Page 11 of Derecho

“That’s delicious.” She sighed as she held the glass against her chest. Jesus, I should have gotten her an ice pack, too.

“I’ll be right back.” I moved back to the kitchen, grabbing one of the ice caps I wore when I got a headache and the last slice of key lime pie Ma had made for me. If she was feeling light headed, her blood sugar might be low, too. Maybe I should call Birdie? Shit, that probably should have been the first thing I did.

“What’s all this?” Lainey’s eyes narrowed.

“Just an ice pack and a snack.”

“Wow, getting the five star treatment today. Are you feeling okay?”

I was only half listening to Lainey as I tried to decide whether enough color had returned to her face that I didn’t need to call for help, or if I was really in over my head. “I wasn’t the one playing southern belle just a minute ago on my porch.”

“Yeah, well…blame the little alien. I’m normally very hearty. And you don’t need to feed me. I’m okay. I was just⁠—”

“Overheated. I know. Or, maybe you were so busy with deliveries you skipped lunch? Your blood sugar is probably low. Used to happen to Jessie when she was pregnant with Beckett.”

Lainey rolled her eyes. “It’s not that late. I still have time to eat⁠—”

“It’s 3:00 p.m. It's almost time for supper. Eat.” I sat in the chair across from her, crossing my arms over my chest.

Lainey stared me down for a moment before she brought a fork full of pie to her lips. “Oh, God. I haven’t had your mom’s key lime pie in so long. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever tasted.”

We sat in silence until the last bite of pie was cleaned off her plate and she finished the last sip of her drink. It should have felt awkward, but I was hyper focused on watching her. As the color came back to her cheeks, the tightness in my muscles started to recede.

“Thank you for all that. Would have never thought you’d have a Florence Nightingale side, but I appreciate it.”

Lainey’s hands went to the sofa cushion as she went to push herself up, but I was up before she could move, gently pressing my hand against her shoulder, keeping her seated.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“I was going to go wash up these dishes.”

“No.” Her eyes rounded at my sharp response, but I didn’t care. “You just almost passed out. I’ll take care of them and get you more ice water. Do you…”

“Do I what?”

“Do you need me to call Birdie? Should she come look you and the baby over?”

Lainey’s eyes widened as she shook her head. “That’s honestly the last thing I need. This can stay between the both of us forever, Florence.”

“You can’t just think about yourself⁠—”

“A girl could get used to this level of concern, but maybe with just a little less grumble…” she muttered under her breath. I had to bite the inside of my cheek to stop from laughing, but I let myself smile as I walked away from her into the kitchen.

“So, what’s Greg’s plan for your car?” I asked as I walked back.

Her brows pulled together as she took another sip of water. “I don’t understand what you’re asking me.”

“He’s going to get your AC fixed, right? Last week you told me he got a new truck, but that the mechanic in Bell Ridge was going to take care of your car.” Her eyes dropped. “Please tell me there’s no way he expects his pregnant fiancé to drive around in the summer with no cool air. What’s he thinking for when the baby comes?”

“Oh. Of course not. It’s been in and out, and I guess I’m just waiting for it to fully fail before I take it to get looked at. I’m sure it’ll be soon.”

What a load of bullshit. I could see right through the lie she was trying to sell me.

“How soon?”

This time, her eyes cut into me, and I leaned on my cane to take a step back from her. I was certain she wouldn’t want me to stop her from standing up again. “You don’t need to be worrying. I’m sure it’s an easy fix, and he’ll probably take care of it this week.”

“I know it’s an easy fix.”