Page 96 of Waiting for Acceptance
“That’s okay, dear. I know you’re probably worried about her. I was just asking what was the matter with her. What kind of sickness?”
“Um, she threw up earlier and she looks really pale.”
“Did she feel feverish when you touched her?”
“I don’t know. Should I know what that feels like? Her hands are always freezing, but her forehead is always warm, but not hot. How do you know if someone has a fever?” There’s silenceon the other end of the line so I look down to make sure we didn’t get disconnected. “Gran?”
“You’re going to do just fine taking care of her, sweetheart. If she’s hot to the touch but says she’s cold, she likely has a fever. If that happens, she can sweat it out or try to get her in a lukewarm bath, and fever reducer is sold at stores over the counter so that won’t be hard to find. Make sure she stays hydrated if she keeps throwing up. Chicken noodle soup and crackers with some ginger ale always does the trick—you should remember that.” I smile, remembering all the times I got sick and Gran would make me her famous chicken noodle soup and run me a bubble bath to help my muscles relax after contracting from vomiting so much.
“I do. Thank you, Gran.”
“You’re more than welcome. So…what’s she like? This girlfriend of yours.” I smile, feeling a wave of emotion creep its way up my throat as I try and put into words what Lauren is like.
“She’s…amazing. She’s incredible at her job, she’s an amazing friend, and has such a big heart, but she’s funny and witty. I mean, she puts up with my shit and still sticks around, so that says a lot about her.” That makes Gran laugh. “She’s like…you know how it feels to watch the sunrise? How captivating and calming it is to watch something so beautiful just… exist? That’s what she’s like. She’s the sun to me.”
“Well, I can’t wait to meet her. Call me if you need anything else, but I think you’re more than capable of giving her what she needs, Vincent.”
“Good night, Gran.”
“Good night, my sweet boy.” I hang up the phone and swing into action, looking through her fridge and cabinets to see if she has any of the things I need.
She doesn’t, of course. I check in on her one more time, placing a trash can right beside where she’s lying and tuck apiece of hair behind her ear, but when I hear her snore I know I should be in the clear to run to the store and make it back before she needs me again.
Her fridge is fully stocked with sports drinks and ginger ale, chicken and vegetables for homemade chicken soup, and ingredients for one of Gran’s special recipes for when she can keep food down again. I even grabbed some bath salts and bubble bath for her, and a new blanket just because it’s soft as hell and I wanted her to feel it. I strip down to my boxer briefs, then help her out of her clothes, leaving her in nothing but her underwear while I look for a T-shirt to put on her. She makes little noises as I pull the shirt down over her head and lift her to take her to her side of the bed, taking the trash can with us before putting her phone on the charger and climbing into bed too.
Ginny climbs back up on the bed when I’m finished relocating Lauren, curling up in the bend of her knees, and while the two of them sleep, I turn the TV on, keeping an eye on Lauren just in case she needs me. I don’t even feel sleepy, but the next thing I know, I’m waking up to the sound of Ginny meowing so loud you’d think she was stuck in a trash can. I look at the clock, noting that it’s just after 5 AM.
“What is your damage, porch cat?” She walks into the kitchen and meows again, clearly summoning me to follow her. Then she paws at her empty bowl.
“You are just like your adoptive mother, you know that?” I pour food in her bowl and she starts chowing down. “There you go, girl.” I head back to Lauren’s room and pull her curtainsclosed, not wanting the sun to wake her up in a couple of hours when she should be resting. Then I slide back into bed next to her, and she rolls over, laying her arm on my chest. Then she lets out a little sigh and I smile, kissing the top of her head before dozing off with her.
CHAPTER 49
LAUREN
I wake up covered in sweat, my hair thrown into some makeshift bun, with little pieces falling out on all sides, and wearing a T-shirt that I don’t remember changing into last night.
“Hey beautiful, you feeling okay?”
I look over at Fitz with a pouty frown. “I feel gross.”
“Are you still nauseous?” he asks, touching my cheeks with the back of his hands, moving to my forehead, and then down to my neck.
“Not at the moment, but that’s subject to change.” I roll my neck and stretch my shoulders. “My body hurts though and I’m starving.” I look over at him, only to see that handsome-as-hell smirk on his face. “I’m sorry. I’m sure I’m fine. You didn’t have to stay.”
“Shh.” He leans forward and kisses my forehead. “Where else would I be?”
In your hotel room, far away from me and my vomit?
He stands up, and I take the opportunity to admire his physique. I’ve seen Fitz naked or in his boxers plenty of times—his summer-tanned skin, his tattoo, his toned muscles, and messy black hair all make my mouth freaking water—in a goodway. Today, something just seems different, and I can’t quite explain why.
“Come here.” He scoops me out of bed and my arms fall around his neck.
“Fitz, put me down. I smell like the inside of a gym bag,” I complain, secretly hoping he doesn’t listen—he doesn’t. He walks into my bathroom, and I immediately smell eucalyptus. When we make it to the tub, he places me on my feet and I see my soaking tub full to the brim with bubbles. I look at it and back up at him, my eyes trying to betray me by watering.
“Suddenly decide you needed a bath?” I try joking with him. His face remains serious as he reaches down and grabs the hem of my T-shirt, pulling it over my head. He wads it up and tosses it to the side, and I try to ignore how his movements affect me.
“No, Trouble. I’m taking care ofyou.” He slides my panties down next, and I take a deep breath to steady myself. His hands rub from my calves all the way up to my hips, and when he stands back up, I look down to see he’s just as turned on as I am.
