Page 30 of Kickoff

I crossed my arms over my chest. “What about her?”

“You two looked like you had plans for later. Don’t change them because of me. I can take care of myself.”

“No plans with Tanya. Nope. Not happening.”

She watched me with a curious gaze.

“Mel, I swear. She’s the last person on my mind.”

I didn’t let her argue or question the statement, just lifted both our book bags and hauled them over my shoulder. Holding her hand in mine like we’d done it multiple times before, I led Melinda outside to my car. She didn’t try to remove her hand from mine, which gave me hope we could really put the past behind us once and for all if we tried. After I helped her sit on the passenger seat and closed her door, I rounded the car and fired the engine. I hadn’t even pulled away from the parking lot when she started shivering. I cranked on the heat, and warm air blasted through the vents. I kept my window an inch down so I wouldn’t be the one barfing due to the suffocating heat enveloping us as I drove her home.

We stopped at a red light, and I pressed my palm to her forehead. “Whoa, you’re burning up. How long have you been feeling sick?”

She shrugged. “I’ve been having this pounding headache for the last two days. It’s not going away. And then I had the chills during third period. And I couldn’t eat anything at lunch because my stomach hurt, so I’m thinking food poisoning or indigestion. Anyway, I’m sure it’s nothing. A virus maybe.”

“Well, I’m sure it’s not nothing.”

She heaved beside me, and I passed her the plastic bag I kept in the pocket behind my seat. “Just in case.”

“Thanks.”

We made it home five minutes later.

“Are you okay on your own?” I asked as I helped her out of the car, then kept a hand on her lower back in the event she required some support.

“Yeah. Don’t worry.”

I noticed the empty driveway. “Where are your parents?” They were usually home early, and their cars were always parked by the garage door by four o’clock.

Melinda closed her eyes and inhaled. I bet the cold air helped with the nausea.

“Out of town. My dad had a work thing, and they’re spending the night in Traverse City.”

“In that case, I’m spending the night here.”

She stared at me and blinked twice. “No. You are not. That would be awkward. It’s just a stomach bug. Nothing sleep and a hot shower won’t cure. I’m not your responsibility, Mason.”

I shrugged. “Too bad. It’s not up for discussion.” We entered the house after I stole the key from her and unlocked the door.

“Mase.”

“Mel.”

“I’m safe and sound. Go back to practice or whatever you do in your free time.”

“Don’t be silly.” I pointed to the couch. “This is my bed for the night.”

“No. You’re too big for the couch.” A snicker exited her mouth, and the sound soothed a part of my soul. “Go home, Mase. I’m sure your bed is much comfier and has more room for your stupidly long legs, as Paige would say. I’ll call you if something’s wrong.”

“We’ve never shared contact info.”

“Oh…”

I opened my palm. “Gimme your phone. I’ll rectify that.” I added my number and handed it back to her.

“I have your contact info now, so you can go.”

“No nonsense. Sorry, but I’m not leaving. You shower, change, and go to bed, and I’ll play nurse for the night. Your face is a scary shade of pale right now. It’s not a good look on you. You really shouldn’t be alone.”