“You’re right.” Nicole gave Kelly a sad smile. “We’re running around in circles. I’m here for you though. And honey, it might be best if you chalk it up to experience and let it go.”

“I can’t just let it go. What if I have a disease?” Kelly buried her head in her hands, not caring that her fingers were covered in the watery remnants from her glass of juice.

Nicole walked over to the armchair, crouched down in front of Kelly, and held her hands. “I’m sure you’ll be fine, but we need to find out if you have anything nasty. Make an appointment with the doc and I’ll come with you.”

The compassion in Nicole’s voice almost undid Kelly. She stifled a sob. “I can’t go to my doctor, he’s like a father to me.” She’d had the same doctor since she was a little girl. To have to explain what had happened would be embarrassing beyond belief.

“The V.D. clinic at the hospital is walk-in.” Nicole stood and picked up her cell phone. “I’ll message my boss and ask for tomorrow off.”

“Isn’t that short notice?” Kelly asked, pleased for the first time ever that she worked Saturdays and therefore had Mondays off.

“I’ll tell her it’s a family emergency.” Nicole shrugged. “It’s not far from the truth; you’re like a sister to me, Kel.”

As Nicole tapped out a message, Kelly noticed her cell phone vibrating on the chair side table. By the time she picked it up, it’d stopped ringing.

A missed call from Paula.

Resigned to her fate and prepared to face the consequences of her actions, Kelly glanced at Nicole. “I have to tell Paula.”

A sudden gust of wind blew through the front door. Kelly shuddered as though someone had walked over her grave.

For some inexplicable reason, she had the uncanny feeling her father’s ghost had entered the room, either to offer support or give her a lecture.

Nicole frowned. “That was weird.” She levelled her gaze on Kelly. “What do you hope to gain by telling Paula?”

Confused, Kelly exhaled a frustrated sigh. “What do you mean? I could have an STD. Don’t you think she deserves to know?”

“Yes. No. Damn, I don’t know.” Nicole paced the small living room, her high ponytail bouncing with each step. “I just don’t want to see you hurting any more than you already are. And, as far as I see it, telling her right now will only make matters worse.”

She came to an abrupt stop and pierced Kelly with a stare so intense Kelly almost recoiled. “Do you love her?”