“Mom will hate it, but Dad will love it.” Will narrowed his eyes. “I’m in. There’s probably even a Groupon for it.” Always Mr. Pragmatic.
“What about a cake?” Always Mr. Leads-with-his-stomach. Finn rubbed his tummy.
“I already asked Sabrina’s roommate, Quinn, to take care of that. Have you tried any of her treats?”
Both men shook their heads. “Oh shit, you’re in for a treat. She makes the best cake.”
“Ah, but does she make good carrot cake? You know it’s his favorite.” Will pointed at her like he might have one-upped her.
“As a matter of fact, she does, smart ass.”
Molly’s phone chimed in her pocket. She pulled it out and a message from her primary care provider waited for her on the screen reminding her of her upcoming appointment. Finn arched an eyebrow, but didn’t say anything. Had he read her message upside down? Was that something people did, or was she simply being overly sensitive?
She ignored Finn’s burning stare and turned to leave. “Later, gators.”
She hadn’t made it more than two feet from the men before Will spoke again. “I found someone for you, man. Her name is Charlotte. She’s hot, funny, knows the game… she’s perfect for you.”
Finn cleared his throat behind her. “I… uh…”
She slowed her steps, intent on hearing the conversation play out. The idea of facing cancer, or something else sinister in her body didn’t make her feel nearly as queasy as the idea that Finn might find someone to love that wasn’t her.
“I told you I’m not looking for anything serious right now, Cap.”
Thank the fucking stars.
“I know, I know. But you’ve totally lost your mojo lately. It seems like you’re not looking for anything at all right now, never mind anything serious.”
Finn’s chuckle sounded strained. “I’m just not in the ‘meeting new people’ frame of mind right now, I guess.”
“I understand. I didn’t mean to push you. I just think you might need to get back on the horse.”
Or the hussy.
Ah! Ah! Ah! Don’t be mean, Molly. She’s probably a perfectly nice woman. It’s not her fault your brother is a traitorous asshole who keeps trying to set your man up with other women.
A growl rumbled in her chest and she coughed to hide it as she kept walking. He wasn’t hers. He would never, nor could ever, be hers either, no matter how badly her heart – or her vajayjay – might want him.
***
“Molly, I’m Dr. Klein. It’s nice to meet you.”
Hi, I’m Molly and I’m pretty terrified you’re going to tell me I’m going to die. I deflect serious emotions with cutting wit, and salacious sarcasm, and I’m a fucking idiot for coming here today all by myself.
Her hands trembled as she wrung them in her lap. In hindsight, she probably should have called Mom, or ChoCho – someone,anyone, to go with her to the medical center for her appointment. At least if she’d brought a friend with her she would have someone to keep her distracted from the twisted mess in her stomach while she waited. Her insides felt like a can of silly string had exploded, covering all her organs in a goopy, sticky mess.
She wasn’t even sure why she’d gone alone. While there was something to be said for not unnecessarily freaking people out without cause, and while she wanted to face her life all by her big girl self, she had quickly realized – the moment she stepped off the elevator outside Dr. Klein’s office – that she was out of her depth.
“Molly?”
She started. “Sorry. I guess I’m nervous.”
“Perfectly understandable. You want to tell me a little bit about what brought you in today?”
She didn’t. She’d given the woman on the phone her entire medical history while making the appointment. She didn’t want to say it out loud. The more she said it the scarier it became.
Her mouth felt small, like her tongue had doubled in size, and an acrid taste tickled the back of her throat. Was she going to puke? She pressed on her stomach in a bid to make it sit the hell down and stop messing around. “I found a lump, right here.” She pointed to the side of her left breast, close to her armpit.
Dr. Klein made a note. “How long ago was this?”
