Page 28 of Playing It Forward

“Here.” He shoves a bottle into my hand.

“What is this?”

“A protein shake. It’ll pep you right up.”

I sniff the drink and rear back. It smells of chalk, wet dog, and feet.

“Don’t be a wuss. Try it.”

I take one sip and gag. “What’s in this?”

He shrugs. “The normal stuff. Peanut butter. Protein powder. Raw egg whites.”

“Raw egg whites?” At least I know why the scent makes me gag.

I try handing the bottle back to him. “I think I’ll pass.”

“I promise it will make you feel better. Trust me. I’m an athlete. I can’t get sick or I’m benched.”

He does have a point. I try another sip but my stomach rolls at the smell. I shove the bottle into Corbin’s hands before rushing out of the room.

I barely make it to the restroom before falling to my knees in front of the toilet and losing the contents of my stomach. Once I finally stop heaving, I lean back against the stall to catch my breath.

I must have caught the bug Nadia has. Good thing I have Dr. Allens on speed dial. You wouldn’t believe how often bridezillas need a little ‘help’ to make it down the aisle.

“This is Dr. Allens.”

“Hi, doctor. It’s Terri from the Hideaway Haven Resort.”

She groans. “Is someone’s skin melting because the sun poisoned them?”

I chuckle. “No.”

“Is someone dying from the tiniest jelly sting in history?”

The guest’s panic was hilarious. Staying professional was difficult. “No.”

“Let me guess. Someone’s allergic to moonshine.”

“It’s nine in the morning.”

She sighs. “And this is Smuggler’s Hideaway.”

“Good point.”

“Okay. Let me think.”

I clear my throat. “There’s no need to guess. There’s no guest who ate thirty-six oysters and now thinks they’re dying. And no one needs sedatives because they’re traumatized by a seagull stealing their breakfast. And I have an EpiPen ready for the next time a guest discovers they’re allergic to seafood.”

“Welp. I’m out of ideas. What’s the emergency?”

“No big emergency. I caught some sort of bug. Is there any medicine you can give me?”

“What are your symptoms?” She’s all professional now.

“Nothing drastic. I’m tired all the time despite sleeping more than usual. I’ve been sweating a lot for no reason. And now I throw up.”

“What did you throw up?”