Page 57 of Misery and Ecstasy

“So sorry I’m late ladies.” Olivia, thankfully, struts down the sidewalk toward us at that moment, taking the attention off of me. Leaning down, she kisses me on the cheek before turning to Marissa and doing the same.

“I’m glad you got a table outside; it’s so nice out today.”

Hanging her purse on the back of her chair, she drops into her seat with a sigh.

“So what did I miss?” She looks from Marissa to me before doing a double take, yes widening on me. “Did you change up your skincare routine?”

Oh, Jesus Christ.

Marissa bellows with laughter as I roll my eyes and put my sunglasses back on, despite the sun being tucked away behind a grouping of clouds.

“What?” Olivia’s head swivels between me and Marissa, her brows pulled together.

“I told you you were glowing when you got in my car.” Marissa shrugs like she can’t help being right.

“Ohhh…” When Olivia gasps, understanding setting in, I throw in the towel.

I won’t need to bring up anything because these two will unearth it all themselves.

“Did you have another…?” Olivia looks around before dropping her voice to a whisper, “sex dream?”

Shaking my head, I wipe my hands down my face.

“You didn’t tellmeabout any sex dreams.” Marissa places her hand over her chest with a look of mock hurt on her face. “Damn, they must have beenreallygood if you’re that lit up about it.”

Glancing around, I’m thankful we decided on an early lunch, and the tables around us are mostly empty. I remove my sunglasses again, shifting my eyes between them and trying to make the words come out.

Still in a whisper, Olivia is the first to respond.“Oh my god, you had sex!”

“With whom?” Marissa tacks on.

“Did you find some rando at the bar like I suggested? When did you go out, and why didn’t you invite me?” Olivia fake pouts, knowing she’s usually too busy to go out anyway.

My head is absolutely swimming, adding to the pain that started earlier. Every time I try to spill my guts, they interrupt me.

“Oh god. I hope it wasn’t a rando.” Marissa’s eyes turn judgey. “That’s so dangerous.”

When I start massaging my temples, Olivia’s eyes narrow in question.

“Are your headaches coming back? I noticed you seemed like you were in pain the other night at dinner too.”

“No, no.” I shake my head—not just in response to her most recent question. “It’s nothing. Probably just related to the bomb I’m about to drop on you ladies.”

But my words evaporate before I can get them out. I take a deep breath, collecting myself, then I try again.

“He’s … not exactly a rando. He’s someone I’ve known for a little while, but…”

They each look at me with wide eyes and parted lips, knowing how long it’s been since I’ve slept with someone and the fact that this is so far out of the ordinary for me.

“But he’s a fucking patient.” I cover my face with my hands as a collective gasp rings between the two of them.

“The one you told me about?”

“McK! That’s a huge no-no!”

“Yes,” I look from Olivia to Marissa. “AndI know…But can you both please just reserve your judgment and opinions for a minute to help me through the panic attack I’ve been holding back all morning?”

Each of them reach for me, placing their hands over mine.

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