Page 92 of Steele

I smiled at Brett.

“Lili,” he said again.

This time, she spun around, and her gaze zeroed in on her dad. Instantly, she burst into tears and ran down the grassy slope. He bent, caught her in his arms, and stood holding her tight to his chest. Her ragged breaths and broken sobs tore at my heart.

“Why are you here?” she asked through her tears.

“I finished resting,” he said and smiled toward me.

“I missed you so much,” Lili said.

“I missed you, too.”

“Where’s your hair?” Her small hands rubbed along the side of his head.

As much as I wanted to be a part of their reunion, I couldn’t. She didn’t know about us, and I had an appointment. With a clandestine wave of my hand, I started to walk away.

He mouthed, “I love you.” No other words were needed. He’d call me later.

I fished my keys from the side pocket of my purse, climbed into my car and made the twenty-minute drive to the women’s center in fifteen. I rushed into the building, a bit breathless as I checked in.

While I waited to be called back, I checked my phone. Brett had sent me several texts.

3:30 Brett: I missed this kid. I’m sitting in the hearse with her, and she hasn’t stopped talking.

3:31 Brett: She’s worried her mom will be angry. How do I fix this with Natalie?

3:33 Brett: Can I come over tonight after I drop her off at her mom’s?

3:36 Brett: How long does it take to get out of this line of cars? This is why motorcycles are the superior form of transportation.

3:37 Brett: She’s hungry.

3:38 Brett: Finally. The line is moving.

3:46 Brett: We’re getting a cheese pizza. I owe her. And yes, she’s still talking.

“Jaymi,” the medical assistant called my name.

I smiled as I tucked my phone back into my purse. After she grabbed my weight and my vitals, I peed in a cup and waited for the doctor. I hadn’t planned on a physical, but apparently, I hadn’t had a yearly in two years. Not since before Matti died.

I only had to wait a couple minutes for Dr. Luker. Her medical assistant came into the room with her.

“Hi, Jaymi. It’s good to see you.”

My mom had brought me to Dr. Luker as a teenager, she’d delivered Matti, and she’d come to the funeral.

“How have you been?” she asked. “Although, I guess I don’t need to ask. You look happy. And you obviously have someone in your life.” She touched my hand. “I’m so happy for you. He must be special.”

“I am happy, and he is.” I guess since I needed the pill, she’d accurately assumed I had a new man in my life.

“I’m not surprised. He’s a lucky man.”

“Thank you. And thanks for getting me in today.” I smiled.

Dr. Luker washed her hands in the sink. “Absolutely. It’s best to get checked early.” She dried her hands. “There was a miscommunication on the phone. I had in my notes that you wanted to discuss birth control options.” She grabbed her stethoscope. “I had Mandy update your appointment. We can set you up for next month before you leave. Inhale.”

I took a breath. “I’d rather not wait until next month. Do I need to wait until after my cycle to start the pill because my cycle isn’t that regular?”