Page 69 of Hidden Memories

“Come on, Mom. You always say that you want me to do something creative, and this is creative. Look how cool it is.”

He hands me the small piece of wood that has been carved into what appears to be Hermione Granger. I inspect the intricate carving closely. I miss being creative myself. And my art. Holding what was once just a piece of wood and is now a treasure—it’s remarkable.

I lift it in the air. “This is impressive.”

My gaze meets Santi’s, and I’m whisked back to our tree, when I brought him oil pastels. When he used to trace my butterfly tattoo with his tongue then bite it…

Theo bursts through the past. He’s getting excited sensing a yes is on the way. “Isn’t it, though, Mom? It’s amazing. Santi said I could make a pig.”

“A pig?” I laugh. “Is that what you want to make?”

“Yeah, I love pigs.”

I can’t help but smile. I turn to Santi. “So, this knife you have—it’s totally safe? It won’t cut him?”

“I didn’t say that. It’s just safer than the one I’m holding right now.”

I don’t want Theo to get hurt, but isn’t this what I always wanted? For him to play, experiment, and learn his limits in nature through creativity?

“What is this wizard for?” I ask, wiggling Hermione between my fingers, avoiding saying yes to my son wielding a knife, even though I know it’s my only option.

I hand the piece back to Santi and make the mistake of touching his finger.Oh my good Lord am I going to have to summon some serious willpower.

Santi pauses as if he needs a minute like I do. “Uh…” He runs his fingers through his hair. “It’s for my nephew. I’m making him a chess set.”

I wish he wouldn’t be so annoyingly perfect.

It’ll take Santi hours and hours to make an entire set of wizards and whatever other creatures he’s using for the pieces. He has more than enough money, I’m sure, to buy his nephew a gift, but he’s chosen to make something with his own two hands. That’s the most precious thing in the world.

When I was pregnant with Theo, I fantasized about painting him a canvas every single year and giving them to him on his eighteenth. Nic would always throw my paints away though, under the guise of them being toxic, so I secretly started a sketchbook. It’s only drawings in number two pencils, but I hope he’ll love them.

I squeeze Theo’s shoulder. “You can have a knife, but you have to follow Santi’s directions, be careful, and if you lose a finger?” I feign seriousness. “That’s on you.”

Theo giggles. Gosh, he seems so much lighter here. It makes me happy and sad all at the same time. So many years he must have been hiding in his shell.

Suddenly, there’s a looming presence next to me. I turn. It’s Rio standing there. The man gives off sexy grim reaper vibes.

He considers me carefully before saying, “You must be Kat.”

I nod. “By the power of deduction, you must be Rio.”

Apparently, he’s not one for small talk. Or even segues.

“Has Santi talked to you about Anton and Gabriel?”

I cross my arms to question Santi. “No…”

Gabriel, and who I can only assume is Anton, appear next to Rio.

Santi gives Theo a gentle nudge. “Why don’t you go get that ball for Mila and Keeper and give them some more exercise.”

Theo heads off in the direction of where the ball last was, more than happy to play with the dogs.

Rio continues. “Santi said you’ve been having a few problems. Maybe the boys can help.”

I don’t feel comfortable that all these people are talking about my problems together behind my back. My body stiffens. I swallow hard. It’s one thing for Santi to be at Julia’s, to linger at the edges, offering protection. It’s another thing entirely for him to bring in more people. More eyes. I spent years being watched. Controlled. Monitored. Even if this is for my safety, I can’t shake the instinct to refuse.

Anton pulls out a business card and hands it to me.

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