Chapter 37
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Noah
My headaches haven’t been as bad today. And for the first time since the accident, I feel like I can think clearly, which is a relief.
Since I was discharged from the hospital two weeks ago, I’ve been resting in Josy’s bed, my body slowly healing.
The deep purple bruises that once covered me are beginning to fade, and while I’m not moving at full capacity yet, I feel stronger every day.
The memories, though? They’re still a blank slate.
Every waking moment, I’ve been trying to grasp at the edges of my past, but nothing has come back to me.
Josy’s done her best, showing me photos of places in town, telling me stories, even bringing me to spots she says I used to frequent.
But it’s like looking into someone else’s life.
None of it stirs the faintest flicker of recognition.
My mom is convinced my memories will return soon. She’s so positive about it and I love her for it, but I can’t help the gnawing worry that’s been building inside me. What if I never remember? What if the man I used to be is gone for good?
I need to remember. Not just for me, but for the people around me.
My job is a big question mark hanging over my head.
What happens if I can’t recall how to do the work?
What kind of contractor am I supposed to be if I don’t know jack shit about my trade?
Esteban’s been patient, though, and I’m grateful for that.
He’s promised that if it comes to it, he’ll teach me everything again from scratch.
His words ease the anxiety a little, but I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve let him down somehow.
Today, I’m freshly showered and dressed, waiting for Austin and Esteban to pick me up.
They insisted on taking me fishing—a hobby they claim I used to love.
Apparently, I was good at it, too, but we’ll see about that.
Josy told me the outing might help jog my memory, but I’m not holding my breath.
Still, I’m looking forward to getting out of the house and doing something other than resting.
The fresh air and the sound of water rushing past rocks all sounds promising, even if my memories don’t resurface.
At the very least, I’ll get to spend time with two people who seem to know me well.
Maybe hearing their stories will help me piece together the man I used to be.
Or maybe it’ll remind me of who I am now.
We’re sitting on beach chairs under a tree, fishing rods in hand, the sound of the creek flowing in the background.
The guys have been great, trying to include me in their conversation, though there’s not much I can contribute.
Austin even helped me cast my line since I’m still stuck with a cast on one hand.
So far, it’s been a relaxing day, even if I’m mostly just listening.
“Noah, how have you and Josy been?” Austin asks, glancing over at me.
“I think we’re good,” I say, leaning back in my chair. “I totally get why I fell for her. She’s beautiful, sure, but her personality is amazing. She’s funny, honest, and patient with me. Is it possible to fall in love with someone all over again?”
Austin grins. “I’d say it’s totally possible. You’re just rediscovering all the reasons you fell for her in the first place.”
Esteban chimes in, nodding. “Man, that’s incredible. Who else gets to say they’ve fallen in love with the same person twice? That’s some storybook shit right there. What you two have? It’s real.”
“Yeah,” I agree, a smile. “It feels real.”
Esteban smirks. “I think is amazing that you and Austin are pussy whipped. Austin with his Violet and you with your adorable sweetheart.”
Austin rolls his eyes but laughs, while I chuckle along.
But when Esteban says “sweetheart,” something shifts.
The word triggers a wave of warmth and then—BAM!
—like a freight train, a splitting headache crashes into me.
I drop the fishing rod and clutch my head, doubling over as pain explodes behind my eyes.
“Fuck!” I yell, my voice cracking.
“What’s wrong?” Austin asks, his voice panicked.
I can’t answer. My ears are ringing, my vision’s blurry, and the pounding in my head feels like someone’s swinging a sledgehammer at my brain. Tears stream down my face unbidden, and just when I think I can’t take it anymore, the memories hit me.
One after another, they flash through my mind in a chaotic swirl: Josy, her smile, the way she looks at me, the day she told me she was pregnant, the accident—all of it.
It’s overwhelming. Then, just as suddenly as it started, the pain fades to a dull throb.
I take a shaky breath, releasing my head, and blink up at my friends.
“I’m calling an ambulance. This isn’t normal,” Austin says, already reaching for his phone.
“No,” I manage, waving him off, my voice shaky but firm. “Don’t. I’m okay.”
Austin and Esteban stare at me like I’ve grown a second head.
“Dude, you scared the shit out of us,” Esteban says, his eyes wide.
I start laughing—loud, uncontrollable laughter mixed with tears—and both of them lean back, utterly baffled.
“Are you crying or laughing?” Austin asks, his brow furrowed.
“I remember,” I gasp between laughs. “I remember everything.”
“For real?” Esteban asks, leaning forward in his chair.
I nod, still laughing and wiping at my face. “Yeah. You said ‘sweetheart,’ and it felt so familiar that it triggered… everything. And then all the memories came flooding back.”
“Man, that’s amazing!” Austin says, clapping me on the back.
Esteban grins, sitting back with a satisfied expression. “Well, if your memory’s back, I guess this is the perfect time to ask… Did we really duct-tape a pinata to the hood of your truck and drive it through town blasting La Cucaracha, or was that just one of my weird dreams?”
I burst out laughing again, the sound echoing through the trees. “Oh, we definitely did that.”
“What about the time Austin had to be the mascot and fell in front of the whole school?” Esteban grins, eyes locked on Austin.
“Come on now,” Austin groans. “Noah, I really hope you don’t remember that one.”
Noah smirks. “Nope. I remember perfectly—how you fell flat on your face, spilled all the Gatorade, and completely ruined the cheerleaders’ white tennis shoes.”
Esteban pumps his fist in the air. “Knew it! That was a masterpiece.”
Austin groans, shaking his head. “Y’all are insane.”
“Maybe,” I say, grinning at them both. “But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Now I’m going to surprise Josy with the news.”
“Really? What’s the plan?” Austin asks, leaning forward.
“Oh, I’ve got a great idea,” Esteban says, his grin so wide it’s practically criminal.
“First, we hit up TJ Maxx. We’ll get you a pair of sexy underwear.
Think something spicy. Then, we grab flowers and chocolates.
We drop you at Josy’s place, and you whip up a romantic dinner.
Take a shower, shave, spritz on some cologne.
Then when she walks in, you greet her with the food and the goods. ”
I blink at him, half-laughing, half-horrified. “Sexy underwear? Like what, exactly?”
“Oh, I’ve seen these boxers with elephants on the front,” Esteban says, eyes gleaming with mischief. “The trunk… well, let’s just say it’s functional.”
Austin groans louder, covering his face with his hands. “Why do I even hang out with you?”
I laugh, shaking my head. “You know what? The rest of the plan is solid. Josy’s been taking care of me nonstop for the past three weeks. It’s time I do something nice for her. But I’m drawing the line at the elephant underwear.”
“Coward,” Esteban says, smirking.
“It was worth a shot,” Austin mutters, shaking his head.
“Fine,” Esteban says, waving us off. “But hear me out: boxers with personality. Like my Doritos-themed ones. Every time I wear them, I tell the girl, ‘If you want a piece of my Dorito, all you gotta do is take a bite.’” He finishes with a wink and a ridiculous eyebrow wiggle.
Austin stares at him, deadpan. “How do you come up with this shit?”
“And how does this shit actually work on ladies?” I’ve honestly wondered this for years.
“I’m a creative genius,” Esteban declares, throwing his arms wide.
We all burst out laughing, the sound carrying through the trees. I look at my watch and notice the time. “If we leave now, I can make it back and have everything ready before Josy comes back from the coffee shop.”
“Let’s go.” Austin says and we pack everything and leave.
I set the flowers in the center of the table and take a step back to admire my work.
The steaks are resting on the counter, the potatoes and mac and cheese are perfectly plated, and the table is set with candles flickering gently.
The faint scent of garlic and herbs fills the air.
It’s cozy, romantic, and everything Josy deserves after these past weeks of taking care of me.
Just as I’m adjusting one of the napkins for the hundredth time, I hear the jingle of keys at the door.
When Josy steps inside, her eyes widen. “Noah?” Her eyes glancing from the table to me, still holding her purse.
“Welcome home,” I say, a grin spreading across my face.
Her hand comes up to cover her mouth, and she blinks, her eyes glistening. “Did you do all this?”
I nod. “Surprise.”
She drops her purse by the door and walks over, her eyes scanning the room like she’s afraid it might disappear. “Noah, this is… wow. You cooked?”
“Steak, potatoes, and mac and cheese,” I say, pulling out her chair with a small bow. “Only the best for you.”
Josy laughs softly, shaking her head in disbelief as she sits. “You didn’t have to do all this.”
I take the seat across from her, my hands resting on the edge of the table. “I wanted to. You’ve been doing so much for me. I figured it was time I did something for you.”
She smiles, reaching for her napkin, but I clear my throat, stopping her.
“There’s something else,” I say, leaning forward. Her brow furrows, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “I remember everything.”
Her hand freezes, the napkin falling onto her lap. “What?”
“All of it,” I say, my grin growing. “You. Us. The accident. Everything came rushing back today.”
Her lips part, and for a moment, she just stares at me. Then she jumps up, rushing around the table and throwing her arms around my neck. “Oh my God, Noah! Are you serious?”
I laugh, hugging her back tightly. “I’m serious.”
She pulls back just enough to look at me, her face lighting up with pure joy. “This is the best news ever! But wait… can you tell me what I love most in this whole world?” Josy grins mischievously at me.
I can’t help it—I laugh out loud. “My body.” I point at myself and flex a muscle.
Josy bursts into laughter, the sound so infectious that I can’t stop grinning. I love seeing her like this. I pull her closer, and her laughter fades as her eyes lock onto mine.
“I figured I’d celebrate by making you dinner,” I say, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
She laughs again, a sound so full of relief and happiness that it makes my chest ache. “You are amazing. Truly.”
“I had some help,” I admit, smirking. “Esteban and Austin were my cheerleaders.”
She arches a brow. “Cheerleaders, huh? What did they do?”
I grin, standing up and winking at her. “I’ll tell you after dinner. Let’s just say I may have bought boxers with personality.”
Her laughter echoes through the room, filling it with warmth.
As we sit down to eat, I can’t help but feel like everything is finally falling into place.