Page 21 of Awakening

“I don’t really know how to say this, Chloe.”

There’s a pause. “Just say it.”

“Olivia is suffering from amnesia. She doesn’t remember about the last four to five years of her life.”

Silence.

“What?” she whispers. “No. What about the?—”

“Chloe, she remembers you and she wants to connect with you.” I have a feeling she was about to ask about the baby, and I have no idea who else that invites into the equation. This might make me a dick, but I’d rather avoid that for now. “I take it you’ve been in contact with her the last few years?”

“Yes. We’re still best friends. She has people who love her, Anthony. We’ve been looking for her non-stop.”

“She’s really fragile, Chloe. I don’t want to overwhelm her. If you want to see her, I need to ask you to come alone. I’m afraid anyone other than you showing up might be too much.” It’ll be too much for me too. I need to figure out who I’m dealing with when it comes to the other people in her life. I won’t be letting her return to a situation that’s unsafe.

“Alone?” she asks. “Why would it be too much?”

“Chloe, you have to understand how overwhelming it would be for Olivia if you show up here with too many people who want to throw themselves at her all at once. You’re the one she’s comfortable seeing.”

“He’s going to flip out if I go without him,” she says under her breath. “Anthony, I?—”

“Chloe, please,” I say, interrupting her. “As a physician, I have to ask you to think about Olivia’s emotional stability right now. It’s medically necessary. You need to come alone.” I don’t know who it is that’s going to flip out, but I certainly don’t like the sound of that.

She pauses and sighs. “God, Anthony?—”

“Chloe, please. Think about what she’s been through.”

She sighs. “Okay, okay. Fine. I just need to see her. I can fill in the missing pieces. Give me your address. I’m on my way.”

I give Chloe my address and say goodbye in time to look up and see Olivia leaning against the doorframe. “Good morning,” I say with a smile. “How did you sleep?”

She shrugs and says, “Okay, I guess. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“I don’t think it’s an interruption when the call is about you. I have good news for you.”

“You do?” she asks, her face hopeful.

“I found Chloe. She’s been looking for you.”

Her eyes immediately brighten. “You did? Are you serious?”

“The two of you are still very much best friends, and she’s on her way here right now. She’ll be here soon.”

Olivia gasps. “Anthony, oh, my God! Thank you!” She runs to me and throws her arms around my neck, kissing me on the cheek and hugging me tight. I tighten my embrace when I feel her break into sobs as I hold her in my arms.

“It’s going to be okay, Liv. I have a feeling Chloe isn’t the only one out there who loves you,” I say, even though the thought eats away at my insides.

“I have to go get ready,” she says, pulling away from me and wiping her eyes. “I can’t thank you enough, Anthony.”

“Happy to do it,” I say quietly. “I’d do anything to see you happy again.”

She nods and smiles, practically skipping, as she goes back to her room and closes the door. I hear the shower start and my chest aches knowing I’ve probably just given her up.

Olivia

I haven’t been able to stop pacing Anthony’s apartment while I wait for Chloe to arrive. “Am I driving you crazy?” I ask him.

He laughs with his sexy grin. “Not at all. It’s a big moment for you.”

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