Not So Suddenly Soulmates, page 6
The kid from behind the counter walked out and lit a cigarette. “You sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine. I called a friend to come and get me.”
He looked her up and down. “I could take you home after my shift. I get off in an hour.”
“My roommate will be here faster.”
“Cool. Well, if you’re still here when I’m done, hit me up.” He nodded and went back to smoking.
Rhi’s phone chimed.
LEVI:
Thank you! I was just about to send you a mayday text. Be there in ten minutes.
RHI:
That bad, that quick, huh?
She tucked her phone in her purse. She shifted her dress to the side to see what was left of the mess then stalked into the bathroom to clean herself up.
Levi pulled up as she walked out of the gas station. He rolled down his window. “Hey, pretty lady. Need a ride?”
“Always. Do you have a towel in your gym bag?”
“Maybe? It might be a little ripe though. You forgot to take it inside last time.”
“I forgot?” Rhi reached through the window and pressed the trunk button. She grabbed the towel and caught a whiff of it. Ew. Hurrying over to the passenger’s side, she arranged the towel, sat down, and closed the door. “I guess the smell is better than cheese sauce on your seat.”
“Do I want to know?”
“The cat was in the car. He threw up. Jerry spilled water on me, and when I was trying to get paper towels from the gas station, I slipped and fell in a puddle of cheese sauce. But please tell me how much worse your date was.”
Levi scoffed and pulled onto the road. “She was naming our babies before we left the apartment. Said she wanted to name the kid Bentley and call him Bentie for short. Not Bennie, Ben, Bent, or even Lee. Bentie.”
Rhi chuckled. “Okay, not quite as horrific as mine but still bad for you. Why do we do this?”
“You ask me that every time you have a bad date, Rhi. And I tell you the same thing. We have needs.”
“If it was just for sex, I’d get Bob out and call it a day. I have yet to meet a man who’d be worth keeping around just for the sex.” She rested her head against the leather seat. “I want someone I can live with for the rest of my life. Be happy and be me.”
Levi flashed a grin as he pulled into the parking lot of their building. “Then keep living with me.”
Rhi blew out a breath and glanced over at him. Would that be such a bad idea? He was the one person she didn’t have to pretend to be someone else around. He’d seen her at her worst and was still there. She kissed his cheek. “You know I love you, right?”
“Yep.” He kissed her forehead. “Now go change into sweats. I’ll grab the ice cream, and we can plot your revenge on Robby.”
“That sounds like the best idea either of us have had all night.”
Chapter Twelve
LEVI
May 17th
Levi parked in front of the restaurant.
His date, Claire, unbuckled her seatbelt and reached for the door handle.
“Wait, I’ll come open it for you.” He flashed her a grin.
“Ooo, how romantic.” She batted her eyelashes at him.
Levi’s smile faded. He climbed out of the car, walked around, and opened the door for her.
She pulled the door shut.
He tapped on the window and frowned at her. Another date from hell? Why do I do this to myself?
Claire blushed and opened the door herself. “I’m so sorry. I panicked. Not used to anyone opening the door for me.”
“I just told you I was going to do that.” He cocked his head to the side and held out his hand.
She took it then snatched her hand back, blushing again. She put her hand back in his. “Sorry. I’ve been up for, like, the last thirty-seven hours.”
“Maybe you should go home and get some sleep?” Levi helped her to her feet and shut the door behind her.
She jumped when the door closed. “Just a little on edge. No biggie.”
Levi blinked twice then sauntered up to the valet and handed him his keys. “No joyrides this time, Mark.” He winked at the man.
“Always one with the jokes, Mr. Morris.” The valey smiled. “Your table is ready. I hear the chef has a surprise meal for you.”
Claire swooned. “Sounds like you’re someone important.”
“Just well connected.” Levi leaned toward Mark. “This may be an early night. Park it close.”
Mark nodded once. “It will be ready when you are.”
Levi slipped him a bill, turned back to his date, and offered her his arm. “Shall we?”
Claire swayed on her feet. “What?” She blinked several times in rapid succession, a blank stare on her face.
“Let’s go in.” He wrapped his arm around her. The last thing he needed was her falling over as they walked inside. If anyone saw them, they might think he drugged her.
She stumbled. “Sure.”
He forced a smile as he opened the door for her then ambled up to the hostess kiosk. “Hey, Mary.”
The hostess raised a brow toward Claire then turned back to Levi. “Is she all right?”
“I’ve been up for thirty-seven hours now.” Claire perked up and smiled. “I’m gonna need coffee and another Adderall before I go home with this hunk of man.” She poked Levi’s arm.
Levi rolled his eyes then pinched the bridge of his nose. “A pot of coffee would be great.”
“Of course.” Mary led them to the table then excused herself.
Claire slid into the booth first and let out a sigh. “Ohmigod, I’ve never been in a booth this comfortable in my life.” She rested her head back against the wall and closed her eyes.
Levi sat down next to her, pulled out his phone, and texted Rhi.
LEVI:
Strike one. She’s been hopped up on caffeine and Adderall for thirty-seven hours. Strike two. We just sat down and I think she’s asleep.
He patted Claire on the hand. “Why don’t I take you home so you can get some sleep?”
Her head shot up and she shook herself awake. “No way. Sorry. I totally zoned out there for a moment.” She grabbed her purse, opened a pill bottle, and downed a pill with a whole glass of water. “This will kick in shortly.”
“Here’s your coffee, ma’am. Do you two know what you want to eat? Or do you need a few minutes?”
Levi smiled up at the waitress as she set the coffee pot and mugs on the table. “I heard the chef had a surprise for me.”
“He does. He wants to try out a new beef Wellington recipe on you.”
“I can’t wait.” Levi nodded then peered at Claire.
Her eyes were closed and her head hung at an odd angle.
“Claire?”
She popped up again. “Something with caffeine. Damn. I can’t seem to shake this tiredness.”
“For dinner, ma’am.”
“Right.” She stared down at the menu for so long, Levi wondered if she fell asleep again. She raised her head and smiled. “How about the portabella burger? I can’t eat meat. Total vegetarian. You are too, right?”
The waitress took the menu. “I’ll be back with your food.”
Levi quirked a brow at Claire. “The chef’s making me a new beef Wellington recipe. Yeah, not a vegetarian.”
“Oh, well, maybe it will be made with mushrooms instead of steak. I can’t even watch anyone eat meat. It makes me sick. How can you eat the rotting carcass of an animal?”
Levi ran a hand through his hair. “It’s not rotting if it’s been processed right.” He tapped his phone and checked his texts.
RHI:
Ha. I’m bingeing Outlander on Netflix. Sam Heughan is hot!
Levi snickered.
LEVI:
Remind me not to come home any time soon.
Claire snored next to him.
LEVI:
This date isn’t going to last long. Strike three. She’s a vegetarian and hates watching people eat the rotting carcasses of animals.
She opened her eyes and peaked over his shoulder. “Who you texting?”
Levi moved his phone away so she couldn’t see then slipped it in his jacket pocket. “My best friend.”
“Sure you were.” She took a big drink of her coffee. “I’m a college student, by the way. I was working on a huge research paper. That’s why I’ve been up for thirty-seven hours. I’m doing it on the effects of sleeplessness on the brain.”
“And your professor encouraged you to take medication and do this research on yourself?”
“I mean, I can’t force other people to take drugs and go without sleep, so who better to do it on than myself?” She smiled and took another drink. “This coffee is so good.”
“There are probably numerous studies out there already. Why not pool the rest of the research and do a meta-analysis?”
“That sounds like way too much work. Why do that when I can stay up for as long as I can and write what happens to me?”
“You do realize taking drugs and forcing yourself to stay awake with massive amounts of caffeine is dangerous to your health, right? People have died from ingesting too much caffeine.” Levi rubbed his temples. As much as he wanted to end this, he couldn’t leave her there. What would happen if someone took advantage of her?
“That is so not going to happen. My heart is super healthy. I’ve been taking care of it my whole life.”
“Right.” Levi nodded. “You’re a vegetarian.”
Claire rested her head on the back of the seat and closed her eyes again.
RHI:
Do you need a way out? I could totally come up with an emergency for you.
LEVI:
Just come to Preston’s and I’ll buy you dinner.
RHI:
You’re out and I’m getting a home run. That’s not fair to you.
He laughed.
Claire sat up. “Did you say something?”
“Nah, go back to sleep. I think you need it.” Levi flagged down the waitress.
“Do you want your food to go?”
“Rhi’s on her way. Can you ask Earl if he can throw another one of those beef Wellingtons together?”
“He was making two anyway. Didn’t figure your date would be a vegetarian.”
“Neither did I.” Levi sighed.
LEVI:
It would only be a home run if one of us is getting laid. So, unless you’re willing…
Claire let out a loud snore and bolted up in her chair. “Whoa. Almost blew my whole experiment there.”
Levi fought the urge to chuckle. “You almost did.”
“Oh! Did I tell you about my experiment? I’m studying what lack of sleep does to people.”
“You’re not going to like what I’m eating. Are you sure you don’t want me to call you a cab and send you back with dinner?”
Claire yawned and stretched. “No, it’s all right. I’m awake now.”
Levi nodded as she dropped her head against the wall. Maybe he should get their food to go. He checked his phone.
RHI:
Not gonna happen. But good food is a home run to me. 😉
LEVI:
With this date, I’ll consider eating at all a home run. Hurry up. Watching this girl sleep is boring as hell.
RHI:
I’m almost there. Took an Uber, so I could help if you need it.
LEVI:
You’re a lifesaver.
RHI:
You pay me with good food.
Levi glanced over at Claire, who was fast asleep again.
The waitress returned and shook her head. “If I didn’t know you, I’d say you drugged her.”
“She drugged herself, and instead of staying awake, she seems to be more tired. Rhi should be here soon. I’m thinking takeout would be better.”
“Are you sure she doesn’t need to go to the hospital?”
Levi reached over to check her pulse.
Claire opened her eyes then immediately closed them. “Thanks. That was great.”
“Taking her back to her dorm room sounds like the best option.”
“If you need anything, let me know. I’ll have Earl throw some extra vegetarian options in for her.”
“Sounds good.”
LEVI:
Note to self: No more dating college girls.
RHI:
Oh but they’re the only ones who fall for all your lines.
Levi pursed his lips.
“How does this date even work?” Rhi pulled up a chair and sat down.
“I text you while she sleeps?” Levi shot her a glare. “And I’ll have you know, most of the women I bring home are over college age.”
“Well, we know you don’t pick up geniuses.” Rhi grinned. “Is she even alive? Her color looks off.”
“I checked her pulse. She opened her eyes for a moment, closed them, and mumbled something about something being great.”
“Aw, even when they’re asleep, you please them.” Rhi chuckled. “Seriously though, I’m thinking we should call an ambulance.”
“I’m thinking we take her back to her dorm and encourage her roommate or RA to call an ambulance. I don’t even know if she has ID on her. What happens if she gets to the hospital and no one knows who she is or where she’s supposed to be?” Levi looked over at Claire.
“She wasn’t carrying a purse when I picked her up. If she does have an ID on her, it’s in a pocket. I’m not digging through those.”
“Okay, I’ll give you that one. Are we taking her back now then?”
“Sheila said she’d throw together some extra food for her and bring our meals out. We can take her back after that.”
“We could call her a cab.”
“Right. I hate it when you Uber by yourself. There’s no telling what creeps are out there. She’s half passed out already. No way am I sending her out with some random stranger who may have bad intentions.”
Rhi kissed his cheek. “Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not a sweetheart.”
Levi held his hands up. “Don’t ever tell anyone that. It would ruin my reputation.”
Sheila came out with two brown paper bags. “Hi, Rhi. Bailing Levi out again?”
Rhi nodded as she took the food. “As always.”
“There’s three to-go meals in yours and two in hers.”
“Thanks, Sheila.” Levi handed her his credit card.
Sheila shook her head. “It’s on the house. Earl’s orders.”
He frowned, pulled cash out of his wallet, and dropped a fifty on the table. “At least take this as your tip. We’re going to take her back to the dorms and call an ambulance if no one else will. I’ll text Earl and let him know what we think.”
Sheila smiled. “You’re a good man, Levi.”
“I told him that.” Rhi rose. “I’ll go get your car and meet you outside.”
Levi gently shook Claire. “Hey, it’s time to go. They came back with our takeout boxes.”
Claire rubbed her eyes. “We ate already?”
“Yeah, you said the portobello burger was excellent, so I ordered you another to go.”
“Wow. I don’t even remember eating. I must have been out of it, huh?” She ran a hand through her hair. “What are we doing now?”
“I figured I’d take you back to your dorm. You look pretty tired.”
“I thought we’d go back and hang out at your place.” She rested her hand on his arm.
“Listen. I don’t take advantage of people, and in your condition, it’s never going to happen. Let me take you back to the dorm so you can get some help.” Levi stood and offered her his hand.
She opened her mouth but then shut it and staggered to her feet. “Maybe it would be the best idea for me to go home.”
Levi wrapped his arm around her waist as she struggled to keep her footing. “You should go to the hospital.”
“I’m fine. Just tired. It’s no big deal.”
“Right.” He led her through the restaurant and out to the sidewalk.
Rhi climbed out of the driver’s seat of his car. “Good evening, sir. I’m your Uber driver tonight. Are we ready to go?”
“Thank you, ma’am.” Levi nodded and opened the back door. He helped Claire get settled then walked around to chat with Rhi. “Good idea. Thanks.”
“I’ve bailed you out of way too many situations.”
“Maybe.” Levi climbed into the backseat.
Claire’s eyes were closed and she was snoring softly.
“She’s in Fletcher Hall at IUPUI.” Levi buckled his seatbelt and reached over to buckle Claire’s as well. She didn’t wake up this time and he checked her pulse. “Seems okay. Let’s get her home fast, so she can get to the hospital.”
“Will do.” Rhi took off and wove through traffic as she made her way the six blocks to campus.
Levi checked Claire’s pulse again. Still steady. He jostled her but she didn’t flinch. “I’m going to have to carry her in.”
“I’ll deal with the RA and roommate. What number?”
“I’m not sure. I picked her up outside the dorm.”
“Fuck.” Rhi pulled into the parking lot near Claire’s building and hustled across the street.
Levi shook Claire a little harder and she jolted upright. “I’m awake.”
“Good. I was starting to worry. We’re at your dorm. I didn’t know what room, so our Uber driver went to get your RA.”
Claire grabbed the door handle and got out of the car. She tried to stand but fell to her knees.
Levi raced around the car to help her to her feet. “I think you should go to the hospital.”
