"Yes."
* * *
Rebecca won her category and gave a thoughtful and sophisticated speech. Ben proudly watched her at the podium as she accepted her award in front of a ballroom of prestigious doctors and their dates, and spoke so passionately about her profession. " . . . Serving this community has been humbling. To be recognized by my peers and superiors, a true honor. Thank you . . ." Many high-profile people were in attendance, and she outshone them all with her humility and poise.
The "Chicago Under Forty" category was announced as the highlight of the night. Ben didn't pay much attention to the winner or his speech, but he did notice that he looked sleek and seemed to play the role of up-and-coming doctor to a T. From their assigned table, Ben watched Rebecca as she stood near the bar deep in conversation with the chief of staff at University. He was sure they were discussing the job offer she'd been working for her entire career and was glad to see she would finally be recognized for her hard work. Any man would be lucky to have her in his life. To have her love. He knew he needed to accept his reality and start moving forward with Rebecca. He had found the capacity to care again, although it was different, and wanted her to feel appreciated the way she deserved. Starting tonight, he would ensure Rebecca understood her worth to him. He'd gained another good friend, and he knew it was time to move forward.
As the winner left the stage, Ben watched Dr. Under-Forty winner walk back to his table. The doctor's confidence rivaled anyone's in the room. He was comfortable in the spotlight. Call it voyeurism. Good for him. When the doctor approached his date, she stood and kissed him as he embraced her.
Ben stood, his body working of its own accord. The room faded to gray around him.
She was beautiful.
Elegant.
Long, wavy chestnut-brown hair.
Slim and delicate build.
Graceful curve of her neck.
Almond-shaped eyes highlighted by long dark lashes.
Ben rushed through the dining room as if it was an obstacle course. Drinks splashed, and people griped, but he didn't bother with niceties. The people and tables felt like hurdles, purposefully placed to keep him from her.
"Grace," Ben called unable to stop himself from saying her name. His heart beat louder than the music filling the room as he approached her, and he slowed.
Ten feet.
Ten feet separated them. His pace was cautious as if approaching a wild animal. By her wide eyes, she looked scared. How could she be scared? Dr. Under-Forty winner took a protective stance in front of her as if she were his to protect. The urge to pray returned, and he silently sent one into the universe: Please let it be her.
"May I help you?" the doctor asked, his arm in front her as if Ben was dangerous.
Ben glanced at the man trying to block his Grace from him, but his eyes quickly went back to her. He could see she was taken aback and still held fear in her eyes. He'd done that; he had scared her. He blinked rapidly and looked back at the dark-haired doctor. "I know her."
"I doubt it," he said, dismissing Ben on the spot.
But she asked, "You do?" at the same time, her voice a balm to Ben's wounded heart.
The doctor turned to her, and said, "Honey, he called you Grace. He obviously doesn't know you."
She looked back at Ben, but he remained silent. He had lost his words as his pulse pounded loudly in his ears. Her brow furrowed and she bit the inside of her cheek making her lips purse. That one small act-that was everything.
Ben knew. She was Grace. "What happened?" he blurted, ignoring the man still blocking her.
She shook her head in response not seeming to understand the question. She didn't even seem to recognize him. Her eyes held no love, not even a smile for him. The love that used to live there no longer existed. He refused to be deterred.
The doctor took her hand tightly in his, and said to Ben, "Listen, you've obviously had too much to drink. I think you should excuse yourself and go back to your table before I get security involved."
Ben finally looked at him and how possessively he held her to his body. He used to hold Grace like that. When his gaze shifted back to her, he could tell she wasn't going to answer his question, which baffled him. Each second felt like a clamp around his heart, tightening until he couldn't take anymore. Why was she doing this? "Grace, please."
"Benjamin, what's going on?" Rebecca placed her hand on his shoulder, but at that moment, her normal calming manner had no effect.
"Dr. Bauer," the doctor acknowledged Rebecca.