Chapter 27

“Take these,” Derek said, giving Joe two pills, as well as setting a box of tissues on the table. “They’re supposed to help cold symptoms.” He studied Joe. “Are you achy?”

“No.” Joe popped the pills, drinking more juice to wash them down.

“That’s a good sign, from what I know about things. If you were it could be the flu.”

“Ugh.”

Derek chuckled. “Yeah, ugh. Okay, I’ll be back as soon as I get breakfast made. Are you hungry?”

Joe waggled a hand. “Sort of, I guess.”

“Good, then I’ll make bacon, too.”

A couple of minutes later, Joe said, “I thought you were cooking bacon.”

“I am.”

Joe sniffed, which turned into a snuffle, so he blew his nose and tried again. “I can barely smell it.”

“Meaning you probably won’t be able to taste it.” Derek put the eggs and bacon on two plates, with toast, and brought them into the dining room. “Eat it anyway. You need to keep up your strength.”

“I know, I know. House cleaning.”