I scoff. "That's no way to talk to your favorite sister. How are you holding up?"
"I'm making it. I wanted to check in with you. How's Eli?"
"He's better. Not coughing nearly as much. He left not too long ago to get groceries. We were running out."
He lets out a breath. "Good. I'm so relieved and happy to hear that. Hopefully, he’s being careful out there."
"He is. I was really scared there for a few days. It was horrible, but he pulled through," I say.
"Yeah, me too. I’ve been thinking about you two nonstop. Also, have you been watching the news?"
"I haven't in a few days. It's been depressing and wasn't good for my anxiety. The stories throw me in a panic, so I've been trying to busy my mind with other things." I'm happy I can quickly turn it all off but sad that Ryan can't.
"Good. Don’t. We're low on ventilators, and things are a shitshow. The governor has been begging other states to send some. Companies are supposed to be making them, but they can’t keep up with the demand. They set up tents in Central Park, Cameron. There's a military ship coming to help treat those who need medical help since the hospitals are at capacity. It’s like living in the twilight zone," he says, his voice flat.
"Oh no," I whisper, ignoring his orders and going into the living room. I sit down on the couch and turn on the news, and he's right. I put it on mute, but I see the images of the tents and the boat. My mouth falls open in shock. I’ve never seen anything like this in my life. "Ryan, please be—"
"I'm extra careful,” he interrupts before I can finish. “Thanks to all the donations swarming in, we have more PPE coming in, but it’s still not enough. I spoke to Mom and Dad yesterday, and she said they're donating another few million to the relief funds, but I begged her not to make it a publicity stunt again."
"Good," I say, knowing how much he hates that. “I read about a lot of celebrities and other companies pitching in, so that’s good news. Hopefully, Mom and Dad are staying home, though.”
"They say they’re locked in the house. But…" He pauses for a moment. "Staff is still coming in and out, which is ridiculous. I’ve told them for weeks to stop doing that, but they're stubborn.”
“I don't think they could survive without the help, though. Mom hasn't cooked since before you were born." I laugh, trying to lighten the mood, but he doesn't take the bait.
"You're right, but still. Let Eli know I called to check on him, okay?"
"I will. I love you so much," I tell him.
"I love you too, sis. I'll call you soon. Take care. Wash your damn hands. And stay inside," he repeats his orders like always.
I chuckle at his strict doctor tone. "Yes, I will. Bye." I hang up, staring at the TV in shock. Chanel prances up and crawls on my lap, purring. I pet and scratch under her chin, then seconds later, Bruno comes barreling in. He doesn’t realize his size and believes he's still a puppy, so he jumps on the couch, then lays his head on my lap. Chanel turns around and hisses at him, batting at his nose. He looks so offended, and I laugh at his adorable reaction. As soon as I do, she jumps down.
"Aww, Chanel, sweetie. Come back by Mama," I coo. She glances at me as Bruno nearly crawls on top of me, looking at me with sweet, begging eyes.
"Now you've pissed her off," I tell him, and he licks my face.
"No, stop," I protest, but he doesn't listen. I eventually stand to get him off me, though it barely works. If my parents saw this big ass dog on their leather couch, I'm sure they'd shit a brick, which makes me snicker.
As I go to the kitchen and rummage through the fridge, I get a text from Kendall, and I can't stop grinning. I told her when I got sick, and I updated her when I could, but then Eli got sick, and my full attention was on him. However, I haven’t had a chance to fill her in on any recent events. She went to her parents after self-quarantining in her penthouse for two weeks since she was at NYU before the lockdown. Now she’s convinced it was the worst mistake of her life.
Kendall: So…this is my weekly health check-in.
I grin and immediately start typing up a reply.
Cameron: I'm great. How are you?
Kendall: Living my best life. I haven’t washed my hair in two weeks, and my wardrobe consists of no bra, leggings, and witty T-shirts that drive my mother crazy. Also, wine. Lots of it.
I snort. Kendall then explains how annoyed she is that her mother keeps inviting people over to their house to socialize. I sympathize with her, and then she abruptly changes the subject.
Kendall: So, how's the Eli situation?
Cameron: He's doing good.
My heart races when I read his name. While I haven't told a soul about us having sex yet, I feel as if I'm obligated to spill it all to my bestie. I wanted to wait to see how it all plays out, but deep down, I know how happy he makes me. I swallow down my nervousness and try to find some courage. I type a few messages, wondering how to break the news that this is so much more than a physical attraction. Before I hit send, I delete it, then type it again. I'm nervous.
Cameron: I'm falling in love with him, Kendall.
I can see her typing, then the next thing I get is an emoji with heart eyes followed by nearly twenty exclamation points.
Kendall: I KNEW IT! I wish I would’ve bet you on it.
Cameron: Ha! Yep, you would’ve won.
Kendall: I mean, he is hot as hell, so I don't blame you.
Cameron: Yes, he
