Page 71 of You Had Your Chance, Lee Burrows

I turn my head away. “Lee, you don’t have to do this.”

“You’re sick. Yes, I do.” He says it as if it’s a foregone conclusion, but caring for his hookup on her sickbed is not what he signed up for.

“I can take care of myself.” I try to put as much steel into my voice as I’m able, but it’s a struggle.

He scowls. “I’m not gonna leave you like this.”

“You can’t afford to get sick.” I use the only logical argument I think of that doesn’t involve me having to discuss my feelings.

“Then I’ll wear a mask, okay?”

I shake my head the little bit I’m able. “There’s still a chance you could catch it if you haven’t already.”

“Jesus, woman, let someone else take care of you for a minute rather than insisting that you do everything yourself.” The bite and annoyance in his tone saying he’s tired of fighting me.

Tears spring to my eyes because he’s right. I’m used to caring for myself. I take pride in the fact that I don’t need anyone, but right now, I really don’t want to be alone. His presence is a source of comfort, as much as I hate to admit it. “Are you sure?”

“Sweetheart, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” He kisses my forehead, his tone back to loving.

“Fine, but at least get a mask.”

He chuckles. “All right. You okay to keep your head above water for a minute? I’m going to go get my phone.”

“Yeah, okay.”

He’s back within a second, his thumbs moving across the screen. “I’m having it all delivered. I’m not leaving you.”

I feel defeated to admit that I need him, but I also find I’ve never been so happy to be defeated in my life.

Thirty-One

Lee

Afew days later, Shayna resembles herself again. I end up having to go into the training center a couple of times to watch tape and attend team meetings, but I’m never gone for more than a few hours at a time.

Turns out a few of the medical staff are off ill this week too. Obviously they’re passing around a virus, but thankfully, none of the players have been affected.

Coach would cut my balls off if he knew I’ve been around Shayna in the state she’s in and a part of me does feel guilty that I’m risking leaving my team high and dry if I get sick, but there’s no way I’m leaving her to fend for herself.

I use the key she gave me for her apartment and push open the door, balancing the smoothie and power bowl I grabbed for her on my way back from the training center. She got her appetite back last night and I’m determined to help her rebuild her strength now that she can stomach eating.

She’s in her bedroom, and she’s showered and put on fresh clothes. Her color is back and her eyes are no longer the color of a dull pond with too much algae, but their usual Mediterranean hue.

“Someone’s feeling better.” I walk over to her side of the bed and kiss her forehead then hold out the smoothie and power bowl.

She picks up the remote and turns down the TV. “I feel like a new woman now that I’ve showered.” She takes the smoothie and sips, then sets the power bowl on the nightstand.

“Good. I got you those to put some nutrition in you.”

“Thank you.” Her words are somewhat quiet.

“You’re welcome.” I take off my jacket and set it on the chair in the corner near her closet, then sit on the edge of the bed beside her.

“No, I mean for everything, Lee.” Her hand cups my cheek. “You took such good care of me, and you didn’t have to. I really appreciate it. I know I’m not the best patient.”

“Understatement,” I cough out.

She pretends to be upset and I laugh.

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