Page 16 of If You Stayed

“That’s veryA Walk to Rememberof you,” he joked.

I arched an eyebrow. “You know the movie?”

Of course, he did. I’d made him watch it a dozen times with me when we were young. He hated it, but he always watched with me. Did he remember it, though? Did he remember me? Is that why he’d brought it up? As a sign that he knew who I’d been and he was quietly trying to tell me? Is that why he came outside to find me? To tell me that he—

“My last ex was in love with it,” he said.

The slight hope I’d had deflated instantly.

Why did I feel like crying again?

I wanted to shoot a million and one questions toward him that I knew he couldn’t answer. Trillions of thoughts bombarded my mind as I stared into the eyes of a man who once knew me. How did he handle losing his brother? What was it like when his mother told him what happened to Elijah? I wanted to ask him everything, but I didn’t know what lines were mine to cross. The last time I saw his mother, Amma made it clear that she wanted me to have nothing to do with her son. She made me promise all those years back that I’d stay away. It was the hardest promise I’d ever had to keep, but it was the least I could do after the harm I’d caused. I felt as if I didn’t deserve Gabriel, not his love and not his friendship.

Yet there he was, standing right in front of me, reminding me of every memory we’ve ever made. An avalanche ofemotions rushed through my system as the memories were unlocked, and he didn’t seem to remember a single one. A million questions fluttered through my mind about him and who he’d become while he stared at me as if I were nothing more than a stranger.

Are you currently in love with someone? Who last broke your heart? Do you still brush your teeth with your nondominant hand? Did your mother open her bakery? Do you still think you dream in color? What’s your favorite dinner spot nowadays? Do you have any pets? Do you still play baseball for fun? What’s your best memory from the past twenty years? How do you deal with failure? When was the last time you cried? Do you remember anything from your past? Did any memories come back? How much did it hurt to learn about Elijah’s passing? Is your heart okay? Has it healed? Do you remember me somewhere in your subconscious? Even small, minuscule details of us? Are there fragments of me lingering within your thoughts? When you look at me now, does your heart unwaveringly skip a few beats?

Gabriel took a step toward me, with his hands still in his pockets. His strides were direct and his eyes were packed with intent as he moved in closer. “I have an odd question for you.”

I swallowed hard. “Okay. Shoot.”

“Do we…” His voice faltered. He shook his head slightly. “Do we—”

“Gabriel,” was called from the direction of the house. I turned to see Ramona walking toward us with jackets in her hands. Gabriel took a step away from me. He shook off the thought as he turned toward Ramona and gave her a smile.She moved in closer, slightly out of breath. “I got our coats. We can head out.” Her blue eyes moved over to me and she glanced around. “Was Gabriel telling you about his plans?”

“Yes, he was. It’s going to be amazing.”

“Trust me, you have no clue. He’s a master,” she urged, nudging his arm.

Oh.

She was in love with him.

I wondered if Gabriel knew it.

Ramona stayed close to his side. “But we should get going, since you have a big day in the office tomorrow.”

“You work on the weekend?” I asked, somewhat surprised.

“It’s busy season,” he replied.

“Every season is busy season,” Ramona countered. “Gabriel is a bit of a workaholic. I try to get him to take vacations but his mind doesn’t shut off.” She held her hand out toward me. “It was wonderful meeting you, Kierra. Thank you for letting us come to one oftheHenry Hughes dinner parties. They are as legendary as I’ve heard them claimed to be.”

I shook her hand. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.”

“That’s the understatement of the year. It was remarkable. Can I ask… What is it like being married to the future of technology? I can hardly process how incredibly wise Henry is. And handsome, too. It must be a gift to have such a man to call your husband.”

I chuckled quietly. “It’s interesting to say the least. Henry is very gifted. There’s no getting around that fact.”

“And handsome,” Ramona insisted once more.

Gabriel frowned and took his coat from Ramona. “Thanks again for having us, Kierra.” He held his hand toward me, and I shook it. “I’m positive we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other over these next few months.”

“I look forward to it,” I said. “I hope you both have a great evening.”

They thanked me and began to walk away. I studied Gabriel the whole time until I went to rub my arms and felt his jacket against me.

“Oh, wait! Gabriel!” I called.

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