Page 45 of Heaven Help Me

She shakes her head. “Into everything and driving me crazy. I love him to pieces. What’re you doing here, Deuce?”

I lean in and keep my voice low. “My friend and I have a little bit of a problem. I need someone with discretion.”

Her bright red lips pinch, but she nods all businesslike. Exactly what I need. Efficient and not one prone to gossip. “What’s going on?”

“Condom broke. Need a prescription to make sure we don’t make Deuce two point oh and if you could run a hormone panel on her, that would be great. She’s been having anxiety lately and I wonder if it’s hormone related.”

Georgia pats my arm. “You got it. Give me one minute to finish up this email and I’ll have her called back. What’s her name?”

I give her all the details, though they’re mostly all false. When Landry Greer gets called back, I stand up. She glares at me as we walk out of the waiting room.

“What are you doing?” she hisses.

I put my arm around her shoulders. She probably thinks I’m playing the part of devoted boyfriend, our cover story. But even if the truth all came out right now, I’d still go with her for this appointment. I’m part of this little dilemma.

“It takes two to tango, Landry,” I whisper back, squeezing her shoulder. “I’m going to be here for you every step of the way.”

She huffs, but doesn’t say another word as we’re led to an exam room. I help her onto the exam table covered in paper. Georgia comes in soon after, introducing herself to Valentina. She’s all business, which I appreciate.

“I’ll send a prescription over to the pharmacy. Should be ready within the hour. Deuce here says you’d be interested in a hormone blood test as well. Is that correct?”

Valentina looks at me in surprise, like she figured I wouldn’t remember our conversation about her panic attacks. “Uh, yes, that would be great.”

Georgia smiles at her. “Okay, good. I’ll have our phlebotomist come in and take your blood. I’ll call with results, and if there’s anything further to discuss, we’ll have you make another appointment with me. Good to meet you, Landry.” Georgia gives me a head nod before she exits the small room.

Valentina turns to me, assessing. “Is Georgia an ex-girlfriend?”

I dart a glance at the closed door. “Uhh.”

Valentina crosses her arms over her chest, the paper crackling beneath her as she shifts her weight. Seems like truth is the path to take here.

“Yes. Georgia and I dated a long time ago. She’s married to a great guy now and they have a son.”

“How come you never got married?”

The question takes me by surprise. We’ve never talked about these kinds of things. Personal things.

I sit back in the plastic chair and hope the phlebotomist comes quickly. “Well, I guess I just always saw relationships as transactional. A product of having Bettina for a mother, I guess. I just never wanted to be that way in my own life, plus I figured if I did fall in love with someone, I didn’t want to bring them into the chaos that is my life due to my association with Bettina.”

She nods thoughtfully. It’s weird looking at her. She still has the dark hair and body shape of a vixen. The whip-smart comebacks and the fire in her eyes. But now she has flowers and pretty colors and wears her hair down more often than not. It’s like she’s a blend of old Valentina and new. I wonder how much of her time here in Heaven, Mississippi, will rub off on her. Part of me is sad to think that maybe none of it will.

“Personally, I’ve never seen a successful marriage.”

I hate how negative that sounds, but I know she’s just being honest.

“I see my friends happily married, so I know it’s possible.”

Valentina picks at the hem of her dress, her voice even quieter when she asks, “Does that make you envious?”

I nod, but she can’t see me. “Yeah, it kind of does. Who wouldn’t want a built-in best friend?” I clear my throat, not wanting to keep talking about this stuff. It’s making me feel…something. “Plus on-demand sex? Hell yeah, sign me up.”

Valentina snorts, her gaze coming back to mine. “We’re more alike than I previously thought.”

I grin, cocky and annoying, like I know she expects from me. It’s what most people expect. “Probably why we get along so well. We only fight like cats and dogs most days.”

Valentina tilts her head, a soft smile on my lips. “That’s my favorite thing about you.”

The door to the exam room pops open and a short man enters, pulling a cart. “Landry Greer?”