Late that afternoon, she finally rested her head on the side of the tub and dozed. Frowning over the entire situation, he wished he had backup. Just an hour of sleep would be life changing at the moment. He didn't want to risk infecting Caleb, who would in turn infect Lori and Maisie, so he was out. His parents were enjoying Los Angeles by then, more power to them.
It was there in the back of his mind. Her name glowed like a neon sign, the words of his brother and father circling. He didn't want to impose on her though. He had no right to ask it of her. They weren't even really friends. There were a million reasons he could think of to dissuade him from calling Chloe.
He pulled up her number in his phone, snorted because he never thought he’d actually use it, and hit the button.
What was he thinking?
It rang twice before she picked up. “Devon?”
She sounded as shocked as he felt. “Um, yeah. Hi.”
“Is everything okay?”
How pathetic was he that she automatically assumed something was wrong? And yet, she was right. “Sort of. It’s just that Hailey is really sick and I’m here alone.”
“Do you need to take her to the doctor?”
“No, not right now, at least. She picked up Brandon’s stomach flu.”
She tutted. “Oh, the poor lamb. How can I help?”
The fact that she offered before he had to ask caused his shoulders to relax. “I could use some company, that's all.”
“Sure. I’ll be there in about half an hour.”
“I appreciate it.”
He had second thoughts as soon as they hung up. He shouldn't have asked. He shouldn't have even called her to begin with. He didn't know her that well, they weren't even friends, and he didn't know what he’d been thinking.
The doorbell rang, and he sucked in a breath. He could do this. He could accept her help, lean on her, and be friendly. He kind of always did, anyway. He’d find out if there was any truth to what Caleb had said. He’d find out if there was any interest on her side. And then what? His head swam with all the crazy possibilities as he opened the door.
He realized with a jolt how good she looked as she stood on the threshold. He stepped back and let her in, noting she carried an enormous bag.
“I brought some things I had at home.”
“Thanks.”
He followed her to the kitchen, realizing she knew her way around. She set her bag down and began pulling items out Mary Poppins-style. She had an electrolyte drink, crackers, a box of chamomile tea, and a frozen dinner.
“This is for you.” She held out the cold box. “I’m sorry it’s not more manly, but you eat this and I’ll check on Hailey.”
“I . . . she’s in the upstairs bathroom off the hall.”
Chloe nodded and took off. He watched her go, wondering if there was any chance he could be attracted to her.
He stood in the kitchen watching the meal revolve in the microwave. Chloe reappeared, scaring the shit out of him.
“I tucked her in bed. She said she hasn't thrown up in a little while, but I left her trash can right by her head in case she can’t make it to the bathroom.”
“Thanks for coming.” The microwave beeped before he could say anything else.
Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge for each of them, he sat at the table. She joined him, and for a minute they were silent.
“I’m glad you called, Devon.”
Trying to read her mind, he glanced up. He didn't have Lori’s talent in that area. “I feel like I impose on you too much as it is, but I didn't know who else to call. I just need a minute that doesn't revolve around worrying over Hailey.”
“That’s understandable.”
