Dominic laughed and shook his head. “I heard you were sick and wanted soup. Can I come in?” He nodded behind me with his chin.
“Yes. Sorry. I’m a little fuzzy.” I opened the door and stepped aside to let him in. Another shiver ran through me and I zipped my sweatshirt higher, cringing when I realized I was still wearing Dominic’s shirt.
“I’ll make sure to wash this before I give it back to you,” I said after I followed him into the kitchen. “It’s the heaviest thing I have right now, and the chills come and go.”
I folded my arms around my torso, leaving out how even with my weak sense of smell at the moment, the remnants of his scent inside the collar brought me a little comfort.
The side of his mouth lifted in a lopsided grin. “Keep it. I’m glad it’s making you feel better.” He stopped and looked me over with a sigh. He, of course, looked gorgeous like always with every inky black hair in place. Although I hadn’t glanced at the mirror in a few hours, I was sure I looked two steps away from death.
“I know, I’m a sight for sore eyes.” I ran a hand through my tangled hair.
“No.” He shook his head and sauntered over to me. “You’re always beautiful, even during your summer sinus infections from hell.”
He rubbed my back, and now, I had a chill for a different reason. But instead of stiffening at the contact, warmth ran through me from his touch.
“I can take you to the doctor in town after you eat.”
I shook my head, woozy from the rapid movement. “I get these often enough that my regular doctor called in antibiotics. I was just about to take one. I’ll be better in a couple of days.”
“How’s the cough? Judging by the frog in your throat, I’d say pretty bad.”
I had to laugh at the concern in his crinkled brow.
“It’s there, but I can manage. I would love some soup now,” I told him, wincing as the words scratched at my raw throat. “Which bag is it?” I asked as I sifted through the bundles on the counter.
“I’ll get it. Go sit.” He grabbed my forearms and walked me to the table in the kitchen.
“What’s in all the bags?” I fell into one of the chairs and rubbed my clammy forehead.
“I have a quart of soup, and I brought you shrimp and pasta for later if you’re up for it. And some cookies from Finley’s. I stopped there on my way over.”
My heart squeezed as I watched him bustle around the kitchen. He was being so sweet and considerate, my heavy eyes almost teared up. I was still wishing for my own apartment now that I was sick, but having him here soothed the lonely ache.
“That’s really nice of you. Aren’t you guys busy today? Doesn’t Joe need you?”
He came over and set the container of soup down in front of me, and even grabbed the bottle of antibiotics and a bottle of water.
“We have a good enough staff now that we both don’t need to be there at all times. A couple of summers ago, Joe was off with Caterina for God knows how long. He said he’d make it up to me one day, and I figured why not start now.” His smile faded as he studied me. “I didn’t like the idea of you sick and alone. Did you know the bell doesn’t work?”
I couldn’t help smiling as I nodded. “Yes, but I don’t have any visitors, so I thought it was silly to make a big deal out of it.” My eyes fluttered when I slurped the first delicious spoonful of soup.
“Your friends haven’t been by all summer? I’m surprised.” He sat down on the chair next to me.
“Most of them are married with kids now. We keep trying to figure out a date they can come out, but it’s hard.” I grabbed one of the huge pills from the bottle and chased it down with some water.
“I’m surprised Adam hasn’t been over more often to visit.”
I eyed Dominic as I kept drinking. Adam had never been his favorite person, but he’d faked it enough for my sake.
“No. He only came out because his family happened to be here and I was on the way. Any reason why you’re asking?” I squinted at Dominic as I tried to breathe some air through the nostril that was still clear for the time being.
He leaned back in the chair, studying me as I ate. “I remember him…hovering around. During the short time we spoke, he made sure to mention that you two were engaged.”
I dropped the spoon into my soup, causing it to splash on my sleeve. Or Dominic’s sleeve as the case was.
“He told you that?” I rubbed at my throbbing temple. “Usedto be engaged. We should have stayed friends, but I had an easier time going back to that than he has. So, I think that was the last lunch we’ll have for a while. And this is too deep of a conversation for my heavy head.” I reached for the roll and tore off a piece before I dipped it into the soup.
“I’m sorry.” He scrubbed a hand down his face. “I…I always hoped you were happy, even if it wasn’t with me.” He crossed his arms and leveled his sad, dark eyes at me.
