Chapter 47
CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
Leon
It’s been a week since Erika moved in, and gradually, surely, we are learning to live together as I try to piece my mind back together while she works harder than anyone I know.
Even harder than me. Not that I have done much work over the last few months, if any at all, but doing a few calls with clients now and then has been good, slowly getting me back to work while Nigel and Mark do everything else for me until I feel well enough to go back full-time.
I open my journal, something my therapist advised me to keep, and read the last page I wrote, rereading a few words that stand out, then reading some of them out loud.
“Coin. Yacht. Las Vegas. Husky. Husky.” I repeat the last word, as if saying it again will spark the clear image of a Siberian husky dog that blasted into my mind and has been doing so since yesterday.
I didn’t mention it to Erika in case it’s not relevant, but somehow I think it is.
Until I’m certain, I’m keeping quiet.
I write the word husky down in today’s journal entry again.
It’s important. I know it is.
Then I write down more words of images, places, and things that have been invading my dreams, my thoughts, like little shards of glass all scattered out in the far corners of my mind, annoyed that none of them fit together.
Husky.
Coin. An eagle on it? Gold. Was it gold?
Someone gave it to me. Who?
Husky… gray, blue eyes, black ears.
My new car… purple… why did I buy it in purple? There’s a reason, I know there is.
Purple.
The same purple as Erika’s stethoscope.
My pen hovers over the period, and then it hits me: I can see myself buying a stethoscope.
Holy shit. I remember buying the stethoscope, but if Erika hadn’t told me I had bought it for her, I wouldn’t have known that piece of the puzzle.
Excited by this new revelation, I text Erika, who is currently six hours into her day shift, and I’m already counting down, eager for her to come home. Home. To me.
Me:
I remember buying your stethoscope. I can see the website. The words were embossed into the metal. I remember.
Erika:
This is amazing! Do you remember that you were buying it for me?
Me:
I don’t.
Erika:
It doesn’t matter. This is progress, Leon. x
I love the way she started to add kisses to our conversations this week.
Fuck, I get excited about everything she does.
From the notes she leaves, like little love letters, reminding me of things we did or a memory of where we bought something together, to the new photo albums she makes for me.
I love it all, and I feel myself falling for her more with each passing day.
Me:
What’s your favorite color?
Erika:
Purple.
Me:
I wrote that in my journal yesterday. My car is purple. Did I buy it in your favorite color?
Erika:
Maybe. I don’t know. You never said.
Me:
I think it’s very possible. Old Leon is a fool for you; it made me buy supercars in crazy colors.
Erika:
New Leon makes sure all my scrubs are clean and ready, waiting at the door for me, along with my lunch, so I eat properly. New Leon is kind and has a beautiful heart. But the old you is still here. I see glimpses of him every day. You’re the same, just a little different.
Me:
I knew you were warming to me. x
Erika:
I’ve never stopped warming to you.
Me:
That’s because I’m so hot. You’re loving my new defined six pack, aren’t you?
I’ve spent hours in the gym to get myself stronger and rebuild the muscle I lost when I was in a coma. With my body in better shape, I’m hoping my mind follows suit.
Erika:
You’re ridiculous… I like it.
Me:
I like you.
Erika:
I like you too. x
Me:
I like us.
Erika:
You’ve always been my favorite person. x
Me:
I already know you’re mine too.
Erika:
You’re different today.
Me:
I feel different. I feel good. I think I remember something else. Do you know anything about a coin?
Erika:
Tell me what you know first.
Me:
It’s gold. It had an eagle on it that I guess signifies the Edmonton Eagles, and it’s about the size of a dime. I used to put it in my skate when I played hockey.
Erika:
I gave you that.
Me:
You did?
Erika:
Yeah, when I was twenty-three. Do you still have it?
Me:
I don’t know. I can’t find it anywhere. I’ve looked.
It’s lost, like my memories.
Erika:
I need to go, but before I do, two things… I’m so excited you remembered buying my stethoscope and the coin... and also the housekeeper is coming this afternoon, so don’t be naked when she arrives!
Me:
I’ll try to remember that. I might forget.
Erika:
Leon!
Me:
I’m kidding.
We haven’t kissed since the hospital, but there’s been more flirting, more hugs, and more banter.
I take my shot and try some flirty texting before I sign off, just because I know she enjoys it.
I’ve noticed the way she bites her bottom lip as if she's having sexy thoughts about me while watching me work out. She doesn’t realize I’m watching, but I am. Closely.
Me:
Would you like to see me naked?
Erika:
I’ve already seen you naked. *winking emoji*
Me:
Then you’ll know I’m pierced.
Erika:
I do.
Me:
Do you like them? Did it feel good for you?
Erika:
Yes.
Me:
How good?
Erika:
Very. You gave me the best orgasms I have ever had. *explosion emoji*
Me:
Really?
Erika:
You’re the only man who has ever been able to make me come.
Me:
Jesus Christ, Erika. I’m already hard just thinking about you and your legs.
Erika:
You like my legs?
Me:
I love your legs. Well, what little I saw of them when you came out of the shower the other day, and I walked into your bedroom.
Erika’s decision to sleep separately didn’t bother me until three days ago. The more time I spend in her orbit, the more I find myself wanting to be with her.
It doesn’t matter that she climbs into bed with me sometimes, where we chat until the early hours; it’s not enough. I want more. I want all of her.
Erika:
Are you flirting with me, Mr. Hill?
Me:
Yes. Shamelessly.
Erika:
I like it. Do more.
Me:
Your wish is my command.
Erika:
See you later. x
Eager to see her, I head out without a second thought, calling my chauffeur to drive me to the hospital.
Then we’re speeding along the freeway toward my girl.
My wife.