Ritz Carlton Hotel. If not for agreeing to Kara’s plans first, she might have backed out.
What in the world was wrong with her, anyway?
CHAPTER EIGHT
AFTER MOLLY SHOT DOWN his invitation before he could even ask her to go with him, Dan wasn’t exactly looking forward to Jack Carter’s going-away party, but as the event would be doubling as a fund-raiser for Nina’s pro bono clinic, he told himself that it was all for a good cause.
Molly seemed to be back to her friendly self by Friday, and it had taken everything he had not to ask her out again, this time for Saturday night.
He sensed there was more holding her back than just the fact that he was the father of her young patient. Molly was bright and cheerful most of the time, but there were the occasional moments when she seemed a little sad. He thought about what his partner had said, about Molly breaking up with her boyfriend about a year ago, and found himself wondering what had happened. Had she broken things off? Or was she still in love with the loser?
The very thought of her being in love with someone else made him feel sick to his stomach. By all rights he should want Molly to be happy, yet somehow he only wanted her to be happy with him.
And Josh.
He donned his tux, which he’d had to dig out of the back of his closet, eyeing himself critically in the mirror. He’d asked Gemma to stay overnight in order to watch Josh, something he hadn’t needed her to do since he’d taken his leave of absence from the hospital. Normally, Gemma only stayed overnight on the weeknights and weekends he was on call.
Luckily, she hadn’t said anything about the fact that he was spending the time going out rather than working.
“Don’t go, Daddy,” Josh whined. “Stay home with me.”
He paused in the act of drawing on his jacket. This was the first time Josh had ever asked him to stay home. The first time his son had indicated he might prefer his father’s company over that of his nanny.
“I love you, Josh,” he said, coming over to crouch down next to Josh’s wheelchair. “More than anything in the whole wide world.”
“I love you, too, Daddy.” Josh leaned against him, burying his face in his father’s chest.
Dan kissed the top of his son’s head, his heart swelling with emotion. He considered calling off his plans. It wasn’t as if anyone would really miss him if he didn’t show up.
“How about I stay here until it’s time for you to go to sleep?” he said, trying to compromise. “We can read another book.”
“Really?” Josh visibly brightened. “That would be awesome.”
“Really.” He followed as his son wheeled himself into his bedroom. He knew the party would start without him. And he’d only be a little late.
His son was far more important. Seeing the progress Josh was making helped ease his guilt for having been distracted the night of the crash. He was beginning to believe Josh really would walk again.
Now, for the first time in a long time, he had his priorities straight.
Molly paid the taxi fare and then walked into the Ritz Carlton Hotel. For several long moments she stood in the opulent lobby, gazing at the impressive high-domed ceilings and ornate white woodwork trimmed with gold as she waited for Kara to arrive. She smoothed a hand down her slinky green dress, and smiled as a couple walked by, wondering for the tenth time if the gown was too revealing. Not that it was extremely low cut or anything, but the way the fabric clung to every curve didn’t leave much to the imagination.
She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, glancing down at her watch. It was barely eight o’clock, so it wasn’t as if Kara was late. But she couldn’t help feeling conspicuous, standing here alone.
A tall, handsome man with jet-black hair walked into the lobby, talking on his phone. “Hi, Callie, how is life in the great Down Under?”
Molly recognized him as Alex Rodriguez, one of the top neurosurgeons on staff at Angels. She turned away, trying not to eavesdrop on his conversation, although he wasn’t exactly trying to be quiet. She noticed several other heads had turned in his direction, as well.
“I’m glad you’re doing better, because I’m not,” he said curtly. “Can you believe Layla Woods has been appointed as the new chief of Pediatrics? Seems no matter how hard I try to move on with my life, that woman keeps popping back into it.”
Molly moved a few steps away, even though Dr. Rodriguez had certainly captured her attention. Apparently not everyone was thrilled to have a female in charge of the pediatric division. Was there some personal history between him and Layla? She didn’t often pay attention to the hospital grapevine.
“Don’t get involved?” Alex let out a harsh, humorless laugh. “Yeah, thanks for the warning, Callie. You and I are way too much alike, so I’ll say the same right back at you.”
There was another pause as he listened to something Callie said. “Thanks for the invite, but I’m not running away. Especially not from a woman.”
Just as Alex Rodriguez finished his call, Kara walked in, looking very glamorous in a midnight-blue dress that displayed her slim figure to full advantage. Molly quickly crossed over to greet her. “Wow, Kara, you look amazing!”
Kara laughed and hugged her. “So do you, Molly.”
“Maybe, but I think a certain doctor is going to be shocked when he catches a glimpse of you,” she teased.
“From your lips to his ears,” Kara said with a laugh. “And if he doesn’t notice me, hopefully someone else will. So, are you ready to head up there?”
Molly took a deep breath and nodded, telling herself she needed to mirror Kara’s attitude. “I’m ready if you are.”
They took the grand curving staircase up to the main ballroom. A waiter greeted them at the doorway, holding a tray of drinks. Molly and Kara both helped themselves to glasses of sparkling champagne.
“This is the life,” Kara murmured. “I see David is here, over by the bar.”
“Maybe you should wander over?” she suggested.
“Maybe in a bit,” Kara said. “This place is amazing, isn’t it?”
“Absolutely.” Sipping her champagne, Molly gazed out over the audience, quickly verifying that Dan wasn’t among the mingling crowd. Not that she’d expected him to be here. She knew he was likely to be at home, spending time with Josh.
“I’ve heard Jack normally doesn’t flaunt his wealth, but he and Nina are using this party as a way to collect donations for her pro bono clinic,” Kara continued, filling her in on the latest gossip.
“I’d be happy to donate,” Molly murmured. She’d gotten the emerald-green floor-length gown at a steeply reduced price, so she had a little extra money to spare.
“Let’s go say hello to the guest of honor,” Kara murmured, drawing Molly toward the large group gathered in the center of the ballroom. Kara was far more
