“I would love that,” Mrs. Bartlett enthused and then she turned to Tiana. “Hope you feel better soon, sweetie pie.”
“Thanks.”
“Bye, Stanley.” Mrs. Bartlett leaned over and kissed Pops on his cheek.
“Bye, Debbie B.”
“See you soon.” Niko said to everyone, but Tiana felt like he mainly pointed it at Brock, and that it was more of a threat or promise than a throwaway parting remark.
The Bartletts headed in the direction of the private room they’d rented, and Niko guided her and Pops outside.
All the way out, Pops was mumbling to himself about what a prick Brock was. Tiana knew better than to interrupt him, it was better to just let him get it out. She had years of practice in dealing with the aftermath of Brock Bartlett.
As they stood waiting for the valet to bring Niko’s SUV, he kept his arm around her waist, which she appreciated. She turned towards him, rested her head against his chest, and closed her eyes. She couldn’t get over just how tired she was.
His hand ran up and down her back, and he kissed the top of her head. “I’m sorry I was late.”
She started to respond but instead just nodded against him. She wanted to know why, but right now she didn’t care. All she cared about was that he was there, she was in his arms, and for that moment, she knew Pops was okay, she was okay, and her world was a safe, perfect place.
25
Niko woke to an alarm sounding.His eyes opened, and he immediately realized that it wasn’t his alarm. He rolled over and saw that Tiana was still sound asleep. He reached across her and picked up her phone, silencing it.
The night before, she’d fallen asleep as soon as they got in the SUV. She’d barely woken up when they dropped off Pops at Golden Years. He’d helped him inside and checked him back in. She was sound asleep when they got back to the Airbnb, so Niko carried her inside. She’d been half-awake, half-asleep when he helped her change into a t-shirt, then she climbed into bed and was out like a light.
As happy as he was that she was resting, he’d had so much he wanted to tell her about what he’d found out after his brother’s wedding ceremony when Yaya did some digging into Dickie, as Yaya knew him, and his issues. More importantly, who was causing those issues? But she was out for the count, just as she was now.
“Tiana,” Niko said her name softly, not wanting to startle her. When she didn’t budge, he placed his hand on her shoulder and said her name a little louder. “Tiana.”
Her eyes fluttered open at the same time he realized that her skin was warm to the touch. He moved his hand from her shoulder to her forehead. She was burning up.
“What time is it?” she asked as she attempted to keep her lids open.
“It’s five forty.”
“Five forty.” She started to sit up but immediately lay back down. “I have to go. I have a class.”
“You have a fever. You can’t teach.” He was already getting out of bed.
“I have to. I can’t miss a class,” she argued, her eyes still closed, lying on her back.
“I’ll take care of it.”
“What?” Her face scrunched as she struggled to open one eye.
He leaned down beside her and brushed her hair back. Her heavy lids cracked a slice. His thumb grazed her jaw as he cupped her cheek, her face was radiating heat. “I’ll take care of it,” he assured her.
Niko could see that she wanted to fight him, but thankfully, she didn’t. She nodded. “Okay. I’ll message you all the info for the studio.”
He handed her the phone, and she began to type.
“I’ll be right back. I’m going to get you some water and something for your fever.”
On the way down the hall, he was trying to figure out what his plan would be. He knew he had a very short time to handle the situation. He pulled up the schedule and saw that there were four morning classes. He had no problem teaching them but wished he had other options because he didn’t want to leave Tiana.
In the kitchen he got her water and medicine and brought it into the room. She was still holding her phone, but her eyes were closed and her mouth was open.
"Tiana, here you go, take these.”
