Page 143 of Forgot to Tell You Something

Along with the sneaking suspicion that my gorgeous girl is going to make me jump through an array of hoops to earn back a place in her heart.

“I called in a takeout order from the best Italian restaurant in town, and I’ll have a bubble bath ready for you the moment you arrive. Or just leave your car here. Let me drive you.” I don’t know if I’m speaking at the speed of light because of excitement or fear that she’s going to say no to date night.

Her face scrunches in confusion. “Hold up a minute. Who are these plans with?”

“You, Darlin. I’m getting us back on track.”

Tally laughs, but it’s not her husky chuckle of excitement. No, it’s as stilted as the rest of her responses today. “Thanks for the offer, but I can’t tonight.”

“Why not?”

Her eyes widen at my pointed question. Good, at least it’s a genuine response. “Excuse me?”

“I asked why not?” I repeat, crossing my arms over my chest. “This is a big night, Tally. We just saw our baby. Don’t you want to celebrate with me?”

She falters, but it’s only for an instant before the mask slides back into place. “I have a prior engagement, Owen.” She lifts onto tiptoe, offering me a bland kiss on the cheek. “Enjoy your dinner. I’m sure you can find company, should you require it.”

“Who are your plans with? Let me guess—Dan?”

She rolls her dark eyes at me, her full lips pursed in annoyance. “I’m going to pretend you didn’t ask me that question.”

“Is there something going on? He’s been very devoted.” My questions are clipped and harsh, but I’m finding it hard to contain my rage.

“Screw you, Owen.” Tally turns on her heel, yanking open the car door.

I have a ton of things I want to say in response to her blow off. Scream in response, at this point. But all I can manage is clenching and unclenching my fists as she drives off, with nary a backward glance.

I’m so screwed.

I’m halfway to my car, stomping like a furious toddler, when I catch sight of Stefani walking off the elevator banks across the garage. “Stefani!” I bellow, waving my hand as I jog over. If anyone knows what’s going on in Tally’s head, it’s her best friend.

“Hi, Owen. What can I do for you?” Her brows raise. “Don’t tell me you missed the sonogram appointment.”

Jesus, what these women think of me. The worst part is knowing that I’ve earned their skepticism. “I didn’t miss the appointment.”

“Is everything okay with the baby?”

I smile, despite my frustration, as I lean against her car. “The baby is perfect. It was such a trip, seeing him on the screen.”

“Him?”

I shrug, offering a dry laugh. “Too early to tell definitively, but Tally and I both think it’s a boy.”

Stefani leans next to me, giving me a nudge with her elbow. “Thatisa trip. But it’s not why you ran across the parking garage, either.”

I know that I should make small talk, but I don’t have that kind of time.

I need answers.

Now.

“Is there something going on between Tally and Dan?”

Stefani wrinkles her nose at my direct question. That’s not a good start. “Where in the world did that idea come from?”

“Things have been shit between me and Tally—”

“And you’re blaming Dan?”

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