Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 52072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 260(@200wpm)___ 208(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52072 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 260(@200wpm)___ 208(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
“You look amazing, and you’ve been able to keep up with the classes you’ve been taking, too. I’m sure that will help with labor and delivery.” I sit down on a chair, preferring it over the exam table. My palms are sweating, and no matter how many times I wipe them down on the pair of jeans I’m wearing, nothing helps.
“It better. Doctor Gallo said staying active and hydrated is key. I swear between him and my husband, they’re force feeding me water. I’m either peeing, eating, or sleeping.” She gives a soft chuckle, acting put off, but you can tell there’s excitement in her tone. Lennie goes about getting everything ready, pulling out a gown and the instruments used for the pelvic exam just in case.
“Knock, knock. Hey, Lennie.” I’m lost in my own little word when the door opens and my eyes swing to the door. My mouth goes dry. His voice is dripping with a calm control, thick and slow, drawing you deeper into the sound.
“Hey, everything okay?” she asks, looking over her shoulder.
“Yes, can you help me in Room Three when you get a minute?” His gaze swings from Lennie’s to mine, and he gives me a quick nod yet doesn’t look away.
“Of course. I won’t be but another minute or so.” Lennie’s response pulls him away.
“Thanks.” He backs out of the entrance, closing the door on his way out.
“Please tell me that’s not Doctor Gallo,” I say quietly in order for the mystery man not to hear me.
“No, that’s Luke. Well, Doctor Camden. He’s a friend of my husband’s. Well, he’s all of our friends now. Once you’re in the fold, you’re in the fold. None of the women see Luke, which is probably why Lyric suggested Gallo for you.
“Thank god. That might have been awkward.” I fan myself. The man is sex on a stick, and stringing two words together would probably take me out.
“Honey, if you think he’s hot, wait until you meet the rest of the guys. Every last one of them is good looking. Just don’t tell my husband I told you that. I’ll deny it and take it to my grave,” Lennie replies.
“Your secret is safe with me.” She goes about taking my vitals. Sadly, we both have to remain quiet while doing so, which might be for the better. I may insert my foot into my mouth and make a complete fool out of myself.
“Everything looks good. Doctor Gallo will be in with you shortly. I’d stay in your clothes for the time being, and if he decides to do a pelvic exam, a nurse will be in the room with you.”
“Thank you.” I sit back in the chair, crossing my legs, and try to think calming thoughts like I would while teaching a class in my studio.
Too bad when I close my eyes, the only man I can see is Luke Camden.
1
SHAE
Present Day
Uterine fibroids. It’s been a shock to my system. I’ve had to beg, borrow, and steal to get ready for today. Okay, not really, yet it kind of feels that way. The scramble to cover everything, make sure schedules are in place, and the studio will run smoothly meant I had to double time it. I also didn’t think it would come to this. Surgery. And within weeks of being seen by a doctor. A pelvic exam, a thoroughly super invasive conversation about my periods plus symptoms, and I’d been sent with orders to set up an ultrasound. I assumed it’d take weeks to get in for the imaging process, so imagine my surprise when a call came in that there was a cancellation the next day. Two days later, C & G Women’s Health called to tell me Doctor Gallo is requesting me to come back in for a consultation.
He went over his findings, saying I’d need surgery, the sooner the better. The front office set a date, and I paid my deductible up front in order to hold my spot, which made a dent in my savings account and had me thanking the gods that I rent an apartment instead of owning a home. I couldn’t fathom having an unexpected expense on top of this surgery.
I don’t care what my parents say; throwing money away in the form of rent is a million times better than being a single woman and having to repair one thing after another. Plus, it’s not like I don’t have enough responsibilities as it is. LITHE is my baby; keeping me on my toes has been the name of the game. Building a successful business is no easy task any day of the week, and the last couple of weeks have really taught me that.
Which is why I begged Lyric to help me during my procedure and afterwards. She happily took over the mommy and me classes, which was one thing taken off my plate that helped significantly, and I didn’t have to place an ad for a new hire. My sister came back from her vacation, looking bronze and kissed by the sun, like the goddess we know and love. While she isn’t the yoga type person, she gladly dove in, making sure to remind me that this is temporary. Coralynn is the pesky little sister, loving and annoying all at once. I promised her that as soon as Doctor Gallo cleared me, I’d be back at work, hopefully without having to change my pad or tampon several times a day.