“I didn’t want all your hard work to go to waste,” he said, tightening a bolt.
“You did all this… for me?”
“And for poor Mr. Alders. Hate to see what you’d do to the man if your display toppled over.”
She let out a weak laugh. “Ha, ha. Very funny.”
But the chuckle turned into a coughing fit that left her doubled over and wheezing. Her chest ached, and even just standing upright made her feel like she’d run a marathon.
“Thanks again,” she managed between breaths. “I think I’d better head back in and lie down.”
He straightened and gave her a once-over, eyes full of concern. “Call me if you need anything. Seriously.”
“I will,” she promised. “Oh, and can you tell your mom I won’t be able to make the cookie decorating?” She doubted she’d feel better in the next day.
“Don’t worry, I’ll let her know.”
“Thanks.” She gave him a small, grateful smile before heading back inside with Muff at her heels.
She downed some cough medicine and crawled onto the couch, where she promptly fell asleep.
When she woke, night had already fallen. The living room was dim, the TV screen frozen on a Netflix prompt asking if she was still watching.
Muff lifted her head hopefully from the end of the couch, tail thumping once.
Cassidy sat up and leaned forward to scratch behind her pup’s ears. “You’re a very good nurse,” she said with a tired smile.
But the truth was, she still felt awful. Her head throbbed, her body ached, and her fever hadn’t budged. This was clearly one of those colds that needed time to run its course.
She checked her phone and saw that her brother had called her as well as Mrs. Bishop. She didn’t even know how the older woman had her number. She played the voicemail and listened to Mrs. Bishop promise to drop off her homemade cold remedy.
Cassidy decided to call back her brother later. No sense in getting Julian and Miles worried about her once they heard how sick she was, and if she texted them, it would only lead to questions.
She texted Zoe instead, wishing her good luck for the night.
Sorry I’m sick. I’m sure it’ll be beautiful. Good luck!
Zoe replied almost instantly with a heart emoji and aFeel better soon.
Cassidy wrapped herself in a blanket and shuffled toward the front window. The Cherry Crush flower shop was just down the block, and a small crowd had already started to gather out front. She pressed her forehead gently to the cold glass, trying to see, but the angle wasn’t great. And the condensation on the windowpane blurred everything.
Still, it was something. At least she could support her friend in spirit.
Her phone buzzed in her hand again.
Liam.
She answered, her voice rasping. “Hello?” She hadn’t realized how scratchy and rough her throat was until she went to talk.
“I see you’re feeling better,” he replied sarcastically.
“I feel like I’ve been run over by Santa’s sleigh.”
“I bet. I’m sorry. Zoe’s light-up is about to start. Want me to FaceTime you from the street so you don’t miss it?”
She fumbled for her words. He knew her so well. “Would you? Really?”
“Already walking down there. Hold tight.”
