Page 56 of Forgot to Tell You Something

Uh-oh. I know avoidance when I see it, and Owen is looking everywherebutat me right now. “I didn’t know you were still here.”

I’m about to ask why he’s here. It’s on the tip of my tongue, but then I spot Nicole, and I have my answer. To think, I almost caved. I must be stronger, which means more distance between me and the man who will shred my heart when he falls in love with another woman.

“Ah, I see.” I step away, nodding in Nicole’s direction.

Owen’s eyes widen. “It’s not just us for drinks. I swear, Tally. Come with us. Or, let me cancel this evening, and you and I can go somewhere.”

Just like the first night, I feel like a third wheel. A flat third wheel. In other words? Totally useless. “I have some work to finish. Have a good time.”

“Tally,” Owen calls after me, but I’m not waiting around for him. He’s made his choice.

12

Tally

There’s a reason I don’t date people at work. When it goes south, it’s painful.

With Owen, it’s the seventh circle of hell.

He’s been at Memorial a little over two weeks, but his reputation as a miracle worker is already secured. Even without robotics, his work in the cardiac cath lab is quickly becoming the stuff of legends.

No surprise there. I know firsthand how talented his digits are.

He also sets every tongue wagging when he strolls through the hospital with his confident swagger. There are rumors that Nicole is close to landing her prey, but I don’t investigate.

I don’t want to know.

I haven’t spoken to Owen since that evening in the emergency department when I watched him leave for drinks with another woman.

He has a new trick, sliding notes under my office door. I was tempted to toss them, but like everything else with the man, they’re endearing as hell.

Note, Day 1: Knock, knock.

Note, Day 2:The joke only works if you actually respond.

Note, Day 3:I’m much better at card tricks, but for you, I’ll attempt comedy.

Note, Day 4:I can’t believe I have to write out the entire joke. You’d better laugh. Knock, knock. Who’s there? (that’s your line). Sherwood. Sherwood who? (another one of your lines). Sherwood like to be your valentine!

Note, Day 5:Did you laugh? If you did, I have another one. If you didn’t, I have another ten. I’m going to assume you laughed because it was the epitome of comedic genius. So, here’s another one: What do squirrels give each other for Valentine’s Day? Wait for it...forget me nuts.

I chuckle, dropping the note with its counterparts into my desk drawer. If this whole interventional cardiology gig doesn’t work out, Owen definitelydoesn’thave a future in stand-up.

I’m not sure how to interpret the notes. They’re cute and funny. Friendly, but with no overt romantic tones or sexual innuendos. I don’t know if this is what friendship with Dr. Stevens looks like, but I guess it could be worse.

However, the mental reel in my head of Owen screwing Nicole is the stuff of nightmares, and lucky me, I have it on permanent playback.

“Come on, Lu, we don’t want to miss the first round.” Stefani plops into my office chair, swiveling back and forth with an air of impatience.

Tonight is the unofficial welcome party for Owen. In other words, it’s the cool doctors and nurses on the unit hanging out, coupled with copious amounts of liquor and laughs. Normally, it’s right up my alley.

Not tonight. It’s bad enough that Owen and Nicole may or may not be involved. I don’t need a front-row seat. “You go ahead. Have a good time.”

“Don’t tell me you’re not coming.”

“Okay, I won’t tell you.”

“You always go to these get-togethers. How’s it going to look if you suddenly don’t attend?”

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