Chapter 33 #2
“Tell me more. I’ll help you figure it out.”
I resume walking, and Quinn matches my stride. “The memory loss is making it hard for me to feel settled.”
“But it’s not just that, is it?”
“No.” The coffee shop comes into view ahead. “It’s deeper. More specific. Like I’m missing a piece of myself and I don’t even know what piece it is.”
Quinn is quiet for several steps. When she speaks, her voice is careful. “Have you talked to Cash about this?”
“No. He’s not the problem. He’s great, just like he always has been.”
Quinn stops me with a hand on my arm before we reach the coffee shop entrance. “It could be because…”
“What? Don’t hold out on me now.”
Something unreadable floats behind her eyes. “Maybe it’s about someone you can’t remember.”
The words hit me like cold water. My breath catches and that familiar pain shoots through my brain.
“Who?” The question comes out barely above a whisper.
Quinn opens the coffee shop door. “Let’s get our lattes first. Then we’ll talk.”
“You’d better tell me everything.”
“I will.”
We go inside and order our drinks.
Once we have them, she gestures to a table. “Let’s take an extra ten minutes to get you caught up.”
“Thank you.” I rush to the space she pointed to, in a hurry to fill in the blanks.
We get situated, then she starts the conversation. “Where do you want me to begin?”
“You suggested there might be someone else in my life. Someone I can’t recall.”
“I’m not sure if it means anything, but you told me you had a guy you were seeing. It wasn’t anything serious. At least I didn’t get that impression.”
“Really?” My chest caves in with the mere thought of being with someone other than Callum. “What was his name?”
“That’s the thing. You never told me.” She takes a slow sip of her hot latte.
“Why wouldn’t I tell you his name?”
She places her cup down. “That’s what I was trying to say. You wouldn’t tell me because you said he was just someone you filled your lonely nights with. I called him Mr. Opportunity. That’s how I know him.”
“Mr. Opportunity?”
“Yeah. Your relationship was always about when you could fit each other in. He only seemed to come around when you summoned him to your bed.”
I rest my head in my hands, begging my mind to work. “So, it was casual?”
“I think so.” She gives me a moment to take it in.
I lift my sad gaze to hers. “He must not care very much about me.”
“Why do you say that?”
“If he did, he’d be concerned about me. Has he even noticed we haven’t spoken?” A searing throb shoots between my temples. I grab at the sides of my head. “Fuck me. I hate this.”
“Do you have anything to help?”
“Yeah. Thanks for reminding me.” I dig into my purse and pull out my painkillers. I take a couple with a gulp of coffee. “That should do the trick.”
She nods, but there’s something strange about the way she’s analyzing me.
“Why are you looking at me like that, Quinn?”
“It’s just that you don’t take…” She shakes her head. “It’s nothing. Let’s get back to your love life.”
“What can you tell me about this other guy?”
“Not much.” Her eyes go wide. “You know, there is something.”
“What? Tell me everything.”
“You two broke up in early April.”
“That was about a month and a half ago.” Emptiness fills my core. “Did I tell you why?”
“Just that he was traveling and away on business for the foreseeable future.” She reaches across the table and rests her palm on my forearm. “You told me you thought you were falling in love with him, but he left you. That all happened before Cash came back into your life.”
“Where did this other man go?” My pulse picks up as the desperation to understand hits me hard. “Maybe—”
“Livianna, you told me it was for the best that it was over.”
“I did?”
“Yes, you seemed at peace with it.” She smirks. “At least as much as you can be at peace with anything not going your way.”
“Meaning, it bothered me.”
I wouldn’t take a break-up with a man I thought I was falling in love with well. My vision distorts as reality hits me.
There’s an entire section of my life missing. And from this conversation, I have a feeling that if I could remember it, everything would be different. Maybe I should stop looking for trouble.
I breathe deeply to calm my racing heart. “Does Callum know?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Good. Let’s keep it between us. I don’t need him worrying about something that doesn’t matter anymore.”
“Agreed.” She lifts her cup. “We should get back. I have to get organized before I leave tonight.”
“Where are you going?”
We get to our feet and start heading back.
She opens the door. “Jaxon’s sending me to Malaysia to help Andrew out with an investment issue.”
Another electrocuting zap of pain in my brain steals my breath. “God, I hope these painkillers kick in fast.”
“Maybe you should go home and rest.”
“Can’t. I have a meeting I can’t miss.”
“Of course you do. Anyway, how are things with you and Cash?”
We continue toward the office building as I tell her how wonderful Callum’s being with me. Thoughts of him seem to relax me.
By the time we get back, I’m feeling much better. Light, like I’m floating, and it’s exactly what I need.
Oh, yes. The painkillers I took. I can make it through the day with these magical white pills running through my veins.
It’s the relief I need. I attend all my meetings and handle tasks as if I know what I’m doing. It’s likely muscle memory, but I’m thankful regardless.
Once the day is over, I go outside and sit near a flowerbed. I text Callum to see when he’ll be here to pick me up.
Me: Just checking in. What time should I expect you?
Callum: Fuck, Lily. I’m stuck at an appointment. Can you wait for an hour or so?
Me: I’ll just order a ride service.
Callum: Sorry. I’ll hurry.
Me: No need. I’m fine. I’ll just go home and take a hot bath.
Callum: Tempting. Too tempting…
I smile to myself. At least he still loves and wants me.
Me: I’ll keep the water warm.
Callum: Promise?
Me: Yes, but only if you’re home before seven.
Callum: I’ll do my best.
“Livianna?” A low, velvety voice curls around me.
I turn to find Jaxon approaching me. “Oh, it’s only you.”
He raises his brows. “That’s a frosty reception.”
“I apologize. I’ve had a splitting headache all day.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“No.” I fidget with my phone to find the ride service app. “I’m just waiting for a car to pick me up.”
“Isn’t Cash coming to get you?”
“No, he got held up at work.”
“Let me take you home.” He points to a black sedan waiting at the curb. “It’s no trouble.”
I consider his offer as I take out two more painkillers. I slam them down with a sip from my water bottle.
His gaze sharpens in on me. “Are you having…?”
“Am I having what?”
“You just took something. Is something wrong?”
I shake the bottle. “Give my brain twenty minutes for these little magical workers to hit and I’ll be fine.”
The color drains from his face, and I get the distinct feeling I’ve done something concerning. I hold his wary stare, not wanting to give an inch. If he’s bothered by something, he needs to come right out and say it.
“Something you want to say, Jaxon?”