“I’m not taking those pills,” she said with a commanding tone. “I hardly have any pain at all except for the one you’re giving me in my ass.”
Clara was looming over her, shaking the pill bottle which rattled annoyingly. “That’s because you’re still on the dose the hospital gave you. When that wears off, you’re going to think I’m a pain in the ass even more.”
“You don’t know everything. I’m just going to use a little ibuprofen, and I’ll be fine.” Avery was stubborn, and Clara was determined to make her listen.
“I know more about being in and out of the hospital than you. You’re always telling me that I have to follow the doctor’s orders. So what’s good for me is good for you.” Clara wasn’t going to back down anytime soon, and I wished I’d taken my time instead of rushing over. It wasn’t like either had acknowledged me aside from yelling for me to come in.
“I’m going to take something,” said Avery. “I can take four of these, and that’s prescription strength. It will be enough to do the job.” She held up the bottle of ibuprofen.
“No, you’re not.” Clara tried to snatch them from her hand, but Avery pulled them away too fast.
“See? My reflexes are still better than yours. I’m fine.”
Clara made a sound of frustration. “You’re going to let too much wear off and be in a world of pain before you even realize it. You have to follow the doctor’s orders. That’s why he let you come home so early because he trusted you to do just that.”
“I know my own body. My body, my choice.”
“Not when it comes to this, it’s not. You don’t get it. You’re going to end up in extreme pain.”
Avery finally turned her attention to me. “Seth, would you tell her she’s too protective?” She gave me a pleading look.
Clara rolled her eyes and shot daggers in my direction. “Tread carefully, Seth. I’m just starting to like you.”
I hated being between them and decided I had to speak up and tell Avery how I felt about it. “Actually, I think she’s making sense, babe. I don’t want your hospital dose to wear off, and you regret it. You might suffer a lot before those pills kick in, and I don’t want that to happen. Let’s just do what the doctor said and take those the next few days.”
Avery’s expression paled. “Whose side are you on?” She snatched the pills from Clara, who had let her guard down. “I’ll take these on one condition.”
“Oh, I can’t wait to hear this,” said Clara, who plopped down in the chair beside her sister.
“You’ve been with me for days, Clara. Why don’t you go home to Dillon? I’m fine, and Seth can stay here and take care of me, can’t you?” She gave me a look I couldn’t refuse, even if I wanted to, which I didn’t. But I didn’t think Clara was going to allow that to happen.
I looked at Clara, who was shaking her head at her sister. “And you’ll take the meds? Just like Dr. Samson ordered? No arguing, and no giving him any trouble?”
Avery rolled her eyes. “Yes, to the letter, and Seth will make sure of it, won’t you?”
“Yes, because I think your sister is right this time.” I let out a sigh. “Look, Clara, I don’t mind really. I can stay with her tonight. It’s no problem.”
“Oh, I bet you don’t mind, stud muffin. But if I let you stay here, you had better keep Mr. Wiener in your pants and keep your hands off of her. She’s supposed to take it easy.”
“Clara! Oh my gosh. You did not just say that.” Avery turned red, clearly embarrassed.
“You don’t have to worry,” I said. “I heard the doctor’s orders.” I held up my hands in defense.
“Fine, I’m going home,” said Clara, gathering up her things. “She’s all yours. Hopefully, you can talk some sense into her. I miss my boyfriend anyway.”
She stormed out and slammed the door behind her.
“Okay, so I guess she’s pissed off.” Sister fights were not as sexy as I had imagined.
Avery laughed. “She’ll get over it. That was just a sisterly spat. It happens.”
“She’s just worried about you.”
“No, she’s tired, and she needs to go back to her life. Just because she misses Dillon doesn’t mean she has to act like Madame Gestapo to me. I’m home now, and I would much rather have you stay with me anyway.” Avery gave me a sly grin. “Come sit with me.”
She wasn’t getting off that easy. “After you take that pill.” I was going to hold her to the agreement and be a man of my word.
She made a face. “Seriously? I only made that deal so Clara would leave.”
“And I gave my word too. You promised me as well, or did you forget?”
“Dammit,” she said, knowing I had her by her word.
“Take the pills.”
She pulled the covers from the back of the couch over her feet. “Fine. Will you get me a drink of water?”
“Sure,” I said, walking to the kitchen. “I hope you’re not going to give me the same trouble you gave your sister.” I opened the door to the fridge and found several cold bottles of water on the top shelf.
“I’ll be good.” She didn’t sound too enthusiastic about it.
“Good. I don’t want to have to give you a spanking.” I grinned and earned a laugh, which was good to hear again.
“In that case, maybe I will. A spanking would be nice. I’m due some excitement.” She stretched out on the couch as I walked over to hand her the bottle.
“Nah, I wouldn’t waste my time. I don’t think that spankings are on the doctor’s list, and I doubt it would do any good.” I picked up the pills and read the bottle. She was supposed to take them with food. “See, it says here that you can’t operate heavy machinery.”
She laughed. “Well, you are built like a tank, but I don’t think that’s what that means.”
“No. It’s not happening.”
“What about making out?”
“Hm.” That was a good idea, but if we did mess around, I would have to get off somehow. “I don’t need blue balls to add to my problems.”
“As if.” She sighed and surprisingly changed the subject. “Did you talk to your coach?”
“He’s still not talking to me. I guess I deserve it. He’s making me wait to find out my fate.” I had tried calling him and even went to his house, but he didn’t come to the door.
I had really screwed up, and while he was an ass, he didn’t deserve to be hit. I owed him an apology for my part but wouldn’t hold my breath for him to apologize for his.
“Since you have to take this with food, I’ll make you something for dinner if you want,” I said. “Or we can call out for something.”
“Takeout from Merskys would be good. Or a pizza from DeAngelo’s.” She held her stomach. “I just want normal food. Something hot with a lot of flavors.”
“Well, the pizza would be here a lot faster, and since you have to hurry up and take this, DeAngelo’s, it is.”