"I need a doctor. Someone who specializes in omega health. Do you know anyone?"
A pause. "There's Dr. Morrison, but he retired last month. He transferred all his omega patients to the new doctor in town."
My stomach clenches. "Let me guess. Dr. Pedro Negrorios."
"Yes." Her voice is careful. "I know it's complicated. But sweetheart, he's good. Really good. And he's professional. Whatever history you have with him, he won't let it affect your care."
"You don't understand what happened before I left."
"Then tell me," Mom says gently.
I open my mouth. Close it. The words are stuck somewhere in my chest, tangled up with six years of guilt and longing and regret.
"I kissed one of them," I finally say. "The night before I left. Carlos. We were on the porch and Callum was inside passed out drunk and Carlos looked at me and I just... I couldn't help it. I kissed him. And he kissed me back. And then I panicked and ran and I've been running ever since."
Mom doesn't say anything. Just waits.
"Callum never knew. The Negrorios Pack never told him. But every time I saw them after that, it was like this wall went up. Pedro especially. He could barely look at me. And I don't know if it was because he was angry or disappointed or..." I swallow hard.
"Maybe it's time to find out," Mom says.
"What if I don't like the answer?"
"Then at least you'll know." Mom's voice is gentle but firm. "Life is too short for what-ifs, sweetheart. Your father taught me that. Better to face the hard things head-on than spend the rest of your life wondering."
I close my eyes. She's right. I hate that she's right.
"Can you make me an appointment?"
"I already did. Before I left." I can hear the smile in her voice. "I had a feeling you might need one. It's at two o'clock today."
Of course she did.
"Did you tell them who the patient was?"
"I told the receptionist it was Dorothy Delacroix's daughter. That should give them plenty of time to prepare," Mom says.
Prepare. Right. Because the Largo Waters gossip network has definitely already informed everyone that the runaway bride is back in town. Pedro probably knows exactly who's coming to see him this afternoon.
"Okay," I say quietly. "Okay. I'll go."
"Good. Call me after, okay? I want to know what he says."
"I will."
"And Jessica? Eat something. You need your strength."
"I will."
"I love you, sweetheart."
"I love you too, Mom. Have fun in Mexico. You deserve it."
"I'd rather be there with you."
"I know. But I'm okay. Really. I can handle this."
I'm lying. We both know I'm lying. But she lets me have it anyway.
