Page 92 of Off the Wall

“Yes. Of course. That’s totally fine. Obviously.” Cullen bobs his head. “Whatever you want, moon of my life.”

Lauren pastes on a sweet smile. “Right answer, babe.”

“In that case”—I start for the door—“I might be able to help you out with that epidural. I happen to know a lot of the doctors and nurses here.” I flash my brother a look.

He mouths,Thank you.

I duck out into the hallway, leaning against the wall for a moment, taking a deep breath of my own.

Not Lamaze.

I’m used to patients who are asleep on the operating table, not first-time parents waiting on their baby. This giving birth business is no joke. So I search the maternity ward until I find a nurse who can see about getting an anesthesiologist to check on Lauren. Then I take the elevator to the second floor. They’ve got the best snacks at Worcester Medical Center, and the last thing I put in my mouth was that pesto quiche at Hayden’s happy hour.

I’m dreaming of the Famous Amos cookies and the Cool Ranch Doritos I’m about to stuff down my gullet when the elevator doors slide open and my stomach drops. Alex is standing there in scrubs. Probably waiting for a case that would’ve been Powell MedTech’s a few months ago.

I haven’t spoken to him since he left.

It’s our company’s policy—no communication after someone quits. No fraternizing with the enemy. No letting the competition steal from you. If you ask me, though, the rule is more about keeping reps from comparing notes about salaries and commission schedules.

For the record, reps break these rules all the time, but Alex and I are by-the-book guys. And honestly, I’ve been too raw to reach out.

“Hey, man.” I step out of the elevator. My chest is tight, and I don’t know what to say that wouldn’t feel weird. I trained this guy, and he took the first competitive offer thatcame his way. I’m not saying the betrayal hurts like labor, but there’s no epidural for your partner bailing right after you made big plans for the future.

“Hi.” Alex ducks his head like his chin might be able to block the vendor ID clipped to his pocket. Vortex.

“Lauren needs an epidural,” I blurt.

Wonderful.

Glad I didn’t make things weird.

“She’s having the baby already?” Alex’s brows fly up his forehead. “That went fast.”

I puff out a breath. “Word of advice?Neversay that to a pregnant woman.”

“Noted.” Alex drops his gaze, taking in my dress shirt, slacks, and shoes.

“Wedding,” I say. “Not mine.” I tug at my collar. My suit jacket and tie are back in Lauren’s room slung over a plastic chair.

“Kids come at the weirdest times, huh?” Alex glances at the clock above the elevator.

“I wouldn’t know.” I nod to indicate Alex’s iPad. The guy always brings it with him into the OR. “So, whose case?”

Alex shifts his weight. Guess we’re about to break some rules. “Dr. Lu.” He looks over his shoulder checking that the floor is still deserted. “Complex spinal fusion.”

That’s a long surgery. Huge price tag. Big commission. I drag a hand along the back of my neck.

Sympathy pains. “Well, good luck. Dr. Lu’s tough.”

Alex coughs out a laugh. “Tough’s one way to put it. Personally, I’d say he’s a total?—”

“So, I’d love to catch up,” I interrupt, cutting Alex off before he says something he’ll regret. He’s a loose cannon, but he’s also the smartest partner I ever trained. Talented. Ultra-committed.

Just not to me. “But there’s a bag of Famous Amos with my name on it,” I add.

“Old habits,” he chuckles.

“So, I’ll see you around, then.” I move past him with a quick wave. I’m halfway down the hall when Alex calls out.

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