Page 61 of Lodged

“Why would I be mad?” I ask him, wanting to know everything that’s in his head.

“Well, because you used to go there, and it’s your dream school, and now you’re back home.”

“Yes, it’s my dream, but now I get to share it with you. We don’t know what the future holds, and maybe I’ll be able to go back next year. We could be roommates, even.”

His face lights up at the thought.

“Thank you, Ruin. You’re the best. I’m so incredibly happy.” He hugs me again, and I hug him hard.

“The feeling is mutual, little bro,” I say, ruffling his hair.

“I’m not so little; I’m going to college!” he shouts as he gets up from my bed and fist-pumps the air on his way out, nearly running into Rain.

“I see Merlin told you,” Rain says, closing my bedroom door behind her.

“Yeah, I’m so proud of him,” I tell her as I hug Cobalt next to me.

“Same.” She scooches next to me, and she just lies there, quiet—which is not her usual MO.

“What’s going on, Raindrop?” I nudge her with my elbow.

“I’ve been thinking.”

“Oh, oh. That’s dangerous,” I say with a cackle.

“Shut up, Ruru,” she huffs, clearly frustrated.

“Okay, I’m sorry. I’ll calm down. What is it?”

She releases a breath. “I was just thinking, how awesome would it be if we both go back to school together.” My eyebrows shoot to the sky. I didn’t think Rain was interested in going back to school. She’s a talented cook, and up until now, I thought she was happy working at the diner. But what do I know? I don’t remember the last four years of my life.

“I’m sorry I don’t remember if we’ve had this conversation before, but have you thought about what you would like to study?” I ask, hoping not to hurt her feelings.

“Please don’t feel bad. It’s kinda fun to tell you things for the first time again.” Rain gives me an easy smile. “I’ve been thinking about getting a culinary degree. I mean, it would only make my food more amazing.” She shimmies her shoulders, and I laugh.

“Does the community college offer that now?” I ask because I don’t think they did when I used to go there.

Rain shakes her head. “No, it would mean you and I would have to move.” She gives me a pointed look, and I catch what she’s trying to say.

“You want to move to Raleigh? I thought you never wanted to leave Azalea Creek.”

“I would move for you,” she tells me in a low voice, and now everything makes sense.

“You don’t have to do that, Raindrop. I’m finally finding my footing here. I’m starting to come to terms with the fact that I might never remember anything from my time in Raleigh, andthat’s okay. I’m alive, and I have my family. What more could I ever ask for?” Rain’s eyes fill with emotion, and I hug her.

“I just don’t want you to miss out on anything,” she says with a watery smile, and I grin at her.

“And what could I be missing? If something important was there, it would have followed me here. Let’s just focus on me being fully mobile again. I don’t want to use a cane forever.” I chuckle, and Rain laughs.

“Hey, but you’re twinning with Granny. I’m actually feeling left out.” I bark out a laugh. Oh, how I love my family.

Chapter 28

Gio Bianchi

I’ve been working nonstop at the lab. Since I’m neither taking classes nor teaching, all my time is spent doing research—which, to be honest, I thought I was going to enjoy more. The days are quiet, and the nights are even worse—I’m on autopilot, because I know the moment I stop and think about my life, I’ll collapse—and I’m not sure I’ll be able to get back up.

Penny is the only one keeping me sane, checking on me constantly and taking me out so I don’t die from loneliness in my place.

---