I guessed the hog hunting trip would be canceled. First, Garren failed to make it. Now Vince has gotten sick.
“Vince, I’m afraid we can’t go tonight. You need to stay at the house and get some rest. That chicken dance must have done you in, boy.” I smiled and kissed his forehead before holding his hand as we walked together toward the back office.
“Better keep yourself hydrated. Do you want to eat some cookies?” I watched as he opened the bottle, drinking a little water, but not nearly enough.
He refused to drink more, putting the bottle on the table nearby.
“No, Dad, I’m still full.” He seemed to relax on the couch as he closed his eyes. Soon enough, he was fast asleep. I stroked his hair, wiping the sweat from his forehead and neck.
I checked his lunchbox. It was almost untouched. I guessed he had lost his appetite, and hi
s headache would have ruined his energetic, cheerful nature.
Before I went out of the back office, I looked at my son one more time. He was sound asleep, but he still looked pale and sick. I turned to Garren who was still serving some customers. I came near him despite Garren conversing with our loyal patrons.
“Is Vince okay? He looked pale and sick,” Garren asked before I could utter a word.
“He’s got a fever. The hog hunting needs to be moved to a later date, I guess. Hey, buddy, can I talk with you when you’re done?”
“Sure.” Garren nodded and finished up with a customer before joining me near the back. “What’s up, man?”
“Hey, sorry about this, but I need to take Vince home early.” I hated to ask him for more help, but I had no choice.
“Yeah, man. No problem. The date will be at nine, so I still have time.”
“Thanks, man.” I patted his back, grateful for his help. Without him, I did not know how I could juggle the roles of being a father and a business owner.
I went to the back office to get Vince and his stuff. I took his backpack and lunch box first, taking them to the car, after which I came back to carry my son. He was peacefully asleep, almost undisturbed as I lifted him up. As I walked closer to the car, Vince raised his hand and spoke in his sleep.
“Hooray, hog hunting tonight.” His voice was tipsy and weak despite the excitement he seemed to try and muster.
I kissed his forehead before I closed the car door, getting into the driver’s seat and starting the car. I drove as fast as I could thanks to Vince panting softly behind me. Worry left me feeling sick. Every now and then, I checked him from the rearview mirror, finding him sound asleep.
“Dad, let’s go to the lake and fish,” he whispered roughly from the backseat.
“Absolutely, buddy. Get better, and we’ll go.”
We got home and I took him to his bed, changing his clothes and rinsing him off with a wet towel. He appeared comfortable. Poor little guy.
Assuring that he was already better than when he arrived at the gun shop, I stood up and went to the kitchen. Chicken noodle soup would help. It had to.
As I started to gather the ingredients, I heard the doorbell ring. I walked to the front door to see Kylie waiting out front. She wore a long sleeve blouse tucked into ripped jeans, completed by cowboy boots. She was ready to hunt. And, man, was she good-looking.
“Kylie. Hey there. Come inside.” I opened the door wider and moved back.
She walked in and smiled back at me. “You okay? You look a little overwhelmed.”
“Yeah. Just trying to get some soup started for Vince. He’s not feeling too well.” I shrugged.
“Oh no.” She put the gun case down. “Let me help then. I’m a great cook.”
“Really?” Relief filled me. “Come on. I’m not going to deny the help. He’s asleep right now, but I’m hoping he wakes up a little later and eats.”
“Is it his stomach or something else?” Her voice was so soft. I couldn’t help but wonder if she knew how seductive she sounded. Was she trying? No, not with me telling her about Vince.
“Fever.” I walked into the kitchen and went to the fridge. “I think I have everything we need.”
She went through a list of items, and I pulled them from the fridge. I hopped up on the counter next to her and watched as she started to construct the soup from scratch. “You okay?” she asked.