Page 175 of Forgot to Tell You Something

“We’ll see.” I hear Ken’s pager beep, an all too familiar sound in our world. “You’d better go.”

“I’m on it. I swear, an emergent case is the most normal part of this evening. Now that’s saying something.”

It sure is, Ken. It sure is.

39

Owen

Holy shit, what a night.

My head is thumping after driving around for hours, looking for Tally. I left the banquet fifteen minutes after her, desperate to explain the truth of the situation.

No such luck.

Now, after going to every place imaginable, I head into Memorial, responding to a page. I force a smile for the catcalls from the night staff as I hustle into the locker room to change from my tux.

“I thought I was on call tonight.”

I jump, turning to see Ken standing there, tying on his surgical cap. “Yeah, I figured you might want a break.”

Ken shakes his head, clapping me around the shoulders. He sees right through my lie. “Did you catch up to Lu?”

“No. Then I got the page and…” I trail off, uncertain what to say at this point.

“She’s safe.”

I sink to the bench, my knees giving out. “Thank God,” I mutter. I wouldn’t allow myself to believe that something bad happened to the woman I love, but Tally was so upset when she left.

The worst part is the knowledge that had anything happened, I’m the one responsible. As usual, my girl didn’t let me explain the situation, but how can I blame her? Charlotte hit her like a locomotive, and it was all out of spite.

Once again, I look like a total prick.

“That will go down in history as the most exciting banquet dinner I’ve ever attended,” Ken remarks. “Seriously, that was quite the show. Way to stick it to the man.”

I smirk, although there’s nothing funny about my actions. Even though it felt good as hell. “Charlotte had it coming. She messed with my life one too many times.”

“Agreed. I don’t think anyone has ever told the Auerback family to shove a deal up their asses before, though.”

That’s a definitive no. The Auerbacks are royalty, minus the title. I not only told them no, I did it in the most public fashion.

“I sent myself to the permanent blacklist, but I stand by my decision. I’m sorry if I screwed things up for you.” The last thing I wanted was to ruin the deal for the training center, or my colleague. Ken is a good man, and he deserves the recognition.

“You didn’t. I spoke to Mr. Auerback on your behalf after you left.”

My jaw drops at Dr. Jessop’s admission. Everyone treads lightly around the Auerback family. Hell, I should know. I tiptoed around their bullshit for years. “You must be a smoother talker than me, considering you’re still in one piece. At least he didn’t set the dogs on you.”

“He was actually quite agreeable, once the confusion surrounding you and Charlotte cleared. He had no idea that Charlotte was causing such trouble in your life. Apparently, she told a far different version of events. Something about Lu trapping you into marriage and blackmailing you with the baby. Charlotte, of course, painted herself as the innocent party.”

That explains Mr. Auerback’s dirty glances in Tally’s direction, and his hesitation to consider her for a role within the training facility. He blamed her for the dissolution of mine and Charlotte’s relationship.

Just wait, Mr. Auerback, I’ll tell you all the details of your darling daughter.

“That’s why he didn’t care to meet Tally. At least now I know the source of his rudeness. He’s still a bastard, though.”

“I’m not denying that he’s an arrogant prick, but Charlotte’s behavior shocked him. Owen, he realizes your worth. You’re invaluable to the future of robotics in the cath lab. He will not let a spoiled woman come in the way of his legacy.”

“He can have his legacy. I’m happy to continue doing my job. I don’t need all the accolades.”

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