Page 38 of Midnight and Mine

“I remember kissing someone in there, then you and Beau yelling run. But I don’t remember Dorothy.”

“Yet. You will. I’m so happy you remember kissing S… someone.”

“Scott and I had a fantastic morning. He drove me around, and I took photos. Can I share something awful?”

She nods.

“I admitted to wanting to kiss him.”

“That’s my girl, always willing to say what she wants.”

“But I’m married.”

“You are, but did you kiss?”

“Not really, but our lips touched, but it made my heart race and my core ache.” After that, it was strictly business. He was distracted and after a couple of hours, he said he had an interview to do about his medical device. I probably just ruined our friendship. I’m such an idiot. Drake is one of his best friends.”

“I promise you the friendship you have with Scott has weathered many storms, and nothing will destroy that.” She pats my leg as she flips through the channels. “Oh, there’s Scott.”

She increases the volume, and we watch our handsome friend talk about helping people.

“I’m happy to be part of helping people enjoy their life, and that’s what this medical device does. When the doctor can implant this device that I’ve spent years studying, children and adults can lead longer and normal lives. At least that’s what the research and outcomes of the surgeries prove. Hopefully, by this time next year, it will be available to doctors nationwide.”

I notice at the bottom of the screen, it says:

Scott Wilson, Hookedontheheart Companies

Wilson? Are Scott and Drake brothers?

“He’s so smart.”

“Scott? Scott Wilson? Are Scott and Drake…”

My words out on pause when the doorbell rings and Vanessa hops over the back of the couch to answer it.

“Drake, how are you feeling?” she asks.

“Better. Is Wynter awake?”

“Yeah, come on in. Do you want anything to drink?”

“Water is fine,” he answers as he comes into view. “Remember me?” He chuckles.

Drake’s skin seems a little yellow and drained. It could be that he’s wearing a camouflage shirt, and it’s not the right color for his complexion. “I do. Come sit. I thought you were coming tomorrow. Are you feeling better?” I ask as I ramble, feeling guilty over my thoughts of Scott.

Vanessa hands him a glass and asks, “Since Drake’s here, I’m going to run to work and see if I can help Dorothy with the bourbon. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She wraps herarms around me. “You’ve got this.”

“Thanks for everything.”

As I sit next to Drake, the weight of the conversation I need to have with him settles on my shoulders.

“So, Scott called me,” he begins, his voice cautious without inflection. “And he said you’ve regained some memories.” He seems unsure if he wants me to remember, and I think I know why.

Nodding, I gather my thoughts. “I have,” I confirm, wanting to be cautious and not get my hopes too high or the hopes of my husband. “They’re small and disjointed snippets, and most don’t mean much in the grand scheme of things. But since I’ve been home, they’ve been coming on faster.” I pause, grasping for the right words to confront him about a memory involving him.

“Good. I’m sorry I haven’t been around, but that flu strand is no joke.”

“I’m glad you’re better because I need to ask you about something.” My voice is on the shaky side. I don’t know about the old me, but the current me doesn’t like confrontation. “I can’t always tell whether my dreams are just dreams, or if they’re actual memories. Sometimes, I hesitate to ask because the doctors asked everyone not to fill in the gaps for me.” I suck in a breath. “But I can’t dance around this. I need to know what we were fighting about on the day of the accident. Glimpses of that day are haunting me. I remember jerking away from you… not wanting you to touch me. Why? Why would I not want my husband to touch me? What could you have said to me to make me flee?”

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