When we started our walk, I was so proud of myself for luring her out of Liam’s penthouse. I genuinely thought the fresh air would be good for her, but Sara was so incredibly winded by the time we’d hit the first crosswalk that I suddenly realized this might have been more of an undertaking than I’d planned for.
“You want a piggyback ride?” I asked, starting to wonder if we should just go back upstairs.
“I’m not that pathetic, am I?” She winced, already out of breath.
“I’m just saying it’s your birthday weekend and piggyback rides are free. Limited time only.”
She scoffed at that, but it didn’t meet her eyes. “I’m fine.”Only she wasn’t.We didn’t make it to the puppies because Sara collapsed before we got there.
“What the hell did you do?” Liam yelled before I was even all the way through the door.
“She fainted.” I shouted frantically, heading towards the couch with Sara limp in my arms. “Call a doctor.”
“I’m fine.” Sara muttered weakly, eyes fluttering.
“Like hell you are,” Liam basically snarled.
“Call the damn doctor.” I demanded, my voice cracking.
“I’m fine.” She insisted, except she definitely wasn’t.
Several hours later, Sara was sitting upright on the couch, scowling like her life depended on it. An IV tube was in her arm, hydrating her, and a prescription protein shake was sitting on the table in front of her,untouched. Supposedly, it would help her gain back some of her weight—it was like liquid rations, and I expected it tasted about the same, because after one sip, she didn’t touch it again.
I’d never known blinking could look so furious, but as Sara stared at me, blinking furiously, it was the scariest thing I’d ever seen.
“Drink the shake.” Liam demanded sternly.
“This is the most disgusting thing I’ve ever tasted.” She argued vehemently.
“You’re being dramatic.”
A furious narrowing of her eyes. “Why don’t you try it, then?”
“Fine. I will.” He sipped and failed miserably.
“Come on.” I groaned when Liam’s eye twitched, and he struggled to keep a straight face. “It can’t be that bad. Pass it over.” I’d eaten all kinds of nasty food on long assignments. When push came to shove, you’d eat whatever you needed in order to stay fueled. This chocolaty-looking shake couldn’t possibly—I took a sip and had toforcemyself to swallow as I held back a grimace. “It’s just a little bitter.” I conceded as neutrally as I could muster.
False. It was possibly the worst thing I’d ever put in my mouth.I bit back a cough as the sludgy, gritty texture coated the back of my throat.
Gina waved her hand, looking determined. “Give it here.” But her eyes went wide, and she immediately gagged, chasing it down with whatever highly caffeinated drink was probably in her pink tumbler cup. “That’sawful.” She covered her mouth with a grimace. “Oh, Liam, she can’t possibly drink that, it’s inedible.”
“If you would just try to eat some solid food.” Liam started, but the look Sara gave him was crushing.
“You know I try, I just can’t.” Her voice was so small, and Liam looked utterly crushed as she continued. “Now,will you cancel the surprise party? I don’t want everyone fussing over me, especially while I’m all hooked up.” She looked like she was considering ripping the IV straight out of her arm, and I was grateful she was clearly too exhausted to actually do it.
His shoulders sagged. “Is that what you really want?”
“Yes.” She closed her eyes, leaning back against the couch. “I appreciate all the work you put in, but I’m just not up for it.”
Shit, I think I just single-handedly ruined her party.
Gina left to deal with a work emergency, and between Liam andme, saying we waited on Sara hand and foot would have been an understatement.
We were just about to cue up another girly movie, thatwehad to pick because Sara kept saying she didn’t care, when Liam muttered under his breath. “Fucking hell.” He stood up, texting furiously, and disappeared into the kitchen. When he reappeared, he had his jacket on, and he dragged a hand through his dark hair. “I have to take care of something at the restaurant.”
“Now?” I asked incredulously.
“I’m sorry.” Liam apologized profusely to Sara. “I wouldn’t go if I had any other choice, but this is—I just have to take care of this. I’ll be back as soon as I can, I promise.”
