It’s been a few days since I’ve seen Daniel. Sure we’ve texted, even video chatted, but I miss his touch. I guess it’s a good thing that the Ice Cream Social is coming up in two weeks, so that gives us the opportunity to be in the same room. We can’t touch each other or anything, but I just want to see him.
In the meantime, I have a doctor’s appointment today so I can make sure that my cancer hasn’t returned. I haven’t had any symptoms, but I get checked every six months just to be sure. This will be the first time I’ve been to my new doctor since I moved from New York to Florida.
Heading into my appointment, I see my doctor, Dr. Stenson, is on the third floor. When I get to the receptionist desk, I can’t help but feel as if I’m being watched. It’s a weird sensation. Looking around, I don’t see anyone but the nice young girl helping me.
“Have a seat, Miss Russell. Dr. Stenson will be with you shortly.”
Waiting about ten minutes, my name is called. The exam room is a regular set up. I’ve done this so many times, I know the routine. Dr. Stenson doesn’t have much of a bedside manner, but he’s thorough. The blood work won’t take but a few days, but he reassures me that everything looked good.
Heading out to get a slice of key lime pie, I hear a text come through.
Daniel: Would it be OK if I stopped by in an hour?
Hmm, that’s odd. I want to see him, but we don’t usually get together during the week.
Me: Yes. I’ll be home soon. Just stopping to get a piece of key lime pie. Want one?
Daniel: No thanks, I’m good.
Rushing to the bakery, I get home with ten minutes to spare before Daniel shows up. When I open the door, I can tell something is wrong.
“What’s wrong, Daniel? Is Lucy OK?”
“Lucy’s fine. Let’s sit down on the sofa, Nicole.”
“Daniel, you’re scaring me. Whatever it is, tell me.”
“OK, don’t freak out, but Lucy saw us kissing at Shane’s party.”
“Oh my god, Daniel. How can I not freak out? What did she say to you?”
Daniel looks down at the floor. This can’t be good.
“Daniel, what did she say?”
“Lucy didn’t say anything to me. It was Serena.”
“No, please tell me you’re kidding, Daniel. Please tell me that your ex-wife doesn’t know about us.”
“Let’s sit down.” Daniel takes me by the hand and leads me to the sofa.
“Apparently, Lucy was coloring at the table while talking to Serena about the party. She said that she made some new friends. At that point, she talked about how me and her teacher are friends. Then she asked Serena if it’s OK if she kisses her friends, like Daddy kissed his. Well, you can imagine that Serena grilled Lucy about what she saw.”
Getting up from the sofa, I rush into the kitchen. Holding on to the sink, I have to get my bearings. Daniel comes up behind me.
“Nicole, this isn’t as bad as you think. I spoke with Serena, and she agreed not to say anything.”
Turning to face him. “Do you believe her, Daniel?”
He pulls me close to him. “For now, yes. We need to be more careful, though.”
Unwrapping myself from his arms, I sit at the table.
“I don’t know how we can keep doing this.”
Daniel moves in front of me and gets down on his knees. “If you don’t want to do this anymore, I’ll understand. I won’t like it, but I’ll understand.”
I can tell he’s waiting for my response, but I just can’t decide right now. My mind is racing in a million different directions. “Daniel, I think I need some time to think. I can’t do that when you are here with me. Being in the same room with you clouds my judgement.”
He smiles but concedes. When he kisses me goodbye, it feels like it’s for good. That feeling alone devastates me.