I completely forgot about our dinner plans last night, and Joss must’ve too. I rake a hand through my messy hair, blow out a breath, and start explaining.
“She’s fine. Breathe, Jaz.” I keep my voice calm in an attempt to soothe her worry. She stops just short of me. “She’s home and she’s safe, I promise. She’s really sick though—”
“How sick?” Jaz cuts me off. “She never gets sick. You’re sure she’s okay, have you checked on her this morning? Why didn’t she call me? I would have gone over to her apartment.” Jaz shoots off rapid-fire questions like nobody’s business.
“She’s okay,” I say when her eyes fill with tears. I reach out, placing a hand on each of Jaz’s shoulders. I need her to calm down before I end up with another unconscious woman in my care. “I was there when she came home. She’s caught a nasty cold. This last trip really wrung her out and she was dehydrated.” I clear my throat, unsure of how much to tell her. I don’t want to freak her out, but she deserves to know.
“She was barely conscious, Jaz.” I have to turn my face away to hide the emotion behind the words. Her intake of breath tells me that is not what she wanted to hear, but the words just keep flowing. “It was really scary, if I’m being honest. I’m sorry I didn’t think to call you, it all just happened so fast. She was getting in the bath when I left to come get breakfast, so she has to be doing better. She slept hard, probably needed it after four days of travel.” I’m rambling, and I know I’m trying to convince the both of us that Joss really is okay.
“Wait. Were you with her? All night?” She’s eyeing me now, a little warily and a lot shocked. I don’t blame her; she doesn’t know me very well. Last night was supposed to change that.
“Yeah.” I give her a shrug and run my hand through my hair again. I’m uncomfortable with her scrutiny, but I’m also glad Josshas someone so protective in her corner. “I didn’t want to leave her alone. She asked me to stay. I was watching out for her—that’s all.”
Her lips are pursed as she takes me in from head to toe, likely readjusting her understanding of why I look like a rumpled sheet. The next thing I know, she launches herself into my arms and is hugging me, hard. Damn, this chick is strong.
“Thank you for taking care of her. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
“She’s okay, really. I should probably get that coffee and some food so I can get back, yeah?” I pull back, still gripping her shoulders. “I’ll have her text you, okay?”
She nods and presses the backs of her hands against her flushed cheeks.
“Okay. I’ll get your order together while Gunther mans the register. I know what Joss will want, what else?”
“Two black coffees, a bagel with cream cheese, and a croissant.”
Jaz hurries back behind the counter and whispers something to the other barista. He looks a little put out but doesn’t say anything. Joss told me that Jaz is part-owner, so it’s not like he’s going to tell the boss no.
She’s back in front of me with a drink carrier and a bag of pastries in no time at all. I reach for my wallet, but she stops me with a hand on my forearm.
“Don’t worry about it, it’s on me. As a thank-you for taking care of Joss last night.”
I dip my head in thanks and smile warmly.
Back at my building, I stop by Frank’s desk and offer him the black coffee and the croissant; he refuses the latter but is almosteffusive with gratitude for the former. I mean, he even gave me a full smile, or at least what I assume is the biggest smile he has, and tipped his hat at me. Progress.
The elevator ride feels extra slow. I’m bouncing on the balls of my feet, nervous energy radiating off me in waves. I just need to see her, know she’s alright. I rush out of the elevator and straight to her apartment, not giving mine a second glance.
I don’t even bother to knock, striding into the kitchen to set down the coffee and food.
“Joss, I’m back. You doing okay?” I call out.
It’s quiet and my heartrate picks up, what if she passed out in the bath?
“Joss?!”
I walk straight back to her room and hear quiet music coming through the door.
Take a breath, Wes.
My knock is gentle but my voice is firm when I say her name again. It’s loud enough she should be able to hear it over the music. There’s a little slosh of water before she responds.
“Wes?”
My head falls forward on the wood with a thump.
She’s okay. She’s okay. She’s okay.
“I’ve got coffee and breakfast out here if you feel up to it,” I say, doing my best to refrain from thinking of Joss, naked, on the other side of the door.
