Riley
“You could have stayed home for a few days. You’re not looking so hot.”
“It’s just the flu,” I justify to Kate. “And the New Year show’s coming up. It’s important.”
“So’s your health.”
“A little bit of fever never killed anyone.”
Kate looks at me, perplexed. I can tell she wants to say more, but the topic has become taboo between us. No one will say the words ‘Ian O’Connor’.
“Here,” Ray comes into my office, bringing me a cup of tea. “You have to try and get this down.”
“My stomach is in knots,” I say turning my face the other way.
Ray sighs in frustration and places the tea on my desk before leaving me alone. I try sitting at the computer, but my headache and constant nausea don’t help. I look at the tea and think, maybe a sip wouldn’t hurt, but as soon as I put the mug to my lips I’m overcome with another wave of nausea.
I cover my mouth and run to the bathroom, kneeling down in front of the toilet, but the only thing that comes out are a few choking coughs. I’m not surprised, I haven’t eaten in days.
I lift myself up as best I can and go back to where I was, with the intention of going home and trying not to think about the weight I’ve got on my heart.
I get in a taxi after having promised Ray that I’ll jump right in bed and that I’ll call him if I need anything. He even offered to stay over so I didn’t have to spend the night alone, but I don’t want to ruin anyone’s plans tonight, especially his. He’s started going out recently with a guy who’s really got his life together – the kind of guy that doesn’t lie to you or leave you with an empty heart.
At home, I get undressed and put on a tracksuit, planning to crawl back under the covers and die of starvation, but someone knocks on my door so I’m forced to postpone my plans.
I know it’s not him. He’d never come back after what I told him.
I slowly open the door and stick my nose out when two familiar eyes surprise me.
“Hi Riley.”
“Ryan?”
“I dropped by to see how you were doing.”
“If he sent you here—”
“I’m not here for him, I’m here for you. Can I come in?”
I let him in, but as soon as I do, Jamie’s guilty smile hits me.
“You’re a traitor Ryan O’Connor! You’re all the same.” I turn and try to go back to bed quickly but I no longer have the energy, not even to get angry.
“Are you ill?” Jamie’s questions follow me, as he takes my arm.
“Just a bit of flu.”
“You could have called me, I’d have come over.”
I look at him sideways.
“I know that you love me,” he smiles tenderly.
“You’re a traitor, too.”
“Come on, I’ll put you to bed.”
I accept, even though all I want to do right now is slap him silly but I’m too weak to act out.
