Page 28 of Derek

Sonja laughed in relief.

“I’ll give you a copy of the pathology report for your records, and I took the liberty of printing out this article on fibrocystic breasts from the Mayo Clinic’s website.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that,” Sonja said. Now that she knew she didn’t have cancer, she took a moment to really look at the other woman—a statuesque brunette, with curly, shoulder-length hair. “Have we met before? You look familiar.”

“I don’t think so, but anything’s possible.”

“Have you ever been to The Sweet and Savory Table? It’s a little café downtown. I’m co-owner, and I try to get to know my customers.”

“Once or twice, I think. Your bakery is excellent. I had a dark chocolate raspberry torte that was out of this world. That must be where you saw me.” Erin seemed oddly edgy over the question, but Sonja put it out of her mind. She was so full of relief it was hard to concentrate on anything else.

“Come back any time and be sure to say hello.” Sonja started to get up.

“One more thing. Dr. Davidson left a note in your file. Have you considered genetic testing, given your family history?”

“Dr. Jacobs mentioned it back when the testing first became available, but the cost was a problem then. I take it Dr. Davidson wants me to consider it again?”

“Yes. Costs have come down, and it could help you get a better handle on your level of risk.”

“Where would I have to go for it?”

“Nowhere. We could do a swab here today. For the results, you’d meet with a genetic counselor at Truman.”

“I’ll think about it. I need to check into the costs and insurance coverage.”

“I’m sure Dr. Davidson would be happy to talk to you about it any time.”

“Sure. Is that all? I’d like to go celebrate my news.”

“That’s all. Congratulations. I hope to see you again under more pleasant circumstances.”

“That would be great. Thanks for not putting me off, Erin.”

They shook hands at the door. “Enjoy your evening, Sonja.”

Trying to work while he waited had been a terrible idea. Derek stared at his computer screen, more of the letters flickering into gibberish with each passing moment. He glanced at the corner of the screen for the time. 5:05 pm. Sonja’s appointment had been at 4:30 pm. What was taking so long? She had promised to call as soon as she left the doctor’s office.

He tried to focus on the case file on his screen again and got through two paragraphs of notes before he lost concentration again. He was accomplishing nothing, but he couldn’t take off because that would guarantee she’d call while he was driving. He needed to give her his undivided attention. Too bad the days of paper records were over. He could have used the time to catch up with his filing, but his office had converted everything to electronic records the year before. He kept expecting data breeches and system crashes, but so far, the transition had been remarkably smooth.

What could he do while he waited? If the news was bad, Sonja would need comforting. He could do that. On the other hand, Derek could also do a celebration. Could he prep for both possibilities? For Sonja, comfort would certainly mean food, but what sort? She hadn’t told him much about her past, so he had no idea what her favorite foods were. Maybe her partner did? He didn’t know Suzie Carmichael well but thought she’d help.

Unfortunately, he didn’t have a phone number for her or her husband, Connor. Strike that idea. He’d come back to comfort.What about celebrating? That was easy, but where should they go? Maybe takeout would be better? Then he could feed her in bed. That worked, regardless of the occasion. The only difference was what came after.

He was still running through options, lost in thoughts of how to make the night special, when his phone rang.

“Kiriakis.”

“No cancer.”

For a second, his brain stalled, like he hadn’t heard right. Then the words crashed into him, a rush of pure relief so intense it nearly knocked the breath out of him.

“Babygirl, that’s fantastic!” His voice came out rougher, louder than he intended, but he didn’t care. His heart pounded, his entire body buzzing with energy. He clenched his free hand into a fist, his muscles coiled like he needed to move—do something, shout, grab her, hold her. A grin stretched across his face, wide and unrestrained. “What’s your favorite restaurant?”

“I was hoping we could stay in tonight, Daddy.”

That was something new. Maybe the stress of Sonja’s health scare had helped her break through to her Little side?

“I wasn’t planning on eating there, but I would like to know where to go for the food. And what you’d like to eat, of course.”

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