Page 24 of Playing with Fire

“Okay.”

We chatted about the summer camp until an alarm sounded on her phone.

“Gotta get back upstairs.” She gathered her almost empty salad container and smiled at me. “I'll see you Monday morning.”

I nodded, and my phone vibrated on the table in front of me as Maggie walked away. A mix of surprise and excitement coursed through me as a text from Logan appeared in the notifications.

Logan: Had to pick Nikki up from school. She's sick. We can't find Benny. Any ideas?

The small white stuffed rabbit was a must at bedtime. I’d learned that pretty quickly after that first night when Logan came home late. She definitely had it with her last night, didn't she? God. I hope we didn’t leave it at Maggie’s.

Me: Pretty sure she had it last night. Check behind the bed? Or maybe tangled in the blankets at the foot of her bed. That's where I found it the other night.

I waited a moment, and after no response, I finished my food and cleaned up before heading back to my desk to finish what I needed to get done today. After what felt like the longest three hours ever, I finally walked to my car. I still hadn't gotten a response from Logan, so once I got in the driver’s seat, I shot off a text.

Me: Did you find it?

Logan: Oh. Yes. Sorry.

Me: I can swing by the school and grab Alice so you don't have to take Nikki out if you want.

I didn't want to overstep, but I would offer to help anyone else I knew. It was who I was.

Logan: Really? You wouldn't mind? She's finally resting. If I don't have to put her back in the car that would be great.

Me: I don't mind at all. Anything you need? Soup, medicine, popsicles?

I didn’t know what she was sick with, but based on my own experiences growing up, I assumed those were the must-haves.

Logan: I think I'm set. Thank you for offering.

Me: No problem. Leaving the hospital now and heading to the school. See you soon.

Luckily, I kept the booster seats Maggie gave me on that first day in my car. I didn’t want to be out somewhere and need them. It didn't take long to pick up Alice and get to the house.

It was quiet when we walked in the front door. I dropped Alice's book bag in the foyer, and we made our way past the stairs before turning into the great room. Logan lay on the couch with his forearm over his eyes. Hopefully he wasn't getting sick, too.

“Da—” Alice started, but stopped when I put a finger over my mouth.

I leaned down toward her when Logan didn't stir, and whispered, “Let’s let him rest. Want to help me make chicken noodle soup?”

She nodded, her head bobbing with excitement. We quietly made our way into the kitchen, and I gave her a list of ingredients to get out.

“I'm going to peek in on your sister. I'll be right back.”

After checking on Nikki and confirming she was sleeping and only felt slightly warm, I went back down to the kitchen. Alice got the vegetables out, I cut them while the chicken cooked, and then we added everything to the pot with chicken broth, some seasonings, and noodles. I put the soup on simmer and asked Alice about her day.

As I listened intently to Alice talk, I caught movement at the entry of the kitchen.

Nikki rubbed her eyes sleepily. “Izzy?” She glanced around. “Where's Dad?”

I pointed toward the great room. “He's resting on the couch.” I stepped toward her and placed the back of my hand on her forehead. Still slightly warm, but not hot. “How are you feeling?”

“My head hurts and my throat feels weird.”

She flinched as she swallowed. Hopefully it wasn't strep. I got that crap a lot growing up.

“Want to try a little bit of chicken noodle soup when it's done?”

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