Page 10 of The Doctor

RAINE

TWO MONTHS LATER

I groanand place one hand on my stomach and the other over my mouth as I rush from the room and down the hall to the bathroom. I don’t even have time to slam the door closed before I’m kneeling in front of the toilet and expelling my lunch.

“Raine?” Lexie calls from outside the door. “Are you okay?”

Of course, I’m not okay. Is anyone ever okay when they’re throwing up?

“I’ll… I’ll be out here if you need me.”

I’d respond, but I’m too busy feeling like death is only a few steps away.

I retch and dry heave until my stomach is empty and feels like it’s turned upside down on itself in an attempt to ruin my day. When I think I’m in the clear, I fold my arms over the porcelain and rest my forehead on my arms. I feel weak and gross, and all I want to do is go home and crawl into bed. Unfortunately, we have a night shoot tonight, and my workday is only now getting started.

Eventually, I pull myself up off the floor and drag myself to my desk, where I find Lexie sitting with a worried expression on her face.

“Oh, Rainy-Bear, are you okay?”

“I don’t think so. I’ve been nauseous for a few days, but I couldn’t hold back any longer. I think I left a lung on the floor.”

Lexie’s face scrunches up. “Why didn’t you tell me you weren’t feeling well?”

“Because what’s that going to do? I still need to do my work.” I slump down in my chair, thinking of all the work I still need to do for our shoot tonight.

Lexie stands and starts to pack up my stuff. “No, what you need to do is go home and rest.”

“But what about tonight?” I can’t leave her in the lurch, no matter how bad I feel.

“I’ll manage. I used to do all of this all by myself once upon a time. It won’t kill me to do it for one night.” She hands me my purse and phone.

“What are you going to do about Delilah since Ryder won’t be back in time to help?”

“Stop worrying about me and take care of yourself. Now go,” she pushes me toward the front door. “I’ll call you later to see how you’re feeling.”

I want to argue, but I don’t have it in me. I know if I stick around, I won’t be any help with the way I’m feeling.

“Fine,” I give in. “I’m sorry. I promise to feel better on Monday. It’s probably just some bug going around.”

As I walk to my car, I try to think about where I could have gotten sick from. Tonight is our first and only shoot for the week, and we’ve stayed in, having lunch delivered.

Before I make it home, my phone starts to ping repeatedly. Who’s texting me? Lexie knows I’m driving, and my parents don’t usually call or text until Sunday.

I ignore my phone until I’m in my apartment, have on my comfy pajamas, and have the covers pulled up to my chin. Only then do I grab my phone off my bedside table and look at the messages I received on the way home.

Lexie:Are you home yet?

Why was she asking if I’m home only a few minutes after I left? You can’t get anywhere in LA in only five minutes.

Lexie: I was thinking.

Lexie: How long did you say you’ve been feeling nauseous?

Lexie: You need to hurry up and get home because I’m freaking out.

Why is she freaking out? Does she think I got her, Ryder, or Delilah sick? I’d feel horrible if I got one of them sick.

Lexie: Do you remember the hottie from the exhibit?

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