Page 85 of Mended Hearts

Poor kid exploded like a geyser.

Leighton winced. I wrinkled my nose. But when our eyes met, we both broke into tired smiles and shook our heads.

Well. That took a turn.

“You sure you’re up for a life this glamorous?” I asked as she rubbed his back, trying to soothe him mid-heave. “Kinda a package deal.”

Her answering smile could’ve thawed an iceberg. “So much for pizza night.”

* * *

Tuesday morning,a suspiciously peaky-looking Leighton showed up, insisting she felt fine. Mattie was down for the count by lunchtime.

As I strategically avoided my boisterous Uncle Reggie by ducking out of my office early, my phone buzzed—and I grimaced.

Leighton

Another one bites the dust.

Ollie

Nooooo.

Not you too.

Leighton

Yep. The horrors persist.

Ollie

I’m so sorry.

Leighton

Been a few years since I acquainted myself so thoroughly with a toilet bowl.

It’ll humble me a little.

Ollie

Oh man, I feel terrible.

Leighton

It’s fine, Ollie. I just hope Tillie feels better before Friday.

Mattie had three more performances—Fridayevening, Saturday morning, and Sunday night—and missing them would be a brutal hit to her self-image, so for all of our sakes, I hoped so too. I told Leigh as much, then asked if she needed anything. Her response had me chuckling.

Leighton

Just for you to not change your mind when you see me looking like I got hit by a bus.

Ollie

Not a chance, Trouble.

Leighton

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