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Sometimes I’d work out to take my mind off things. But since I hadn’t been eating well, I wasn’t in a position to do much of anything, especially not cardio.
William constantly checked in on me, even if he was at the office, which he’d only gone to twice since I’d come back. Both times, he’d called me nearly every hour.
Carter had quietly watched on, keeping his distance. Since we weren’t going anywhere, he didn’t need to do much and mostly stuck to the pool house. Which I welcomed since his presence reminded me of Archer.
“I’m fine.” My voice was hoarse from crying and would tell William exactly how not fine I was.
“I have a surprise for you.”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not up for anything tonight. I’m tired.”
The door opened and William came in, followed by Ciel. I sat up, a genuine smile spreading over my face. “Ciel, what are you doing here?”
“We’re worried about you,mon coeur.”
Sliding out of bed, I stood up, tugging down the hem of the oversized T-shirt I wore. It was one of Archer’s. And yes, most of the time I wore it to bed. Okay, every day I wore it to bed.
Walking up to Ciel on unsteady legs, I hugged him, inhaling his familiar cologne. I’d given it to him on the first Christmas we’d all spent together, and he continued to buy it once he’d run out.
Since Ciel was the epitome of fashion, his obvious approval of my present was the highest of compliments. But he’d always had a soft spot for me. He even wore the ridiculous T-shirts with inappropriate graphics and sayings I insisted on gifting him every year for his birthday.
Ciel’s warm embrace was familiar. I hadn’t realized how much I missed him. Besides William and Everleigh, he was my best friend. The fact that he’d gotten on a flight despite his fear meant everything to me.
Holding me tight, he rested his cheek on top of my head. “It’s been two weeks and you’re not eating, sleeping, or leaving your room.”
I buried my face in his chest, my voice muffled. “I must have caught a bug because I’ve been feeling off. Honestly, I’ll be absolutely fine.”
Ciel held me away from him, his nose crinkling as he took in my shrinking form. “You look like you’re homeless. Go take a shower, and then we’re taking you out for dinner.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but Ciel put a finger over my lips. “Nope. Whatever excuse you want to give me, I’m not accepting it.” He turned me toward my bathroom. “Shower, then put on clothes that actually fit you. I’m not taking you out looking like Medusa. Your hair is about to get up and walk away if you don’t wash it soon.”
Sighing, I spoke with his finger still on my lips. “I’m feeling nauseous.”
He crossed his arms over his chest, raising a perfectly manicured eyebrow. “That’s because you haven’t eaten anything but chips, and you only drink vodka or OJ. Take some painkillers and you’ll be right as rain.”
Putting a hand to my head, I rubbed my temples. “I really don’t think I should go anywhere. I’m exhausted.”
“Because you don’t sleep. I’ll make you a coffee before we go out.”
“Doesn’t change the fact that I’m exhausted.”
“Get your skinny behind into the bathroom before I carry you there myself.”
Ciel went to my closet, sorting through the racks. He’d pick an outfit that I loved. He knew my clothes better than I did since he’d bought me most of them.
I grumbled under my breath but went to the bathroom. I could come up with a plan to get out of going anywhere while I was taking a shower.
When I stepped under the hot stream of water, all thoughts left my head, and I groaned.
Why did I stop taking showers?
I stayed under the water until my stiff muscles had loosened up.
A knock sounded at the door, and then Ciel’s muffled voice came through the thick wood. “Your clothes are on the bed. Once you’re ready, come downstairs and I’ll do your hair and makeup.”
Ciel did the best hair, and his makeup skills were unmatched. Whenever he’d offered to do either in the past, I’d been in seventh heaven. Today I didn’t feel much else but acceptance. “Okay. I’ll be down soon.”
After half-heartedly drying myself off, I slathered some of my favorite peach lotion on that always gave my body a nice glow. Hopefully it would help make me look less like I was dying.
