Page 33 of Forgot to Tell You Something

“Okay then, Dr. Stevens,” I retort, his eyes bulging at my nickname. “What? You sounded like a doctor just now. Even the whole examination part. Something you want to tell me?”

Owen settles on his haunches, his gaze focused on the beach beyond the park. “I told you, I always wanted to be a doctor.”

“Maybe you should go back to school for medicine,” I suggest, surprised how calm I am at the idea. “In between your robberies, of course.”

It’s a joke. He should smile, but a worry line creases Owen’s brow. Apparently, this whole doctor discussion is a bigger deal than I thought. “If I did that, I’d lose you. Right?”

My mouth goes dry at his direct question. What if he is considering a career in medicine? What then? “I…I don’t—”

“Exactly. I’m not willing to give you up, Tally.”

I wrap my arms around his waist, giving him a squeeze. “I don’t want you giving up on your dreams, Owen.”

He drops a kiss to my forehead before hoisting me off the ground. “Why can’t we have it all? Your dreams, my dreams, and our dreams?”

Something flickers in the back of my brain, like a tiny beacon flashing out a warning. A warning that, for the time being, I’m choosing to ignore. Owen has something to tell me, and when he’s ready, he will. Until then, I’m enjoying every second.

7

Owen

“Let me get this straight. You don’t want me to mention that you’re a doctor?”

I nod at my mother, unsure why this is so difficult for her to comprehend. “Just don’t say anything about my work. There are tons of topics we can discuss.”

My mother scoffs, shaking her head in dismay. She is not a proponent of half-truths. Come to think of it, neither am I, but Tally is a special case. “Darling, Tally is going to find out, eventually. You said you’re working in the same hospital.”

“In the same unit,” I mutter, running a hand over my brow.

The clock is near zero on the big reveal, and my stomach has been tied in knots for days. Every time Tally mentions the new interventionist at Memorial, I slide on my poker face. Dr. Watts, the chief of staff, is keeping my identity under wraps. She wants to surprise the employees.

Let’s just say one of them will be more shocked than most.

On the bright side, Tally seems to be softening to the whole idea of dating a doctor. She’s mentioned me attending medical school a few times, insistent that I follow my dreams. Maybe, just maybe, the fact that I completed medical school twelve years ago won’t be unwelcome news.

I admit that I’m a chickenshit. But I’m also in love with her, and I think she’s in love with me.

Yes, it’s fast. No, I don’t give a crap. I dated Charlotte for years and never felt one iota of what I felt for Tally within the first hour.

Now, if I can just drum up the courage to let the woman I love know my full truth, I’ll be set.

Provided Tally doesn’t run screaming in the opposite direction.

“You’ve fallen hard for Tally, haven’t you?” My mother gives my arm a reassuring squeeze.

“That’s an understatement. What Tally and I have together is so good. I don’t want to mess it up.”

“Then don’t. But might I suggest you start by telling Tally the truth before any more time passes? Sweetie, you start work tomorrow. Tick tock.”

I get it, Mom. No need to twist the knife, even if she’s spot-on accurate with her statement.

* * *

Tally opts to meet us at the restaurant, and I see the trepidation on her face as she approaches the table. I sprung this dinner on her only a few hours earlier, which I know was a dick move, but I need my mother to meet the woman who has turned my world upside down.

Besides, Tally is a rock star. My mother is going to adore her as much as I do.

“Hi, Mrs. Stevens. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Tally extends her hand in greeting, but my mother pops up, pulling her into a hug.

---