AllFreeNovel
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It’s noon and you’re still in bed?
Hollyn
I think a kid at the birthday party got me sick. I’ve been miserable all morning. I’ll spare you the details, but I can’t keep anything down.
Van
I’m coming over. Text me your address.
Hollyn
You don’t need to do that. I’m just going to sleep some more.
Van
I insist. Let me take care of you.
For several seconds, there’s no reply. I worry I’ve come on too strong. She’s an independent woman. I doubt she wants anyone taking care of her. Finally, my phone buzzes, putting me out of my misery.
Hollyn
542 Balsam Way Apt B. Door code is 2253
Van
On my way.
Thirty minutes later, I’m pulling into the short driveway of Hollyn’s townhome. I turn off the ignition and grab a bag from the passenger seat. When I get to the front door, I pull out my phone and punch the code she gave me into the keypad. I press the last number, and it hits me. CAKE. A smile tugs at my lips. Of course, the baker would have cake as her door code. I twist the knob and step inside. The door opens to a small entryway. A set of stairs is directly in front of me that leads to the second floor. To the left of the stairs is the open living room. Snuggled on the sofa, blanket wrapped around her, sits Hollyn.
“Hi.” Her voice is soft.
“Hi.” I toe off my shoes and make my way toward her. I set the bag on the coffee table before taking a seat next to her on the sofa.
“Sorry, I look so terrible.” She smooths down her hair.
I grip her chin and force her to meet my gaze. “You look beautiful.”
“Even with snot dripping out of my nose and my voice sounding deep and husky?”
“Especially with the snot. And you’ll have to talk dirty to me later with that husky voice of yours.”
“I can’t with you.” She lets out a laugh that turns into a cough. When she’s collected herself, she points to the table. “What’s in the bag?”
I reach for the brown bag and pull out the items. “I got you some water with electrolytes so you stay hydrated. Also, I stopped by my favorite café and got you some chicken noodle soup.” I pop off the lid. She leans in and inhales the comforting chicken broth.
“That smells so good.”
“Want some?” She vigorously nods her head. I pull out a plastic spoon and pass it over to her. “Crackers?”
“Oyster crackers and soup. Where have you been all my life?” She beams up at me.
“No worries. I’m here now.” I flash her a small smile.
She leans back and dips her spoon into the broth, blows on it, and slurps it into her mouth. “This is so good. Where did you get it?”
“The Waterfront Café. When I was a kid and got sick, my mom would always get me soup from there. She was an amazing baker but couldn’t cook for the life of her.”
“I never would have guessed.” She sips more broth, her eyes close as she savors the comforting taste. “Do you miss her?” There’s a brief pause, then she shakes her head. “Sorry, that was a dumb question.”
