Chasing Bailey, page 10
part #3 of Lake Harriet Series
Their plates were taken away and a plate of chocolate cheesecake with strawberries on top, and two forks, was set on the table between them.
“I’m so full, I’m not sure I could eat another bite,” Lisa said. But Avery coaxed her to try it, and when she did, she sighed.
“It’s heavenly, right?” he asked.
“It’s perfect.” She said it as she gazed into those amazing dark blue eyes of his. “It’s all perfect.”
Lisa heard her phone buzz from inside her small purse. She thought of ignoring it, then realized it might be Kristen. She looked up at Avery. “I should answer that.”
“Go ahead. I’ll take care of the bill while you do.” He left the table.
Lisa pulled out her phone and saw it was, indeed, Kristen. “Hi. Is everything okay?”
“I’m sorry to bother you on your date,” she said, sounding harried. “But Abby isn’t doing very well. She went to bed just fine, but then woke up crying and feverish. Then she threw up. I thought she’d be okay after that, but she’s still quite warm and too upset to even try to sleep.”
“Oh no.” Lisa could hear Abby crying in the background and her heart went out to her baby. “She was like that last night, without the vomiting. Did you take her temperature?”
“Yes. It’s a hundred and two, so not dangerous but not good either. I hesitated about giving her Tylenol because of her upset stomach.”
“Yeah, I would have done the same. We just finished dinner, so I’ll come home. I’m so sorry about this. I thought she was feeling better.”
“I’m the one who’s sorry. But I knew you’d be upset if I didn’t tell you she wasn’t feeling well,” Kristen said. “Don’t rush. I’m keeping an eye on her.”
“We’ll be there in a bit. Thanks, Kristen.”
Avery returned to the table. “Is something wrong?”
“I have to go home. I’m so sorry. Abby is sick. She’s been fighting something all week and it’s worse tonight.”
“Don’t be sorry. Of course you have to go home. We can do this another night.”
They went downstairs and the valet retrieved his car. Soon, they were on the highway heading back to the neighborhood.
“I feel so bad. I shouldn’t have left Abby tonight. I just didn’t think she was that sick. Poor Kristen. I hope she doesn’t get what Abby has.” She felt terrible. Thinking of her baby being sick and not being there broke her heart.
“Don’t blame yourself,” Avery said soothingly. “I’m sure Abby will be fine. Kristen is a nurse, too. She’s the best person, other than you, to take care of Abby.”
“I know. But it’s hard. I’m always there for her, and the one night I’m not, she’s sick.”
Avery reached across the console and took her hand in his. “Don’t beat yourself up. No going to the dark place, okay?” He turned and smiled at her.
He was right. She’d be home soon enough, and Abby would probably already be sleeping. “Okay.” She squeezed his hand. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For the wonderful night. For the amazing meal. And for understanding I had to cut the date short. I appreciate it all.”
“Only a jerk wouldn’t understand,” he said. “It’s Abby. She’s the best part of your life. I know that. And I don’t want anything to happen to her, either.”
A lump formed in Lisa’s throat as she forced back tears. Avery couldn’t have said anything more heartwarming. The fact that he understood how important her daughter was to her, and he accepted it, was better than a hundred romantic dates.
She knew right then that he was a keeper.
Chapter Twelve
Avery sat at his computer later that night, trying to concentrate on his characters but instead could only think of the real people in his life. He felt terrible for Lisa. She’d looked so stricken when she’d told him that Abby was sick and she had to go home. She’d actually paled, and for a moment, he thought something worse had happened to the little girl. Still, any sickness in a child that young was scary, and he hadn’t hesitated for a second when Lisa had asked to leave.
They’d had such a wonderful time up to that point, though. He was happy he’d taken her there, even though it had been excessive. Lisa didn’t get to enjoy luxury like that. Her life was endless work, between her job and caring for Abby. And although he knew that she adored Abby—he did too—it was fun to give her a little time off from reality. But then, when they’d walked into Lisa’s house and poor little Abby was red-faced from crying, reality came charging back to her.
After Kristen had left—telling Lisa not to hesitate to call her if Abby grew worse—Avery had offered to stay a while and do whatever he could. But Lisa, looking frazzled, had told him to go ahead home. She needed to calm Abby down and watch over her to make sure her fever didn’t rise. Lisa said she’d call him in the morning and let him know how Abby was doing.
Avery had felt so helpless and useless. He’d gone home like she’d asked but wished there’d been more he could have done.
Now he sat here, feeling even more incompetent as the characters wouldn’t do what he wanted them to. Again, the story was plodding along, and he couldn’t seem to straighten it out. Worse yet, his career was riding on this book. He’d been given the extension, but they expected a bestseller after waiting so long. If he didn’t hand in the best book of his career, it would be over. No more contracts. No more money.
Just as he’d thought his life was coming together, it seemed to be falling apart again. The stress of that wasn’t helping matters at all.
Avery looked out his window and saw that Lisa’s lights were still on. Abby hadn’t gone to sleep yet, which meant that Lisa hadn’t either. His heart went out to her. She was such a wonderful, loving, caring mother. She was always thinking of Abby, putting the little girl ahead of herself and her own needs. He found that heartwarming and admired her dedication. Lisa was more than a beautiful woman. She had a good heart and a kind soul; two things he hadn’t experienced from the women he’d been with before, especially Melissa. If he were fortunate enough to win Lisa’s heart, he’d feel like the richest man on earth.
He’d never felt this way about any other woman in his life.
Maybe that was what was missing from his novel. That kind of dedication. That kind of love.
Turning back to his screen, he began typing again, determined to make this the best story he’d ever written.
***
Avery awoke late the next day after staying up until three in the morning, writing. He showered and dressed, then called Lisa, hoping he wasn’t waking her. She answered on the first ring.
“Hi.”
“Hi. How’s Abby feeling?” he asked.
“She’s doing better, I think,” Lisa said, sounding tired. “She didn’t sleep much last night, then this morning, finally fell to sleep. Her fever is down. I’m going to try to get her to drink more fluids today and hopefully she’ll feel better.”
“Do you need anything? I’d be happy to help. I’m great at moral support.”
“Thanks, but I don’t need anything. I’m wiped out. I’m going to try to get some sleep while she naps and just see how things go.”
“Okay,” Avery said, disappointed he couldn’t be of any help. “I’ll be here if you need me.”
“Thanks. And thanks for last night. I’m sorry it ended so abruptly. I had a wonderful time while it lasted.”
“Me too. We’ll do it again. Maybe we’ll go to Red Lobster next time.” He chuckled.
She laughed. “That’s fine with me.”
“If I go for a walk later today, do you mind if I bring Bailey? I’ll be quiet when I get him.”
“That would be great,” she said. “He could use a break. He’s been lying beside Abby all night, a worried look on his face. Poor puppy. He doesn’t understand why she’s so upset.”
“Doesn’t surprise me,” he said. “He’s totally devoted to her.”
After they hung up, Avery was restless. He wanted to be there for Lisa, but he also understood that there was nothing he could do.
Around eleven, Avery checked Lisa’s backyard and saw Bailey there. He’d brought his own leash for the dog, so using the gate key that he still had, he clipped it on Bailey’s collar, locked the gate, and headed out for a walk. As he passed the hole in the tall bushes between Lisa and Kristen’s houses, he saw Kristen coming outside, waving at him.
“Have you talked to Lisa?” she asked, sounding concerned.
“I did earlier, but she said she was going to try to take a nap. She said Abby’s fever was down and she’d finally fallen asleep.”
“Oh, good.” Kristen looked relieved. “I didn’t want to bother her in case she was sleeping. I’m glad to hear that Abby’s feeling better.”
“Yeah. Lisa was upset last night. I’m glad you were the one babysitting. She trusts you completely with Abby.”
“I adore Lisa and Abby. I’m glad I was there too.” She glanced down at Bailey. “He was with Abby the whole time last night. Wouldn’t leave her side. I’m glad you’re taking him for a walk. The poor boy needs a distraction.”
Avery said goodbye and took off. He walked in the same direction as he and Lisa had gone the weekend before. It seemed like a lifetime ago that they had walked to the park together, yet it had only been a week. He worked with Bailey, keeping the dog close to his left side and encouraging him not to pull on the leash. Avery stopped a few times on purpose, saying “Stop,” then “Heel” when he started again. He knew it would take some time before Bailey caught on, but he wanted to get him started anyway.
As Avery passed his previous house across from Lake Harriet, he paused a moment, staring up at it. He had really loved that house. He wished he was able to buy it back but wasn’t sure if he could swing it. Especially now that Melissa had threatened to sue him for a higher percentage of income. But if he could write a great book for his publisher, maybe they’d renew his contract and he could afford this house again. He sighed. That was a lot of maybes.
When he brought Bailey back to the yard, Lisa poked her head out the back door.
“Thanks for walking Bailey. I’ll bet he had a good time.”
Avery thought she still looked tired. Never having had a child of his own, he hadn’t realized how stressful it was to take care of a sick little girl. His respect for Lisa was growing by the minute. “I was happy to do it. He did have fun. Is there anything I can do for you? Would you like me to bring over dinner later?”
“Thanks, but we’re just going to eat the chicken noodle soup that Kristen brought today, and crackers. I’m hoping Abby can keep that down.”
“Okay.” He was disappointed, but he understood. He didn’t want to barge in when she was busy with Abby. “Let me know if you need anything. I’ll be at my desk, trying to write.”
She smiled. “Trying to write?”
“It doesn’t always come easy.”
This made her smile wider. He liked making her smile.
She called Bailey inside and waved to Avery before closing the door.
As he made his way home, he wondered what he’d eat for dinner. Did it matter? For some reason, dinner tasted better when he shared it with Lisa and Abby.
Boy had his life changed in such a short time.
***
Lisa had been doing whatever she could to keep Abby’s fever down all day and into the evening. She’d placed a cool washcloth around the little girl’s neck and on her forehead. She’d given her a soothing bath. Even after giving her baby Tylenol, her fever hovered between 102 and 103 degrees. As a nurse, Lisa knew that she shouldn’t worry unless the fever spiked up to 104 degrees, but as a mother, she was growing frantic. Abby hadn’t been able to keep fluids down for very long each time she drank, and she was growing listless. A toddler who didn’t want to play or run around was a sick child. Even Bailey couldn’t bring out any excitement in Abby.
As the evening wore on, Lisa grew more concerned.
She called Kristen to ask her advice and she said the same thing that Lisa already knew. But Kristen told her to follow her instincts. “If you’re really worried, take her to the emergency room. Better safe than sorry.”
Lisa agreed. But it seemed silly to bring her in just to be told she should go home.
Throughout the evening, she’d tried calling Andrew to let him know that Abby was sick. She knew there was nothing he could do, but as Abby’s father, he should know what was happening. It annoyed her at first that he didn’t answer his phone, then her annoyance turned into anger. He should at least listen to his voice mail when it was about his daughter. This just emphasized what a selfish person he could be.
Abby’s fever had gone down a little by the time Lisa put her to bed. She fell asleep and Lisa kept the baby monitor by her side as she tried to sleep on the sofa. Lisa hoped it was a good sign that her fever had dropped. Looking exhausted too, Bailey curled up in front of Abby’s door and slept.
Abby awoke an hour later, crying. Lisa was up immediately and went to get her. When she picked her up, the toddler felt hot—too hot. Lisa’s heart pounded. This wasn’t normal. She couldn’t wait this out another moment. Lisa wrapped a blanket around Abby, grabbed her purse and car keys, and ran out of the house.
She was just finishing buckling Abby into her car seat when Avery came racing across the street with a flashlight.
“Is she worse?”
Lisa looked up at him and saw his face was creased with concern. “Yes. I’m taking her to the emergency room.”
“I’ll drive,” he said. “You can sit in back with Abby and keep her calm.”
Lisa didn’t argue. She was actually relieved she didn’t have to drive.
“Which hospital?” Avery wanted to know.
“Children’s Hospital is the closest. I’ll give you the directions.” Lisa pulled out her phone and told Avery where to go. Abby was restless in her car seat, and when Lisa touched her cheek, it felt like it was on fire. Again, she called Andrew and left a message telling him which hospital they were going to.
“Isn’t he answering?” Avery asked, sounding annoyed.
“No. He hasn’t answered all evening. I’ve left a dozen messages.” She saw Avery shaking his head but was thankful he didn’t say what she suspected he was thinking. It didn’t matter anyway. All that mattered was Abby.
Ten minutes later, Avery pulled the car up to the emergency room doors. “Go ahead in with Abby and I’ll park the car. I’ll catch up with you.”
Lisa pulled Abby out of her car seat, wrapped the blanket around her, and ran inside.
Because of Abby’s young age and the fact that her temperature registered at one-hundred and four, they took her in immediately. Lisa accompanied her into the exam room and watched, feeling helpless, as the nurses took Abby’s vitals. As she waited for the doctor to come in, Avery came into the room.
“I hope you don’t mind my being here. I asked where you’d gone, and they assumed I was Abby’s father and let me come back here.”
Exhausted and scared, Lisa wrapped her arms around Avery. “No. I don’t mind at all. I’m glad you’re here.”
Avery hugged her back and for the first time since yesterday, Lisa calmed down. She’d been doing everything alone for so long that it felt good to have someone by her side.
The doctor came in and shook Lisa’s hand. “I’m Dr. Jenson. Can you tell me what’s been happening to our little patient?”
After Lisa explained how Abby had been feeling for the past two days, the doctor examined her. Abby had calmed down and just stared at the doctor with big, round eyes.
“She’s dehydrated, and her fever is high,” Dr. Jenson told Lisa. “I’d like to give her IV fluids and have her stay the night. We’ll try to get her fever down by morning.”
Lisa nodded her consent and the doctor left to give the orders. A nurse came in after that.
“We’ll be transferring Abby up to the third floor. If you’d like to go there and wait, I’ll take her up and get her settled.”
Lisa hesitated, but having been a nurse in a clinic setting herself, she knew it was best to let them do their job. “Please get me as soon as she’s in her room.”
The nurse smiled. “We will. I promise.”
Lisa kissed Abby on the cheek. “I’ll see you in a few minutes, sweetie.” Then she and Avery went out into the hall.
“You don’t have to stay,” Lisa told him as they walked to the elevator. “I’ll be fine as long as I can be with Abby.”
Avery draped his arm around her waist and drew her close. “I’m not leaving you.” He whispered the words in her ear and softly kissed her temple. All the anxiety of the night welled up, and she fell into him, grateful for his presence. “Thank you.”
They rode up to the third floor and sat in a small waiting room near the nurse’s station where Lisa was sure they would find her. Avery had placed his arm around the back of her chair, and she’d dropped her head on his shoulder. She was exhausted. And so, so worried. Abby had never been this sick before; had never spent a night away except at Andrew’s. Lisa was afraid the little girl would be scared without her mommy nearby. She was anxious to get back to her daughter’s side.
“She’s going to be fine,” Avery said softly, as if reading her thoughts.
“I know. It’s just hard seeing Abby so sick.”
“I know you did everything you could to take care of her. Sometimes we just can’t do it ourselves. I’m sure she’ll be up and chasing Bailey around in a day or two.” He smiled over at her.
She nodded, unable to speak because of the lump forming in her throat. She was relieved that Avery had seen her leaving the house and had offered to drive her. She could have asked Kristen to come along, or Mallory, but she would rather be here with Avery and his calming presence. “Thank you for being here.”
