“I see a future with him.”
“What?”
“You asked me before if I saw a future with Trevor or Art, but I didn’t have an answer then because I was so confused.”
“Are you sure?”
“I know it won’t be easy, but he’s worth it.”
“If you and Art go public, shit is going to hit the fan.”
“By the time Trevor finds out, it won’t matter anymore.”
“Will Art keep his mouth shut?”
“Yeah. I’ll talk to him tomorrow.”
“For everyone’s sake, I hope you’re right.”
“Me too.”
I clutch my head as a wave of dizziness overcomes me.
“What’s the matter?”
“I feel sick again.”
Anneli circles her arm around my shoulder. “You’ve been sick off and on since Tuesday.”
“I’m going to throw up.” I race to the bathroom with Anneli on my heels.
She holds my hair back while I retch into the toilet. When I’m done, I sit on my bottom, barely able to hold my head up. Anneli wets a washcloth, wiping my sweaty face.
“Thank you.”
“Jesus. Your breath smells rancid.” Anneli pinches her nostrils closed.
“Kiss my ass.”
“You should go to the doctor.”
“No, it’s just a virus. It’ll pass.”
“I don’t think you have a virus. You’re fine one moment then the next, you’re sick as a dog.”
“If it doesn’t pass by next week I’ll schedule an appointment.”
“I’ll help you brush your teeth, then off to bed you go.”
“You’re the best.”
“I know.”
I feel horrible. Some sleep will do me good.
When I wake, the hour is late and Anneli is fast asleep next to me. My growling stomach forces me to venture to the kitchen for a snack of saltine crackers and water since I’m still a little lightheaded and surprisingly tired, even after several hours of rest. I walk to the sofa and lie down, too weak to attempt walking upstairs. There, I fall back to sleep.
“Cin.”
