“That I want your tacos?”
“You’re incorrigible.” I shake my head, laughing.
“Maybe you can make me some on Saturday. See if they live up to the hype.”
“And if they don’t?” I cross my arms, turning to face him.
“Then I get to eatyourtaco.”
“I don’t know if I’m turned on or hungry right now.”
“Both. Definitely both.”
“Let’s hope it stays that way until Saturday.”
“Darlin’, with you, that feeling never goes away.”
Chapter Twenty-One
JOEY
Idon’t know the last time I was ever this exhausted. It clings to every cell of my body. Sick kids are never fun.
When Max came home complaining of a stomachache, I hoped it wouldn’t turn into more.
That was a losing battle.
I spent the entire night with him while he got sick. Each time I thought he was okay, he got sick again. And to top it all off, there’s now a gurgle in my stomach.
Great. Just what I need—to get sick while my kid is sick.
So much for my stolen night with Sam. He was understanding, but I was still upset not to see him. And it’s not like I can call my parents to help because they went out of town for the weekend to celebrate their anniversary.
I try to will the feeling away, taking deep breaths and pressing a cold compress to my forehead.
Max is still in his room. For how much longer, I don’t know. The sun is streaming in through the windows, making my head throb even more.
Maybe if I sit still long enough, the feeling will pass.
“Mommy!” Max calls from his room. “Mommy!”
I groan, using all my energy to roll over and get off the couch. Stepping into his room, the sick smell is back.
“I got sick,” he cries.
I wince. “It’s okay. C’mon. Let’s get you cleaned up.”
Even putting a trash can in his room didn’t help. I breathe through my mouth, trying not to get sick myself.
I can’t handle when I get sick, let alone Max. But somehow, I have to manage this all on my own.
I strip Max out of his pajamas before cleaning him up. His bottom lip sticks out as he sniffles.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers.
I press a kiss to his forehead. “You don’t have to be sorry. It’s okay, Baby. Do you think there’s anything else in your tummy?”
He shakes his head. “No.”
