Page 120 of We Are Just Us

“All done,” David said, stepping back. “You can pull your pants up.”

Kieran did, relief flooding through him.

“That’s it. Results should be back in three to five business days. We’ll call you when they come in, and you can also check them online through the patient portal.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

David smiled. “You did great. You can head back to the waiting room.”

Kieran walked back out on unsteady legs and found Rory sitting there, scrolling his phone.

“How’d it go?” Rory asked.

“They swabbed my urethra, Rory. And I didn’t get a lollipop.”

“Rory Kline?” A different nurse appeared in the doorway, a woman this time, older, with bright purple scrubs.

“That’s me,” Rory said, standing.

He glanced back at Kieran. “You good?”

“I’ll survive.”

“That’s the spirit.” He winked.

Rory disappeared down the hallway, and Kieran was left alone, processing.

In a few days, they’d have their results, and assuming everything came back clean…no more condoms.

The thought made his stomach flip in a way that had nothing to do with medical anxiety.

Ten minutes later, Rory emerged, looking exactly as calm as he had going in.

“How was it?” Kieran asked.

“Done. It was quick.” Rory moved into Kieran’s space, his hand settling on the small of his back, a steadying presence. “You holding up okay?”

“Yeah. Ready to be out of here.”

“I hear that.” Rory gave his back a gentle rub. “Come on. Let’s get out of here. I’m buying you a smoothie.”

Kieran managed a weak, genuine smile. “I earned it. That nurse promised me a lollipop and lied.”

Rory laughed, and leaned in to bump his shoulder against Kieran’s. “I’ll make it up to you. Smoothies are better than a lollipop anyway.”

They walked out into the afternoon sun, and Kieran thought about how strange it was that something as unromantic as a clinic visit could feel like a promise.

Three to five business days. And then…nothing between them.

THIRTY-SIX

They took the side roads home, windows down, Kieran’s arm resting on the door.

Rory’s free hand found his without looking. “So,” he said after a moment. “I’ve been thinking about something.”

“Yeah?”

“You know how Vera called me the ‘next Kelly Slater’ at the gallery?”