The Endgame Is You (Rixon Raiders 4)

“Like I got hit by a truck.” I tried to sit up but my stomach roiled.

“Have you heard from Cameron?”

“Nothing.” I stared at my cell, willing it to vibrate.

“I’m sure he’ll call. It’s a lot for them to process.” She placed the glass down and pressed her hand against my forehead. “You don’t feel feverish. It could be something you ate, or a stomach flu.”

“I’ll be okay.” I brushed her off.

“Cameron will probably have to stay away if he’s going to be visiting his mom in the hospital. At least until it passes.”

Great.

Just what I didn’t need.

“I’m really tired, Mom.” I’d barely slept a wink.

“Sure, baby. I’ll let you get some rest. If you need anything...”

“I know, and thanks, for everything.”

“Hailee, you’re my daughter. I will always be here for you. I hope you know that.” She gave me a warm smile, before leaving me alone.

The door had barely closed before the first tear fell.

Hailee

After twenty-four hours, I finally felt human again. But my heart was still bruised. Cameron had texted a couple of times to say he was spending the day with Xander, and that he would stop by later today.

That was five hours ago.

Mom insisted, I rest. She also insisted I drink regular fluids and nibble crackers to replenish myself. I think secretly she just loved having someone in the house to fuss over.

“Can I get you anything else?” she called, and I shook my head with silent laughter.

“I’m good, Mom, thanks.”

“Okay, baby. Holler if you need me.”

Our relationship hadn’t always been easy, but she was trying. And after Karen’s devastating news, I knew I probably needed to try harder.

I wanted to call Cameron, to see how his mom was doing, and to ask if they knew anything more. But I didn’t want to crowd him.

So, I opted for calling my best friend instead.

“Hailee, thank God,” Felicity said on the third ring. “I’ve been so worried. How are you? And Cam? And Karen. Oh God, Karen...”

“Breathe, Flick,” I chuckled

softly, not that anything about this situation was funny.

“Seriously, how are you?”

“I feel a bit better now, but it wasn’t pretty.”

“I can’t believe you got so sick. Do you think it was something you ate?”

“I don’t know. But I feel okay now.”