Page 39 of Quarterback Sneak
“Morning, Evie.”
I suck in a breath when I recognize Zane’s voice. I put my hand over my heart trying to calm its racing. “You scared me.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. Did you sleep well?” he asks.
My head was already hurting but after that scare, now it hurts even more. “Mmm. You don’t have to walk with me; I’m good.” He doesn’t say anything, and I can’t help but be grateful for his presence in the dark.
Thankfully, he’s quiet as we make the ten-minute walk to the coffee shop. When we get to the shop, I unlock the door, and he pushes it open for me. He flips on the lights, and I try to avoid the instant frown. I’m regretting not taking anything before I left my room. I head into the back to grab an apron and get to work. Will shows up a few minutes later, apologetic. “I’m so sorry; I didn’t hear my alarm go off.”
“It’s okay.” We get to work preparing for the day. I glance up at some point and see that Reid has joined Zane at the back table. Zane’s eyes meet mine for a moment, and he doesn’t look away. It takes me a moment too long to break eye contact and get back to work. When I turn around, I see him walking towards me.
“Evie.” He holds out his hand and a water bottle. When I look at him in question, he adds. “For your headache.” When he holds his hand out and I see two ibuprofen, relief fills me.
“Thank you.” I take them and throw them back before taking the uncapped water bottle from him. I try to hand him the water bottle, but he tells me to keep it. Before I’m really ready, it’s five-thirty. I unlock the door and flip the sign. Surprisingly, there are several students within the first few minutes. With each student that comes through the doors, I feel like the pressure in my head increases. Honestly, there’s not even that many students in here. By the time mid-morning hits, I’m wishing I’d stayed in bed this morning.
“Hey, you okay, Evie?” Rachel asks when we get a little bit of a lull.
“I just have a headache.”
“It looks like it’s a doozy.”
“It is.” I shake the drink I’m making.
“Were you drinking last night?” Will asks, joining our conversation.
“No.” I don’t bother telling him I don’t drink. Honestly, I don’t have the extra energy.
“Why don’t you take your break now?” Rachel suggests. “We’ve got this for now.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, go.”
I take off my apron and drop it in the back. Without thinking too much about it, I walk to the back of the shop to where Zane and Reid are sitting. They’re deep in discussion, but when I get close, Zane turns his head. “Do you have any more of that ibuprofen?” I ask, feeling like I’m going to throw up.
Zane stands up next to me. “I don’t; I’m sorry. I can go get you some.”
“I’ll go,” Reid says quietly.
I don’t ask Reid not to; I can’t. I’m too sick. “Evie, here, sit down.” I collapse into the chair Zane pulls out for me and put my head down on the table. I’m aware of life going on around me, but everything just kind of fades away. “Evie.” A hand shakes my shoulder gently. I open blurry eyes and see the ibuprofen in front of me. I take it with the water bottle before I drop my head back into my arms. I hear people talking, but I just tune it out, praying for this headache to ease. I’ve never had a headache like this before, and I’m definitely sure I never want one like this again. I feel a hand on my shoulder again. “Evie.” I squint my eyes and take in Zane’s worried face, just inches from my own. “We need to get you to your room.”
“I need to get back to my shift.” My words are kind of weak and so are my legs when I push to my feet. “The medicine will kick in.” I meet Zane’s worried gaze and force a smile. “I’ll be fine. Thanks for the pills,” I say to Reid, who’s eying me with just as much concern. I down the rest of the water bottle before I make my way to the back room and grab my apron.
“Evie, are you sure you’re okay? We can finish without you,” Rachel says when I come back out.
I actually consider it for a moment, but a glance at the clock shows I only have an hour left. “I just have an hour. I’ll be fine. I think the medicine is starting to kick in anyway.” The next hour passes in a blur, and I’m so grateful when my shift finally ends.
“Hope you feel better,” Rachel calls out as I take off my apron. When I look back out into the shop, I realize with disappointment that Zane and Reid are gone. I head out the back door, blinking at the bright sun and wishing I had my sunglasses. Suddenly, shade falls over my face, and I look up and see Zane. Something eases inside my chest.
“Let’s get you to your room.” His voice is so gentle and kind. “Are you okay to walk?” I nod and regret the action. “Say the word, and I’ll carry you.” His words are low and intense, but I wave off his concern. I feel a hand at my back and honestly, it doesn’t bother me all that much. “Here.” A pair of sunglasses slide over my nose, blocking out the sun and instantly helping.
“Thank you,” I say quietly.
“Evie,” Zane asks, his voice still quiet. “What all did you eat or drink last night?”
“I didn’t eat anything at dinner; I just drank Sprite.”
He doesn’t say anything, and I will the walk to pass quickly so I can get to my room and lay down. That’s all I can think about in this moment. When my dorm finally comes into view, I nearly start crying. The pain has intensified again. I take off the glasses and give them back to Zane, or at least I try. “Keep them until you’re to the door.” He walks me all the way to the door. I pull off the sunglasses and hand them to him. He opens the door, and motions me inside.
