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I giggle, scrubbing Runner’s neck. “I’m a sucker.”
He sets the water on the nightstand and nudges my hip over to sit. Runner takes a hint and lies down against my other side. Evin’s hand goes to my forehead and then rounds my cheek. “You don’t have a fever and you look better.”
“One-hundred percent better.”
“What happened?”
“We were on the road and my eyes felt heavy. Next thing I knew, we were here. As soon as you put me on the bed, it hit out of nowhere.”
“Does that happen often?”
“Never before. As I said, it’s probably a bug.”
His face is etched with worry. “I’ve been with you ten days straight. We’ve traveled together, been around the same people, and eaten the same food. I’m perfectly fine. I called Darby. Her family is fine, as are Mom and Dad.”
I chew on the corner of my lips and think about the last few days. “Then it was my fault. If this isn’t a stomach bug, then it’s a case of overindulgence.”
“Explain that.”
“The food, breads, desserts—I indulged in everything to the extreme. This morning, the eggs benedict was the tipping point. My body couldn’t process all the richness. Think about it, you know my regimen. I train a lot. My work schedule keeps me dancing. The only exercise we’ve gotten were our walks on the beach each day. My system runs on adrenaline a lot. Moderation is key, and this weekend there was no moderation. That episode was my body purging my bad choices.”
He stares at me, processing my explanation, and nods. “That makes sense.”
“We’ll test the theory. If I get sick again, we’ll assume it’s a bug. If not, and I continue this well, it was careless diet.”
“Sounds like a plan. But you’re wrong, our walks are not the only exercise we’ve gotten.” His eyebrows arch playfully.
“Hmmm,” I press my finger to my mouth and pretend to think hard. “I must have missed the other.”
“Getting sick must have wiped your memory. I specifically remember you riding me so hard you were begging for God.”
“I did that? Must have forgotten.”
“I had to carry you to the shower.”
My legs rustle reflexively thinking about this morning.
He picks up on it, his eyes dancing as he brings his mouth to mine, kissing softly. “You get some rest and give me the green light that you will not puke on us and I’ll give you a replay you’ll never forget.”
My stomach pitches for a different reason. “Watch for that green light soon.”
“I love you, Poppy.”
“Love you.”
He stands, shooting Runner an exasperated look. “Today’s your lucky day, beast. Don’t get comfortable.”
I smile, situating the pillows, and curling into the soft body of fur. Runner sighs his approval, probably equally exhausted from a weekend of exciting adventures.
My mind wanders back to growing up and our family dog. Years of bittersweet memories roll through my head. The way our family once was, my grandparents, my adolescent years of dance—all of them making me smile. It has been a long time since I’ve allowed myself sentimental reminisces.
The bed jiggles and my eyes open, first landing on Runner’s rising chest where my arm is slung. Then I find Evin, propped up on pillows, laptop in lap, looking at me with a smirk.
“Hi,” I croak, my throat heavy with sleep.
“Hi yourself.”
“When did you come to bed?”
“Three hours ago.”
My body jolts, waking Runner and his head pops up. “Three hours? Did I fall asleep?”
“Out like a light.”
“Wow.”
“I’m predicting your memory loss is all mental. Seems like your body remembers the daily workouts.”
“Still hazy,” I joke, stretching and feeling the soreness in my thighs from this morning. “Have you been watching us sleep?”
“Not the entire time. Unpacked, started laundry, then set up in here to check emails. How do you feel?”
I do a quick assessment. “Refreshed and relaxed.”
“Good. We’ll take it easy. Tonight’s off.”
Guilt spikes. “Stupid gluttony. No one wants to be around me.”
“It’s not your fault. It was a windfall. I didn’t like the idea of having a bunch of people here. I picked up the phone to call Darby, but she was calling in. She also had concerns.”
“Of course she does, she’s got a baby and she’s pregnant. Who wants to take that chance?”
“It’s not that. It’s about the kids. Connie gets them tomorrow for a few days, and she’s already on a rampage about this weekend.”
“Why?”
“Because Connie’s a cunt, and everything good that makes the kids happy is a reminder that she never could get Pierce. According to Darby, Connie’s called each of them multiple times today, and each time they hang up their moods are shifting. Darby’s torn on how to wade in, which pissed Pierce off. He doesn’t like his kids upset, but he’s had years to work around it. The fact it touched Darby sent him over the edge. He doesn’t handle Darby being upset, especially at the hands of Connie. He called her and told her to lay off her shit. My guess is he did this forcefully and in a way that has her stewing. Darby’s worried the kids’ moods may damper our announcement.”
