Page 121 of Family Bonds- Garrett & Justine

Money out of his pocket to defend his name. He wasn’t going to settle and he knew damn well that was what they wanted.

Zach’s parents lost out on their settlement with the hospital because they were greedy so they wanted to try another route.

“Have you talked to them about it?”

“I have,” he said. “Last night when you were working. I was going to tell you today and I hate that I’m doing it when you told me something good.”

“Then it balanced the other out. I’m glad you told me.”

“Me too,” he said. “I don’t normally talk to anyone other than my family about these things.”

“I’m happy that I’m here for you to do it. I really am,” she said. “Do you want to talk more about it? Just to get things off your chest some?”

“Not much to say. I was firm with the other two doctors I’m not settling. I don’t care if they drag it out. I’m not doing it. My insurance rates will go up there. It will be a mark against me and for public knowledge if it happens. It’s not worth it.”

Not to mention he did have the cushion of money to fight it longer than most. But if his colleagues were on board with him, they had a better chance of winning.

They weren’t in the wrong. This was just going to be a waiting game.

He knew if one doctor folded he’d get pressured to do the same.

But they also knew where he stood and he would not let his name be dragged through anything and he wouldn’t fall prey to threats of it being a long court battle that would happen too.

He had one of the best attorneys in the Northeast and he encouraged his colleagues to retain Roark too, but that wasn’t his decision.

“No,” she said. “Stand your ground. You did nothing wrong. The fact the first case was dismissed has to work in your favor.”

“That’s the hope,” he said. “So yeah, guess we both have legal issues going on in our lives. Not the same thing, but more drama.”

“Drama seems to follow me everywhere,” she said. “But I’m not running and don’t want you to think that.”

“I know you aren’t,” he said. “You didn’t need to say it, but I’m happy to hear it.”

“I wasn’t planning on staying the night, but I can,” she said softly. “If you want.”

“I want you to stay anytime that you want to do it,” he said.

He wouldn’t say that it’d be great if she moved in. That would be crazy and put way too much pressure on them. Especially since she was taking steps forward for their relationship on her own.

“I don’t have to work tomorrow, but I’ll leave when you do.”

“Or you can stay and sleep in. I don’t care.”

“No,” she said. “I wouldn’t do that. I’ve got errands to run and it’s not like you get up that early. I’ll get the plates for dinner.”

“Thanks,” he said, pulling their dinner off the grill.

He turned to go in and saw Vanessa on her deck looking at him. She hadn’t said one word to him since she found out about Justine. She wouldn’t even wave, but he always waved to her. Just like he did now, but she turned and went into the house.

Oh well. He wasn’t the one changing his life over something that petty.

“Vanessa still ignoring you?” Justine asked.

“Yep.” She obviously saw him wave.

“Her loss. Or that is why she’s pissed because she did lose you. I won.”

“Did you win?” he asked.

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