“Most test results will be back within two or three days. The lab results for Trichomoniasis can take up to seven days. However, you’ll only hear from us if you need treatment.”

The nurse walked to the door, turned the handle, and stepped aside, effectively dismissing them.

Kelly paused in the doorway. “No offense, but I hope we never meet again.”

A warm smile crinkled the corner of the nurse’s eyes. “None taken, now get out of here and don’t come back.”

Chapter 5

The following week was rather uneventful for Kelly, as far as work was concerned. Tuesday night, she went over the same scenarios with Nicole as they had on Sunday and Monday, and drew the same blank.

Wednesday evening, Steve came over and all three tossed around a few more theories. The only conclusion they came to was it could’ve been anyone, except for the two people Kelly saw after leaving the bedroom, Paula and Murray.

Paula texted every day, mostly to say her best friend was having some problems and needed her. Kelly couldn’t begrudge Paula of that, and frankly Ashleigh’s misfortune worked in Kelly’s favour.

By Thursday evening, Kelly managed to watch her favourite TV show, Family Feud, without dwelling on the weekend. The fact she hadn’t heard from the clinic was also a good sign, she hoped.

While cracking up laughing over a ridiculous answer one of the game show contestants gave, Kelly’s phone vibrated. She swiped the screen and read a text from Paula. The message surprised and delighted her in equal measure.

Smiling, she sent a text to Nicole. “Whatcha doing Friday night?”

A second after hearing Nicole’s phone chirp, Kelly’s phone was whacked out of her hand by a flying pillow. She glanced in the direction of the missile launcher.

Propped up on her elbow, spread out along the length of the sofa, Nicole pulled a face; half smile, half glare. “Hello, I’m right here.”

Determined to one up Nicole, Kelly picked up her phone and held it in the air. “This is proof people in the same room have been known to text each other. Can you believe it?”

Nicole scoffed. “Is that supposed to be news? You suck.”

Realizing her joke fell well short of Nicole’s earlier epiphany, but not wanting to admit it, Kelly pouted. “You’re no fun.” She tossed the sofa cushion back across the room.

Nicole plucked it out of the air. “Thanks. As for Friday night, some of the guys from Steve’s hockey team are getting together for a barbecue. He said I’m welcome to join him, but he’ll understand if I don’t want to go. Sometimes, all of that testosterone gets to be a bit much.” She screwed up her face. “What is it with guys and booze that turns them into twelve-year-old boys? Frankly, some of the shit they do is damn right idiotic.”