Midnight Rose (completed)

Chapter 16

       

My door was cracked open, and the faint whispers of my parents down the hall slipped around me

"I'm worried, James." My mom's voice cracked.

"You did the right thing calling me," my dad replied.

My dad knocked softly on my door. "Peanut? Are you awake?"

I turned on my side to face him. "Yeah, I'm awake."

"Your mom told me Wes brought you home sick last night. She said you couldn't even walk. What happened?"

For all my parents knew, I went to that party with Wes and probably assumed I drank myself into a coma. That was definitely better than the truth. I wasn't sure they would react too well to me being alone with Wes on a boat in the middle of the lake.

"Yeah, I think I got food poisoning or something. Kendra has it, too."

"That's what your mom said. She talked to Kendra's mom this morning. Probably the same thing." His eyes raised, daring me to tell him otherwise.

"I'm sorry I worried you guys. Wes was great, though. I'm glad he was there." I yawned dramatically, hoping he would get the hint.

"Are you hungry? It's almost two."

"No, I'm okay. Just tired. But can you call Mr. Hunter at the bistro and let him know I won't be able to make it tonight?"

"I was going to suggest that. Perhaps a few days off?"

It was more a request than a question, and when he did that, I couldn't argue. "Sure, Dad. A few days off would probably be good. I'm going to go back to sleep now."

"Glad you're feeling better. I'll wake you for dinner. Sleep tight, Peanut." His smile was strained as he closed the door.

I needed to see Wes. I wanted to see him. Last night was mortifying. Maybe I could convince my parents to at least let him drop by. After taking a shower, I went downstairs to eat. My stomach was grumbling painfully.

"You're up." My mom jumped up from the couch. "Let me fix you something. What do you think your stomach can handle?"

"Thanks, Mom. I think my stomach is good now." I was ravenous.

"You sure you're not running a fever?" She put her hand on my forehead. "You look better." She smiled.

"I feel much better."

"I'll heat up some soup."

I didn't see my dad anywhere. "Is Dad mad that he had to come home early?"

"What? No. Abby, stop worrying so much about your dad. You'd be surprised how strong he is." She placed the bowl of soup onto the table. "Now sit and eat."

"Is this from the bistro?"

"Yes. Your dad picked it up for you."

"Where is he?"

"Since he left early from Seattle, he had to go back to finish his business there. He'll be back tomorrow. He wouldn't leave unless he knew you were better." She squeezed my shoulder.

"I feel a hundred times better. I just needed some rest. I was actually thinking of running over to Wes' to let him know I was better. He's probably worried."

"Oh. Are you sure you're up to driving? I don't mind driving you. Or maybe you could just call him?"

"Really, Mom, I'm all better. And the soup is really helping."