AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m starting to wonder why I did so much,” I state honestly. “But when I’m unable to fit into my clothes, you have to stop cooking this junk.”
Eli snorts, shaking his head and stuffing more food into his mouth. “You have a home gym, so I wouldn’t worry too much. I used it this morning. We could work out together,” he suggests.
“What time were you down there?”
“I couldn’t sleep, so I went around one.”
“Oh damn.” I blink. “Why couldn’t you sleep?”
“Too much on my mind, I guess. Couldn’t turn it off.”
I nod. “I know how that feels. Especially now. My anxiety is the highest it’s ever been, which is crazy, considering my life.”
“I hear pot helps with that.” He smirks. “Just sayin’.”
“You know…” I bite down on my lower lip. “One day, I might take you up on that. Especially if I can’t get it under control.”
“I only do it when I need it.”
“I wasn’t judging you,” I whisper. “I’m always worried about—”
“The media,” he finishes for me. “I know.”
Nodding, I take another forkful and swallow it down. “This really is delicious. Thanks for an amazing breakfast again.”
“My pleasure. It’s nice cooking for more than just me for a change.”
“Maybe I’ll try making something for you, but don’t have high hopes. It’ll be something easy.”
“Like what? Cereal?”
I scoff, shaking my head at him. “Nothing with that attitude.”
He laughs, shoving two pieces of bacon into his mouth.
“I have been craving grilled cheese and soup. Is that weird?”
“That sounds fucking amazing actually.” He pats his bare stomach. “Think you can do that for lunch?” Eli pops a brow.
“No!” I chuckle. “Don’t expect anything from me today.”
“Okay, fair enough.” He snaps his fingers with a wicked grin. “Tomorrow then.”
I groan as he stands and takes his plate to the sink. “I’m gonna see if I can find a ladder and some batteries for that detector.”
“Okay, good luck. I have no idea where either would be.”
Eli smiles. “That’s why I didn’t ask.”
He takes off as I continue eating. Bruno stares at me from the floor, giving me puppy eyes. “What?”
Bruno sits up and edges closer.
“I’m not giving you anything.”
He blinks, licks his chops, then nudges his nose against my hand. Groaning, I pet his adorable head. “Fine, but don’t tell your daddy. He’d probably yell at me. It’ll be our little secret.”
I take a piece of bacon and give it to him. He gobbles it up in one bite, then begs for more.
“No more!” I stand with my plate and bring it into the kitchen. Looking around at the mess, I decide to help the best I can and rinse off all the dirty dishes. I even manage to load everything into the dishwasher and find the detergent under the sink. There are a dozen buttons, so I press a couple and hope it’s right.
At least ten minutes have passed, and I’m growing concerned that Eli hasn’t returned yet. I decide to look for him, and Bruno accompanies me. There’s probably a ladder in the garage, so I head there first. I open the door and glance around, then see Eli on his knees with his hands to his chest. He’s wheezing like he can’t breathe, and his lips are blue.
“Oh my God, Eli.” I panic and rush to him. “What’s happening?”
He pats his chest, then bows down, sucking in air. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he’s having an anxiety attack, but then he leans back, and mouths, “Inhaler.”
“Inhaler?”
He nods, and my eyes widen in shock. “You have asthma?”
He nods again, and I can’t believe I didn’t know this about him.
“Okay, inhaler. In your room?”
He confirms, and I quickly run out of the garage, then jump up the stairs. Rushing into his room, I realize I have no idea where to look. I start in the bathroom, rummaging through the drawers and cabinets. When I come up empty, I go to his nightstand. Scattering his shit everywhere, I frantically look for it.
Spinning around, I panic as I try to figure out where he keeps it. I go to his desk and finally find it next to his laptop.
“Thank God,” I mutter, then rush back to the garage.
He’s in the same spot I left him, and he’s bent over, taking in shallow breaths. Bruno’s lying next to him as if he knows how to comfort Elijah during his attacks.
“Sorry, it took me forever to find it.” I hand it over, and he quickly presses the top and sucks in the medicine. I watch eagerly for him to recover. He takes a few more puffs, and after a moment, he starts breathing regularly.
“Are you okay?”
He nods, blowing out a breath. “That was a bad one.”
“How did I not realize you had asthma?”
“It’s not something I’ve broadcasted.” He gets to his feet. “Don’t feel bad.”
