Page 132 of Forgot to Tell You Something

“Might as well be,” I grumble, flipping aimlessly through one of the file drawers. What I’m looking for, God only knows. “They’re always together—a fundraiser here, an investment dinner there. It’s all bullshit. Just Charlotte’s excuse for spending time with Owen. But he’s going along with it. So, that’s why I want a change of scenery. It will do me good.”

I really need to scan my immediate proximity before I say anything about our illustrious doctor because he always seems to be within earshot. As Owen clears his throat behind me, I realize he’s used his ninja techniques once again. However, if he heard anything, he isn’t letting on, as he passes me a file with a smile.

“Good morning, Tally.”

“Morning, Dr. Stevens.”

“Tell her she can’t leave,” Stefani blurts out, and I swivel my chair around to face her, a look of abject horror crossing my features.

“Where are you going?” Owen asks.

“She doesn’t know yet. Just far away from here.”

I hate my friend. What a bitch. All that ride or die crap? The real motto is she’ll run you over, and then you’ll die. The woman just backed over me repeatedly, and I can tell from her narrowed stare that it was intentional.

Owen swings my chair back to face him. “Tally? Are you moving?”

“I’ve considered it. I could use a change of pace. I stayed in Florida because of my father—”

“And now there’s nothing left here for you, right?” he bites out, his mouth a rigid line. “Good to know.”

Is the man serious? He’s been shacking up with his ex-fiancée every night of the week under the guise of investment dinners, but I’m the asshole?

Oh, hell, no.

I push myself out of the seat, offering a stiff nod of my head. “Glad you approve,” I spit out, marching into my office. I’m getting smart. This time, I lock the damn thing.

But it doesn’t matter, because Owen doesn’t try to enter my office, and after fifteen minutes, I realize he’s gone.

In more ways than one.

Even if I’m planning a life far from Memorial, they’re still my employer. Time to focus. I’m elbows deep in reports when my phone rings, startling me from my self-imposed work stupor.

It’s a nurse in the cath lab. They need my help, and it shouldn’t take but a minute. Can I please come down immediately?

With a sigh and equally heavy heart, I stroll down to the cath lab suite, throwing on a mask and cap before poking my head into the room. “You rang?” I inquire, my gaze landing on the nurse to my left.

Her only response? A nod toward Owen, who’s observing Dr. Jessop as he performs a procedure.

His gaze meets mine over the surgical mask. “Tallulah, fill in for Jackie. Get a vest.”

What the hell? He wants me to fill in for a cath lab tech? I don’t want to expose Nugget to the radiation. I don’t have a film badge to monitor my levels, and that idea makes me sick.

I feel my stomach hit the floor. Interesting, since it’s been in my throat the last few weeks. “I...I can’t.”

“Why?” His words are clipped, but his gaze never wavers.

“I haven’t worked in the lab for over two years.”

“But you worked in the cath lab for a decade. Human anatomy hasn’t changed, and all you need to do is pass a few instruments. Come on. Just make sure to put on the lead vest. A ton of x-rays today.”

“I have a...thing.” I stumble over my words, my entire body breaking out in a sweat. God, I’m the worst liar.

Owen’s brows raise. “It will only take a minute.”

Tears prick my lids. There’s no simple way out of this situation, at least not without spilling the beans. “Owen, please.” In my haste, I use his first name, and I feel the eyes of our coworkers on me.

Owen straightens, his eyes stormy. “Take over for me, Ken. Have April fill in for Jackie.” He strides over to me, his hand on my elbow as he turns me toward the door.

---