Page 50 of Seein’ Red

“I sure as hell do! I held up my end of the bargain. I take my pill like clockwork, with almost zero margin of error there.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, did I miss an occasion where I came unprepared? The small fortune I’ve spent in condoms over the last decade suggests otherwise.”

Willa starts to argue back, then stops. Hands flying over her mouth, her body retches forward, eyes watering, face going pale.

Oh shit…

Shoving me out of the way, Willa runs to the bathroom, sliding to a stop just before the toilet. A second later she’s in much the same position I found her in, bent over the porcelain fixture. This time is a lot more violent though, her whole body heaving rapidly.

I stand back, giving her space at first, but then think better of it. Sliding in behind her, I park myself on the side of the tub, gathering her long, blonde hair in my hands, holding it back. If we’re going to be in this together, that means vomit and all.

From what I can tell it’s mostly dry heaves though, which sometimes might be worse than actually vomiting. All the stomach pain without the actual relief of emptying, leaving nothing but stomach acid churning away.

Another long few minutes pass, me still holding her hair, when Willa leans back, sitting on her haunches. My heart rips into a million pieces as she turns to look at me, tears in her eyes, bottom lip quivering. All her anger has disappeared, replaced with an emotion I can’t name but feel deep in my bones.

“C’mere,” I say, gently helping her to her feet. I grab the washcloth sitting on her vanity, running it under some water, then wiping her face. Tears slip down her cheeks, her normally bright blue eyes dimming with each second. “Let’s go back to bed.”

“No. I…” she trails off, shaking her head.

“Not an option, Princess. Whatever it is can wait.”

I scoop her up, and to my surprise, she doesn't fight me. Simply slips her arms around my neck, resting her head on my shoulder. I carry her into the bedroom, careful not to trip as I slip off my boots as I walk.

“Nash…”

“Shhhh…” I whisper, yanking off my T-shirt and stripping down to my skivvies. She murmurs something I can’t understand, but I don’t bother asking what. I just slip into bed behind her, gathering her in my arms and holding her close. “I’m here.”

Willa settles into me, her whole body relaxing. My heart squeezes, loving the feel of her like this. Of being able to hold and comfort her. To try and make it all okay.

Placing a soft, chaste kiss on the top of her head, I tighten my arms around her, wanting to make sure she knows I’m not going anywhere.

Ever.

* * *

“What time is it?”

I’m on my feet as soon as I hear Willa’s voice, my phone dropping to the couch cushion. She looks adorable as she pads out of the bedroom, her hair all mussed, pajamas twisted on her body, rubbing her eyes awake.

“Little after one,” I tell her, closing the gap between us in a few steps.

“Holy shit, I missed most of the day.”

“You need the rest.”

Looking up at me, her eyes bright again, her brow furrows. “I need to text Kenz and apologize. I told her I would help with the seating chart and name plates today.”

“I already texted her—from your phone—and let her know you weren’t feeling well and would let her know when you could meet her. She said she understood and to do what you needed to do.”

“I should probably be a lot more concerned that you know my phone passcode than I am, but…thank you.”

I nod, taking her hand and squeezing it. I have no idea where we stand right now. After all, she was screaming at me shortly before her intestinal revolt, and for all I know, we’re about to go for round two.

“Wasn’t sure how you’d be feeling, so I went and got some ginger ale and saltines from Wright’s.”

“I’m starving, actually. I didn’t eat much dinner last night, and well, you witnessed the lack of breakfast.”

“Well, if you’re done with your Gone Girl impression, I could make us something. Or call in a pizza.”