Page 49 of Saved By A Dark Billionaire
It was kind of hot. I didn't think Leo had it in him, but it wasn't the same way Lucas set me aflame. I know mom said this was fine as long as they knew of each other, and neither of them have asked me to be their girlfriend, but it still felt wrong. It still felt kind of slutty kissing Leo after I had kissed Lucas this morning. Hell, we had done more than kiss.
How do people deal with these guilty feelings when they date more than one person?
Hailey twitched her leg beside me, full of nerves, even though I should be the one freaking out. She bit at her thumbnail as we waited in the doctor's office for her to return. She had done my screening yesterday and asked me to come in today. Lucas had gone with me yesterday, being a significant support, so I brought Hailey here with me today instead. I didn't think she would panic on me. She was raising my anxiety up.
"Hailey, stop, you're makingmenervous."
"You should be! Doctors never call you back to the office to share good news."
I knew she was right, but I was hoping this was a 'hey you're clear, but let's discuss options' kind of visit. Dr. Payne came in, clearing her throat as she shut the door behind her.
"Olive, I am glad you could come in so soon," she greeted me, as she sat behind her desk with Hailey and me sitting across from her. "I am afraid I have some bad news, and some good news for you."
My heart was speeding with nerves, making my stomach twist, and hands feel clammy. I felt a cold sweat work its way through my body.
"We found a small mass in your right breast." It felt like the walls had crashed down around me. Dr. Payne sounded so distorted as she continued talking. "We will need to schedule a lumpectomy to remove the mass. We'll send it to pathology to be biopsied. If it comes back positive for cancer, we'll start you on target radiation to the breasts."
"You said there was good news. What's the good news?" Hailey quickly asked, looking for her silver lining.
"Since it's so small, if it is cancer, we caught it early enough. By removing the mass, and getting targeted radiation, she should be fine. I'll schedule to remove the mass within the next few days. Depending on your results, I'll refer you to an oncologist if needed."
I knew she was talking to me, but all I could hear was womp womp like the adults in Charlie Brown. I stared at my right breast like the traitor it was. It wasn't a piece of me anymore. It was foreign, making me want to tear it off and be a cyclops breasted woman.
"Olive, let's take this one step at a time. Keep in mind your survival rate is extremely high even if this is cancerous. Try to keep a positive mind."
Unable to speak with the weight of my tongue, I nodded my head. I stood up, rushing to get out of there. It felt like the walls were closing in on me, making me need an escape. I rushed outside with Hailey hot on my tail. When I felt the sun hit my skin, I took a deep breath, not having realized I had been holding it. I kept gasping for air like I couldn't get enough of it. Hailey stroked my back, hugging me and telling me it would all be okay. I shook my head, remembering mom. Remembering how awful she felt and looked at the end.
"Let's get you home," Hailey whispered, pulling me to the car. She drove me home and laid me on the bed. "It'll be okay, Livie, I am here for you. We'll get through this. I'll be here every step of the way."
She tucked me in, patting my head. I silently cried myself to sleep, waking up to Hailey's hushed whispers. I strained my ears to listen as the fog of sleep lifted more.
"She probably wouldn't tell you guys herself, but I felt you should know. Honestly, you guys are the only other friends she has. She is going to need support, but she's going to be stubborn about getting it from you," I heard her.
I groaned as I tried to open my eyes, sitting up on the bed. I turned to find Lucas and Leo on my couch staring up at me. Lucas looked so serious, biting his cheek. Leo looked like he would cry as he looked at me. I sighed, because I didn't want Hailey to tell them. She was right. I wasn't planning on letting them know. They're notjustmy friends. Leo is trying to date me more seriously, and Lucas is sleeping with me. They don't need to be involved in this.
"Do you need anything?" Leo was the first to get up and step by my side. He was acting like I didn't know how to walk anymore.
"I'm fine." He tried to grab my side, but I smacked his hand away. "Leo, I still know how to use my legs. I have a small mass on my breast. I'm not an invalid." Leo froze, staying back as I walked towards the couch, narrowing my eyes furiously at Hailey. She shrugged her shoulders like I should have expected it. Honestly, I should have.
"Whatwouldyou like us to do?" Lucas asked me, leaning forward on his knees.
His intense brown eyes stared deeply at me, straight to my soul. All I could see now was a man who had been hurt, humiliated, and traumatized. I couldn't stop thinking of the story Leo told me. Lucas had been raped. Is that why he is the way he is with women? Is it to gain back a part of himself?
"Go home," I told them flatly. Lucas sighed, bowing his head into his hands. He lifted his face back up, wiping it against his hands.
"Fine, but you better tell us when the surgery is. We want to be there," Lucas demanded as he got up. I have noticed he's always quick to do what I say. He's good at listening to my demands and wishes. He never argues about them, he respects them and follows them.
"We can't leave. We just got here," Leo protested. "You don't want us to go, do you, Liv?"
I felt a slight guilt at Leo's tone. He sounded sad, almost hurt that I would send him away. He wanted to stay to feel better himself.
"You heard her, Leo. She said she wanted us to go home, so we're going," Lucas answered for me, saving me from caving and letting them stay. I didn't want the attention right now.
"I will tell you when my surgery is. You can wait with Hailey. I am sure she wouldn't mind the company." Leo wrapped his arm around my waist from behind, kissing my temple.
"Fine, Liv. After surgery, I plan to stay glued to your side. I am going to pamper you, stupid," he promised, causing me to roll my eyes. He's sweet, but I don't want that. I want my space right now. I have a lot to process.
"Yeah, okay," I told him, feeling him let me go. Lucas came forward next. He grabbed my hips, pulling me flush against his chest. His eyes softened as they looked at me. He rubbed his knuckles against my cheek sweetly, making me blush. He then ran his thumb over my lower lip.
