Read Online Trepidation by Chrissy Peebles - Free Book Online Page B

only way.”
    “I-I’m okay,” he said, gasping deeply. “Thanks, sis.”
    “Here! He can use this splint,” Rita said, running over and handing it to Val.
    “Thanks.” Val reached for it and adjusted the straps until it fit perfectly.
    “We have a box of medical supplies in one of the rooms. Raided the hospital and took all we could get, just in case. I don’t like takin’ things without payin’ for ‘em, but it’s kind of the way of the world these days.”
    “Good call,” Kate said.
    “I’m so sorry I don’t have any ice for his shoulder,” Rita said.
    “It’s okay,” I said. “It’s kind of hard to find ice in a zombie apocalypse.”
    “Nick, do you wanna lie down on the sofa?” Kate asked.
    “I would like to get some sleep,” he answered. “We need to leave first thing in the morning.”
    Val looked at Rita. “Do you have a place for him to sleep?”
    “Not yet. The boy’s gotta eat if he’s gonna get his strength back and recover,” Rita answered.
    “I’m not hungry,” he said.
    “I’m not either,” I parroted, as my stomach felt queasy as well.
    The woman looked away, and tears welled up in her eyes. “I never get guests. I bought this hotel to entertain, and now I never get to do that. I just...well, what has the world come to when an old lady can’t make a nice meal for somebody and show them to one of my fancy rooms?”
    Rita had been so kind to us, and I felt very sorry for her. “On second thought,” I said, rubbing my aching stomach, “I’d love to.”
    “Yes,” Lucas chimed in. “I’d love to have dinner with the proprietor of such a fine establishment.”
    “Great!” Rita said.
    “I’m not trying to be rude,” Nick interjected, “but I really don’t have much of an appetite. I just wanna lie down.”
    Rita handed him a brown mug full of water and two little white pills. “If you don’t want to eat, at least take these Tylenol and have some water.”
    “Thanks, ma’am. My shoulder’s really killing me.”
    “Well, darlin’, you’ve clearly been through a lot. You get a good night’s rest, and you’ll be good as new tomorrow,” she said.
    “Thank you for your hospitality,” Nick said. “I’ll help Lucas with your firewood in the morning.”
    “You’ll do no such thing with that bum shoulder of yours!” Val screeched. “We’ll take care of that. You need to rest that shoulder.”
    Nick laughed. “You’re right. I guess that’s what we have Lucas and Dean for, huh? All the hard work.”
    “Hey, girls can swing an axe too,” Val said, winking at Kate.
    Nick laughed again, then winced.
    “I think chopping wood is more than a fair trade for a meal and shelter for the night,” Lucas said.
    Rita smiled. “I’m just thankful to have company. I’ve never been more lonely. With my boys gone, having y’all here is nice.”
    “We’re sure glad we ran into you,” Lucas said.
    As our hospitable house-mom was grinning, I was startled by a bang coming from upstairs, and I looked at Rita. “Are you sure it’s just us here?”
    “Oh, that’s just Harvey.”
    “Harvey?” I asked, fearing that she might have a pet zombie or something. The way of the world had my paranoia constantly on edge, and I was sure no one could be as nice as Rita without having a few quirks.
    “My cat. Nothing to worry about. He just hates being all cooped up, but if I let him out, I’m afraid he’ll become a zombie treat.”
    “Definitely,” I said.
    Rita looked at the girls. “Would you ladies mind giving me a hand with supper?”
    “Sure,” Val said. “I’m way better at popping shoulders into place than cooking though.”
    Rita smiled. “Honey, if you can open a can, you’ll be a gourmet chef in my kitchen.”
    We all chuckled.
    The girls went into the kitchen to help with dinner, and Nick took a seat on the loveseat by the fire, while Lucas and I sat on the leather couch.
    “It’s homey here,” Lucas said.
    I kicked my feet up on the matching