Chapter 22 #2
“Well, Harry said he puked during recess. When I got to him, he was napping in the sick room. I gave him some Tylenol when we got home and got him in the bath. Then he threw up all over me and the blanket. Went right to bed after that.”
“He puked on you?”
“Uh-huh. I always told Fletch that I’d never be able to deal with my kid being sick because of the puke,” she shudders. “Guess I proved myself wrong today.”
I suck in my breath sharply. It’s probably not what she meant, but she sounds a lot like she considers Ben as family. Why does that make me feel so hopeful?
Before I can answer, a thud comes from upstairs, followed by a soft cry. We’re both on our feet before Ben can even call for us.
“Kay!” He cries, loud and shrill.
“I’m coming, Bud!” She calls out, setting her bowl on the coffee table so aggressively that the liquid sloshes over the side. I follow her up the stairs to Ben’s room, and I watch my son reach for Kayla, barely even noticing my presence.
“Hey Buddy, how you doing?” I ask, reaching down to push some hair out of his face. His little arms wrap around Kayla’s waist, and he presses his face into her belly.
“I don’t feel good, Dad.”
“I know, Bud. How about we get you some more Tylenol and put you back to sleep?” Kayla rubs his back, up and down in gentle strokes.
My hand comes to rest on the base of her spine, feeling useless with nothing to do.
Somehow, even without Mandy and Sylvie here, Ben still doesn’t come to me for comfort.
“I don’t wanna sleep,” he sniffles.
“But you feel better sleeping, don’t you?” I try to reason with the 8-year-old. His head nods into Kayla’s stomach, and we share a knowing look.
“Can you stay with me?” He mumbles.
“Sure thing, Buddy,” I smile, knowing he still needs me.
“Not you, Dad. Kay.” And there goes my smile.
Kayla looks at me, asking me if I'm okay with her eyes. Mine roll in response. “Yeah, Bud. I’ll stay with you until you fall asleep.”
“Okay.”
“Why don’t you and your Dad go get your medicine and have a quick shower. I’ll be here waiting for you when you get back?”
“No,” his grip on her waist tightens, his little hands fisting around her shirt.
“I gotta send Mr. Alvarez some stuff if I’m gonna be able to spend the day with you tomorrow,” she gently pushes Ben away from her, looking down at my son with soft eyes.
“You’ll stay with me tomorrow?” He asks, voice hopeful.
“If you let your Dad go clean you up,” she negotiates. Looking at me like I’m some second-class citizen, he sighs and then nods.
Good to know where I stand in this family.
“Come on, little Man. Go pee and I’ll meet you in there.” He takes off with a yawn, leaving me alone with Kayla for a moment. “You don’t have to miss work.” I feel guilty having her stay home when I make money, whether I go to work or not. She doesn’t.
“I don’t mind,” she shrugs. “Harry should’ve realized this would happen the second he sent me home with Ben.”
“He probably did,” I mumble, thinking of that stupid matchmaking text chain Jake told me about—the one Kayla’s boss is giddily a part of. “If you’re sure? I’m planning on staying home regardless.”
“I’ll stay home.” Her eyes flash, and she looks away from me quickly, swaying slightly. “Go get Ben ready for bed, I’m gonna write up a sub plan and text Harry.”
Her skin literally loses its color right before my eyes. Not like when Scott scared the ever living shit out of her, but like Ben, who looks like a ghost who got into some blush. I step closer, placing a hand on her forehead. “You’re sick.”
“Naturally,” she shrugs. “We probably both brought it home from school. Not to mention your son puked on me.”
“I remember,” I drawl dryly. My hand cups her cheek, thumb stroking the warm skin. Her eyes close, and she sways on her feet again. “I’m sorry, Kayla.”
“Don’t be,” she smiles sluggishly. “I kinda like being here for him.”
“Go to sleep,” I sigh, watching as the fever sweeps in like a tidal wave. “I’ll send Scott out for some more medication.”
“Don’t need it.”
“Yes, you do,” I argue, shaking my head. “Bed.”
“Bossy,” she smiles, looking up at me through hooded eyes. “I gotta make my plans, then I’ll sleep.”
“Fucking stupid that you need to do work even when you’re sick. You don’t get paid enough.”
“Say it again.”
“What?” She’s gone delirious in a matter of minutes.
“Say I don’t get paid enough again. I need to record it.”
Something inside me ignites at her teasing tone. Every time she sparks to life, something inside me comes alive. “Hardy har har.”
“Go help your son. I’ll be here when you’re back.”
“You should sleep in your own bed.” She won’t get the rest she needs to recuperate if she’s up all night taking care of Ben.
“Ben needs me. I’m not going anywhere.”
Knowing she’s too stubborn to listen to me, I don’t even try fighting. Instead, I leave her to her lesson plans and go take care of my sick son.
And then I spend the next three days nursing Ben and Kayla back to health, all the while wishing I never have to go back to work again.