23 • Luxoria Needs You

◆ MAXIMILIANO ◆

"You don't have to come with."

"What?"

"To my next appointment." Adreana shifted beside me, her fingers gripping the seat belt pinning her in the passenger seat as I sped out of the parking lot.

In two weeks, she had to go back there. In that examination room. Alone. Nervous. Anxious. Scared.

"To our next appointment," I corrected, mentally reminding myself of the follow-up consult with the gynecologist.

"No. I can manage," Adreana said with more conviction. "You're busy, anyway."

"You heard the doctor. She thinks I'm your boyfriend. She prefers we go back together."

"Not really. It's not necessary."

"We already said yes."

Adreana sighed, fidgeting next to me as I sped up along the highway. "Maxim, it's no big deal."

No big deal? "Meaning?"

"I'm alright. I can sort it out from here."

Doubting her words, I slowed down towards a busy intersection and feigned a straight face. "What if you get pregnant?"

"I won't." She closed her eyes and nearly flinched at my mute