Page 65 of Owned By The Cowboy

Something in her tone makes me look up. “Who are you calling?”

“Blayne.”

“Nia, no. He’s got work, and this isn’t his responsibility…”

“Mom.” She gives me a look that’s pure teenage exasperation. “He told Annalise he’d be here for Jaylen’s tryout results. He’s already planning to be around today. And you’re sick.”

“But…”

“No buts. You’re calling him, or I am.”

“I can’t ask him to…”

“You’re not asking. I am.”

Before I can stop her, she’s scrolling through my phone contacts and hitting call.

“Cornelia Lisa Scott, hang up right now.”

“Hi, Blayne? It’s Nia… Yeah, I’m good, thanks… Listen, my mom’s really sick and… No, she’s being stubborn… Can you come over?… Like now?… Thank you. See you in a few.”

She hangs up and gives me a satisfied smile. “He’ll be here in ten minutes.”

“Nia, you had no right to…”

“To what? To call someone who cares about us when we need help? To make sure Annalise gets to school and Jaylen doesn’t miss his tryouts because you’re too proud to admit you’re human?”

“I’m not too proud, I’m just…”

“Stubborn. And sick. Now get back in bed before you fall over.”

I want to argue, but another wave of dizziness hits me, and I have to grab the doorframe to steady myself.

“Fine,” I mutter. “But I’m just resting until I feel better. I don’t need anyone to…”

“Mama?” Annalise appears behind Nia, her hair sticking up in about twelve different directions. “Why do you sound funny?”

“I’m a little sick, sweetie. But I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine. You look like the time I had the throw-up bug.”

“Thanks for that comparison, sweetheart.”

“Are you going to throw up?”

“I hope not.”

“Should I get a bucket?”

“That’s probably not a bad idea,” Nia tells her before I can answer.

“I don’t need a bucket. I need coffee and maybe four more hours of sleep.”

“You need a doctor,” Nia mutters.

“I don’t need a doctor. I need…”

The sound of the front door opening cuts me off, followed by heavy footsteps and a familiar voice.