Page 110 of Amnesia

“I’ll eat anything you make,” I told her, patting my stomach.

Maggie laughed. “You should come for dinner.”

I made a face. “Wish I could, but I’m going to be working late tonight. I have a ton of inventory that has to wait until my afternoon help gets here.”

Amnesia’s face fell, and I knew instantly something was wrong. When I caught her eye she smiled at me, but she couldn’t hide it.

“I’m going to go get some dog food and a few things back here,” Maggie called, heading to the back with a small cart. “Come meet me,” she told Am, who nodded.

The second she was out of hearing distance, I zeroed in on Am’s face. “What’s wrong?” I asked quietly.

“I had another memory,” she murmured. I knew by looking in her eyes it wasn’t a happy one.

I hugged her close, resting my chin on the top of her head. “I’m sorry, baby.”

She exhaled, then pulled back.

“Wanna go talk about it now?” I asked.

She shook her head. “No. It wasn’t anything major, just a… memory.”

“It upset you.” My fingers grasped her elbow, and she flinched back automatically.

“I’m sorry.” She gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. Her brown eyes were wide and apologetic. “I didn’t mean to pull away… I—”

“It’s okay. I’m not upset.”

Her eyes filled with tears that threatened to spill over. I wanted to hug her, but I was afraid she didn’t want to be touched. I didn’t know what she remembered, but my stomach turned anyway.

Whatever happened to her, I hated it.

“You know what? Inventory can wait. I’ll do it tomorrow,” I said, making a decision. I needed to be with her tonight.

“No!” she said instantly.

“Why not?”

“You’ve already put this place second to me enough. You need to get your work done. I know how much this place means to you.”

I shifted closer, dropping my voice. “You mean more.”

“I know.” She smiled. “How about I come back tonight, bring you some of the dinner I’m making, and keep you company while you work?”

“You’d do that?”

“I want to be with you,” she whispered.

“Okay,” I said, trying hard not to cave at the vulnerability she displayed. I knew she didn’t mean to, and if I reacted, she’d probably only grow more upset. It was hard, though. So fucking hard not to scoop her up and take her out of here. Not to try and kiss away the worst of whatever haunted her mind.

“Can I stay at your place tonight?” she asked, stepping so close she had to tilt her head back to look up at me.

“You don’t even have to ask,” I murmured, dropping a kiss onto her mouth.

That seemed to relax her, so I took a chance and hugged her close. She clutched at my back, and my chin rested on her shoulder. “I’m going to hold you all night,” I whispered.

Her head bobbed against me.

“I’m ready for my apple, young man,” Ms. Scarlet said, appearing out of nowhere. That woman was like a ninja. And old, sassy granny ninja.

---