Page 51 of All Inn Thyme
“I can come back and drop off anything they need. I don’t want Beth here. I don’t want her to catch anything being pregnant and all.”
“It’s fine, really. I’m off tonight. I’ll be around,” I assure him.
He eyes me warily. “Okay. I’ll check back in later. Thanks for taking care of them.”
I nod, not sure what to say. I’m tired, and I get that he’s playing the protective big brother, but they’re fine here.
Kase yawns at the table and I see he only ate a few bites of his food.
“Ready to go lie down with Nova again?” I ask him.
He nods and I make him a cozy little place on the sectional. Nova curls up at his side and they both fall fast asleep.
I take this time to get some sleep, too, but then wake to words no grown-up wants to hear.
“Mister Ty, I frowed up.”
“What does frowed up mean?” I mumble, forgetting where I am. Before he can respond, my eyes fly open. “What? No.”
I shoot up from the couch and Kase is standing there next to a puddle of what he just referred to as “frow up.”
“It’s okay. Let’s go get you cleaned up.” Nova huddles in the corner, looking at us with her ears back in an expression of concern and disgust.
“Yeah, me too, Nova. Same.” I’m not going to lie, it’s disgusting. I’ve never had to take care of a kid throwing up.
I get him cleaned up and dressed in clean pajamas, cover the couch with a blanket to protect it, and then get him set up in the living room again. Then I tackle the mess.
I look at my phone to find Evan has checked in again via text.
Evan
Checking in to see how everyone is doing.
Ty
She’s still out. Kase is down now too.
Evan
Pete will drop off soup from Sasha and electrolyte drinks on the porch. He’s grabbing some children’s Tylenol from Allie.
Ty
Thanks, man. I’ll keep you updated.
Evan
No problem.
I throw in some laundry while I wait for Pete to get here. Soon enough, there’s a soft knock at the door. I open it to find Pete standing off the porch.
“How’s it going?” I ask.
“How’s it going with you?”
“Been better. Might not want to come near us. We’re dropping like flies here,” I say as I feel my own stomach rumble. Not sure if it’s from cleaning up kid puke or if I’m getting sick as well.
“I can’t remember a time Mellie’s been sick since she’s been with us. Anyway, here’s some soup, drinks, and ibuprofen.”
