Page 51 of Give Me a Reason

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Finn

On Thursday, Aria was supposed to come over after work to watch Paisley, but I wasn’t feeling so hot. I’d barely been able to make the microwaveable mac and cheese for Paisley before I lay down on the couch.

Paisley was coloring in her color-by-number book with her glitter and metallic markers. When Aria arrived, I would have enough energy to go to the bar and play. I just needed a few seconds of rest.

I jerked awake when the doorbell rang. “What—”

Paisley giggled. “Daddy. Aria’s here.”

I rubbed my eyes as I swung my legs so my feet rested on the floor.

“You fell asleep.”

“Did I?” I hadn’t meant to do that. The doorbell rang again, but I felt sluggish.

“I’ll get it.” Paisley jumped up and ran to get the door.

“Hey, where’s your daddy?” Aria asked as she came inside.

My head was starting to ache, so I dropped it into my hands.

“He was sleeping on the couch.”

The couch dipped as she sat next to me. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I just took a nap. I’ll get up in a minute.” I just needed to clean the kitchen, gather my stuff, and drive to the bar. Then play a crowded, hot, loud bar. No problem.

I tried to get up but immediately felt dizzy.

Aria held my elbow. “I think you should sit down.”

I fell back on the cushion because it felt better than trying to stand.

The back of Aria’s cool hand covered my forehead, and I closed my eyes at the soothing sensation.

“You’re burning up,” she said, her voice filled with concern.

“I am?”

“I think you’re sick.”

I tried to shake my head, but it hurt too much to move. “I’m never sick.”

“It’s true. He’s never sick,” Paisley said.

“I’m not a nurse, but you feel like you have a fever. You were swaying on your feet when you stood up, and you were sleeping on the couch when I arrived. Everything’s pointing at you being sick.

“You should lie down.” Aria arranged me so that I could lie back on the cushions. “Do you want me to call in for you?”

“Can you bring me my phone? I’m not sure where I left it.” My throat was so dry.

“I’ll find it and get some water.”

I threw an arm over my forehead. “That sounds good.”

A few seconds later, Aria placed an ice pack on my head and gave me my phone. I dialed the bar’s number and talked to the manager. I apologized profusely. Hopefully, it would help that I never called out when I was sick. If I did, it was for Paisley.

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