Chapter 4 - Temperature Rising

Liana

As I let myself in, the smell of the motel room hit me.

It smelled like disinfectant and damp carpet, the kind of clean that never quite erased what had been there before.

I parked the cart in a corner, taking out the food and placing on the small counter.

I crossed the room in three quick steps.

Remi was curled on his side, too still.

His normally handsome face was pale except for the hectic splotches of red slashed across his cheeks and brow.

“Hey,” I whispered, brushing my fingers over his forehead.

Too warm.

My chest tightened. “Rem, wake up.”

His lashes fluttered. “You’re back,” he murmured, voice thin but smiling anyway.

“Yes sweets, picked up the cart from Aldo as well”

I reached for the thermometer, already knowing the answer. The number blinked up at me, higher than it had been this morning.

My hands shook as I set it aside. I frowned because it was obvious the fever still persisted.

“That’s not good, is it?” he asked gently, like he was the one comforting me.

“We’ll manage,” I said quickly. “We always do.”

“Upsydozey lazybones, I come bearing food and a treat” I aimed for a cheerful note to cover my concern.

I helped him sit up, propping pillows behind his back.

Fetching the food, I sat on the edge of the bed next to him, dividing the food and and utensils and placing his carefully on his lap.

”Go ahead, dig in…no treat if you don’t eat your dinner first.” I said upbeat.

He smiled wanly but then squinted at the kiddies meal he saw me holding.

“Didn’t want to stuff my face, gotta still perform tonite..” I said quickly.

“I call bullshit…you can eat anyone under the table…” he deadpanned.

I gulped at the accusation. That’s what happens when you are two parts of one whole, it is almost impossible to hoodwink one another…

”Whatevs Mr KnowItAll…you calling me a foodhog now?”

I tried for jocular and he gave a weak laugh that ended up in a coughing fit.

He rubbed his hand over his chest obviously in discomfort.

My heart was torn watching him. If we didn't need the money so desperately, there was no way I would leave him tonight.

He ate slowly, apologetically, as if each bite was a burden.

“By the way, I confirmed tonite’s gig with Rory and told him you were sick. I told him to bring out the piano instead so I can perform solo.”

“What no..” Remi protested…”there is no way that you are going there alone, it’s a freaking Gentlemans club."

"Plus you would be walking there by yourself..”

His lips firmed in a familiar firm line.

“Not to mention that sleazy bastard will shortchange you with pay cos it would be only you and not me..”

I sighed. He was going to be difficult about this.

“Remi, please think about this.*

*It’s the first time we have been given a Friday night gig."

I paused to let that sink in.

*Plus, we only have the room booked for another two nights and its too cold for us to be outside or separated in a shelter. We need funds until you’re better” I tried reasoning.

He slumped back against the pillows, weak and exhausted just from eating and gave a defeated huff.

“Okay but promise me you will call as soon as you reach the Club and Uber back when the gig is done…there is no way you are walking back alone after 12am”

I kissed him quickly on the cheek, relieved that he wasn’t being more difficult.

“Okay dad, will do. Let me clear up here then I’m gonna have a quick shower and set you up with your meds”

I fled the room before he came up with any more objections.

I had a superquick shower, the temperemantal water pressure didn't allow for dawdling.

I put on my better black jeans, long sleeve henley, chunky sweater and black Converses with haste.

That was the last of the baby lotion.

I sighed…I really needed to make some money or the eczema would be back with a vengeance.

But those were luxuries considering we might be homeless in two days.

A spritz of lavender oil spritzed on my wrists and pulse points and I was good to go.

The performance clothes were kept at the Club so my backpack just had my pepper spray, brush, some make up and wipes…

Remi was already half asleep and grumbled when I woke him to take his meds.

His face seemed redder than when I had gone to get ready.

I touched his forehead. That too felt even warmer.

I didn't like this at all. Again something told me not to leave him.

I could feel my eyes welling. It had to be done. We needed a payday.

But whether he grumbled or threw a tantrum, we were going to the clinic tomorrow…

I was not at all happy at his condition, or the wheezy sound of his chest .

The over-the-counter meds were not cutting it.

I pulled the blankets over him and brushed back the damp strands sticking on his forehead.

I placed a gentle kiss on his heated cheek.

“Love you my heart, be back soon” I whispered.

He blinked drowsily…”Love you more Lia” he croaked in response.

Looking at the time on the bedside alarm clock, I grabbed my backpack, a banana and water bottle and the key card and let myself out quietly.

I was still uneasy about leaving him on his own but knew I had no choice.

Sometimes love meant leaving for a little while to ensure we could be together forever.