Page 47 of Cole

The ride back to the hotel passed in a blur of streetlights and team banter.

Back in his hotel room, Cole dropped his bag by the door and fell backward onto the king-sized bed. He reached for his phone again, checking for any new messages.

Still nothing.

Against his better judgment, he tapped Annie’s contact and pressed call. His heart thumped against his ribs as the phone rang once, twice, three times. Just as he was preparing himself for voicemail, the line connected.

“Cole?” Her voice was soft, almost cautious.

“Hey. How’re you doing?”

She gave a cough. “I haven’t been feeling super good the last few days.”

Was it as simple as that? She hadn’t been feeling well?

Though he wasn’t happy that she’d been sick, he hoped that truly was the only reason that their communications had dropped off.

“What have you been sick with?”

“It’s the flu,” she said, her voice a bit raspy. “Lots of aches and a fever. My throat has also been bothering me.”

“I really am sorry to hear that. Have you been to the doctor?”

“Yeah. I went yesterday, and they gave me some medicine that’s supposed to help. I’m just trying to rest.”

Cole found himself wishing he could be there with her, bringing her soup or medicine or whatever else she needed. The thought surprised him—he wasn’t usually the nurturing type.

“I should have texted you more,” she continued, her voice fading slightly. “I just didn’t want to be a bother while you were on the road.”

“You’re never a bother, Annie.” The words came out more intensely than he’d intended. “I was worried when I didn’t hear much from you over the past few days.”

“I know. I’m sorry.” She paused, and he could hear her shifting positions. “I watched your game tonight. You were amazing.”

A smile tugged at his lips despite his concern. “You watched even though you’re sick?”

“Of course I did.” There was warmth in her voice now, breaking through the raspy quality. “Thirty-two points, Cole. That’s incredible.”

“Thanks.” He felt a flutter of pleasure knowing she’d been watching him play, even though she was sick. “But honestly, I’d rather hear how you’re doing than talk about the game.”

“It’s just the flu. I’ll be okay.” She coughed again, the sound making him wince. “The doctor says I should be feeling better in a few days.”

Cole stared at the ceiling, picturing her wrapped in blankets, probably looking pale and tired. The image stirred something protective in him.

He wished he could switch to a video call, but he suspected she wouldn’t want that when she wasn’t feeling good.

“Is there someone taking care of you?” he asked. “Do you need anything?”

There was a brief pause on the line. “Dawn stopped by earlier with some groceries, and Benji checks in on me. I’m managing.”

“Managing isn’t the same as being taken care of,” Cole said, his voice gentle but firm. “It’s no fun being sick on your own.”

“That’s true,” Annie agreed, then gave another cough. “But I’ve got people close by, so I’m not truly alone.”

“Are your parents around?”

“My step-mom is here, and my dad will be here on the weekend.”

Cole was glad to hear that. He didn’t like the idea of her being on her own when she was sick.

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