Page 176 of Forgot to Tell You Something

“Screw that shit. You deserve both, and you’re going to get it.”

We stroll down to the cath lab, gowning up for the procedure. Another young, overweight individual. I swear, the numbers skyrocket around the holidays. Too much rich food and drink, with nary a treadmill in sight. I need to get my head in the game, but my curiosity wins out.

“So, what happened?”

Ken shrugs, his mouth hidden behind the surgical mask. But I see it in his eyes. He’s smiling like a fool. “Oh, the deal is a go, son. Minus one beautiful but vengeful ex-fiancée.”

I force a smile, but the word fiancée hits like a fist. I asked the love of my life to be my wife. I should be in bed next to Tally, loving every inch of her, but because of my lack of transparency—again—I have no clue if she still wants to marry me.If she wants anything to do with me.

“Cheer up, old boy. Things are going to be fine.”

“I’m not so sure of that. I don’t know if I can fix this situation with Tally. Here I was, trying to convince the woman that not all doctors are bad. Instead, I helped prove her point.”

Ken clears his throat, tapping his gloved hands together. “You’re not anything like the man who hurt her. You know that.”

“No, but in her eyes, I might be worse.”

* * *

Ileave Memorial at five-thirty that morning. The case was supposed to be routine, but anyone in medicine can tell you that there’s no textbook cardiac patient.

This was no exception.

Thankfully, the patient is alive and well, and judging by his jokes when I left, he will be chowing down on more holiday fare within the week.

You can’t win them all.

My phone rings, and I grab it without looking. At this hour of the morning, it’s work related. “Dr. Stevens.”

“Owen, we need to talk.”

My heart jumps at the familiar baritone. “What do we need to discuss, Mr. Auerback? I made my stance very clear last night.”

“That you did, but I wasn’t aware of the full breadth of the situation until I spoke with Ken. I want to apologize for my daughter’s behavior. Charlotte had no right to meddle in your private affairs. She claims an altruistic stance, looking out for the greater good. But I wouldn’t be where I am today if I believed every line of bullshit that I heard. Even when they’re spouted by my flesh and blood.”

I clench my jaw at his statement. What Mr. Auerback fails to realize is that his daughter did more than screw up a deal with billion-dollar earnings potential. She screwed up my life. “I appreciate the apology, but it hardly fixes the damage your daughter caused. Her crafty ideals might work in some boardrooms, but I won’t abide them. I can’t work with her any longer, under any circumstances.”

“Understood. But I also don’t want to abandon this ship, Owen. It isn’t sinking, it’s just off course.”

“What are you saying?” Get to the damn point, man.

“I’ll be staying in Florida for the duration of the deal, ensuring that everything is fair and legal. As for Charlotte, she will stay on to save face, but she no longer possesses any decision-making power.”

“What about Tally?”

His sigh resonates over the phone line. “I feel awful that we treated her in such a manner, even worse that I believed the lies about her. I’ve researched Ms. Knowles, and her work history is impeccable. You’re right, she is an excellent candidate for the national coordinator position. Do you think she will be interested in hearing the details?”

Running my hand over my brow, I release a huff. “Damned if I know.” I should be elated that they’re going to offer the woman I love the opportunity of a lifetime, making the money her brain and work ethic deserve.

The only trouble? She may decline, based on past treatment, and I can’t blame her in the slightest.

“I’m assuming that her sudden disappearance last night was because of my daughter’s announcement regarding your new and unwanted role within the company?”

“You assume correctly.”

“I can’t ask you to forgive my daughter, but I hope you know that she was acting from a place of jealousy and pain. I also realize that Charlotte brought this upon herself, and she’s paying the price for her insolence.”

What a load of crap. I bite my tongue, holding back the sharp retort. “We’re all paying the price for Charlotte’s insolence.”

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