot, fluffy biscuits. I also indulged in two cups of coffee and some fruit while I was at it.

Once breakfast was over, the group gathered outside for the trip home. Some had driven their own cars, while a few had hired a van. My heart sank as we hugged and said our goodbyes. It felt strange to be left behind, and even stranger that I’d grown so fond of this group of strangers.

We exchanged phone numbers and addresses, promising we’d keep in touch. I wasn’t sure if we would follow through, but it sure was nice to know they all wanted to. I’d especially miss Joe and Martha. They’d treated me like family, and I’d had more fun with them than I’d ever had with my actual grandparents.

“You promise you’ll write or call?” Martha asked as she wiped tears from her eyes with a tissue. “We had a lot of fun with you, Tanner.”

“I had fun with you too.” There was a lump in my throat the size of a golf ball. “I’ll definitely call.”

“Maybe we can make this an annual thing.” Joe suggested. “You know, we can all plan a reunion vacation once a year or something.”

Tanya and Peter nodded eagerly. “We’d love that,” Tanya said. “You all made this trip so special.”

Mrs. Rodwell had joined us and she chimed in. “This group melded beautifully. Not all people do, but you all got along like long lost friends.”

I murmured in agreement, but was nervous about making eye contact with her. If everyone else knew I’d spent the night with Rex, she probably did too. I worried she wouldn’t approve of my involvement with Rex.

“We’d love to have you all back next year.” Mrs. Rodwell added. “Just give us a jingle if you want to book the ranch.”

Everyone nodded enthusiastically, and then we parted ways. Rex, Mrs. Rodwell, and I waved to them as they drove down the dusty road, until they were out of sight.

Once they were gone, Mrs. Rodwell turned to me. “I understand you’ll be staying an extra week, Mr. Smyth?”

I nodded, my stomach tumbling nervously. “If that’s okay.”

“Sure thing. We’ll keep you in the same cabin. That might be easier for you, rather than having to move all your stuff.” Her smile was polite and I couldn’t tell if she minded that I was staying.

“Thanks.”

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