“Still nauseous?” He questions, rubbing my back.
I nod but stop when it makes me feel sick. “I don’t know how I’m going to handle the flight home.”
“So, stay. We can go back to the hotel and I’ll take care of you.”
Sighing, I tighten my hold on him. “I really wish I could, but I have class and work tomorrow.”
“Babe, you’re sick. You can’t go to either of those. You need to go to the doctor.”
“No, I think it’s just nerves. The excitement of seeing you with the stress of knowing it’s short lived – it’s all going to take some time to get used to.”
Now boarding flight 511 to Bangor, Maine.
A low whine emits from his mouth. “I don’t want you to go.”
“I still can’t believe you bought a plane ticket just to walk me to my terminal.”
“I’m making more money than I know what to do with. I’d spend every cent of it if it gave me more time with you.”
He bends down to kiss me but I pull back. “I’ve been puking all morning.”
“Kayleigh.” He deadpans. “If you think I’m letting you get on that plane without kissing me first, I’ve got news for you.”
Without a second to answer, he grips the back of my neck and pulls me in. His mouth moves against mine slowly but just as passionate as always. I melt into it.
Final boarding call for flight 511 to Bangor, Maine.
Reluctantly, we break the kiss. He rests his forehead on mine and exhales. “Last chance to come back to the hotel with me.”
I smile sadly. “I’ll text you as soon as I land.” Pressing my lips to his once more, I step away. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Our hands stay connected until we’re too far apart and need to let go. I hold back my tears while I approach the counter and hand the woman my ticket. Once she’s done scanning it, I make my way onto the plane. My phone vibrates in my pocket as soon as I find my seat.
Holden: I miss you already.
Leaning my head against the window, a tear slips out and slides down my cheek. When is this going to get easier?
CALEB SITS ON THE couch in front of me, listening to me rant about how mine and Holden’s weekend was almost entirely a fail. He cringes when I tell him I’ve spent the last 48 hours throwing up. Immediately, he grabs my bottle of sanitizer and douse his hands in it.
“Stop being a baby.” I chuckle. “It’s just stress.”
“I’m still taking preventative measures.”
I get up to grab my jacket and books. “Alright Kermit, let’s go.”
“You’re still going to class? I thought you were sick.”
“Anxiety sick is not contagious, and life keeps going. So, come on or I’m going to be late.”
He looks as if he wants to disagree but ultimately chooses not to say anything. Instead, he stands up and follows me out the door.
TRYING TO MAKE COFFEE and scones is insanely difficult when you feel like you’re going to hurl every five seconds. I do my best to keep it down, focusing on other things like where to go on our honeymoon. Unfortunately for me, that only works for so long before I’m running to the bathroom and heaving into the toilet.
“Are you okay?” Dawson asks through the door.
I wipe my mouth with a paper towel and toss it into the toilet. “Yeah.” I splash some cold water over my face and then open the door. Dawson stands on the other side and looks at me, concerned. “What? I’m fine.”
“You’re going home.”
“No, really. I’m alright.”
“Okay, one, we serve food. We can’t take that chance. And two, the sound of your vomiting is not appealing, so you’re going.”
I roll my eyes and take out my phone, sending a text to Caleb to pick me up. He replies that his class lets out in 20 minutes and he’ll come straight here after. I thank him and then compose a message to Holden.
Me: Dawson is sending me home. ��
In under a minute, my phone rings and my fiancé’s face appears on the screen. I take a deep breath before answering it, preparing for the third degree.
“Hello?”
“You’re still getting sick?” His voice is laced with worry.
“Yeah, but I’m fine. Really.”
He sighs. “Alright, I’m talking to coach and getting on the next flight out.”
“Holden, that’s really not necessary.”
“I told you. You come first.”
I run my fingers through my hair. “I know, but I’m telling you, I’m alright. You don’t need to mess with your career to come take care of me.”
He’s quiet for a few seconds before finally groaning. “At least go to the doctor. There is a walk-in right around the corner from Dolce.”
“Will that make you feel better?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. I’ll go now then. I have to wait for Caleb to come get me anyways.”
Hearing his friend’s name clearly makes Holden uneasy. “Caleb?”
I wave goodbye to Dawson and walk out of the coffee shop, heading towards the walk in. “Yes, but stop with whatever you’re thinking. We’re just friends.”
“I’m sorry. I hate that he gets to take care of you and I’m stuck here.”
“You know I’d much rather it be you.” I reply as I look for the doctor’s office. “Just be glad I’m not alone.” When I get to my destination, I’m happy to see there isn’t any wait. “Alright babe, I’m at the doctor’s.”
“Okay. Text me and let me know what they say. I love you.”
“I will. I love you, too.”
We hang up the phone and I head inside. Approaching the counter, they tell me to check in and give them my insurance card. Within a few minutes, I’m called back and see the doctor. He confirms that there’s a stomach bug going around and prescribes me an anti-nausea medication. By the time I leave, Caleb is already outside waiting for me.
“Thank you.” I tell him as I climb into the car.
“No problem. What did the doctor say?”
“Stomach bug. I just need to rest. He gave me some meds that should help with the queasiness.”
We pull up to the apartment just as I’m starting to feel sick again. I get out of the car and go to walk inside, but he stops me.
“Give me your script. I’ll go get it filled.”
I grin thankfully and pull the prescription out of my bag. He takes it and heads back out to the pharmacy while I open the door and climb the stairs. Right now, I need a fluffy blanket and my couch.
A LITTLE OVER A half hour later, Caleb comes in the door holding a large paper bag. I eye it curiously, knowing the doctor only prescribed me ten pills. He brings the bag into the kitchen. I get up to see what he’s doing.
“Here’s your meds.” He hands me the small bottle. “I also got Gatorade and crackers. We have to try to keep something in your stomach.”
“We?” I ask. “You’re staying?”
He looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. “You think I’m going to leave you here alone?”
“You’ll get sick. Stomach bugs are, in fact, contagious.”
“And I’ve been around you enough to know I’m already doomed. It’s only a matter of time before it hits me. So, I’ll nurse you back to health and then you can take care of me while I’m deathly ill.”
“Deathly ill?” I smirk.
“Yes. I’m a baby when I’m sick.”
“Most men are.”
I go back to sit on the couch. Caleb pours a glass of Gatorade and puts a few crackers in a bowl. He puts them on the table in front of me. The drink looks good, but I have zero appetite. I opt to only grab the glass and take small sips.
WE’RE WATCHING AN EPISODE of Friends as I doze in and out. One thing about being sick is how obnoxiously tired it makes you. However, a knock on the door wakes me up. Caleb motions for me to stay and goes over to answer it.
“Oh, hey.” He greets.
Dawson narr
ows his eyes at Caleb. “Why am I not surprised you’re here?”
“Uh, nice to see you too.” He remarks as he’s pushed aside.
Dawson ignores him and focuses on me. “I came to see how you’re feeling. Holden said you have a stomach bug.”
“She does, but we’ve got it covered. Medicine, fluids, and saltines – all the things you need to battle flu like symptoms.” Caleb answers for me, but his voice falters when Dawson turns around to glare at him.
“Did I ask you?!” He spits.
“D, calm down.” I try, knowing exactly what’s going through his mind.
“No. What’s he doing here?”
“He’s just being a good friend, making it so I’m not sick and alone.”
“How chivalrous.” Dawson sneers.
Caleb looks uncomfortable and goes to grab his sweatshirt off the couch. “I think I’m going to head out.”
A smug grin appears on Dawson’s face. “Probably a good idea.”
“No.” I contest. “Don’t. Dawson was just leaving.”
“What?” They both sound shocked, but I don’t back down.
“You heard me.” I look Dawson straight in the eyes. “Caleb’s being nice, and I’m really sick of you being all judgmental of our friendship.”
“It’s not just me. Holden thinks it’s-”
“Oh.” I interrupt “So, now you’re talking to Holden about me behind my back?”
He opens and closes his mouth while I glare at him. “No, Kayleigh. It’s not like that.”
I stand up and cross my arms. “Really? Because I think it’s exactly like that. If Holden doesn’t trust me, he can talk to me about it. But you being an asshole to Caleb is completely uncalled for and I’m not going to tolerate it.”
He sighs, running his hands over his face. “I’m sorry.”
I shake my head and walk over to let him out. “Just go. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
Dawson doesn’t argue. Instead, he looks down at the floor and leaves. I swing the door closed behind him. As soon as the adrenaline leaves my body, I rush to the bathroom – barely making it to the toilet in time for all the Gatorade to come back up. Caleb enters behind me and holds my hair out of the way.
“How can you even handle being in this room right now?” I ask when I’m done.
He shrugs. “I’m more worried about you.”
I watch as he gets up and wets a washcloth. He comes back with it and wipes my face. It helps me feel better.
“Thank you.” I whisper.
“Thank you. You didn’t have to defend me back there.”
“Yes, I did. He’s being unreasonable, and you haven’t done anything wrong.”
“Still, I wouldn’t have blamed you if you didn’t say anything – especially while you’re sick.”
He leans against the bathtub and pulls me back. I lie down with my head in his lap. The cold tiles feel good against my back. He places the washcloth on my forehead and runs his fingers through my hair, looking down at me with a fond expression. Suddenly, a thought goes through my mind that makes my breath hitch.
Fuck.
Chapter 16
Holden
It’ll be a week tomorrow since Kayleigh fell sick, and to say I’m worried would be a massive understatement. I know the doctor said it was a simple stomach bug, but I’ve never known a bug to last this long. I’ve barely been able to focus at practice, wondering what could be wrong with her.
“Rivers.” My name is called as I’m changing in the locker room.
I sling my bag over my shoulder and walk over to the source. “Yeah, coach?”
“What’s been up with you? You’ve had something on your mind every day this week.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” I sigh. “My fiancé is sick. I’m just concerned.”
“Has she been to the doctor?”
I nod. “Something about it, though – I don’t know. It feels off. Doc said it was viral, but it’s been a week now and there is no sign of it letting up.”
He takes out his phone and opens the calendar app. “Alright. How about you take the weekend off? Go home, take care of your girl, and come back Monday with a clear head.”
Relief washes over me. “Thank you, sir.”
“Thank me by being the record breaking all-star that you are when you get back.”
As soon as he walks away, I take out my phone and book a plane ticket to Maine. Seeing the next one is only an hour from now, I don’t have time to go back to my room. Luckily, I don’t really need to. I have enough stuff at home to get me through the weekend.
Jumping into the first taxi I can find, I direct him to the airport and take out my phone. I could always take an Uber when I get there. Kayleigh is in no condition to come pick me up. Just then, an idea comes to mind and I open my messages.
Me: Hey man. I’m coming home.
Don’t tell K. I want to surprise her.
Think you could get me from the airport?
It doesn’t take long for his response to come through. I assume he’s bored at work.
Dawson: Sure, no problem. What time do you land?
Me: 9:30
Dawson: Sounds good. See you then.
Right after I thank him, the cab pulls up to the airport. I pay the driver and climb out, entering the building and checking in for my flight. Despite it being so soon, I still manage to make it to the terminal with thirty minutes to spare. I decide to check on my fiancé.
Me: Hey babe. How are you feeling?
While I wait for her to answer, I occupy myself with a game on my phone. Ten minutes later, my phone dings.
Kayleigh: I’d lie and say better, but you
wouldn’t believe me. How was practice?
I think of a quick excuse for why I won’t be able to answer for approximately two hours.
Me: Going late. Just got a break and figured
I would check on you. I love you.
Kayleigh: I love you, too. Have a good practice, bigshot.
The flight attendant announces boarding so I shut my phone off and slip it into my bag – thinking of how I can’t wait to get my girl back in my arms.
DAWSON MEETS ME AT the baggage claim, even though I didn’t check anything. He greets me with a handshake and welcomes me home as we walk out to his car. The second we climb in, I ask the question I’ve been dying to know.
“So, how is she? Really.”
He looks down and shakes his head. “I don’t know, man. Something’s off with her but she won’t tell me what.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, we got into a fight the other day because I don’t like that Caleb is always there. She’s barely talked to me since.”
I get a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. “You don’t think something is going on between them, do you?”
“I wish I knew. The only thing I do know, is that whenever someone comes around, they stop talking like there’s some big secret between them.”
Swallowing down the lump in my throat, I exhale and shake my head. “It’s probably nothing. If Kayleigh wanted to be with Caleb, she would have picked him two years ago.”
“I really hope you’re right.” He says, unsure. “I’d hate to see her be that stupid. I mean, I like Caleb, don’t get me wrong. But you and her are on another level. It’s like the atmosphere shifts to something so much more whenever you’re around each other.”
I chuckle softly. “And here I thought I was the only one who noticed that.”
“Not even close.”
WE PULL UP TO the apartment building around ten. He wishes me luck and the two of us go into separate doors. Walking up the stairs, everything is quiet. There are no signs of life from my apartment. However, when I open the door, I see why. Kayleigh is lying on the couch, snuggled under a blanket and sleeping soundly.
Being as silent as I can, I tip toe over and kiss her forehead. As much as I’d love to have her jump into my arms, the last thing I want to do is wake her while sh
e’s sick. See idiot? All that worrying for nothing. She’s alone.
Just then, almost like I jinxed it, I hear the toilet flush and Caleb comes walking out of the bathroom. He freezes when he sees me.
“Oh, hey H.” Already, he sounds sketchy. “Kayleigh didn’t mention you were coming back this weekend.”
“That’s because Kayleigh doesn’t know.” I answer, keeping my voice down in order not to wake my sleeping fiancé.
He nods and glances at her, seeing she’s still out cold. “Well, I’ll get out of your hair. I’m sure you have all this handled.”
I don’t respond. He grabs his jacket and heads out the door. Although, I don’t miss the look on his face as he does.
I go into the bedroom to change into sweats. When I’m done, I grab a beer from the fridge and sit down on the couch – impatiently waiting for the love of my life to wake up. The smell of Caleb’s cologne is all over this place, and it makes me uneasy.
Twenty minutes later, I’m watching sports center when I hear a small gasp coming from my right side. I turn my head to see Kayleigh, blinking up at me with her big eyes. Smiling, I bend down and kiss her forehead.
“Are you really here, or am I just dreaming again?”
“Again?” I question. “Does that happen often?”
She sits up and rubs her eyes. “All the time. It’s great, but really disappointing when I wake up.”
The blanket falls and my stomach drops. She looks like she’s lost ten pounds since I’ve seen her last, and that was only a week ago. I knew she was having a hard time keeping things down, but I never thought I’d be able to see a difference. How sick is she?
“Sorry.” She apologizes, wrapping the blanket around her. “I look horrible, I know.”
I shake my head. “Baby, you’re beautiful. I’m just worried about you.”
It looks like she wants to say something, but instead she smiles sadly and looks down at her hands. Not being able to resist anymore, I reach over and pull her into my lap – needing the physical contact. She cuddles into my chest and sighs.
Seamless Forever (Sleepless November Saga Book 3) Page 11