Live-In Position by V.S. Tice Read Free Book Online Page B

Victoria, on the other hand, was not home at all. It was weird being there without her.
    I woke up late Saturday morning feeling a little better, but still awfully congested. I tried a hot shower in an attempt to feel human again. After drying off and brushing my wet hair, I slipped into another pair of cotton shorts and a t-shirt.
    Sick of being in bed, I walked out to the living room of my suite and stopped when I saw Dr. Bishop sitting on a chair by the small table at the far side of the room. He had his laptop open and was talking on his cell phone.
    Quietly, I made my way to the couch and curled up with a throw pillow and blanket, grabbing the television remote. I switched on the television and his attention fell on me. He mumbled into his cell and then set his phone on the table.
    “Good morning.”
    I looked over to him and forced a smile.
    “Morning.” The television got my attention.
    “Are you feeling okay?” His movement from the chair toward me brought my eyes back to him.
    “Yes, much better. Thank you.” Our eyes lingered. “You know, for the doctor and–”
    “Couldn’t have you running around sick,” he said in his ever-present detached tone.
    “No, I guess not.” My response was clipped, and I returned my attention to the television.
    He cleared his throat. In my peripheral vision, I watched his posture stiffen.
    “You were, umm, talking in your sleep last night. Are you sure you are feeling well?”
    Covering my face with my hands, I peeked through my fingers.
    “Yes,” I groaned. “What did I say?”
    He actually cracked half of a smile. For a moment I thought he might be having a stroke.
    “Something about the Antichrist and Stepford Wives.”
    Heat filled my cheeks, and I shook my head.
    “I’m fine. Thank you.” I started coughing.
    “That cough doesn’t sound fine.” He stepped forward.
    I waved him off as I got up and walked toward the door of my room, heading to the kitchen for juice.
    “Where are you going?” His hand grabbed my arm and brought me around.
    A tingling blossomed in my arm and the heat of his skin crept across mine. His touch was causing unexpected reactions. Surprised, I jerked my arm back.
    “Sorry.” His brow furrowed.
    “Kitchen, juice,” I coughed out and started walking again. At the top of the stairs, I could feel his presence besides me.
    “I can get it for you. Go back to your room.” He pushed past me and started down the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs, he looked up. “Go back to your room. I don’t need germs spread throughout the house,” he scolded.
    I was still trying to fight off the debilitating coughing when he reentered my room with three glasses—water, orange juice, and grape juice.
    “I wasn’t sure which you would prefer.”
    I grabbed the orange juice and drank greedily.
    “Thank you,” I breathed out, finally able to speak.
    “You’re welcome.” He watched me for a long time, and I caught myself fidgeting under his stare.
    Before I could say anything, he moved to the table and grabbed his things.
    “I’ll be in my office if you need anything, and Mrs. Baker is around the house this afternoon.”
    “Okay, thanks again.” I curled back up on the couch.
    “My office is closest though,” he mumbled and walked out the door, shutting it behind him.
    I stared at the door for a while before I finally looked back to the movie on the television. I couldn’t tell you what the movie was about.

C hapter F ive
    BY MONDAY MORNING, I was still sucking on cough drops and popping cold and sinus pills like an addict, but at least I was able to function. I managed to get Victoria up, dressed, fed, and to school. After I dropped her off, I headed to the grocery store and to the bank. I also decided to make a last minute shopping trip. Victoria’s birthday was a couple of weeks away and I wanted to get her something without her seeing it.
    The afternoon passed quickly. I picked Victoria up and decided to bring up her birthday on