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I can see it in her eyes that my efforts are having an impact on her.
Kneeling beside the bed, I gently take her hand in mine, bringing it to my lips. Her eyes flutter open, and she gives me a small smile. “What are you doing here?” she asks, her voice gravelly.
“Aurora told me you were sick.”
“Ugh,” she groans. “Just kill me now.” She pulls her hand from mine. “I don’t want you to get it.” She coughs.
Reaching up, I take it back. “I don’t care. Can I get you anything?” I search her face, looking for I’m not really sure what. I can tell her throat is sore, and from the cough and stuffy nose, I’m sure she’s miserable.
“Looks like you already brought the patient flowers.”
“Of course, I did. Are you hungry?”
“No.” Another cough.
I don’t know what to do for her. I’m racking my brain when I get an idea. Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I swipe at the screen, and dial my mom. “Hey, Mom. Aspen isn’t feeling well. What should I do for her?” I say as soon as she answers.
“Good morning to you too.” She laughs. “What are her symptoms?”
“Baby, what are your symptoms?” Her eyes soften at my term of endearment. She rattles off that she has a stuffy nose, sinus pressure, a cough, and a sore throat. “You hear all that?” I ask my mom.
“Yes. Has she taken anything?”
“Have you taken anything?” I feel like an ass. I should have already asked her that.
“Nyquil.”
I repeat her reply to my mom. “That’s good. She’s going to need something for the daytime too. Dayquil will work. Make sure she’s drinking and staying hydrated, and it will help to put a vaporizer in her room, to help moisten the air. That will help with the chest congestion and her cough.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“You’re welcome, dear. Let me know if I can do anything.”
“Will do. Love you.” I end the call, sliding the phone back into my pocket. “I’m going to run out and get you some more medicine and a vaporizer.”
“You d-don’t have to do that,” she says over another cough.
“Hey.” I stand and lean over her. “I’m taking care of you.” Closing the distance, I press my lips to her forehead. “I’ll be back. Is there anything else you’d like to have?”
“Cough drops.”
“Done. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Closing her bedroom door behind me, I head back downstairs to the bakery. Grant is still there, talking to his wife. “Hey, I’m not going to be in today. I’m heading to get a vaporizer and some other stuff Mom suggested for Aspen. I’ll call Layla on my way and tell her to cancel my day.”
“I’m here, Conrad. You don’t have to miss work,” Aurora assures me.
I give her a look that tells her I don’t care who’s here. I’m going to be here too. “I’ll be back. Can you think of anything else she might want or need?”
“She only likes the red Halls cough drops, and maybe some Sprite? Oh, and since you’re going out, grab some tissues. The box she was using last night was halfway empty.”
“Got it. I’ll be back.” I wave to them and head out. In my car, I call the office, and Layla answers. “Hey, Layla.”
“Morning, Conrad.”
“Aspen isn’t feeling well, so I’m going to take the day off. I had one meeting this afternoon with a new vendor who’s trying to get us to switch servers. Can you call and move them to wherever next week?”
“Sure. Is she okay?”
“Yeah, just a cold. I’m on my way to pick up a few things and take them back to her.”
“Aw, well, take good care of her. We’ll handle things here.”
“Thanks, Layla.”
“You’re welcome.”
I hit End on my steering wheel just as I pull into the parking lot of the pharmacy.
Thirty minutes later, after parking in the back of the bakery next to Aspen, I’m walking through the back door with my arms loaded down with bags.
“What in the world?” Aurora says when she sees me.
“I wanted to make sure she had options.” I shrug and start my trek up the stairs.
“Conrad.” I hear Aurora call up the steps. Turning, I look down the stairs, giving her my attention. “She’s lucky to have you.”
“I’m the lucky one.” Turning back around, I manage to turn the knob and open the door without dropping any of the bags. Setting them on the small kitchen table, I begin to unpack them. First things first, I grab the medicine, the tissues, the cough drops, the vapor rub, and a bottle of water, and head back to her room.
“What’s all of that?” Aspen asks weakly when I enter her room.
I kneel at the side of her bed. “Can you sit up for me? You need to take some medicine.”
