Mercs is watching me closely, reading every flicker of expression on my face.
“I think I’ve lost a little weight,” I admit carefully. “Not intentionally. But my face looks… fuller? Which makes no sense if I’m losing weight.”
Beside me, Mercs’ body goes still while his gaze sweeps over me, assessing.
I hate that he’s finding out this way, that there is something else, but I am not saying it with him sitting right here.
“Have you experienced fatigue? Decreased appetite? Lowered libido?” the doctor asks.
Relief floods me that Mercs can’t hear his side.
“Yes,allof that.”
I’ve been acting normal. Acting like I feel normal. Even teasing Mercs earlier because I’m scared that I don’t feel the way I should. It’s not him.God, it’s not him.One look at him and my pulse jumps. But my body feels… delayed, slower, and less responsive.
That terrifies me.
If I tell him that, he’ll twist it into something it’s not, like thinking I don’t want him. And that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Vespa,” the doctor says gently. “I’d like you back here for tests. I’m not comfortable leaving this without running bloodwork.”
I nod, even though the doctor can’t see me. “When would you like us in Pittsburgh?”
“Monday morning, eight forty-five. We’ll run everything, and I’ll rush the results. I should have answers by Tuesday.”
A small wave of relief washes through me. Action feels better than waiting.
“Thank you. I really appreciate you fitting me in.”
“My pleasure. In the meantime, try flaxseed supplements for the hot flashes.”
“Flaxseed. Okay. Got it. We’ll see you Monday.”
“Take care, Vespa.”
“You too. Bye.” I end the call and look at Mercs.
He’s cracking his neck slowly, eyes narrowed. “You didn’t tell me you were losing weight.”
“It’s not much,” I say softly. “Probably nothing. Please don’t worry.”
I lean in and kiss him, gentle and reassuring, but his smile is weak.
“So Monday,” he says. “We go back to Pittsburgh.”
“Yeah. And we’ll probably need to stay a couple of days. Results Tuesday…” I hesitate. “If you want to stay here with Kiera for her chemo, I understand.”
He runs a hand through his hair and looks away.
I don’t let him retreat, so I grab his arm and pull it down so he has to look at me. “Hey. I can take Alana. I’ll be fine.”
He shakes his head. “No, she’s had chemo before. We’ll only be gone a day or two. Gran can handle things. I want to know what’s happening with you. Pittsburgh’s only an hour away. If I need to get back, I will.”
“Only if you’re sure, because I amnotasking you to choose between us.”
His arms slide around me.
“I know, that’s why I’m coming. I need to be with you for this. Then I’ll be with Kiera. I’ll divide myself evenly.”
