The very next morning Adam awoke loving that Kim was still sound asleep in his arms. He could feel her breath on his neck. He could also hear that she was congested. She was sick. He always worried this would happen when she ran around ragged but he wasn't too worried just yet. She was cool to the touch and her breathing seemed fine. "Darling. It's time to wake up." He rubbed her back trying to wake her. She started to snuggle closer. "I feel the same way. I wish we could stay here all day but we both have work. Though I think yours is only an hour or so then you can head to the lake and see your little buddy. Who yelled at me the other day looking for you." He heard her laughing some. "That's great." She smiled. "Good morning by the way." Kim leaned in to kiss him. "Good morning to you too. How are you feeling?" He really wondered what she had going on. "Um I'm okay. My throat hurts, I'm congested which I'm sure you can hear, I'm pretty sure it's my allergies. I'm not too concerned. I will try to get an appointment today just to check." She rested her head on his chest as he spoke.
"Okay just let me know if something changes. I want to support you but also take care of you." He felt her nod. "Nope my first allergy rodeo but I know it's the first time for you. So I promise to keep you in the loop." Kim looked up seeing understanding in his eyes. "Do you want to shower? Maybe that would help." He knew it couldn't hurt and she probably could use one after such a long day yesterday. "Absolutely. I was up early yesterday in London and then a 10 hour flight home. So I definitely need one. Hopefully it helps." She started to get up and stretched out a bit before moving to the bathroom. "Well it can't hurt that's for sure." He watched her smile as he got up to join her. The couple worked together to start getting ready for the day. Taking time to wash each other's bodies. It was sweet, tender and sexy. They really were just enjoying the moment.
Adam got out first brushing his teeth and drying off. He heard Kim starting to cough. He looked over towards her hoping she was okay. It stopped quickly so he moved on to get dressed. As he dressed he heard the shower turning off but he also heard more coughing. He got overly concerned when she started to throw up. He walked with a purpose getting to her to hold her hair back. "You okay." He watched her throwing up barely anything but it looked beyond painful. "Yeah just mucus. Hurts like hell though. I'm not good at throwing up." Kim smiled sadly. "I'm sorry you don't feel well. You think you are okay to stand again?" He watched her nod. "Okay let's get you dried up some and then you can get dressed." He helped dry her body as she worked on her hair. Since she had to work today it was easier to put it into the bun while wet. It would better for later too. Adam kissed her cheek before heading back out of the bathroom. He was satisfied that she was well enough to leave her be.
He entered the kitchen to make some breakfast for them both before they had to leave for the day. Breakfast was almost done when Kim walked out dressed for the day or at least part of it. "Hey here is some warm tea to help your throat." He watched her smile taking a couple of sips. "Thank you. I do appreciate it. I'm not the best at being sick either by the way. Let me call the doctor while we eat." Kim sat across from Adam as she made the call. "Dr Smith's office." The receptionist answered. "Good morning it's Kimberly Burgess I need to get an appointment for today if at all possible please?" Kim tried to be as polite as possible. "Um let's see what we have? What's going on with you?" She replied trying to gauge the importance. "Sore throat, cough, congestion. I think it's my allergies again. But I need to know for sure it's not Covid again. And then get the rescue meds." Kim stated knowing Adam was probably freaking out knowing she had Covid at one point. "Okay we can squeeze you in at 9:15 does that work?" The receptionist asked. "That's perfect. I have to teach at 10 so that will work. Thank you!" Kim hung up excited for the appointment even if she knew steroids were coming.
"You had Covid? When?" Adam was surprised she never mentioned it. "Um last September. I was actually out east visiting Jim, Justin, everyone. I stayed at Justin's that week since at the end of the next week we were all heading to the beach together. Without Jim. It started on a Friday with a nasty sore throat. I thought it was probably strep at worst. Later that night I was achy all over and freezing cold. So I went to bed at like 8:30. The next day I as so sick feeling all day. Some times sweating, some times freezing. Justin wasn't even in town so I moved to the basement to grab a space heater to help get warmer without turning on the heat in September. I couldn't make back up the stairs. I would get half way and need to sit down to catch my breath before starting again. It took four stops before I got to my room again. My sheets were soaked multiple times during the night. I made it to Monday before I called to get an appointment. But couldn't get one till Tuesday. By Tuesday I was feeling a bit better but still not great. At the appointment I was tested and it was positive but it was already day 5 so meds were pointless. But I was given steroids, cough syrup with codeine and sent on my way. I grabbed food on the way home and started my bed rest." Kim took a sip of her tea again.
"By then Justin was home and yelling at me for not getting help sooner and for washing the sheets but I needed clean ones and had used every set so it needed to be done. Friday rolled around and we packed up to head to our first stop Virginia Beach. We were literally driving over the bridge in a tropical storm. It was scary as hell. And it didn't help that we stopped before the bridge to use the bathroom and get snacks so we were soaked from the rain. Sunday we left for North Carolina and I felt pretty good till I had to go up the stairs and then I realized my lungs were still not good. So it was a challenge all week. So anyway I went to the beach everyday and the pool. Even got a massage. I was lucky but I was also vaccinated so I think that helped." Kim shrugged it off a bit. "Sounds scary for sure. I can't believe you are doing so well considering. And I can see why you are concerned. So let's hope." He squeezed her hand.
"So tell me more about London." Adam wanted to hear more for certain. "Did I tell you about my prank on Justin on day one?" Kim asked unsure. "No what did you do?" He was very curious. "Okay so we were all out walking around by the hotel. We went over this bridge walkway that ran over the tube line. Anyway as we were walking we noticed the bar I wanted to check out was just ahead. So we entered the building taking the elevator to the 8th floor. Anyway we spend time hanging out, having fun. We are heading back down 2 hours later and I see the British dollar store so I decided to have a little fun. So I asked Justin if he wanted to go to Poundland. And he gasped yelling at me about getting married. And I plainly replied it's the British dollar store dumbass! Everyone busted out laughing at him. It was great!" Adam was rolling laughing. "Needless to say I went in and stocked up on the Cadbury. Hold on." Kim went to grab her overly large purse the only thing she brought in with her. She placed in on her chair as she started to pull out all the chocolate bars she bought while away.
"Holy hell Kim! Why so many?" He was shocked staring at the pile that wasn't done yet. "Well it's so much better than here. And it was under 2 American so it was a good savings. So why not stock up." She shrugged trying to pout a bit. "Am I allowed to partake?" He asked before kissing the pout away. "Of course you can! So damn good though!" Kim laughed taking a bite of one herself. "Okay you are right! So good. Creamier, more rich, more smooth." He looked it over. "Well it's less processed, less junk in it, so it tastes better and melts easier. Hence why I brought it in." Adam took a few more bites before they finished getting ready. "Okay teach well. Let me know what the doctor says after class okay?" He watched her smile leaning in for a kiss. "You be safe! No getting shot today!" She tried to be stern but it wasn't since she was smiling wide looking at him. They shared a soft kiss before they both left the home.
Adam had a short ride to work since he was leaving the penthouse. While Kim left early she headed out to grab supplies she needed not only for the house and work but also for her allergies. She also knew she would need to hit the pharmacy on the way home but she could get more of her supplies all at Target. As she shopped she was getting a call from her manager. She declined the call asking him to text her since she was in public. He texted right away that he understood and that it was fine. He wanted to discuss her doing an interview to clear up the issues surrounding her family in the media. She agreed to call him after her class so they could hash it out. She was beyond frustrated and could only hope Adam was off to a better day. He arrived walking into work happy to start the day. He hoped they didn't have a case so he could get home early to Kim. He entered the bullpen dropping his bag heading to the break room for coffee. He noticed most were in there already.
"Morning!" He grabbed his cup needing more coffee. "Hey how was your night?" Erin laughed thinking it had to be crazy. "It was fine. Kim got home around 10 or so. She was exhausted from being up forever. So we crashed as soon as she got home. This morning I woke up hearing her congested. She's sick. After our shower she was throwing up mucus so she's running an errand or two before her doctor's appointment then heading to work to teach a class. She thinks it's just her allergies but needs to hear it's not Covid again. So no nothing crazy today or last night." He shook his head looking at them. "But she's okay right?" Kevin was now concerned. "Yeah. Cough, congestion, sore throat. No fever, no aches, no chills. She ate breakfast fine. It's just the first time she's been sick since we have been together so I'm concerned but happy she planned on going to the doctor right away. She said she's not looking forward to the steroids but it's a necessary evil." He was concerned but she seemed okay enough.
"I can see why she's concerned about Covid since those are all part of the symptoms but since she had it before she probably knows the difference. But good thing to double check for sure." Jay knew all about the horrors of Covid since his brother dealt with everyday for his job. "She explained how it went in September and it sounded horrible. And she was alone on the east coast. She went early for their vacation and got Covid. So she still went since they left on day 8. They drove through a tropical storm to get to their first destination. She said she did well the whole week just couldn't do the stairs well. I did notice she grabbed a rescue inhaler before she left today. I think that was precautionary but I know deep down she's worried a bit." Adam knew she was a bit scared. She didn't hide it well from him. "Sounds awful. Here's hoping it's not Covid and then she just to relax a bit." Voight had been listening as they all got their shift started. "Yeah here's hoping. She's a trooper for sure today." He headed back to his desk wanting to get this over with so he could head home to the wife.
The team did get a case which was helpful to keep them all busy. But really it just prevented Adam from worrying about Kim. Kim was the doctor's waiting to get her results. They admitted it didn't look like Covid but it was better to be safe than sorry. She was bored as she waited but she was thrilled to get a negative test result. "Okay so like we thought it's allergies. So cough syrup, steroids, Flonase, musinex and some rest and you will be fine. Take it easy and if it's not better after the steroids are over call me back." The doctor left after that. Kim was thrilled heading out to the academy to teach her class. It was advanced students so that was exciting for her. It wasn't really work for her. It was more fun. Watching each student work on their audition pieces. Watching them perform the piece they learned during the week. They didn't need constant technique help. They just needed a touch here or there. She entered the building noticing lots of cameras pointed at her. The papa asking questions as she moved into the academy. "No comment!" Kim pushed her way through. She texted Brian right away and then headed for the directors office.
She knocked before she entered. "Excuse me. Director could I have a word please?" Kim,asked as she moved into the room. "Oh of course Ms Burgess. What can I do for you?" He asked watching her sit in one of his chairs with her duffle now on the floor. "Well sir I'm kind of confused. The last two times I have been here to work the paps have been here looking for me. And the last time I was a last minute replacement. I think someone is leaking my schedule which we know is against the law. I really need this dealt with asap before I need to get the cops involved. It's extremely unsafe and I don't need them figuring out where I live. I cant and won't allow that. Will you take this seriously?" Kim asked unsure how he felt about it. "I will absolutely look into it. You are absolutely right about it being against the law so I will figure it out and take appropriate action. Anything else I can help you with?" He was shocked. Sure she was well known but leaking her schedule was a new low and a punishable offense for certain. "Nope I'm good thank you. Ready to head down to teach. Thank you for handling this and have a great week." Kim left heading to the studio her class was in. She was excited for it.
All of the students had arrived early knowing they had a guest teacher today. Kim could hear the whispered mummers coming from the classroom. She entered with a bright smile. "Good morning! For those who don't know I'm Kimberly Burgess. I'm the female lead dancer here at the Chicago Ballet. I will be your instructor for today's class." Kim gave them a moment to pull it together. She saw the shock on some of their faces as she walked in. "Now I'm told you learned a new number yesterday and that you are supposed to be practicing that today. So let's all line up and get started." Kim took her place in the front and had the music started. She watched the dancers in front of her moving back and forth. "Hold for a second please." Kim paused as she walked closer to one of the dancers. "Miss you know you can't be chewing gum. Now please go throw it away so we can continue." Kim was no nonsense when it came to the rules. "Thank you. Now back in line. From the beginning please." Kim was back in front watching everyone.
She saw lots of great dancers but one who seemed a bit off. It was only by one beat but it was off. "Sorry but pause again. Miss in the back, blonde hair. You are off by one beat. Focus on the music more than the steps so it flows better and more natural and that should help you stay on beat. Let's start again." This was why she was asked to guest teach. She wasn't afraid to ruffle feathers and she wasn't afraid to get dirty and help them. "So far it's better. Watch your spacing." Kim pointed to a few that were too close. She waited till the music was finished before she spoke again. "Okay so that looked pretty good. Never perfect though because nothing is ever perfect. Perfection is unachievable. So don't get lost in your heads. Some of you need to relax. I'm just like you are." Kim smiled trying to get the dancers to relax. "Now let's take it from the top." Kim clapped her hands telling everyone to line up again. This time it looked more natural. The dancers feeling the music and the steps flowed much more effortlessly. She was very happy with their work. As the class continued Adam was working hard with the team at a scene of a murder.
It was definitely gang related which made things more difficult as always. The teams worked each room looking for evidence, motivate, anything that could help. 'Guys I think I have something. Not sure who this is but our dead guy was obsessed with her." Adam took photos as evidence as the team walked in. "Ya I saw that girl outside this house. Maybe she's the girlfriend?" Kevin remembered her vividly. "See if she's still there. Talk to her. If not find out who she is." Voight knew it could help or could be nothing but they had to follow up. Kevin headed out with Adam close behind leaving the others to keep searching. They looked over the crowd seeing she had moved further back. "Kevin move to the back like you are trying to go across the street to approach her from behind. We don't need her running." Adam whispered hoping she didn't notice them coming. They moved around the back from opposite sides trying to catch her off guard. However she did notice Kevin and tried to run. Adam was about to stop her.
"Miss you are not in trouble! We just have a few questions. Please calm down and don't run. Though it might be hard in those shoes." Adam looked at them seeing they were very high for this time of day and also very trashy looking. "Okay I won't run. Just let go." She was resigned to the fact she wouldn't be able to run far if at all. "Thank you. Let's start with your name?" Kevin asked as Adam let her go. "Chanel." She responded looking pissed. "No last name?" Kevin asked. "Nope!" She sassed. "Okay Chanel no last name. How do you know the victim? Your photos are all over his room." She looked defeated. "He's my boyfriend but I don't know who did this. I heard the commotion downstairs and went out the window to the fire escape. They didn't see me. I promise I have no idea." She begged them to listen. "Okay was your boyfriend into drugs, guns, gangs, anything that would get him killed?" Adam asked her gently. "He ran dope on the corners. But nothing too big. Just enough to get by." She really wanted to leave they could see that. "Okay what kind of drugs was he selling? Did it have a stamp on the bag? And identifying logo?" They knew lots of dealers tagged their drugs in case it was stolen.
"Um it had a skull on it with two bones crossed under it. Can I go now?" She asked almost ex pleaded. "Sure but here's my card. If you need anything or think of anything let me know." Kevin handed the girl his card as she left. "You think he was selling stolen drugs?" Adam asked. "Definitely possible since no low level dealer tags their drugs. It's a place to start for sure." They headed back inside to let the team know what they found out. They headed back to the district to start looking into the lead they got from Chanel. By the time the team returned they had figured out Chanel's brother was the leader in a rival gang. So that might be the reason but they were still looking into the drug angle. Everyone was working hard when the gate opened. No one paid too much attention since they knew it was probably Kim coming to see Adam about her appointment earlier. "Hey I know you are busy so I will be quick I promise." Kim hugged him as they moved to the break room. Kim waved as she moved. "So what did the doctor say?" Adam was scared but she looked okay and no mask so he assumed she was fine. "No covid. Just allergies. Lots of meds, lots of rest and I will be fine. Some meds are short term and some will be added year round most likely. But that's just the nasal spray. So I'm good. Still need to get the meds but I'm good." She saw his shoulder sag in relief. "Thank god! How's your day otherwise?" He watched her get annoyed a bit. "Well Brian wants me to do an interview on tv about my family so stop the rumors. I'm not thrilled but i probably have to do it. Since someone leaked my work schedule to the damn paps. They got me outside the academy again today. I already talked to the director telling him to fix it before I get the police involved. You know since it's illegal to tell people someone's work schedule without permission. But the class was good. I'm definitely a little tired now though." Kim melted into the couch a bit.
"Well that sucks! If you need it I can have Mouse look into who leaked your schedule. It's definitely not right at all. And the interview sucks but if it gets the truth out and the paps back off maybe it's worth it." He knew she hated doing interviews especially on camera. "Maybe, what if they ask about you?" Kim knew it would most likely come up. "Well I think just be honest about our status but that my job requires I be out of the public eye for safety reasons. Or just tell them not to ask questions about me at all. I'm fine either way. Just try to relax a bit since you are sick and most definitely tired. So how about you go home to the lake house after grabbing your scripts and then head down to the dock to take a nap. The mattress is still down there." He watched her smile and nod. "Perfect idea. Okay let me go so you can work. I will see you later, love you." Kim kissed him sweetly. "Love you too!" He hugged her walking her to the steps for her to leave. They both needed to separate so he could work and she could rest.
"No Covid! She will be fine with some meds and some rest. They are adding a nasal spray to the everyday going forward but she's good. Paps got her work schedule so they were waiting for her again and Brian wants her to do a televised interview about her family. She's less than thrilled and headed home to crash on the dock." Adam gave them the short version. "After this I will look into who leaked it. That's not right." Mouse was willing to help without question. He liked her a lot and wanted to help. "Thanks man. Last thing she needs right now is the paps following her. Thank god her car is blacked out." He sighed knowing this was completely horse shit. But it was her life a lot of the time. "Okay let's figure out this case and then we can deal with helping Kim." Voight knew they needed to focus on the current case and not Kim who had a team who could help her. The team returned to work while Kim headed to the pharmacy to grab her scripts.
She was headed back to the penthouse after that the pharmacy so she could get her chocolate and grab some more summer clothes. She moved around the pharmacy heading to the counter to get her meds. She noticed someone watching her. And noticed that person taking photos of her. She texted Adam right away. He responded with getting police there right away. She waited in line trying to stay calm. She wondered if they were tracking her at this point. She asked Adam about the tracker so he just offered to send over an officer he trusted with a device to check it out. She needed that and they both knew it. As she continued to wait she noticed officers entering the building to escort the man out of the building. She sighed heavily. As she paid for her scripts she noticed the other officer coming in. Not one she had seen before but if Adam trusted her then perfect. "Ms Burgess? I'm here to help take a look at your car for tracking devices. Could you show me your vehicle?" The officer asked. "Yes thank you for coming so quickly." They moved outside moving to her vehicle.
"Okay so we have several devices that we will use to check out the whole vehicle." The officers started to work looking over every inch. Kim waited patiently watching them work. She heard them mumbling a bit. "What did you find?" Kim asked very concerned. "We found two different ones. And we can tell you they were applied today. So you should be safe going forward today. I highly recommend getting a restraining order in place once we find out who placed these on your car. We will work it and quick. We know this is definitely an issue. So take care now." The officers left and Kim was left shook. She let Adam know they found two devices. He was shocked and angry. But he stayed focus on the case. Kim was doing great at protecting herself and she was smart enough to ditch the car if needed and find an Uber to change to. But it was still uncalled for.
She left the pharmacy and headed straight for the penthouse. She made sure to keep an eye out to make sure no one was following her. She headed inside the penthouse making sure the doors locked behind her. She was happy to be locked safe in the penthouse. It was mostly safe inside since they had tons of cameras and safety precautions. She packed her bags and got a small cooler full of chocolate that she got from London. She didn't want it to melt on the way to the lake house with it being so warm out already. She headed back to the car quickly to head to the lake. She had learned lots of backroads around the area so she could lose anyone who tried to follow her. The driveway was also hidden some so the car was blocked from the street view. She tried not to worry about the paps at the moment. She really needed to relax. It was 30 minutes later she arrived at the lake house grabbing her things and running inside and locking the doors right away. They had cameras so it should be fine.
She headed right to work getting the luggage empty and starting the wash. She moved the chocolate bars to the fridge so they wouldn't melt and headed back to unpacking her luggage. She even unpacked all her summer items into the dresser. She just wanted to get it all finished before she made some lunch and started her meds. Once the bedroom was finished she started her lunch wanting a full stomach before putting meds in. She read it was fine either way but she decided to play it safe. It was an easy lunch and not fancy but definitely filling. After her meds were taken she turn over the laundry and headed for dock. She needed to be by the water again. Plus she was tired. She liked the idea of having a nap on the dock. She headed into the porch area locking the door. It wasn't a big lock but it was something to keep the door from blowing open in the wind.
She laid on the mattress pulling the cover over her closing her eyes almost right away. She was out before she knew it. Adam got the notice of her arriving at both homes and he smiled fondly when he got the notice she moved onto the dock. He could see her laying down and assumed she had fallen asleep. He was thrilled as he returned to work trying to close out the case. "Okay so I got a tip from a CI that our victim was stealing drugs from the rival gangs that his girlfriend's brother runs. And that they killed him. So we are moving out to arrest as many gang members as possible. Let's move!" Voight ordered as the team moved down to the garage to get tactical gear on to head out. Everyone headed out ready for a fight. But they were always prepared and always aware.
As they surrounded the house the teams entered the house as one but from both sides of the house. They were yelling announcing their presence. Lots of running being heard as they split to find the offenders. Adam and Kevin running up the stairs hearing two separate foot step patterns. They panned out searching each room. Kevin yelled out that he got one who didn't put up much of a fight. Adam was wrestling with an offender but got the upper hand knocking him out so he could at least get him cuffed. Adam sat back catching his breath. "You good man?" Kevin asked seeing his friend breathing heavy. "Yeah he put up a fight. Had to knock him out. I will be sore later but all good." Adam stood up waking the offender and hauling him out to the car. "Good work everyone!" Voight came out with three more offenders behind him. Crime scene techs arrived to take the drugs and guns into evidence. It was just easier letting them handle it.
They returned to the district ready to interrogate the suspects to figure who killed their victim but also what charges can they add on to the other offenders besides possession and intent to distribute. They started with the gangs leader as he had the most motive. Adam stayed back doing paperwork since he had punched out an offender. He had more paperwork since there would most likely be a claim of excessive force. Photos of his bruises were added to the file just in case. That offender would also get charged with assault but the paperwork was needed to be in order before that could happen. And it didn't help he hated paperwork. It was his least favorite thing in the world. But the idea that Kim was at home waiting for him kept him going. He vaguely heard his name being called. "Yeah what up?" He was confused to see Mouse at his desk. "Here is the name of the person who leaked Kim's schedule. And if the name doesn't ring a bell, she's Steven's girlfriend. The girl Kim has had issues with. It lines up with social media records but there's the name. Also tech lab is still working on the trackers but confirmed they were planted today at the academy and obviously didn't get much information otherwise." He watched the emotions play o er his friend's face. First anger, then confusion, back to anger and finally relief. They had dodged a huge bullet with this one.
"Thanks for this! I know it's not your job but I really appreciate it." Adam texted Kim's business manager right away letting him know about the leaked schedule and who leaked it but also about the two devices on Kim's car. He wasn't sure if Kim was keeping him in the loop so he did it himself. "Alright so we are going to let these guys stew over night in the holding cells. Let's see who cracks first. Everyone is free to leave. Ruzek, you are in the clear so relax tonight." The team cheered knowing that would weight heavily on his mind. He texted Kim letting her know he was on his way home. He couldn't wait to hold her again. He knew she was off the dock by this point and had been moving around inside and outside their house. He loved watching her on the cameras. It really helped him to relax knowing she was doing well. He arrived home to find dinner was almost done. "Darling! You didn't have to cook!" He was shocked she had the energy. "Hey baby! It wasn't that bad. And it's spicy so I hope it helps clear out the congestion some." She shrugged knowing it couldn't hurt any.
"Okay so what did you make then?" He asked as me moved closer. "So it's buffalo chicken spaghetti squash. I figured it was a good test to see if you like it or not." Kim hoped he would be cool with it. "Sounds good to me. And it looks good. So let's eat then." He helped set the table outside knowing she would rather be outside. He noticed the umbrella up and tilted to protect the deck better from the sun. Kim,brought out the food in a large bowl setting it between them. She headed back in to grab a few extra things including tissues and a trash can. She was prepared that's for sure. Kim plated the dinner grabbing ranch dressing for hers but allowing Adam to decide for himself if he wanted it. He did since that was how it was recommended. She watched him take a bite. She could see it was a mixed feeling on his face. "Not loving it huh?" She laughed a bit. "Not that at all. It was a different texture than I was expecting. But I like it. It's different but not in a bad way. I like all the extra veggies in it, the ground chicken for protein, the buffalo sauce has a nice kick. It's good just different." He hoped like hell she believed him.
"Well I'm hoping it helps clear me out a bit." She shrugged a bit. "Okay so back to London. I loved all the photos I got of you at the games and at the bar. Looked liked you had a blast." He watched her smiling again. "Oh you have no idea! Would do that again in a heart beat. So damn fun. So I assume you got the photos of me sneaking into the lower bowl?" She asked as he laughed. "Oh yeah my little badass sneaking in to the lower section for a better view. We were all laughing. The team was here to watch the game then we went into the lake for a bit. We all had a great time watching the game and looking for you. I swore I heard you screaming." He was laughing as she tried to pout. "You probably did. I was loud for sure. We had a great time." She laughed a bit longer knowing it was crazy. "I'm so glad you had a great time. That's all I wanted for you. You needed it after your weeks with Jim." He squeezed her hand letting her know how much he cared.
"So how were the games while I was gone?" Kim asked knowing he had games while she was gone. "We had a great time. Kevin went to one game and Jay went to the other. We really had fun. They loved the seats and the view. We are all excited to see if we get to the World Series again. But it was great. And of course I kept up with volunteering while you were gone. I only missed one due to work. And Erin joined me for that. She had eaten at soup kitchens often when she was a kid because her mother was too drunk or high to feed her. And even if she wasn't they didn't have money for heat and water let alone food. So it was nice having her give back with me." He paused for a moment knowing he needed to tell her about the schedule leak.
"So Mouse took it upon himself to figure out who leaked your schedule. He um figured it out. Um it was Steven's girlfriend. I'm not sure what to do with that information other than I texted Brian about it." He watched her put his fork down and leaned back in her chair. She was stunned. "I mean I knew she wanted my spot. She's the reason I didn't stop dancing when I broke my foot but to do this I don't get it. This isn't going to help her career at all. This will actually make her unemployable. I truly don't get it." She shook her head like she was trying to process what she heard. "I don't know what to say. Maybe she thought this would help her get the spot if you left. I really have no idea. But I think the interview is the best idea now. Get it out there so they stop following you. They will stop harassing you. Definitely think about it." He watched her nod thinking about it.
They returned to eating in silence. Adam knew Kim was thinking as she ate. When they finished eating Adam cleaned up the kitchen as he watched Kim retreating to the dock. He smiled sadly knowing she was frustrated and stressed which didn't help with her being sick. He followed her down to the dock with suits in hand. He wanted to swim he just needed to convince her. "So we still have your box to open." He watched her laugh since she had forgotten about it. "Later I promise. It's mostly outfits." She watched his eyes darken. "Well yes we need to get them washed so we can play when you are feeling better again." He kissed her head lovingly. "Thank you for understanding." Kim smiled meekly. "Hey no worries about that. I will always understand. Your body needs a break and you can't breathe well so rest is what you need. I completely understand that." He sat next to her hugging her. "I see you brought suits down. You want to swim?" Kim asked. "Yeah it should be nice and the water is supposed to be good for you." He hugged her tight picking her up resting her on his hip.
"You want to change quickly?" He asked carrying her to the outside shower to change. "Sure. I think it will be good for us." She hugged him tight with her legs wrapped around him. "It will be great! You love the water so let's do this." They changed quick before heading back to the water. They slowly worked their way into the water. They were still learning the shore line. Kim decided to float so she grabbed one of the floats which was easiest to get in. She laid back as Adam tied the float to the decking so she couldn't float too far off. "I like this. It's comfy!" Kim smiled looking at him. "Good I'm glad! You look happier right now." She laid there for a while as Adam swam around her. He kind of wanted to flip her but he chose not today. Maybe if they were further out and she felt better. Neither heard her phone ring but that was fine. They were happy and comfortable in the water.
As it started to get dark the couple got out of the water. Wrapped in towels to try drying off some. "Oh I missed a message from Brian. He contacted the director of the academy and the bitch has been removed from the academy." She sighed a bit. "How do you feel about it?" He asked cautiously but also very curious. "Happy I guess. Happy it was handled. Happy that the director took it seriously. I'm good." Kim nodded a bit. "You said she wanted your spot and that you didn't stop dancing because of her. What did that mean?" He was kind of confused by it. "Um well she thinks she's better than me. When I got injured she went to the director asking that I be removed from my contract and employe her instead. Since she was younger and injury free. I somehow knew that wouldn't happen but I decided to keep working. I let my understudy take more shows than me so I could finish the season. The last day I felt it snap on stage but I finished the show. And then I went to change out of my costume and headed right for the ER." She moved a bit to look at him more.
"I got a cast on went home packed my bags and headed east. I spent a full month at Justin's in the guest suite and was at Jim's pool every day. After my cast came off I did some PT and then started to travel again. It's been a war with her since then." Kim shrugged a bit. "Has she been offered any jobs?" He wondered just for background information. "Um no. I even tried to get her jobs elsewhere but either they won't take her or she won't take the job because it's beneath her. So I don't know what's going to happen with her. She's not a great dancer but that's not my job to deal with." She knew it wasn't but it fell on her sometimes. "Gotcha. I'm happy the director sided with you last year. Not sure it was actually an option. She sounds self indulgent. And self centered for sure. I'm thrilled she's out of your life now." The couple dried off and started to head back to the house. They both striped out of their wet suits slightly redressing before heading back inside.
"Ready to open the box?" Adam was excited to see what she bought. It took everything he had not to open it before she got home. "Okay let's crack it open. I'm sure you will like it." She opened the box pulling out each outfit showing them to Adam . "My god! Please rest lots so you can get better quicker!" He kissed her madly but kept it under control knowing they had to be careful so she could breathe. "I'm gonna start the wash now." Kim smiled moving them to the laundry room. The couple settled on the couch together just wanting to be close to each other. Adam was watching the Cubs play as he felt Kim fall asleep on his chest. He tried not to move her at all so she could rest. She definitely needed it. Just about 10:30 she woke up coughing hard. She moved to the bathroom again to throw up the mucus in her system.
"Darling, you okay?" He watched her trying to get it out. "Yeah my body hurts. But I'm okay. I need to take my meds again anyway." Kim started to get up and move to the kitchen area. "Okay let's get the meds in you and have you relax again. You are going to be sore tomorrow for sure." He watched her take a large pill and then take a red colored syrup. She gagged a bit but it was needed. "Okay now let's get you into the bed. We can prop you up some. And we can put all your cough drops, tissues and trash can next to the bed for you." He helped her carry all her things to their room. He plugged in her phone and helped her settle into the bed. He could see she was feeling a little nauseous from the meds so he headed to grab some crackers to calm her stomach. "Can you grab me a blanket from the closet? I'm really cold." He looked confused but went to grab the blanket. He returned with the thermometer. "You haven't been under the covers too long so we can take your temperature." He handed it over hoping she wouldn't fight.
She sat like a child taking her temperature. When it beeped he took it looking at it before looking at her. "Well you have a fever. 99.7. So let me get you some more meds for that." He sighed feeling defeated in helping her. All he could do was medicate her. She took the meds and slowly fell asleep with Adam lying next to her. He loved her so much and it was killing him watching her sick next to him. But he knew he would do anything to help her get better and to fix her outside situations. He just needed her to rest and to heal so that was the most important thing at the moment. Adam fell asleep with his hand on her abs. Feeling her breathing helped lull him to sleep.