I know I’m wrong, but her phone call has me on edge. The idea of her being with someone else seriously makes my blood boil. The idea of a relationship has never appealed to me, but a relationship with Cora?Thatis something worth dreaming about.
“Whatever, man. Seriously, head home, Atlas. I don’t know what crawled up your ass, but I hope it comes out and is ready to apologize to Cora. Emergencies are emergencies, man. She doesn’t seem like the type to just split unless it’s important,” Rhett points out.
The bell chimes as the door opens, and we all look toward it. Rhett’s appointment checks in with Kash in Cora’s place. Seth is eyeing me, and it looks like he wants to say more.
I decide to leave before he can. “Fine. I’ll see you guys later.” Going to my booth, I grab my keys. I might walk home tonight. It’s only a few blocks; plus, I think the cold air will help me clear my head. I know I’m being unfair, but my head is all over the place.
Between being abandoned by my parents and the weekly beatings from foster families, I don’t let anyone get close to me. The only reason that the guys and I are, is because they all have baggage of their own. Emma would have my ass if she knew how I treated Cora. I just hope she never finds out.
Chapter Nine
Cora
I’m pretty sure I blew through three stop signs on my way to the fields. It’s been a while since Noah’s been sick, and with Matt mentioning a stomach bug, I have a feeling it’s going to be a long night.
Pulling into the fields, I park my car and head over to where Noah is sitting in the grass, Dane at his side. There’s some space between them, but Dane has his hand lightly resting on Noah’s shoulder as if he’s offering comfort. As I approach, I see Dane gesture to him.
“Hey, Noah. There are easier ways to get out of practice,” I tease, trying to lighten the mood.
His gaze finds mine, making me wince at his expression. He looks so pale and sad.
“Hey, Cora. Sorry you had to leave work.”
“It’s no big deal. They were totally cool with it.” Well, everyone except Atlas, who I refuse to think about right now.
“Let me grab your bag for you, bud. We’re going to stop at urgent care real quick before we head home.”
Nodding, Noah stands, a bit wobbly on his feet. Matt blows the whistle and tells the kids to take a water break.
“Hey, Matt,” I greet him. “Thanks for calling me. I appreciate it.”
“Hey.” His smile quickly morphs to concern. “You didn’t get in trouble at work, did you? I know you just started.”
“No.” I wave off his worry. “They were understanding about it. No biggie. I’ll take him to urgent care, then head home. Thanks for keeping him company, Dane.”
“It’s fine. I already had the stomach bug, so I shouldn’t get sick,” he says matter-of-factly.
Matt sighs and shakes his head. “Go ahead and grab some water, then join the team,” he instructs Dane.
“See you later.” Noah waves.
“Sorry again,” Matt tells me.
“It’s fine, but we’re going to head out.”
“Text me when you guys hear from the doctor or get home. Feel better, Noah.”
Promising to message him, I guide Noah to the car. Handing him the small container I use for trash, I give him a sympathetic look. “It’s in case you get sick again on the way over.”
“Gee, thanks,” he mutters, but his face is still pretty pale, so I suspect he may end up using it.
During the drive across town, Noah ends up using it twice. Walking in, I throw it into the garbage can outside. There’s no way I’m keeping that in my car. After checking in with the nurse, she sends us to a room where we wait for what feels like forever.
Just as Matt suspected, Noah has a stomach bug. He’ll just be out a few days, but as I pull into the store for supplies, I know it’s going to be a rough weekend.
“You want to walk or climb in?” I offer Noah, gesturing to the cart. The glare he gives me in response is answer enough. “Okay, figured I’d check.”
Walking through the aisles, I grab sports drinks, soup, and a fewextras. I’m exhausted and stupidly wish I had someone to help carry the burden, just for once. I don’t know why I do this to myself, but lately, the thought pops up more than I’d like. As if the universe is reminding me that I’m alone in this with Noah. Sure, I have the Morgans, but it’s not the same as having someone who is there for me too, not just Noah.
