“Only two.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Remind me never to do cocaine with you,” I mutter dryly.
“Can you sit up?” the operator asks.
Kate goes to sit up and struggles. I take her hand and pull her up into a seated position.
“I’m dizzy.”
“You’ve had an adverse reaction to the medication, you’re drowsy and disoriented. It happens with some people.”
“So, is she okay?” I snap.
“She needs to sleep it off.”
“I’m bringing her into the hospital, I want her checked out,” I reply.
“Sir, you might be waiting for hours in Emergency. If she has only had two tablets I can assure you she needs to sleep it off and nothing more.”
My eyes flick to Kate. “How many have you had, really?”
“Two.”
I glare at her. “I mean it.”
“I promise.”
“Fine,” I snap.
“Can someone pick you up, dear?”
“I’ll drive her home.”
Kate goes to stand up. “I’m fine.” She slips and stumbles back over.
“Congratulations, sir, you did a great job,” the operator says.
Patronizing cow.
“Yes, well, I wish I could say the same for you. It’s lucky she isn’t dead with your snail pace. There was no urgency whatsoever. Work faster next time. Goodbye.” I end the call with force.
Kate looks up at me and then her heavy eyelids close once more.
“Come on, I’ll see you home.” I sigh.
“I’m fine,” she mumbles with her eyes closed. “I’m just going to . . . sleep here tonight.”
I begin to pack up her things that are strewn all over the floor. “You need to clean out your handbag, this thing is full of shit.” I stuff things back in.
“Like you,” she whispers with her eyes still shut.
“Why is this bag so big?” I snap. “This isn’t a handbag, this is luggage.”
Kate frowns and throws her arm over her face. “Just. Shut. Up,” she whispers.
I put her handbag over my shoulder and grab her hand and pull her to her feet; she’s still disoriented and staggers to the side. I put my arm around her. “Come on, stand up. Focus.”
She looks up at me all sleepy, her hair wild and messed up, and an unwelcome smile crosses my face.
“What?” She frowns.
“Do you know how dopey you look right now, Landon?”
“And I’m . . . in my red netball . . . dress,” she slurs.
I smile as I lead her to the elevator. “What a pity.”
Chapter 5
I slowly lead her to the elevator and I hit the button. She sways and I put my arm around her to hold her up. “Stay still.”
She looks up at me and I smirk as I look down at her.
“Don’t,” she slurs as she falls to the side.
I pull her back against my body. “Don’t what?”
“An”—her eyes flutter—“noy me.”