Page 77 of Unlocking Melodies

“That anyone can prove,” I countered. “Everyone keeps telling me about his history, about all these reasons I should be angry. But right now? All I see is someone trying to connect with a son who can't even remember why he should hate him.”

Gary chose that moment to wave in our direction, his smile perfect and practiced. Jake's jaw tightened visibly.

“You don't trust him,” I said, watching Jake's reaction.

“Let's just say I've seen enough con men to recognize certain patterns.” He shifted his weight, sheriff mode fully engaged now.

“You think he's running a game?”

“I think,” Jake said carefully, “that people with his kind of history don't usually change without a reason.”

“You sound like Ethan,” I said, watching Gary's too-perfect posture. “He gets this look every time my father's around – like he's analyzing a particularly dangerous business deal.”

“Maybe he has reason to be concerned.” Jake's voice stayed carefully neutral. “Have you wondered why Gary showed up now? Right when you're finally building something solid here?”

I had wondered, more than I wanted to admit. “He says he wants to make things right.”

“And the timing don’t seem suspicious to you?”

Something clicked. “You've been investigating him.”

Jake didn't deny it. “It's my job to protect this town. And you're part of it now.”

The simple declaration made my throat tight. Through the trees, I could see Elliot in the kitchen with Liam, their easy laughter floating out to us. The sight of their casual friendship, of Jake's protective concern, of this whole town that had somehow become home – it hit something deep.

“You know what's weird?” I turned back to Jake. “Everyone keeps trying to protect me from my past, but right now? I'm more worried about losing what I have here than remembering what I lost there.”

Jake's expression shifted, understanding dawning. “You're not just talking about Gary, are you?”

“I see the way Ethan looks at me sometimes,” I admitted. “Like he's waiting for me to remember something specific. Something important. And I'm terrified that when I do, it'll change everything we're building now.”

“Or maybe,” Jake suggested quietly, “remembering will just help you understand why he looks at you like you're something worth protecting.”

The observation landed like a punch to the chest. Before I could respond, Martha's distinctive war cry split the air – she'dapparently given up on stealth altogether and was now openly chasing Gary away from her territory.

“At least someone's not confused about their feelings,” I muttered, watching my father execute a surprisingly dignified retreat from an angry chicken.

Jake's laugh broke some of the tension. “Sometimes the simplest approaches are the best. Though maybe don't take relationship advice from Martha.”

“Why not? Her surveillance techniques are top-notch.”

“I'm going to trust him,” I said finally. “Not because I don't see the red flags, but because... I need to know. For myself. Even if it ends badly.”

Jake studied me for a long moment. “Okay,” he said simply.

“Okay? That's it? No more warnings about his history?”

“You're not the same person he could manipulate before,” Jake said. “Memory or not, you've built something stronger here. Just... promise you'll listen if those instincts of yours start sending warning signals?”

I watched Gary dust himself off, maintaining his dignity despite having just fled from poultry. “Deal. Though if Martha's reaction is anything to go by, I might not be the only one with trust issues.”

“Smart chicken,” Jake grinned. “Maybe we should put her in charge of the investigation.”

“Don't let Mrs. Henderson hear you say that. She takes her surveillance duties very seriously.”

I watched Gary attempt to make peace with Martha, his shirt completely at odds with the chicken coop backdrop. Something about the sight – this man who clearly didn't belong here trying so hard to fit in – struck a chord.

“Maybe it's not about forgetting,” I said quietly, surprising both Jake and myself. “Maybe it's about seeing if he's still thatguy from everyone's warnings – or if he's trying to become someone better.”

---