Chapter5
Belle
I'd gone to bed excited at the idea of a fireplace in the four-seasons room we were planning.It would be cozy and fun to decorate for the holidays.I couldn't wait to have the space to host more groups and parties.
It was going to be amazing.Everything was working out for me, and I couldn't wait to see the additions completed.
I grabbed the book I was reading from my nightstand and tried to read, but I was so tired.I must have fallen asleep.When I woke up, the book had fallen on the comforter, and my stomach was churning.I felt clammy.
I was going to be sick.
I heaved myself out of bed, grabbed a blanket, and dropped to my knees in front of the toilet.Then I threw up everything I'd eaten for dinner the night before.It was awful.Tears sprung to my eyes, and all I could do was flush the toilet, wipe my mouth, and brace for the next round.
I hadn't been sick like this since I was a kid.I rested my aching head against the cool wall, thinking I'd gotten it from one of the kids who'd visited the store.
I was so miserable.I couldn't seem to move from my position, the hard floor and wall making my muscles ache.I wished there was someone to call or even a roommate who could keep me company.But there was no one.
My mother had never been a good nurse, and my hometown friends weren't the kind I called when I needed help.
When there was more time between puking episodes and I was able to lower my head to the floor.I wrapped the blanket around me as best I could and tried to stop the trembling.
The store didn't open until nine on Saturday, so I had a bit of time before I needed to shower and open up.I must have drifted off, because the next thing I heard was feet thumping on the stairwell and a pounding on my door.
"Belle!"
It sounded like Maverick, but that was ridiculous.Why would he be here?Wasn't it the middle of the night still?There weren't any windows in the bathroom, so I had no idea what time it was, and my phone was on my nightstand.
I hadn't had the energy to get it.
"Belle, open up."
I tried to open my mouth, but it was so dry.Maybe if I ignored him, he'd go away.
If he needed my opinion on his work, it could wait until I was feeling better.I didn't want him to see me like this.
Then a key slid into the lock, and the door opened.
"Belle, where are you?"
I felt the pound of his feet, and then he paused.I couldn't lift my head.
The light turned on, and I closed my eyes against the sharp glare.
He dropped to his knees, his hands shifting my hair out of my face.I probably looked awful."Are you sick?"
His tone and touch were surprisingly gentle.
"Yes," was all I could manage."You can leave me here.I think the worst of it is over."
He stood."Not happening."
"Why are you so stubborn?"I mumbled with my eyes still closed.I couldn't bear to open them or move for that matter.Everything hurt, and it was so cold outside of the blanket.
"Why areyou?"he said as he turned on the shower.Then he crouched down again."Let's get you in the shower.Then I'll clean up and get you something to eat."
My stomach hurt."No food.No shower."
He shifted me so that I was sitting, leaning against the wall."You'll feel better if you take a shower."
