Page 40 of The Odds of Happily Ever After
I disposed of my trash and headed out. As I walked, I texted my economics seatmate that I’d be absent and asked her to keep me posted on what I’d miss. Next, I messaged Kai if he could cover for me in case I didn’t get back in time for my shift.
They both gave me an okay, and Kai asked if everything was alright. I told him I had to take care of a sick friend, which might have been stretching the truth a bit. Gabe might not be my friend, but he was Ate’s, and he’d been there for her when I wasn’t. I had to return the favor somehow, even if he slammed the door in my face.
At least I had the element of surprise on my side. Plus, I was counting on him being too weak to protest much. I’d just grab a couple of supplies from my place, take them over to his apartment, and make sure his condition wasn’t more serious than he let on.
Easy.
chapter fourteen
gabe
Max
Did you get kidnapped by a student or something? Where are you?
The ringing reverberatedin my skull, the noise shooting aches through my body.
Who the fuck was at my door?
Mustering the last of my energy, I pushed myself off the sofa. Each movement felt like fighting my way through quicksand. Whoever was ringing my doorbell better had a damn good reason to force me up.
I trudged across the living area, thanking my past self for crashing on the sofa instead of my bed. Then again, I wouldn’t have made it upstairs anyway.
I yanked the door open and glared at Luna’s smiling face.
What in the hell?—
“Surprise?” she chirped and slipped past me faster than a . . .
My brain glitched mid-metaphor.
Still standing at the doorway, I turned and watched her unload the contents of her tote bag on my kitchen island. “What are you doing here?”
“Hey, you stole my line.” Luna had the gall to chuckle, though she sobered up quickly. “I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“How do you know where I live?”
“Ate gave me your address before she left. You know, in case of emergency. You’re sick, so this qualifies.”
Damn it. I forgot I agreed to that when Tala asked for my permission. “It’s just a fever.”
“Have you checked your vitals?”
“What? No.” There was no need for that—I knew what a fever felt like.
“Good thing I’m here then.” Luna lifted a first-aid kit from her bag. “Don’t worry, I’ll kick myself out later. Lie down—you look like you’re about to fall over.”
Moving toward me, she closed the door, locked it, and took my hand. I recoiled at the contact, my skin tingling all over.
Her eyebrows drew together, and she stepped away. “Sorry. I was just going to help you to the sofa.”
“I can walk.” I barely managed to get there without my knees buckling. As soon as the seat was close enough, I collapsed onto it with a groan and squeezed my eyes tight.
I distantly heard the sounds of a cupboard opening and water running, and then Luna spoke to me in a soft voice. “Drink some water.” Something cool and solid rested against my bottom lip, and I lifted my head enough to take a sip.
The water eased my dry throat, and Luna held the glass up for me until I had my fill.
“Good,” she said. “I’ll check your temperature and blood oxygen.”
