But she snatched it away and opened a pill bottle. “Elliot filled your prescription. Everyone’s very concerned about you.” She handed him the meds and he downed the pills with a glass of OJ. His pulse throbbed in his temples from the minor exertion.
“Is Buttercup bothering you? I can take her downstairs. I was gonna hang out for a while in case you needed anything.”
“Aren’t you going on set today?”
“They’re not filming till later tonight.”
His eyelids were growing heavy, but he had to ask. “How bad did I mess things up?”
She patted his arm. “Now, now, this isn’t your fault. Simone’s working it all out, don’t you worry.”
He wanted to say something else, but whatever it was slipped away like a slimy fish. His eyelids grew heavy.
“You should eat something. Your body needs the nutrition and calories.”
I will. But before he could even reach for the food, he lost the battle to sleep.
The buzzing of Liam’s phone stirred him awake. It lay beside him, still lit with an incoming text. He picked it up, noting not only the time but the day: Sunday. He was sleeping his life away. The text was from his mom.
Hi sweetheart. What’s all this I’m reading about a girlfriend?? Is love in the air? I can’t wait to meet her. Oh, and I wanted to mention that I’m a little short this month. There have been some unexpected expenses. Could you have Spencer cut me a check? Fifteen hundred should do it. Thank you, honey!??
Stomach weighted, he dropped the phone and rolled over, seeking the sweet oblivion of sleep.
A softthudwoke Liam. When he opened his eyes Buttercup was slipping out the door, tail fanning behind her.Come back.
He felt a familiar weight on his head and reached up. A wet washcloth lay across his forehead. He didn’t feel feverish and the rag was lukewarm. But he left it there anyway, remembering the care Chloe took each time she placed it on his brow.
He checked his phone: 2:12 p.m.
Monday?Where had the weekend gone?
From downstairs soft voices played from the TV. The sound carried well with the open floor plan and vaulted ceilings. He picturedChloe curled up on his sofa with a bowl of popcorn, watching a movie.
Wait a minute.
With great effort he lifted his head from the pillow and homed in on the dialogue. The washcloth slipped from his face, but it didn’t distract him from his task. He recognized that voice—it washim. He couldn’t quite make out the words. But a moment later when the movie’s soundtrack began playing, he recognized the music fromValor.
He fell back against the pillow, breathing hard from his efforts. Chloe’s watching my movie.A smile curled his lips as his thoughts drifted away.
The ringing of his phone awakened Liam. He reached for it, opening his eyes only long enough to squint at the screen. Spencer.
“What day is it?” he asked in lieu of a greeting. “And why are you calling so late?”
“Wow, you really are sick, buddy. It’s Tuesday and it’s only nine o’clock your time.”
Chloe would be at work. He opened his eyes and got his bearings. Hey, no headache. And only a minor sore throat. Also he didn’t feel the immediate need to go back to sleep. “I’m a little better.”
“I can tell by your disorientation. Listen, do you need anything? I know Simone and Elliot have been checking on you and that Chloe’s over there a lot, making sure you rest up.”
“Oh, I’m resting all right. Everyone’s been great. Especially Chloe.”
“Almost like a real girlfriend, huh?” Spencer chuckled.
“Yeah. I guess the studio’s eager for me to get back to work.”
“There are only so many scenes they can do without you. How much longer do you think it’ll be?”
“Another day or two, maybe.” His chest tightened with anxietyeven as his gaze fell on the huge bouquet of flowers the production company had sent. “I’m doing the best I can.”
