Page 35 of My Almost Ex

He chuckles. “You grew up in Sunrise Bay, Lucy. You might’ve interacted with that woman many times throughout your life if that town is as small as you say it is. You might not remember her from your wedding, but from another time in your life. Don’t force it.”

I’m not about to tell Dr. Lipstein about Nikki telling everyone to stop me and tell me a memory as though they’ll win a prize if I recall their memory. “So it’s okay?”

“Yes. You’re making great progress and I believe you’re right where you should be, but take it slow. Don’t force it. Allow them to come to you when they come to you.”

“Okay.”

He chuckles again. “I know it can be frustrating.”

“Yeah.”

“For patients who haven’t had the progress you have thus far, we’re usually talking about their new future. The one where they need to find out who they are now, not who they were. But I don’t want you thinking that way yet. Maybe while you’re there, try to discover what you used to love. You never know what can happen. The mind is a tricky place to navigate and there’s never one right course of action.”

“Thanks, Dr. Lipstein.”

“Anytime. Now, go relax. Just because you stayed there doesn’t mean your mind will magically recover with the snap of your fingers.”

“Okay. Yeah, makes sense.”

“Have a great day, Lucy.”

“Thanks again.”

We hang up, and in my peripheral vision, I catch sight of Fran and her speed walking gang waving me down. I’m glad I remember her right away because I know that I don’t want to get cornered by her and her friends. They’re always up in everyone’s business to the extreme and don’t take no for an answer. I head down an exit from the bay to the downtown area. I don’t want to be rude, but I just can’t right now.

The faster I walk, the louder they call my name.

I refrain from bursting into a sprint. As I step into the square, I spot some tourists strolling around. They’re a welcome distraction but not enough to allow me to disappear.

“Hey, Luce…” Jed. Adam’s stepbrother. He waves his free hand. The other has a key in it and he’s unlocking the brewery. He catches the sight behind me and holds open the door. “We have that appointment, right?”

I glance over my shoulder and sneak inside.

The women reach the door right as I get inside and hide behind one of the long wooden pillars in the middle of the restaurant. I inhale deeply.

“We were trying to get Lucy’s attention,” Fran says.

“Hey, ladies, maybe her memory is affecting her hearing,” Jed says good-naturedly.

One woman laughs.

“Jed Greene!” Fran scolds.

“I’m kidding. You’ll have to catch her another time. I have a meeting with her.”

“What kind of business do you have with Lucy?” Fran asks.

“You know how we name beers after residents? She’s picking her flavor and we’re going to name it Minderaser.”

They all laugh, and I roll my eyes.

“Now, ladies, you’re all looking lovely this morning in your matching tracksuits, but you’ll have to excuse me.”

I can just see Fran straightening her jacket on her hips as though Jed is checking her out.

“Tell Lucy we have all the stories written down to try to help trigger her,” Fran says.

“Oh, I’ll tell her, and next time you come in, there’s a round on the house.”

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