Page 45 of Believing in a Billionaire
“Step-mommy? What’s going on?”
“I’m fine, Sierra.”
“She’s sick,” Kyle answered. “Suddenly. I don’t like these symptoms.”
“Should we be taking her to the hospital? Where is Daddy?”
“Dad is, as usual, unavailable. Busy with work,” Kyle said as he eyed his phone again. “And I am monitoring her…for now. If she gets any worse, she’s going straight to the emergency room.”
Sierra climbed onto the bed next to Julia and grabbed her hand. “Well, while Daddy is busy, we’re going to stay here with you and make sure you’re okay.”
“Thank you, Sierra,” Julia whispered with a squeeze of her hand. The warmth in Sierra’s touch was a balm to her frazzled nerves, a tangible reminder of the family’s unspoken bonds of love and support. “Honestly, I’m okay, though. I’m feeling better already.”
“Sure you are,” Kyle answered. He pressed his fingers against her wrist. “Your pulse suggests otherwise.”
“I’m not…well, but I’m better than I was.”
Kyle arched an eyebrow. “We’re not leaving, and you’re not moving.”
Julia sucked in a deep breath, her stomach still unsettled, but the pain at her temples somewhat less.
She closed her eyes as a wave of nausea passed over her. The room faded around her as her mind struggled to focus.
“Did you try Daddy again?” Sierra whispered as she stroked Julia’s hair. “She’s still feverish.”
“He’s not answering,” Kyle hissed. “I don’t expect her fever to break yet. The good news is it’s low grade, and doesn’t seem to be getting worse.”
“Could it be food poisoning?”
“I don’t think so. Maybe the stress finally caught up to her, but…I don’t like this. If she doesn’t recover in a few hours…”
His voice faded as she drifted off to sleep.
When her eyes opened again, the sun had started to drift past the horizon. Long shadows crossed the room, and a movie droned on in the background.
She sucked in a sharp breath as she stretched and blinked a few times. The movement made her stomach roll again and her head throb.
Sierra shifted next to her, stroking her hair. “Hey, Julia, how are you feeling?”
“A little better,” she murmured, “but not great.”
Kyle rose from his armchair. “Let’s get a check on those vitals, shall we?”
She nodded, still weary from whatever had caused her illness.
“Temp’s hovering just above normal. Your pulse is still elevated, though. Julia–”
“I don’t need to go to the hospital,” she answered, irritation lacing her voice before she flicked her gaze up to him. “I’m sorry, I’m just…”
“Not feeling well, I know,” Kyle said. “Which is why we are all worried.”
“But the fever is done. And my headache and nausea aren’t nearly as bad. It’s improved, just not gone.”
“Drink some water, and let’s see if we can get some food into you.”
“Mmm, no on the food,” Julia said with a shake of her head.
Kyle rose as he pulled his stethoscope from his ears. “It’s not optional, Julia. I want to see how you fare after eating.”
