Page 124 of Forgot to Tell You Something

I’m done for the evening.

I slide off the stool, throwing a ten on the bar and giving Dan a nod. Then, without a second glance at Owen, I walk away.

He’s at my side within seconds. “You’re just going to leave?”

“Yep. Hey, this makes it easier for you. Now, you don’t have to choose between Charlotte and me.”

“This is ridiculous, Tally,” Owen grits out, his grip tightening on my elbow.

“You’re right. This is ridiculous. This entire situation is ridiculous, Owen.”

“So, let’s stop fighting.”

“I have a better idea. Let’s just stop.” I hold up my hand. “Don’t follow me, Owen. Just let me go.”

28

Tally

Am I validated in storming out of Wicked Chuck’s last night?

Yes.

Do I regret stomping out of the bar like a juvenile?

Also, yes.

I strive to keep my emotions on lockdown. It’s a necessity in the medical field, and after the kicks that life has dealt me, I wouldn’t be standing if I let every little thing bother me. That being said, the situation with Owen and Charlotte isn’t a little thing. It’s gargantuan, with a life of its own.

What really bothers me? That, for all intents and purposes, Owen belongs to Charlotte. He belonged to her long before he engaged in a tryst with me. They had plans for the future—plans that he up and left.

I realize that Owen never envisaged me, and he certainly didn’t intend on knocking me up.

The selfish side of me wants to call Owen and demand that he put a ring on it, just like he promised. The magnanimous side knows that with Charlotte by his side, he can change the world of medicine.

I haven’t decided which way I’m leaning yet.

I slept hard last night, but I’m still tired. Glancing at my phone, I see a few missed calls from Beth. One of the new residents has a medical situation, but she’s too terrified to go to the doctor.

I pull on a flowing sundress, tie my hair back, and jump into my jalopy. Screw makeup, the women at the shelter do not care if I’m wearing mascara.

“Beth,” I call out, walking from room to room as I search for the director. “Where are you?”

“In here, Lu.”

I enter the kitchen and stop short. Owen sits at the table with the new resident, giving her an examination. Once again, I’m caught by howgoodhe is at his work. He’s a natural healer, and the women seem to trust him. That, in itself, is a rarity.

But it is also painful to see him after our row last night, more so in a place I assumed he would never return.

“Dr. Stevens was kind enough to come down and speak with Sophie.” Beth stands, giving me a quick hug and motioning to the coffeepot. “Cup of coffee, love?”

I shake my head, strolling to the front porch. I’m weighing my options. Should I leave or stay? The decision is taken out of my hands when the screen door slams and Owen settles into a chair next to me.

“Hey.” His tone is guarded, noticeable from just that single word.

“Thank you for helping them.”

“I told them whenever they needed something to call me. Beth said she couldn’t reach you. Are you okay?”

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