10. Things can change in the blink of an eye.”
"Things can change in the blink of an eye.”
Aria
Beth and Marissa take me shopping in Manhattan, where we see some of the most famous buildings in New York.
Unfortunately, none of them ring a bell.
The bustling streets, the smells, the sights—nothing feels familiar, so I don’t think I’ve been living here long.
Maybe the job I got fired from on Friday was my first in the city?
Still, I must have a home somewhere, tucked within one of these towering buildings.
A place that holds all my personal belongings and my memories.
We pop into a bunch of stores, and every time we step through the doors, I zero in on the basics. Simple tops, sweaters, leggings, jeans. This time, I make sure to choose the right size.
“Looks like someone has a favorite color,” Marissa says, glancing at the black sweater I’m holding.
I chuckle. “Yeah, I guess I do. I did buy a pair of blue jeans and a gray T-shirt, though.”
“And two more black sweaters, plus a pair of black leggings,” Beth says with a wink.
“Fine. I guess black is my color. I feel so much better knowing that crucial fact about myself. What incredible progress.”
They both laugh.
“Gotta love a little sass,” Marissa says. “Ready to check out?”
After we meander to the cashier and pay for our stuff, we decide it’s time for a lunch break. And I wouldn’t say no to sitting down, either. We’ve been at it for about two hours, and my feet are killing me. Whatever I did for a living, it obviously didn’t get me moving around much.
We grab some fast food at a food court, then sit down at a table. I chose the exact same thing as Marissa because it sounded appealing, and I still have no idea what I like.
“So, how do you like your burge r?” she asks. “Pretty good, right?”
“It is.” I dab my mouth with a napkin. “You have great taste.”
“How has it been, staying with Caleb? Don’t you just love his place?” she asks, and Beth nods.
“His house is amazing. I’m not sure what kind of place I lived in, but it was definitely not that luxurious. I pretty much have my own floor, and everything is so beautifully decorated.” I twist my mouth to the side. “Well, not with Christmas stuff, but it’s very elegant.”
“Yeah, the guys don’t really have time to decorate for the holidays,” Beth says, sipping from her straw. “James only got his first Christmas tree last year when I was staying with him.”
“Wait, so you’re with a Raptor too?” I ask, confused. Is there some kind of bug going around? Hayley, Marissa, and now Beth?
“Yep.” Her cheeks flush pink. “Well, actually, he’s my fiancé now. We got engaged on Friday.”
A smile stretches my lips. “Wow, congratulations.”
“Thanks. He took the ring to be resized this afternoon. I can’t wait to wear it.
” Her smile falters. “Actually, your accident is what propelled him to ask on Friday. He was going to wait, but that moment reminded him how life can shift in an instant, and well, he pr oposed in the entryway of our apartment.”
“Well, I’m glad something good came out of it,” I say with a small laugh. “He’s right, though. Things can change in the blink of an eye.”
“How are you feeling?” she asks, wincing. “Must be super strange.” She shares a look with Marissa. “We agreed we wouldn’t bring up the subject, but here we are. You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. We’re here to take your mind off it.”
I’m touched by their thoughtfulness. “That’s okay.
And I get it. I’m pretty sure I would be dying to know more if I was in your shoes.
It’s just like you said—super strange. Nothing feels familiar.
My mind is pretty much a blank sheet, and there’s also the frustration knowing that my whole life, all my memories, are probably locked in a box inside my head, and I just don’t have the key to open it. ”
“What kind of treatment are you doing?” Marissa asks.
“There’s no guarantee it’ll work, but I’m starting therapy tomorrow morning. Hopefully, it’ll help me get my memories back.”
“I’m sure it will. And until then, we’re here for you. Whether you need to talk about it or, well, just forget about it.”
“Thanks,” I say, feeling genuinely grateful for them.
“Plus, you’re in great hands with Caleb. He’s one of the best guys we know.”
Beth nods. “Hands down.”
Tingles warm my chest again as I think about Caleb. Do those sparks mean I’m attracted to him? I guess that’s pretty normal, after he saved me and pretty much gave me everything I could hope for. He is an incredibly nice guy.
Sure, he was involved in my accident, but he could have left me at the hospital.
With Caleb offering his home and being so thoughtful, it’s impossible not to develop a tiny crush on him.
Especially since I don’t think I’ve ever lived with a man before.
The idea feels foreign, like a first for me.
At the same time, it also feels right, but maybe that’s just because it’s Caleb.
Making other people feel comfortable seems to be one of his superpowers.
“Hey, do you know where I could buy some Christmas decorations?” I ask, the idea sparking to life. “I want to do something nice for Caleb, after everything he’s done for me.”
Marissa claps her hands. “Great idea. I know just the place.”