Page 109 of Forgot to Tell You Something

“Was she a model? She looks like one.”

I hate where this conversation is headed. “Yes, she modeled a bit in Europe.”

There goes that lip biting again. She motions to herself, then throws up her hands and shrugs. “I don’t get it.”

“Get what?”

“She’s gorgeous, filthy rich, and connected. I’m none of those things—”

“You sure as hell are gorgeous. Don’t let me hear you say that again.”

“Or what?”

There she is. My sultry vixen coming out to play. Even if it’s only for a minute, I’m so damn happy to see her. “I’ll find all sorts of ways to pleasure—I mean punish you.”

“Tell me why, Owen.”

“Darlin, I don’t know what you’re asking.”

“Why are you here?”

“I love you, Tally.”

“You don’t even know me.”

“I know you. I’ve known you since before this lifetime.” I send her a narrowed look. “Don’t deny it, either. I know damn well that you feel the same way.”

Her gaze drops to her t-shirt as she picks off imaginary lint. “You were a great friend today.”

Oh Jesus, please don’t tell me I’ve landed in the friend zone. “I’m much more than a friend.”

“I can’t handle anything beyond friendship right now.”

Houston, we have a situation.

I stare at her beautiful, tear-stained face and trembling lips, realizing that she doesn’t need additional stress. If Tally is setting boundaries because of my behavior, I need to respect them, even though I loathe them. “I’ll be whatever you need, Darlin.”

There, that should cover all the bases.

Her front door opens and Stefani walks in, preventing any further conversation. She smiles, giving me a peck on the cheek. “Thank you.”

I force a smile, even though I feel like I took a knife to the gut. At least I’m in her life again. Now comes the hard part—convincing her to fall for me one last time.

I leave thirty minutes later. Tally is safe with her friend, and I’m in desperate need of a drink.

I’ve been sidelined by the woman I’m in love with, and I can’t blame her. I failed to tell her the whole truth—twice—and now, my past has pushed its way into my present, mucking up everything in its path.

But today, when Tally’s world fell apart, she clung to me. I was her lifeline.

I know there’s hope and I’m like a tenacious bulldog, holding on to that glimmer at the end of a shit-laden tunnel.

* * *

The days between Mr. Knowles’s death and the funeral were rainy and depressing. But on the day of his service, the sun is shining brightly.

I’m running a few minutes behind, adjusting my tie as I walk to the gravesite. Per her father’s wishes, the service is simple. A group of about forty people stand around the grave, and I’m certain Tally is shocked by the turnout.

She didn’t think anyone would show. But it turns out Mr. Knowles is as beloved as his daughter. I catch sight of Tally, her head resting on Stefani’s shoulder. She’s lucky to have a friend like that. Hell, they’re both lucky. Genuine friendships are rare in this world.

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