Chapter 26
Chapter Twenty-Six
LYDIA
Ihate this. I’ve never been more miserable in my life. Curled up on the couch, watching the Rosebuds play, is not where I thought I’d be.
Catching the stomach bug is not what I wanted. For the past two days, I’ve been horizontal on the couch in my apartment.
We’re currently down against Vancouver, but only by one. I hate that I can’t be out on the ice helping my team.
Considering I can hardly stand, I wouldn’t have been able to support them. Biscuit is stretched out on the floor in front of me. Half-drunk Gatorade sits on the coffee table as my phone buzzes.
“Hey, Mom.”
“I’d ask how you’re feeling, but you don’t sound great,” she says.
“I don’t think I’ve ever felt more miserable in my life.”
My stomach rumbles, but thankfully, nothing comes up this time.
“Do you need me to come out there and take care of you?” Mom asks.
“No, I’ll be okay. It should go away by tomorrow.”
I hope.
We’re in a good position to make the playoffs, and the very last thing I want is to be sitting on the sidelines when that happens.
“I know it’s hard, but stay hydrated and try to eat some crackers if you can keep them down.”
I smile through the phone, even though she can’t see me. Always the nurse taking care of her children.
“I will. Yes!”
“Are you watching the game?” Mom’s laughter carries over the line.
Skylar just evened the score with an incredible goal from the top of the crease, set up by our center.
“Of course I am. I hate that I can’t be there.”
“Make sure you take care of yourself so you can get back on the ice sooner rather than later.”
“I promise, I am.”
“Okay, well, I just wanted to check on you. Call me when you’re feeling better, okay, sweetie?”
“I will, Mom. Thanks. Love you.”
“Love you.”
I end the call, watching as Skylar puts another point on the board. The rest of the game picks up from there. I wish I could be out there with my team, but it looks like they’re doing just fine without me, beating Vancouver 4-2.
It’s one of the things that is harder with fewer than a dozen teams in the league.
You get to know their playing skills better than you would with more teams so it’s hard to get a competitive edge.
I watch the postgame shows with Skylar and Delaney, talking about how they worked together as a team to pull off the win.
No professional athlete likes sitting out of the game, but I’m happy for my team. They cut to the GM and owner as they congratulate Delaney on the win.
I swallow down the nerves that swell up in my belly that have nothing to do with the sickness.
What we’re doing is against the rules. This whole thing between the two of us could explode in our faces.
We shouldn’t be doing this, but when I see a text flash across my phone from her, it’s hard to put a voice to those reasons and end this.
Because all I want is Delaney.
Delaney
Feel like some company tonight?
I smile as I punch out a response.
Lydia
Yes
Want to come over and tell me all about your big win?
If you saw it, we don’t need to talk about it
I want to hear how you kicked ass
I’ll see your pretty ass in an hour or so
Can’t wait
XOXO
I set the phone down and let Biscuit out on the outdoor patio.
One of the perks of the apartment is the large outdoor space with artificial turf.
It’s the perfect space for him when I can’t take him outside for a longer walk.
It’s like he knows I’m sick and doesn’t want to stray too far from me, curling up at my feet when we come back inside.
Delaney
I’m here
I buzz her up and wait by the door with Biscuit. When she steps off the elevator and she spots me, her face falls.
“Wow, you really don’t look good.”
“Gee, thanks.” I sweep my arm out for her to come in. “I talked to my mom during the game and she said I sounded terrible.”
“That too. We only say it out of love.” Biscuit is spinning in circles around her feet, yapping at her. “Hi, Biscuit. I missed you too. Are you taking good care of your mom?”
“He was a good Rosebuds fan tonight. Cheering the team on as you locked up a playoff spot.”
Delaney smiles. “Are you upset we did it without you?”
“Why would I be upset? The only reason I’m upset is we can’t celebrate tonight.”
“I need you at full strength so we can make it all the way.”
“I know—”
My stomach rumbling cuts me off. This time it’s not a false alarm as I run to the bathroom.
I make it just in time. It feels like all I’ve been doing today is worshipping the porcelain god.
“What do you need?” A warm hand settles on my lower back. “Can I get you anything?”
“Can you make it stop?” I rest my cheek on my forearm and peek one eye up at her. “I can’t tell you the last time I’ve felt so miserable.”
“I’m sorry you’re feeling so crappy.” She brushes a stray lock of hair off my sticky forehead.
My eyes close at her soft touch.
“Maybe you should head home. I don’t want you getting sick.”
Delaney rubs circles on my back. “C’mon. Let’s get you into bed. I’ll make sure you get to sleep and then I’ll head home.”
“I hope no one else on the team gets sick, but if it’s only you, it might seem fishy.”
“I won’t stay long.” Delaney grabs a washcloth and wets it down. “Let’s go.”
Grabbing her extended hand, I let her pull me up and lead me into the bedroom. She peels back the comforter and I slide in.
“Thank you.”
She presses the damp cloth on my head and my eyes flutter shut. Damn, does that ever feel good.
“I want you to drink a little bit of Gatorade before I leave.”
“Yes, Mom.” I laugh.
“Hey, I want to make sure you don’t get dehydrated.”
I smile, even though I can’t see her face. “My mom has told me that several times today via text and when she called earlier.”
“We care. We want you to get better.”
“I love you,” I whisper.
“I know. I love you too.”
“I wish this was more of a fun night to celebrate.”
“There will be plenty of other nights we can celebrate our big win.”
“Hopefully this won’t keep me down too much longer,” I say.
Delaney starts dragging her fingers along my scalp, and the combination of that and the cool cloth on my head starts to pull me under.
“You sleep. I’ll come back and see you when you’re feeling better.” I feel Delaney’s lips against my head as Biscuit curls up next to me.
“Thank you for taking care of me.”
“Always. I will always take care of you, Lyd.”
And it’s that thought that carries me to sleep.
Delaney taking care of me.
God, did I ever get lucky.