The Golden Couple

Chap. 14

"Hey there," I said, plopping down criss-cross on Bryce's bed.

"What time is it?" he groaned.

"A little before 3."

He wiped an arm across his eyes, letting out a yawn.

"Have you been out of bed today?"

"I think I got up to pee once."

"How're you feeling?"

"Okay I guess," he said, pushing himself up vertical. "Do you know if Dawson's been out today?" He reached down and nudged his sleeping dog with his foot.

"No idea babe, I just got here."

Bryce put his head in my lap, letting out another yawn.

"Did you sleep well?'

"I didn't wake up once. Well, except to pee I think."

"So all you need is a little brain surgery to cure insomnia."

"I'll recommend it to all my friends."

I laughed as he sat up again, rubbing his eyes. "I need to take Dawson out."

Dawson's head lifted up at his name.

"We could go to the dog park," I suggested. "Get a little sunshine."

"Okay," Bryce agreed.

I gave him a quick kiss before heading out to his living room, giving him a few minutes to freshen up.

Josh was lugging his suitcase to the front door, Kayla behind him.

"You're leaving?" I asked Josh.

"I've maxed my vacation days," he said, with a half-smile. "My boss might kill me."

"We're going to miss you," Regina said, jutting out her bottom lip.

"I'm going to miss you too Ms. H," Josh said, giving her a tight hug.

"What's going on?" Bryce asked, coming out into the living room.

He'd managed to get dressed, sporting a pair of khaki shorts and a baseball tournament t-shirt.

"My flight leaves in a couple of hours," Josh informed him.

"That's today?" Bryce asked.

He nodded. "But I have a present for you."

"It must be my lucky day."

His living room was scattered with Get Well Soon balloons, teddy bears, and flowers.

Everybody loves Bryce Harrison.

Josh swiped his gift bag off the counter, tossing it to Bryce.

Bryce caught it, plopping down on the couch.

Dawson was immediately by his side, his nose stuffed inside the gift bag.

"I think this one is for me bud," Bryce said, giving Dawson a good scratch before opening his gift.

Inside was a white beanie.

"You talked to my mom," Bryce said, laughing as he pulled it out.

"I wanted to get you something useful," Josh defended.

Bryce disappeared back into the bathroom and came back in a few minutes with his beanie pulled over his head, more importantly over his scar.

"Looking stylish there," I said, with a smile.

Bryce chuckled.

"I think he pulls off the beanie look," Kayla mused.

"I'd date him," I said, with a nod.