Page 6 of Hell Yes

“You guys just continue on with rest, fluids, and acetaminophen. Check your temp regularly. I have another thermometer I’ll leave here. Any shortness of breath or your fever spikes, call me. Day or night.”

“Will do, thanks Jess.” Rochelle offered a weak smile.

“And just so you know, Xander and Vanier are on a food run. Expect lots of frozen dinners and canned soup.”

“Oh God,” Rochelle held her head. “I don’t even want to know what they’re going to do to my kitchen.”

“Relax. We’ll use the microwave. And maybe the barbecue. That’s it.”

“Make sure someone cleans up every day,” Rochelle whispered.

Jesse grabbed his bag and laughed. “Right.”

A loud knock sounded out.

“I’ll get it,” Jesse offered. “I’m on my way out anyway.”

As he walked back out of the room and down the hallway, Jesse spotted Xander just outside the front door.

He was crouched down on the porch, petting the dogs, and speaking to them in a soft voice. Madz and Ozzy were mesmerized, giving Xander licks and pushing their heads into his hands for more scritches.

So much for guarding him from unwanted visitors…

Jesse opened the door and stepped out onto the porch.

“What are you doing here?” Jesse asked.

Xander stood up and met him eye to eye. “How are Nate and Chelle. Are they okay?”

“They’ll be fine. It’ll just take time and lots of fluids.”

“My kind of recovery,” Xander quipped.

“Does everything have to be about sex with you?”

“Yes. But that’s not the reason I’m here. I need you to come into town with me.”

“Why?”

“Gage told me to head to the diner to pick up supper. Sam already has the orders in.”

“I thought Vanier was going with you?”

“He’s back in his room, throwing up.”

“Shit, he’s sick too?”

“Yeah, but likely from a bender last night, not the flu.”

Jesse sighed and snapped his fingers at the dogs. Both sidled up to Jesse, tails wagging.

“Okay, let’s make it good and fast,” Jesse grumbled.

“That’s what he said.”

“That’s not a compliment, Xan.”

“Sometimes quick and dirty is all you need. Am I right?”