But it was the last text, from Lexie, that made Slate frown.
Lexie: I’m so sorry you’ve got another headache. You should’ve let me know earlier and I could’ve taken over your shift or something. I know how bad they can get. Last time you went three days without eating, and that’s totally not cool. So if you’re still feeling shitty tomorrow, let me know and I’ll bring some stuff you can eat without having to cook. Okay? Love you.
He didn’t even think about what he was doing. He picked up his own phone and clicked on Lexie’s name. He hadn’t ever sent her a text before, had no reason to communicate privately with Midas’s woman. But he couldn’t stop himself now.
Slate: This is Slate. I read the text you sent Ash on her phone. I’m at her place now. These headaches last for days?
Lexie: Oh! I’m so glad you’re there with her! They don’t usually last that long, but one time she was super sick, and she lost quite a bit of weight because she literally couldn’t get out of bed to eat anything.
Slate: When?
Lexie: When what?
Slate: When was this long headache?
Lexie: I’m not sure. Maybe around six months ago?
Slate closed his eyes and took a deep breath. She’d had a killer headache, for days, and he hadn’t known. For some reason, that irked him. No, they hadn’t been dating six months ago, but they were friends, and he hated that she’d kept it from him.
Lexie: Make sure she drinks lots of water. She isn’t going to want to, because moving hurts, but I read that staying hydrated can help.
Slate: I will. Anything she likes to eat when she gets like this?
He wasn’t happy that he didn’t know the answer to something as simple as what Ashlyn liked to eat when she didn’t feel well, but he wasn’t going to shy away from asking what he needed to know.
Lexie: I don’t think she likes to eat anything. I’d keep it simple. Nothing too hot or cold, because that would probably exacerbate the headache. Plain bread, applesauce, maybe a protein shake if you can get one down her.
Her advice made sense. Slate’s thumbs flew across the keyboard as he responded.
Slate: Thanks. I’ll take care of her.
Lexie: I know you will. Seriously, I feel so much better knowing you’re there. Please tell her that we’re all thinking about her. And maybe you can text me later and let me know how she’s doing?
Slate: I will.
Lexie: Thanks. Ash is always looking out for everyone else. It’s good she’s got someone to look after her for once. Gotta go, Carly needs me. Later.
Slate didn’t bother to respond, knowing Lexie was busy. Another text popped up on his screen. Mustang, letting him know he’d just pulled into the parking lot. Slate got up and headed to the door, not wanting his friend to knock or ring the bell.
In a minute or so, Mustang was walking down the hall toward him. He had a small bag in his hand and handed it over.
“How is she?” he asked.
Slate shrugged. “Not good. Hurting.”
“Right. Well, the doc said ibuprofen can help reduce symptoms of a migraine, but it’s most effective if taken at the first signs of the headache. Once it takes root, it’s usually too late for the medicine to work.”
“Fuck.”
“Yeah. But he did give me two Topamax tablets. He said sometimes they can help even if it’s not taken within two hours of the start of the headache. He definitely recommends her seeing her doctor and trying to figure out what causes the pain, and to get a prescription for something that will work for her specific symptoms.”
“Thanks. I appreciate this.”
“Keep an eye on her. Since this is a new medicine for her, it’s probably smart not to leave her alone.”
“Wasn’t gonna do that, even if you hadn’t stopped by,” Slate said, feeling irritated that his friend thought he’d do such a thing.
“I know, just sayin’. You need anything?” Mustang asked.
“If you can convince Elodie to give me some time before she storms the castle, I’d appreciate it. And I’m sure Ashlyn would too. I’m guessing by her reaction to me being here, that she hates for people to see her vulnerable and sick.”
“I’ll do my best. But you know my wife. And the others. They like to take care of their own. And Ashlyn is definitely one of their posse.”
Slate nodded. “Sorry I left today without much warning. I miss anything?”
Mustang sighed. “Just the fact that there’s a ninety percent certainty we’ll be heading to the desert.”
“Will Jag miss his wedding?”
“Not if I can help it,” Mustang said firmly. “Of course, he might not get the honeymoon he was looking forward to.”
Slate nodded. He wasn’t all that surprised. But knowing Jag and Carly, they’d make up for not having a honeymoon right after their wedding ceremony when he got back.
“Keep me in the loop on how she’s doing,” Mustang said.
“Will do. Thanks again for coming by.”
“She’s a good woman,” Mustang said earnestly. “Never has a bad word to say about anyone and is more generous than most. Besides, she’s your girlfriend, which means she’s important to all of us. Later.”
As Mustang walked back down the hallway, Slate shut the door, still thinking about his friend’s words. He loved the support his teammates showed each other when it came to their women. It made their group feel even more like a family.
He walked into the kitchen and got a plastic cup out of a cabinet. He dug around and was happy to find a drawer filled with plastic cutlery and straws from takeout she’d had in the past, and had saved.
Remembering Lexie’s warning about giving Ashlyn anything too hot or cold, he filled the glass with tap water and stuck the straw in. He opened the bag Mustang had brought to find a sample pack of the migraine drug with two doses. He popped out one pill and headed for the bedroom.
He pushed open the door quietly and saw that Ashlyn hadn’t moved. He walked over to the side of the bed and got down on his knees.
“Ash,” he whispered.
She didn’t move.
“Ashlyn,” he said a little louder, hating that her brow scrunched upon hearing her name.
“Don’t open your eyes, I’ve got a pill for you to take.”
“Wanna sleep,” she mumbled.
“I know, and you can, after you swallow this down. Can you do that for me?”
“Yeah.”
“I brought you water with a straw so you don’t have to tilt your head back to drink. Get up on one elbow and lean toward me. Good, just like that.”
Slate kept his eyes on her face as he moved the cup closer. “Open.”
She did as he asked without opening her eyes.
“Okay, stick out your tongue. I’ll put the pill on it and you can swallow it down with the water I’ve got right here.”
Her trust in him was humbling when she didn’t ask him what kind of drug he was giving her or anything. She just did as he asked, letting him give her the pill. As she swallowed it, Slate said, “Keep drinking. Get as much of the water down as you can. It’s good for you. Promise.”