“Why especially?”
“Oh, I don’t know... maybe because of Tiff.”
I sighed. “We’ll talk about that later.”
“Yes, we definitely will.”
“I’ll grab you something warm to put on.”
“Just grab my bag for me, honey, I can take care of the rest.”
“You sure?”
Dani nodded. “I’ve been sick before and had to deal with it alone, so yes, I’m sure. I’ll be out in a minute.”
“If your fever doesn’t go down, back to bed.”
“Yes, mom,” she retorted.
I chuckled, kissed her forehead, and retrieved her bag for her before leaving and joining Elliot in the great room.
* * *
Danielle
Iwatched Austin leavethe room and then stared at my suitcase on the bed. I was spinning emotionally, but I also felt like I was going to die a slow painful death. I chose to pick my battles, and getting the information about Tiff and her relationship with Austin had to be low on the priority list right now.
I climbed off the mattress, my movements stilted and slow as every part of my body ached, and yet, I still had copious amounts of energy. I found clean underwear, sweats, a T-shirt, and a pair of thick socks. I tried to put the socks on, but bending made my head spin, so I took a minute to brush out my hair, pile it on the top of my head again, and brush my teeth.
I padded out of the bedroom and heard the low cadence of male voices as I neared the great room. I exited the mouth of the hallway and the voices stopped. Both my brother and Austin rose to their feet, but it was Austin who walked to me and frowned. “Why don’t you have socks on?”
I held the ball up. “Bending over kind of makes me dizzy.”
Austin smiled and whispered, “If you’re doing it right, it does.”
I giggled.
“Come sit down. I’ll help,” he said, and pulled me to the sofa. Once he’d slid my socks on for me, he headed into the kitchen. “Tea, babe?”
I nodded. “Yes, please.”
While Austin made my tea, my brother studied me.
“What, Ell?”
“You really like this guy.”
I smiled. “He’s amazing.”
“Do you know what’s going on?”
I nodded. “He told me everything. Are you worried?”
Elliot frowned. “Honestly? Yeah. I knew Steven was an asshole, I just didn’t realize he was an evil one as well.”
“Austin found my money.”
“He mentioned that.”
