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My head spun I hadn’t slept Luke was in my bed And Jake would kill me if he found out

I coughed into the phone My voice already had an edge of early- raspiness I could play this off

“Jake, I feel terrible My throat is scratchy and I was up ht with a fever” It was a fever, just not the kind that was a result of germs

“Today? Right now? You’re sick?”

“Jake!” I faked a coughing fit”

“Sorry Sorry Do you have a doctor’s appointet someone to take you”

I looked atthe robe fall to the side My nipples were swollen My neck was red and there were definite thuhs It all felt divine The ied my life was all over my body

“No No” I hacked again “I’ve got hot tea and soes I just need rest I think a day in bed and I’ll be back to normal tomorrow And then we can celebrate”

“What a day to have this happen”

“I know I’m sorry”

“Don’t be sorry, Lex If you need so you need at all Anything”

“I will Thanks”

Jake was a coermophobe He wouldn’t come anywhere near my house until he knew it had been disinfected by a professional team

“And congrats, babe I’m proud of you”

“Thank you” It was one of those limpse of e used to be The days when Jake and I worked together for the sa it to the CYAs together That seenize ere anyht and threaten each other Our friendship was toxic