Page 164 of Forgot to Tell You Something

My former life comes flooding back the moment I enter the glitzy ballroom. I forgot how much I hate it. Sure, it’s glamorous as hell to the outsider, but it’s like a poorly fitted shoe—rubbing me in all the wrong places.

I glance at Ken, a fake smile plastered on his face and his hand encircling the whiskey glass in a death grip, and realize I’m not the only one out of his element. We’re doctors, much more comfortable in hospital scrubs than some black-tie shindig.

But, to help people, you have to follow the money. So, here we are.

“This used to be your life?” Ken exclaims, his eyes widening as he glances around the room. The man is used to hanging with the wealthy, but billionaires are a class all to themselves. Just ask them.

“Yep, and I hated every minute.”

“I can see why. Don’t get me wrong, the Ferrari is plush as hell, but these people make me want to run screaming out a forty-story window.”

I chuckle in agreement. “They’re terrible, all of them miserable people hiding behind their money and status. But that same money opened the first training facility, and now, it will open the second.”

“Makes me feel better to know that they need us as much as we need them,” he surmises, grabbing another cocktail off a hand-passed tray.

“Even with all their money, they can’t buy life. That’s where we come in. So, let’s play our part, grab the check, and get the hell out of here.”

“I have to mention something, old chap.” Jessop taps his glass, a thoughtful expression on his face. “I got a call from a Dr. Jackson at Regent Hospital, regarding you.”

My jaw slackens. I didn’t expect to have this conversation tonight. “Shit, he already contacted you? I’m sorry, I didn’t expect him to call until next week.”

“Are you leaving Memorial?”

“I’m considering it, but not because I don’t love the staff. Ever since I found out I’m going to be a father, my priorities have shifted. I realize how many years I’ve spent away from my family. Regent is in North Carolina, where my mother lives.”

“How does Lu feel about moving?”

“I haven’t mentioned it because I didn’t know if they had anything available.”

“That’s a load of garbage. Any hospital will make room for Dr. Owen Stevens.” He swigs down his drink, grabbing another off a tray. “I gave you a glowing recommendation, although I hate to see you leave.”

“It hasn’t been decided yet. I still have to speak to Tally.”

“What about the coordinator position? She was so excited about that role.”

“Ken, I don’t trust Charlotte.”

“You think she’d be that ruthless?”

“In a word, yes. She thinks she can hurt me by hurting Tally.”

“You have a lot to consider, old boy.”

“Don’t I know it.” I grab a champagne flute, motioning toward Martin Auerback. “The big dog just entered the yard.”

“Charlotte’s father?”

I nod, my muscles tensing in apprehension of this meeting. I haven’t spoken to Mr. Auerback since that last dinner with the family a week before I moved to Florida. The man barely tolerated me when I was engaged to his daughter; I know the gloves are off now.

“Mr. Auerback, you look well.” I hold out my hand, grimacing at his fierce grip. Laying down the law, I see.

“Owen, almost didn’t recognize you.”

I run a hand over my shaved head, forcing a smile. “Changed things up a bit.”

“In all aspects of your life.” He turns to Ken, holding out his hand in greeting. “You must be Dr. Ken Jessop. Charlotte tells me great things about your work. I can’t wait to get you up to speed on the lab.”

What a load of garbage. As if Martin Auerback has anything to do with teaching Ken a damn thing in the cath lab.

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