Page 44 of Rejected Beta

He squeezes the backs of my calves before rising gracefully back to his feet. “Good. I'll get you out into your living room and pile blankets on top of you while I make you some soup."

I swallow a gasp as he swings me up into his arms. “I don't even know if I have the ingredients for soup."

"Everyone has the ingredients for some kind of soup." He carries me out to the living room, where he sets me on the couch next to Lexie.

She eyes me in relief, a little worry still tightening the corners of her eyes. “Mama, you're awake."

I push her brown curls from her face and smile at her. “For now. Hi, darling. I'm sorry I've been so out of it. Were you scared?"

"A little. I'm glad Coach Hendrix is here."

"Me too." I shoot Hendrix a grateful glance.

"Do either of you need anything before I start making lunch?" Hendrix asks from the kitchen where he’s already busy at work.

Lexie shakes her head. “I’m good. What are you making?"

"Soup."

She brightens. “That sounds so much better than the peanut butter sandwich I was going to have."

"I'm glad. It shouldn't take me long, but here, lovely, drink this." Hendrix hands me a bottle of water with the cap already loosened.

"Thanks."

The cold water feels heavenly on my throat as I sip at it.

"You're welcome. Here's one for you too, kiddo."

Lexie sticks her nose into the air, but accepts the bottle from him. “I prefer juice."

His lips quirk. “Drink the water and I'll give you juice with your soup. You need to stay hydrated in case you come down with the same thing your mama has."

She shrugs with a sigh. ”Okay."

He chuckles, the sound deep and warm. “You're such a great kid."

Lexie shrugs again. “I know."

Hendrix laughs and I smile, charmed at the way the two of them interact.

Lexie snuggles against me, sipping obediently at her water while I do the thing. The cartoon on the TV tries to capture my attention, but I keep sneaking glances at Hendrix in my kitchen and the amazing smell he's creating over there. I've gotten a little behind on the grocery runs this week, eating out more than usual, so I don't know how he's rustled up enough things to make a soup without ordering something.

But whatever it is, it makes my stomach rumble for the first time since I woke up. Hopefully the mix of food and medicine will get me back on my feet by morning. I can't afford to close my studio so soon after opening and the last thing I want is for Brad and Nicole to think I'm planning something or running or hiding scared.

I'm supposed to be acting like everything is normal and I'm going to give them a shot.

Lexie notices my dip in mood. “Mama? Are you feeling sick again?"

I rush to reassure her, banishing the worries about my exes to the back of my mind for now. “No, darling. I'm feeling a little better. My body is just a little worn out and achy."

"Am I hurting you?"

I clutch her tighter. “Of course not. You're making me feel better. Snuggles with you always make me feel better."

"Me too."

"All right,” Hendrix calls. “Soup is ready. It's not the best I've ever made, but it's the best I could do with what you had and how fast I wanted to get it together. Do you have TV trays or something?"

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