“Have you had a gynecological exam done lately?” my mother asked me nonchalantly while taking a bite of her sub sandwich.

“Mother! We’re in a public place!” I said, conscious of the dozen or so people within hearing distance.

“Oh, pooh. It’s a natural thing.”

“Oh, right,” I whispered while leaning close to her, “having someone stick that thing inside me and probing my uterus is natural.” I was not fond of going to the gynecologist.

“I’m just saying that you should see one at least once a year. When was the last time you saw one? When I took you to Dr. Jenkins when you were 17?” I nodded. “You should see mine. He’s great. And gentle. I’ll get you his number if you want.” She was not going to let it go.

“Sure, whatever,” I said to pacify her.

She wrote the number on a napkin and handed it to me. “Promise me you’ll make an appointment. It’s good to know everything is in working order.” Damn, she was giving me that “you better or else” look that only a mother can give.

“Okay, okay. I’ll make an appointment.”

“Good. Well, I best be going. Your father is taking me dancing tonight!” They still went out on dates… how cute!

I stayed in my seat after my mother had left and stared at the napkin. Dr. Holmes... well, here goes nothing. I pulled out my cell phone and called the number.

“Dr. Holmes’ office,” a kind voice answered.

“Yes. I’d like to make an appointment for sometime within the next week. Any time after 3 if it’s available.”

“There’s an opening on Tuesday at 4:30. Is that suitable?” The voice asked.

“That’s perfect.” I gave her my name and number and was told to be a few minutes early to fill out paperwork and get my vitals checked. All I had to do now was wait until Tuesday.

I walked into the waiting room of Dr. Holmes’ office and told the receptionist my name. She handed me some forms to fill out and told me to wait until my name was called. It was almost 5 before I heard “Victoria Anderson?” I got up and walked toward the nurse who had called my name.

“Dr. Holmes is running a little behind schedule. Would you like to reschedule? He’ll only be a few more minutes.”

“Okay. Follow me and we’ll check your vitals.” After I put on the standard paper gown, the nurse checked my temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, etc., the nurse said, “Dr. Holmes will be with you shortly.”

I thanked her and sat on the exam table. I noticed the stirrups on the end of the table and shivered. Something about them had always freaked me out.

There was a knock on the door and a deep voice asked, “Ms. Anderson?”

“Come in.” The door opened and a tall, striking man walked in. Be still my heart.

“Hi. I’m Dr. Holmes.” He shook my hand and I just stared at him. How can eyes be that blue? I found myself getting lost in them. “Ms. Anderson?”

“Huh? Sorry… I, uh, zoned out for a minute…Did you say something?” Stupid! Couldn’t you have come