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The rest of my shift passes in a blur of activity. I don’t have a chance to dwell on what happened with Grace or the horror it dredged up from my past. I couldn’t protect Marcy, and I can’t protect Grace. I did the best I could under the circumstances and curse my restraints.
When I finally leave the ER, I’m fucking exhausted. I want to go home and crash. But I can’t.
I glance at my watch. I have just enough time to get home, shower, and run out the door again. The rehearsal dinner starts at seven. I don’t want to be late. Arthur will kill me.
But I’m in no mood to be sociable. The weight of the day rests heavily on me, like a vice constricting my chest. I can’t push it away. The cloud hangs over my head and threatens to unleash hell.
Goddamn it.
Seeing Marcy tonight isn’t going to improve my mood.
It should. She’s the one bright spot in my life, and I would give anything to spend time with her, even if she hates me. But after the incident in the ER, I’m reminded of just how close I came to losing her. Even though she was never mine to begin with.
I love Marcy. I loved her before she married that asshole. When she showed up on Arthur’s doorstep with a suitcase, bleeding and broken, I patched her up. But she wouldn’t let me close. I couldn’t blame her. Who the fuck would want another relationship after that?
But it didn’t curb my feelings for her. It intensified them.
Her resolve and determination after her divorce fed her success. She made something beautiful from the wreckage of her life. I commend her.
When I get home, I manage to throw myself together in a presentable manner and head for the restaurant. It’ll be fine. I’ll be fine. I’ll just bury my disappointment and pain and deal with them later. Tonight is about Arthur and Kate.
The closer I get to the restaurant, the more I want to turn around and go home. I’m in a fucking mood, and I’m afraid everyone is going to see it.
Especially Marcy. And the last thing I want to do is upset her.
Chapter Five
Marcy
I don’t like this—Rob and I having dinner with Kate and Arthur. It feels too much like a double date.
We’re seated at a round table in one of the most prestigious restaurants in the city. The lights are low, and the instrumental music is atmospheric with a whimsical touch of romance. Sitting here watching my brother make calf eyes at the woman of his dreams is making me uncomfortable.
No, actually that part isn’t bothering me nearly as much as the undeniably masculine presence to my left. Rob’s somber mood radiates off him in waves as he picks at the chicken on his plate. He hasn’t spoken more than six words all night. It’s not like him.
Kate’s outlining the itinerary for their trip to Italy. Since Rob isn’t invested in the conversation, I jump in and ask questions. I’m happy for her and Arthur, but I won’t lie, I’m a bit jealous of the lovely honeymoon they have planned.
“You’ve been to Rome, haven’t you, Rob?” Kate asks, turning her attention to the brooding beast beside me.
“Once.” He sets his fork aside and takes a drink of his wine. “For an international conference.”
“Did you get to see any of the historic sites while you were there?” Kate’s eyes flash with interest.
“Not really. I think we drove past the Colosseum, but I didn’t get to look around.”
“That’s a shame.” Kate pouts. “Arthur’s promised to point out all the architectural wonders during our trip.” She covers his hand with hers.
I take a drink of my wine to stop a sarcastic comment. Be happy for them. It’s not their fault you’re a jaded old woman.
“You’re still able to stay at the apartment and watch the cat, right?” Arthur focuses on me.
“I...uh...well, I don’t know if I’ll be able to.” I shift uncomfortably in my chair. “My schedule changed and I need to be at the studio early. My apartment is closer to work, so it’ll save me some time if I stay at my place. Sorry.”
“What about you, Rob?” Kate turns to him. “Would you be willing to stay at the penthouse while we’re gone?”
“I probably won’t be there much. I’m on call next week.” Rob fidgets with the stem of the glass.
“Oh, that’s fine. I just want to be sure Tabby’s taken care of.”
