“Stay right there. I’ll bring it to you.” Alex went downstairs to the kitchen to set her up with a tray that he found in a drawer under the stove. Opening doors and drawers in the tiny galley kitchen, he located a bowl and spoon. He added a stack of crackers and an icy glass of ginger ale to the tray and carried it upstairs.

Jenny was sitting up against a pile of pillows. She’d turned on a light, and he could see that her cheeks were red from the fever. “I can’t believe you brought me soup.”

“Why not? You’re sick, right?”

“I know, but still… It was really nice of you.”

“I got some for me, too. Be right back.” He went down to get the container of minestrone and the Coke he’d brought for himself and carried it upstairs to join her.

Propped against his own pile of pillows, he devoured the soup and the baguette that had come with it. They ate in companionable silence, which he enjoyed tremendously. Being around her calmed him and settled his racing mind.

“How’s the belly?” he asked.

“Happier than it’s been all day. This is great. Thanks again.”

“It was no problem.”

“It was nice of you.”

“If you say so.”

“I do. How’s your mom?”

“Sleeping a lot.”

She took a long perusing look at him that made his skin tingle with awareness of her. “Did you get some sleep?”

“A couple of hours.”

“I hope you don’t get whatever it is I have.”

“I never get sick. Don’t worry about me.”

“I never get sick either, and I am worried about you. You’re burning the candle at both ends. I’d hate to see that catch up to you.”

Her kind concern touched him deeply. Despite living at home with his mother and brother and the compassion of the Gansett Island community all around them, Alex had felt very alone in the midst of the chaos. He felt less alone when he was with her.

“Are you done?” he asked when she put down her spoon.

“Yes, thanks. It was great.”

“Glad you enjoyed it.” He took the tray downstairs and washed the dishes before returning to the bedroom. “Do you want me to go and let you sleep?”

“I’d much rather you stayed for a while, if you don’t have anything you need to do.”

“I don’t have anything I need to do, and I’d love to stay.”

“I’m going to hit the bathroom. Make yourself comfortable.” She got up slowly, the covers falling away to reveal a skimpy tank and a skimpier pair of lacy panties.