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Lani sits forward, looking at Novah. “If you’re trying to figure out why a young guy like South would be interested in your mother and what he has to gain from it, I can tell you firsthand that it’s real for him too.”
Novah jerks her head back in shock. “You know about this?”
Lani grimaces, but nods. “I overheard a phone conversation between the two of them and then had a chat with South when he saw me. And trust me when I say this is not a one-sided relationship, Novah. There isnothingSouth can gain from this… if that’s what you’re thinking. He’s completely besotted with Ingrid. Hereallycares about her. It’s not a fling for him.”
“It’s not a fling for me either,” I add. “And I know the age gap is weird…trust me, I know—”
“Hey, I’m pregnant with twins to my stepbrother, so… I can do weird, Mom. I’m sorry I reacted with some negativity. It’s just a lot to take in. But… as long as you and South are happy, then who am I to stand in the way of a true romance?”
My eyes widen. “You mean that? You’re okay with us being together?”
She rolls her shoulders. “I mean, it will be fucking weird, but if South makes you happy, then that is all I could ask for. After all, you were so accepting of my relationship. Perhaps we Ladet ladies are destined for weird.” She giggles.
I reach out, wrapping my arms around Novah.
“I love you, Mom,” she says, then squeezes me tighter.
The way she squeezes me puts pressure on where the biopsy was taken, and I can’t help but let out a hiss through my teeth as pain ripples through my breast, and I inadvertently jerk back in response.
Shit.
Novah lets go and furrows her brows with a look of confusion crossing her face. “What the fuck was that?”
My shoulders slump, and I rub my temple to figure out my next move.
“Mom! Why the fuck are you sore? Is Southhurtingyou?” Novah’s tone borders on irate.
I let out a small laugh at the absurdity of her comment while reaching out and grabbing her arm. “No! God no. He would never. If anything, he’s the most caring, considerate, compassionate man I have ever known. Honestly, he has taken such good care of me these past few weeks.”
“Why would he need to take care of you?” Novah sits taller, sadness crossing her beautiful face.
My eyes well with tears, and since we’re having a moment of honesty, I may as well tell her everything. “Darling, I don’t want you to get upset when I tell you this. It’s all under control—”
“Jesus, Mom, whatelseare you hiding from us?”
I let out a long breath and let her have that because she’s right.
I have been hiding a lot from my children.
But this is a big one, and I’m not sure how to tell her.
So I’m going to blurt it out and hope it comes across okay.
“I had a routine mammogram, which came back with an abnormality. So I had a biopsy and have something called atypical ductal hyperplasia.” Her eyes widen in shock, but I continue before she says anything. “Basically, it’s dangerous cells in my breast that right now aren’t showing cancer cells but have the potential to turn that way if not treated.”
Novah’s eyes well as she stares at me. “So what does that mean?”
“I have to have them removed.”
“Your breasts!”
“No, the cells in my breast.”
A single tear falls down Novah’s cheek. “M-Mommy…” The word comes out stuttered, and I race forward, taking her into an embrace.
I’ve had time to deal with this.
She hasn’t.
