I rub the heel of my palm against my forehead. I should have taken a minute to come up with answers to all of these perfectly reasonable questions, but I was so eager to talk to her, I didn’t think this through.
I say the only thing that sounds believable. “We kind of did it on a whim. I think we’re in that crazy honeymoon period where everything just feels like it’ll work out.”
Del blows out a breath. “I just hope you won’t have any regrets. God, you’re Mrs. Miller now! How does it feel?”
“Great,” I force out. “Really great.”
“When can I come visit you in New York? Blake, I haven’t even met your husband. That’s completely unacceptable. I’m your best friend, aren’t I?”
I don’t miss the vulnerable note that slips into her tone. Poor Del thinks I made one of the biggest decisions of my life without even consulting her. She’s got no idea I didn’t choose to get married.
“Of course you are. Don’t be silly. But you’ll need to give me some time to settle in.”
“Jeez, babe. This is crazy.”
“I know. But it just felt right,” I add shakily. There’s not a single thing in my life that feels right.
“What number are you calling me from?”
“This is Rowan’s phone. I lost mine, but as soon as I get a new one, I’ll let you know my number.”
Doc clears his throat, signaling that I should wrap it up.
“I’ve got to run some errands. Let’s catch up more later?”
“Okay. I love you.”
“I love you too. And I’m sorry for not calling earlier.”
“It’s okay. I’m just glad you’re all right.”
“If anyone from Darkwater Hollow reaches out, can you tell them what happened? I quit my job at Frostbite the day we left, and I’m not sure how many people know. They might worry.”
“Yeah, no worries. I’ll call Lottie. The rest of the town will know it by tomorrow morning.”
“Thank you. We’ll talk soon.” I hang up.
Doc watches me with sad eyes. “She sounds like a good friend.”
“She is.” I put the cell phone into his outstretched hand, and he swiftly slips it back into his pocket.
“What now?” I ask.
Doc nudges his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “I was told you may have been sexually assaulted a few days ago.”
My mood sinks even lower. The only good thing about the roller coaster I’ve been on the past few days is that I all but buried that memory away. “Yes. I was.”
“Were you penetrated?”
I nod. “Briefly, with his fingers.” It may have only been seconds before Nero arrived, but I’ll never forget how violated I felt in that moment.
My stomach roils.
Doc gives me a compassionate look. “Is there any pain right now?”
“No. There was at first, but it’s gone.”
“I’d still like to perform an examination, just in case. It’s best to check to make sure there are no cuts that might lead to infection.”
