Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50753 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50753 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 203(@250wpm)___ 169(@300wpm)
“Shh, Little girl. Just a few more minutes,” he promised, holding the instrument deep with a hand cupped over the end.
Finally, he removed it. She peeked to see him rotate the device. Blade shook his head.
“Still above normal. That medicine is keeping it down.”
“So, I can go to work, right?”
“I’d rather you stay home, but if you think you’re well enough to open the store….”
“I’m great,” she rushed to tell him and coughed several times.
“You’ll call me if you start feeling bad?”
“Yes!” she promised.
“And you’ll drink lots of fluids and remember to take more of the fever medicine?”
“Definitely.” She crossed her fingers under the covers.
“Desiree’s there to help you today, right?”
“Yes. She’s doing such a great job. She’s there today and tomorrow,” Sapphire shared.
“Let’s get you dressed,” Blade suggested.
“Thank you, Daddy,” she said, sitting up and wrapping her arms around his neck. She had planned to head to The Blue Door whether he said yes or no, but it was easier if he cooperated with her.
Sapphire ate a few bites of yogurt for breakfast. It was cool on her throat and made Blade happy. He always insisted she had something before heading for work.
Everything seemed to sap her energy. By the time Blade walked her out to the car, she felt awful. Stiffening her spine, Sapphire forced herself to look energetic like she was doing well.
“Are you sure you’re okay, Blue Eyes? Tell me the truth,” he asked as he helped her into her car.
“I’m good, Daddy. Don’t fuss.”
“Don’t forget to dose yourself with more medicine at lunch,” Blade reminded her. “Gabriel sent soup for you today.”
“Thank him for me, please,” she said before having a coughing attack. When she recovered, she smiled to reassure him through watery eyes.
“Call me if you need me.”
She nodded and started the car. Sapphire concentrated hard as she navigated out of the parking lot and onto the road that ran along the front of the repair shop. Fits of coughing brought more tears to her eyes, and she even had to pull over once to find a tissue to wipe away the moisture clouding her vision.
Pulling herself together after parking in the rear lot, Sapphire scanned the area, making sure it was safe. Ever since that guy had caused such trouble, she’d been super vigilant. The walk to the back door seemed like a marathon. Sapphire locked it behind her and headed for her workbench.
Desiree’s arrival a few minutes later required her to move to unlock the front door. Sapphire opened it and stepped away.
“I’d stay away from me if you can. I think I’ve caught something,” Sapphire told her.
“You don’t look good. Should you be here?” Desiree asked, before adding. “I should be okay with just about everything except handling the money. Why don’t you set up the cash register and go home?”
“I don’t want to dump my store on you, Desiree. That’s not fair.” Sapphire rushed to tell her.
“Fair, shmair. You won’t feel better if you don’t get some rest. Get the cash and we’ll be ready to open. Then, let’s call that hunk of yours and have him come pick you up,” Desiree suggested.
“He’ll be all growly and make me nap,” Sapphire complained.
“I know. I’m so envious of you.”
Sapphire stared at her for ten seconds before nodding. “I’m not going to make it.”
“Do you want to phone him, or should I?” Desiree asked.
“I’ll call. If you do it, an ambulance will be here to pick me up.”
“Desiree, here’s my phone number. Let me know if you have any problems. I’ll be here before closing to take care of the register,” Blade assured her at the back door. Sapphire leaned against him and didn’t try to protest that Desiree could contact her. Stick a fork in me—I’m done.
“I’m definitely not poking you with utensils, Little girl,” Blade informed her as he opened the passenger door to her car.
What? She’d said that out loud? How had she gotten over here? Weren’t they talking to Desiree? Sapphire looked at the back of the building and found it abandoned. I’m in awful shape.
“You’re right, Little girl. You are in awful shape. Doc’s going to check on you when we get back to the clubhouse,” Blade echoed her and Sapphire knew she’d spoken out loud again.
“I’ll just go to sleep for a while. I’ll be better when I wake up. I don’t feel bad enough to see a doctor,” she assured him. As if she’d jinxed herself, a horrible coughing fit descended on her. By the time she finished, she was crying.
“Blue Eyes. You’re tearing my heart out. Let’s get you home and on the road to recovery.”
“Please,” she whispered.
“There’s water in this cup. Can you drink some?” he asked, holding out a blue sippy cup with a jeweled pattern.
If Sapphire had not been so miserable, she would have gushed over how cute it was. For now, she was more interested in the cold water inside. Taking a sip, she swallowed, letting the liquid soothe her throat. “Ah.”