I move to sit up in bed. He doesn’t sound like himself. His voice has a tremor to it that’s not usually there.
“Is everything alright?”
He exhales audibly. “Alvin.”
“What about Alvin?” I question before he can say another word.
I don’t know his nephew well, but he’s a good kid. He was sweet to me when we had dinner together. I’ve been looking forward to seeing him again.
“Phoebe got called away from the party right after you left. He was sick. She ended up in the ER with him. I went down there. It scared the fuck out of me.”
“Are you there now?” I swing my legs over the side of my bed.
It’s not like I’m going to rush down there, am I? I barely know Alvin. I’m not Alexander’s girlfriend. I don’t belong there.
“No, I’m here. I’m in
the lobby of your building.”
I pick up my robe from where I threw it on the foot of my bed. I slip into it. “I’ll buzz you up.”
Chapter 34
Olivia
I shut the door behind him once he’s inside my apartment. “Is Alvin alright?”
He looks around my living room. “It’s food poisoning. They’re keeping him overnight for observation. Phoebe is staying with him.”
I nod and gesture toward my couch. “Do you want to sit down?”
His eyes rake me from head-to-toe. “I’d like that.”
I follow as he moves across the room. “Can I get you anything? I can make coffee.”
He scratches his chin as he lowers himself onto my couch. “Sit with me.”
Taking a seat next to him, I adjust my robe.
“Blue velvet?” he asks, running his hand over one of the cushions.
“I found it in a vintage shop,” I say quietly. “It’s the most comfortable piece of furniture I own.”
He leans back and sighs. “I like your taste.”
I look around the room. Nothing matches, yet it all fits together perfectly.
I’ve always decorated by my rulebook, pairing modern with vintage. My mom tells me that my style gives her a migraine whenever she comes to visit. I find it soothing and calming.
“Will Alvin be released tomorrow…I mean later today?”
“The attending physician told Phoebe that they’d kick him out at around noon if he keeps improving. I’ll pick them up.”
He’s a good brother and uncle. “I’m glad he’ll be alright.”
“Me too.” His voice quakes. “I’ve never seen him like that before. He could barely move. His eyes were sunken in. I wanted to help, but...”
I nod, not surprised that his voice trailed off. He looks exhausted. I offer the only other thing I can think of that will help. “It’s late. You need to rest. You can stay if you want.”