“Yes. I feel better. God forbid I get sick because Mr. Worrywart here won’t stop nagging.”
Eddy looked as shocked as Caleb felt. He was so pleased she was coming out of her shell and teasing him. He gasped dramatically and press a hand to his chest. “Are you implying that I am neurotic about your health, happiness, and wellbeing?” he asked in a high-pitched voice.
The table laughed, and Bella grinned. “Maybe just a little. But I don’t mind.”
He bumped her shoulder with his and smiled down at her. “Ya better get used to it, little star, because I’m not going anywhere.”
“I hope not.”
“Hey. If I were you, Caleb, I’d keep my day job because your acting sucks,” someone down the table yelled.
Caleb leaned forward to glare playfully at the guy. “Bite me, Evan.”
Everyone laughed and then got back to eating.
Caleb watched her eat half the bowl of chicken noodle soup and drink all the juice he’d given her. “Good girl.”
She smiled and groaned. “I think I overate.” She pressed her hands to her stomach.
He chuckled. “You need the nutrients, baby. You lost weight with this virus.”
“Yes, I know. I just don’t need the tummy ache.”
“It will go away quickly once you get moving around.”
“Time’s up. We need to get back to work,” Eddy yelled.
Bella and Caleb took their dishes to the tubs off to the side for just that purpose.
“Do you need to use the restroom, baby?”
“Not yet, but I will soon with as much fluid you shoved down my throat.”
He snorted.
He waited until Bella was on the set before he looked around for Helen. He saw her in the shadows, on her phone. Her face was set in an angry expression as she argued with whoever she was talking to.
Very soon, you little bitch, you won’t have a phone or anything else except the overalls they give you to wear in prison.
The picture of her in the bright orange outfit cheered him tremendously.
The end of the day couldn’t come soon enough. He could tell Bella was exhausted, and he needed to get her home, give her one of the pills Dr. Wesley sent him, which were now in his pocket, and then get her into bed.
He stopped Eddy as he waited outside Bella’s dressing room.
“Hey, tomorrow is Bella’s twenty-third birthday, and I want to do something special.”
“Hell, yeah. How did I not know that?”
“Probably her mother had something to do with it.”
Eddy nodded. “What do you have in mind?”
“I want a big cake brought in and a few gifts. I’ll pay for everything. I know it’s last-minute…”
“Hell, no, it’s not. I’ll get that taken care of. Thank you for letting us know.”
“Also, where’s the best jeweler around here? I want to get her a star necklace and have it at the apartment later tonight or early tomorrow wrapped and ready.”
Eddy grinned. “I know just the place. I’ll send you the number, and I’ll also call Fredrick. He’s the owner and a friend. That will get it done faster.”
“Wow, that’s great, man. Thank you for your help.”
As he watched Eddy walk away, the door to Bella’s dressing room opened, and she came out, followed by her mother.
Caleb’s hand circled Bella’s open arm.
“Ready, little star?”
“Yes, Daddy,” she said and smirked.