“We always fill up on protein and carbs after a game. Burgers and fries are fine.”
She gives me a look like she knows I’m lying, but she doesn’t push it. Truth is, I usually eat several burgers and two or three orders of fries after a game. Since that run in with Shaw when he gave us shit for our diets, I’ve been eating well. I’m giving myself one cheat day a week. I’ll survive the uber healthy diet if I can have one cheat day.
Daisy waits in the car when I go in and collect the food order. My phone rings while I’m waiting and of course its Collin.
“Dude, where you at? The ladies are looking fine.”
“I’m picking up food for me and Daisy. She’s sick.”
“Daisy…the one you helped get a room over at the athlete’s house?”
“One and the same.”
He makes a hmming sound. “She was at the game?”
“Yeah. She looked miserable so I didn’t want to pull her into a party or anything. She needs her bed, man.”
“You need to introduce me to this girl. First thing when we have class.”
I thank the cashier and head back towards my Jeep. “First thing,” I promise. “Let me get her back to her place and some medicine into her. She looks ready to drop.”
“You do that. I’ll just enjoy all the lovely ladies by myself tonight.”
“Uh huh. Don’t get too drunk.”
“Dude, I haven’t touched a beer since that talk with Shaw. I’m not about to now. We have to be in top form.”
“You’re not ordering wings and chili cheese fries?”
“Don’t be like that,” he says. “I need a cheat day.”
“I have burgers and fries.” I grin because I know he’s grinning too.
“Bro.”
“Bro.” I hang up the phone and put the bags in the back floorboard, making sure the soup is supported so it doesn’t fall over.
Daisy’s sound asleep and I do my best not to wake her as I drive back to her place. I’ve gone out with girls before who have been sick. I called or texted to check on them and then went about my day or night if it was after a big game. I didn’t feel this burning need to make sure they were safe, comfortable, and taken care of. I cared that they were sick, but not enough to take that extra step like I am now.
This is a new experience for me. One I should run away from because I can’t afford the distraction, but looking at her, all vulnerable and trusting me enough to fall asleep? I can’t walk away.
It does scare me, but not enough to run.
“Wake up, sleepyhead.” I gently shake her when I cut off the Jeep. “You’re home.”
She blinks and comes awake slowly. She looks around and it takes her a moment to realize where she is. “I…” She breaks off as she’s racked with a coughing fit.
“Come on. Let’s get you inside. You got your keys? I’ll get the food.”
She nods and jumps out, huddled in her coat. It’s still fairly warm outside, only in the fifties, but if she’s running a fever, it won’t matter how warm it is. She’ll be freezing.
She’s nowhere to be seen when I go in behind her. My guess is she fled to the attic. She’s just coming out of the bathroom when I go through her door.
“I have your food.” I hold up the bags.
“And yours,” she says, her tone almost surly.
“And mine,” I agree. “But I can take mine home if you don’t want company. Go get yourself changed into some pjs and I’ll get your food out for you.”
