Page 79 of When Stars Collide
“There was no residual malignancy found in the tissue taken from your wide excision, and the lymph nodes removed were all benign.”
“So, that means I’m cancer free?”
“It would appear so, but we do need to stress to you that melanoma is highly unpredictable and very aggressive. You may be out of the woods right now, but you still need to remain diligent with biannual follow-up appointments with Dr. Lee. You also need to perform monthly skin checks on yourself. It’s also further recommended that you not become pregnant in the next two years, as pregnancy can cause a recurrence and melanoma can be passed from mother to child.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. It’s not like I’m getting laid anytime soon.”
“Be that as it may, you should still be careful for the next two years. Oh, and avoid tanning beds and prolonged exposure to UV rays. From this point forward, when you’re going to be outside, you need to make sure you’re wearing sunscreen and your skin is protected. Your next appointment is in ten days for the removal of your staples. Do you have any questions for me?”
“No, I don’t think so.”
“Okay, that’s all I have, then. Have a good evening, Ms. Straszewski. We’ll see you in ten days.”
“Yeah, you too.”
I turned around, facing Phineas who was still standing by the doorway of his office. He looked concerned, hopeful, even anxious.
“Everything came back clear,” I announced, still in disbelief.
A broad smile stretched across his face, revealing teeth too white and too perfectly straight to be real. “That’s such a relief. Now you can take the rest of the week you have off and rest without all this hanging over your head.”
“Yes, I can be ridiculously bored for another straight week.”
“Only you could find boredom on your days off.”
“That’s not true. I suspect you do as well.”
He rolled his eyes. “You know me too well.”
I nodded. “I notice things. Have a good night, Phin.”
“Wait,” he called out to me as I approached the elevator. “Why don’t we go out and celebrate? I’m going to the opera tonight, and the Drake Publishing box looks pretty empty with just one person sitting in it.”
“The opera? You and I have a completely different idea of what the word ‘celebrate’ means.”
“It’s not that bad,” he said, chuckling. “I promise.”
“With that glowing review, how can I pass up that invitation?”
“My thoughts exactly. Pick you up at seven?”
“It’s a da— celebration. It’s definitely just a celebration.”
*****
I went through the entire contents of my closet before settling on the first dress I’d tried on. A simple black sheath, not too short, not too much cleavage. Classy enough for the opera.
Is it classy enough for the opera?
Maybe I should change again?
No, it’s almost seven. I don’t have time to change.
Ugh! Damn it, Mena.
I brushed some blush over my cheeks and was in the process of applying my eyeliner when I heard Jo conversing with someone in the living room.
Oh, crap. Phineas.
