Page 127 of Hat Trick
Me
Can you ask Madeline what ingredients I should put into a soup for someone who’s not feeling well?
Huddy Boy
Oh, shit. Did you get the bug too?
Me
No. It’s for Lexi.
Huddy Boy
Interesting.
Me
Shut up.
Huddy Boy
Maddie says chicken noodle is always good. You get nutrients with the chicken and veggies.
Lentil soup has protein.
But apparently clear broth-based soups are best? Something about easy digestion and hydration.
Me
Thanks, dude.
Huddy Boy
Happy to help ;)
* * *
I managedto get Lexi to eat a bowl of the soup I threw together, and after forcing her to drink a whole cup of water, color is starting to return to her face. She looks more alive, and when she stretches out on the couch and tosses the remote my way, I finally let myself take a deep breath.
“I might fall asleep,” she says around a yawn, her eyes heavy-lidded and her head resting on an uncomfortable-looking decorative pillow. “Fingers crossed I can keep this soup down.”
“Apparently symptoms typically run from one to three days. If you can get through the next couple of hours without puking, I think you’re going to be in the clear.”
“I don’t remember the last time I felt this shitty. Probably the time I went to my first frat party in college and hadwaytoo many tequila shots. I still can’t smell the liquor without having a reaction.”
“Damn. That’s what I was going to give you when you finished your next glass of water.”
“Sorry to burst your bubble. You’re going to have to stick with vodka.”
“Oof,” I say. “That’s my downfall. Guess we’re moving on to bourbon. A good compromise.”
Lexi gives me a smile, and I open up my arms. Her smile stretches to a tired grin and she pivots her body, crawling across the cushions until she settles against my chest.
God.
She feels so fuckingrightin my arms. The last piece of a puzzle and a key slotting perfectly into a lock. Fresh air on your face and coming home after a long day. I maneuver her shoulders so I can touch her hair, and I start to braid the long pieces that hang down her back.
“How is your first visit to my apartment?” she asks, letting out a sigh when I massage her scalp. “Sorry it’s under the guise of taking care of my sick ass.”
