I can’t stop my smile. “Thank you.” I frown. “Apparently, that’s what’s been making me so weak because we didn’t bond.”
“I’m sorry,” she tells me honestly. “You feel better now?”
“Much.”
She smiles. “Good. Reid’s a good guy.”
“The best,” I agree.
She grabs a bag and comes back, and her face is serious. “What story are we going with?” she asks. I appreciate her intensity; I know we’re almost out of time.
“I just got tired, needed electrolytes. I’ve been fighting getting sick, and it was just too much for me.”
Reese nods. “You probably are fighting one of the viruses going around, and we’re treating it as such. Fluids, rest, and heavy doses of Vitamin C. Here. Let’s cover up that bite mark really quickly.” She uses concealer and then powder. “It’s not bad. If people aren’t looking for it, they won’t see it.”
I nod. “Thank you.” I hadn’t even thought about it. We both hear the sounds of people coming. “Did we win?” I ask quickly.
She nods. “By two.”
“Whew. Thanks, Reese.”
“Of course.”
She pushes me over to the bench and shoves a Gatorade into my hand. “Drink half of that quickly.” I quickly open it and drain half the bottle just before the door to the locker room flies open, and my teammates start in.
“Riley!” Star pushes past a few of the girls and makes her way over to sit by me. “Are you okay?”
I grimace. “Yeah. I just got depleted. They said I probably have a virus or something.” I lift my bottle of Gatorade. “Getting my electrolytes in now.”
She stares at me in concern. “You scared me when you dropped like that.”
“I scared myself,” I admit. “I was throwing up for a little bit, but I feel better now. But you might not want to sit too close just in case I’m contagious.”
She leans back but doesn’t move. “Well, I’m glad you’re okay.”
I smile at her. “Thanks. I heard you guys won.”
“Wewon, yes. You had a great game before you went and passed out.”
“Riley!” Sasha and Brene and several of the other girls gather around us.
“Are you okay?”
“What happened to you?”
“Did you get a concussion?”
“How long are you out for?”
The questions come quickly. Thankfully, Reese steps in. “She’s okay now. We think she was nearly dehydrated, which we’re correcting. There are several viruses going around. We’ll treat it as such—lots of fluids, rest, and Vitamin C.”
Sasha takes a big step back and puts her hands up. “Don’t get anybody else sick.”
I stand up. “I won’t. As soon as Coach gives the okay, I'll get out of here.”
The coaching staff comes in a moment later. “Another win, Ladies,” Coach says, and the girls cheer. I smile but can’t find it in me to care at the moment. Right now, I just want to be with Reid...and maybe take a nap. I feel like I can hardly keep my eyes open.
I'm out here as soon as you’re ready.Reid’s words surprise me. I’m used to his voice in my head, but this is different. The pack link always feels a little like talking over long distance or static maybe, but this is much more direct. I can feel Reid’s essence so much more.
