Me:I’ll be at the estate by 10. 11 at the most.
Mave:9, and that’s it.
Me:This isn’t up for negotiation.
Mave:Like hell it’s not.
Me:Don’t make me use the boss card.
Mave:I’d love to see you try.
Nowheis the one who’s pushing it.
Me:Well, you asked. You’ll start your shift at 10a.m. today, and that’s an order, Maverick Constance.
I’m pretty sure he’s fuming right now, but it’s not the first time, and it most definitely won’t be the last.
I pinch the bridge of my nose when my head starts throbbing.
Me:I think I’m going to head to bed. All that alcohol is getting to me.
I haven’t had a drop of it tonight, but he doesn’t need to know that.
Mave:Please don’t tell me you sang in front of that guy. Because if you did, then you should kiss all your hard work and schmoozing goodbye before it’s too late.
I chuckle, but stop when Dorran groans and shifts in his sleep.
Me:Screw you.
Me:But no, I haven’t sung. YET.
Mave:Lord have mercy on the poor chap.
I roll my eyes.
Me:I’m done with you. Bye. Good night. And fuck you.
Mave:Night, Nettie.
I place my phone on the nightstand, then lie down next to Dorran again.
He shifts, then moans as if he’s in pain.
I notice beads of sweat on his temples and neck, so I get out of bed and turn on the air conditioner.
I’ve just placed the remote back on the mantel and sat down on the bed again, when Dorran’s eyelids flutter open, and his gaze lands on mine.
“Hey,” he croaks. “What’re you doing?”
I lie next to him and smile at him. “You’re sweating a little, so I was just switching on the AC.”
“Okay,” he whispers, then closes his eyes.
“Are you in pain?” I ask softly.
He shakes his head faintly, and I exhale in exasperation. He’s stubborn, and until hesayshe needs them, I can’t force him to take any painkillers. All I can do is ask, and hope that he decides to say yes.
“Okay.” I adjust my head on the pillow, and stifle a groan when it throbs twice as strongly as it did a minute ago.
