“No, but something burns there ...” The last part she whispers, pointing between her legs.
“Come here.” I gather her in my arms and hold her tight. “Does it burn when you pee?”
She nods. I put my lips on her forehead and realize she’s not warm from hopping. She’s running a fever. Nothing like a kid with a urinary tract infection or God knows what to pop your post-sex-haze bubble.
“Sweetie, we have to take your temperature and call the doctor. Let’s tell Lizzie and call her mom.”
“What about Christmas?” Gabby looks at me with wide eyes, and I can’t resist her charms.
“We can stop by ... yeah?”
I’m fidgeting with my phone, pulling up Lizzie’s mom’s number, making a mental note to put a bra on to go to the doctor, when Gabby asks her next question.
“Maybe Reid’ll come?”
Lizzie’s mom answers quickly, saving me from responding to Gabby.Thank God.
“Hey, Linda, listen. It’s Andi. It seems like Gabby has a bladder or urinary infection. She’s running a fever.”
Linda murmurs the appropriate commiserations.
“No, not contagious,” I say, trying to dispel her concerns, and she offers to come pick Lizzie up.
I nod, listening. “No, you don’t have to grab her. My guess is we will have to run to the doctor’s, so I can bring Lizzie when we go. Save you a trip.”
She agrees, and I hang up and dial the doctor, listening to Gabby tell Lizzie her “bagina is burning.”
Lord, I guess I won’t be going to Reid’s on Sunday.
Gabby’s bagina is cock-blockingmyvagina.
Not really, but I can’t help but joke. Obviously, this is reason number 152 why I don’t date. I’m a single mom who can be called to duty at a moment’s notice.
Later, we’re on our way to the pharmacy from the doctor’s office, prescription in hand. Gabby is half asleep in the back seat, after complaining about her playdate being cut short, when my phone dings. I don’t check it until we park, and it’s the little things.
REID: Hope you’re having a good day. Thinking about making fried pickles tomorrow. Ya think Gabby will like?
I pick up Gabby and hoist her out of my car, walking with her over my shoulder to the pharmacy. She’s too big for this and I’m too slight for it, but hey, it’s part of the job description.
“Put me down,” she mumbles, and I do so gratefully.
“Can I get candy?”
“Sure.” I know there will be a movie and couch time when I get home too.
Someone has to pay the bills, and I need to make an evening post and check comments.
With a mouthful of skittles, Gabby dances by my side despite her ailment, and I ponder what to say to Reid while we wait.
ANDI: Gabby’s not feeling well, so I may need to change plans.
It’s vague and a bit harsh, but a good dose of my reality.
The pharmacist yells our last name, and I grab our package and head out, ignoring the dinging of my phone. In fact, I pretend not to hear it all the way home, so when I find Reid parked in front of our house, I’m somewhat in shock.
“Reid!” Gabby charges toward him. “Can you come for Christmas? At Lizzie’s. I told her about FunZone.”
“Um, Gabby, give Reid a moment to breathe.” I rest my hand on her shoulder. “Hi,” I say to the man himself, unable to make eye contact.
