Chapter 17 #2
Considering the assholes I have as my friends and how effortlessly they flirted with Lily yesterday when they know I’m crazy for her, well… I won’t be speaking with them about this.
They’ll only give me more shit about not making a move.
Therefore, Harriet seems like the best option.
“I almost kissed her. And then I pulled away from her. She’s the sister of my best friend, and I’m afraid of losing both of them if this doesn’t work out.”
Harriet thinks over what I just said, saying nothing for a while.
She may work as my chef, but Harriet has also become someone I ask for advice every now and then.
She’s lived a colourful and exciting life, and whenever she shares her insights, I’m deeply grateful.
“Hm, that’s tough, Sebastian James, but do you think you’ll manage to stay away from her? I’ve seen you around her, you know, and I must say, I’m surprised you haven’t kissed her, considering how you look at her.”
I exhale.
Wherever I go, the people around me seem to know how I feel about this girl.
I may not have been as secretive about my feelings as I thought.
Harriet is right. I won’t be able to stay away from her; I don’t want to, either.
“Yeah, I won’t. Right now, though, the priority is her health. I’ll call her brother.”
I get up and dial Luke’s number, hoping he’ll pick up.
Luckily, he does.
“Hey, man.”
“Hey. I don’t mean to spring this on you, but Lily is sick, and I was just wondering if she has a habit of fainting?” I ask him.
A cold or the flu shouldn’t be too bad, but I don’t like the fact that she fainted. As far as I know, that’s not normal.
Hopefully, the doctor will be here soon.
“Yeah, she actually does. It’s been many years, though, as far as I know. She can faint when she’s stressed or running a high fever, or a combination of the two.”
I drag a hand through my hair.
Hell, I bet our fight—if you can call it that—didn’t exactly help the situation.
“Yeah, okay. A doctor is coming over soon. Anything else I should know?” I ask him, pacing around the hallway.
“She likes salty snacks and Coke with sugar when she’s sick. Then she’ll at least get some food in her system,” he says.
“Okay, thanks. I’ll make sure to get some,” I tell him, writing it down so I don’t forget.
My mind is reeling, consumed by concern and guilt.
I can’t help but feel like she wouldn’t have gotten so bad if she had told me sooner.
Her not telling me earlier has everything to do with my stupid behaviour yesterday.
And it’s not like she has anyone else here in London to call.
“Take care of her, Sebastian. And call if there’s anything.”
“I will.”
We hang up and the doctor arrives. I show him to the room and stand back when he examines her.
Lily stirs when he gently wakes her up.
“Hi Lily. I’m Dr. Davies. How are you feeling?”
She looks from the doctor to me before raising her eyebrows, and the fucking relief at seeing some of her attitude return is fantastic.
“Really? A doctor? I told you I probably have a cold.”
“You fainted, Lily. Just let the doctor do his job, and he’ll be on his way,” I tell her.
She relaxes back in the bed and spreads out her arms.
“Check away.” Making Dr. Davies and me chuckle.
Luckily, it seems like a regular flu, and the doctor tells me to watch her fever. It may be high for a few days, tiring her.
If she develops a cough or other symptoms, he told me to call. As soon as he’s done with his checks, she falls back asleep, confirming what he just told me.
The most important thing is that she stays hydrated and eats something.
When he leaves, I sit down in the kitchen with Harriet, writing up a list of things I need for her.
“I’ll go out and buy some snacks and drinks for her. Anything you need?”
Harriet is usually the one who does all the shopping, and the way she is smiling at me, it’s clear she’s having all sorts of ideas right now.
“What?” I ask.
“It’s wonderful, Sebastian James. I just haven’t seen this side to you before; it’s delightful.”
Her initial thoughts about this friend of mine coming to London and not being a friend at all are slowly coming true, if her expression is anything to go by.
I don’t bother denying anything, knowing she’s right.
Lily has never been just a friend to me.
～
I’m standing in the supermarket, realising how rare it is that I go food shopping.
Who knew there were so many types of snacks?
I’m contemplating which one to get and have just decided to buy a selection.
Hopefully, she likes some of them.
Next, I go over to the drinks section. Also, the choices are endless here.
By the time I’m done, the whole cart is full of all kinds of snacks, drinks, medicines, and fruit.
When I get back, I check on Lily, and she’s having one of her wake-windows, so I bring her some soup and the snacks.
I sit down on the edge of the bed.
“How are you feeling?”
I’m tempted to grab her hand, but I realise she may not appreciate that, considering everything.
The priority now is her recovery.
“Tired, but a little better. I’m not as dizzy at least,” she says.
I gesture to some of the snacks, and Lily starts laughing.
“What?” I ask, wondering if I got it all wrong.
What if she doesn’t like anything?
“Did you buy the whole store?” she snickers, making me roll my eyes at her.
I didn’t even bring everything I bought in; some of it is in the kitchen, but I may have gone a little overboard.
“I wanted you to have something you like,” I tell her.
She sighs and gives me a beautiful smile.
I’ve missed having that smile aimed my way.
“Thank you, Sebastian. You’re amazing,” she tells me, making me feel like I might be the next one to faint.
Nothing feels as good as having her look at me in this way again.
She sips some of the soup, groaning.
“God, I think I might have to marry Harriet.”
I chuckle.
She is a fantastic chef.