Page 49 of Mac Meyers Needs Me

“Fifi! I think I’m going to be sick!” Callie’s shout is followed by retching.

“You go. I’ll get the couch set up,” I say.

“Thanks.” Fee tosses me the unicorn and rushes down the hall.

They’re in the bathroom for fifteen minutes, and Callie is a teary-eyed mess by the time we get her situated on the couch, hugging the unicorn that’s almost the same size she is with her head in Fee’s lap. We just hang out and watch hockey highlights, me occasionally running to the kitchen to grab her more electrolyte water or buttered saltines.

“I miss Mom,” Callie says.

“I know Callie-Wallie. Me, too.” Fee runs her fingers through her sister’s hair.

“Will you sing ‘You Are My Sunshine’?” she whispers.

Fee’s eyes lift to me, cheeks flushing as she mouths, sorry in advance. “Sure. Her voice is soft and a little unsteady, but in tune. It’s clearly a song she knows well.

Roman is the first to arrive home. Callie bursts into tears and he folds her into a hug, just like a dad would. “Not feeling good, pumpkin?”

“I threw up,” she sniffles. “I really hate throwing up.”

“I know, kiddo. The flu sucks, doesn’t it?”

“It’s the worst. And I have to miss practice.”

“It’s okay.” He pats her back. “You have to take care of your body, and right now it’s telling you that you need to rest.”

Lexi arrives shortly after, Ariel weebling excitedly across the room, yelling, “Dada.” It’s a flurry of activity while Fee and Lexi debate whether it’s a good idea for her to hold her niece since Callie is so sick.

“I can keep Ariel entertained if you need someone to step in while you manage everything else. I have only touched the unicorn, and I have experience with tiny people,” I offer.

“Thanks, Mac.” Lexi crouches in front of her daughter. “Callie-Wallie isn’t feeling good and we all need to wash our hands so we don’t spread germs.”

Ariel makes a face and waves her hands in the air. “No germs!”

“That’s right. Do you remember Mac?” Lexi points at me.

“Or-ge hair!” Ariel exclaims and points to my head.

“That’s right. Can you show Mac your room and wash your hands?”

“I show you ma room!” She bumbles over and takes my hand, leading me down the hall. She babbles as she takes me to her room and shows me her princess bed and then she climbs up onto the counter in her bathroom and washes her hands while I hum “We Will Rock You.”

By the time we’re done, Roman and Lexi are settled and a still-green Callie is tucked into Roman’s side on the couch.

“I love that you’re here, but I know you have a test later this week, and I don’t want you to get what Callie has,” Lexi says gently to Fee.

“We’ll make a dinner plan when everyone is healthy?” Fee suggests.

“We would all love that.” Lexi squeezes her hands.

They have a brief whispered conversation and share a hug before Fee heads for Roman.

“Thanks for coming with Fifi. It means a lot,” Lexi murmurs as Fee leans over the back of the couch, hugs Roman from behind, and gives him a kiss on the cheek.

“I’m glad I could help,” I say honestly.

“We’ll have you over for dinner when everyone is in good form,” Lexi promises.

“I’d love that,” I say, and mean it. Hopefully, by then I’ll be Fee’s real boyfriend.