Page 47 of The Two Last Moments

“We’ll see.” From her tone, I know Nina has no plans to stop. And really, I do love being fussed over. It makes me feel cared for, even if Nina would do the same for anyone in need.

Danny hands me a cup of coffee. “How was the hypnosis? Any progress?”

I take a sip, warming my hands on the coffee mug. “Nah, I don’t think it’s going to work. I’m supposed to go in for another appointment, but I think I’ll skip it.”

“Shouldn’t you give it another shot?” Danny asks. “Nothing works the first time.”

Nina frowns at him. “If she doesn’t want to, she doesn’t have to. If Lark is doing well, that’s all that matters.”

Thank you, I mouth silently at her.

During our morning conversations, Nina likes to ask me endless questions of her own.What’s your favorite holiday? What toppings do you like on a sundae?Some of the answers I know, others I don’t.Half the time, I say something ridiculous just to make her laugh.

Nina isn’t so willing to answer my questions, though. I’ve asked her about her son Travis, the one who took off years ago. She’s hinted that she’d love to see him before she loses the chance. But when I suggested Danny order a Bennett Security background check to find Travis, Nina was quick to shut me down. I guess we both have reasons to leave the past in the past.

What I need is afuture. Somewhere to go, something to look forward to. So I’ll have a place to land when Danny and Nina have gotten tired of me.

“I was thinking.” I take another sip of coffee. “I should be paying rent. Which means I need a job. If either of you know someone who’s hiring, then maybe—”

“No,” Danny says. “Your job is getting better. That’s all you should be focused on.”

“But—”

“You do plenty around here,” Nina cuts in. “Entertaining me, helping out in more ways than we’d ever ask. But if you want time away from the house, I have a much better idea. Danny, aren’t Cliff and your old roommates having a barbecue today? And didn’t they invite you and Lark?”

Now, it’s Danny’s turn to look annoyed. “How did you hear about that?”

She points at her iPad. “You think I don’t have texting and social media? Starla will be here any minute, and I want you both to go have fun so I can live vicariously. Lark, wear the green dress.” She holds up her hand when Danny tries to answer. “That will be all.”

I smile fondly at her, but Danny is still glowering after we’ve finished our coffee.

We shuffle out into the hall.The minute we’re alone, Danny pivots and faces me. “We don’t have to go to the barbecue. We can stay here and work on the car instead.”

“Why? I’d like to go. I could use some friends. More than just you and Nina, I mean.”

“Nobody said you couldn’t make friends. But you need to be careful about it. You need to be safe. That’s why I turned down Cliff’s invite. I thought there would be too many unfamiliar people for you.”

I make an exasperated sound. “All I’ve managed to do for the last three weeks is stay safe!” I almost walk away, but then I turn back. “Danny, what if I never get my memory back? What am I supposed to do then?”

“That’s not going to happen. Not if we don’t give up. You’re going to get better.”

Get better. I’m not even sure anymore what that means.

Danny’s been trying to fix me, and it gets exhausting, even though I know his heart is in the right place. The disappointing hypnosis session yesterday makes me feel like I’m failing at the one “job” they gave me.

“I’m sick of being cooped up here. I’m going to the barbecue. Will you give me the address, or should I get it from Nina?”

Danny purses his mouth. His dark blond hair falls across his forehead, and his fingers tug at the pendant on his necklace.

“Are you going to argue with me? We both know how that will end.”

“You’re worse than my grandmother.”

“Sounds like a compliment.”

He sighs. “I’ll take you. As soon as Starla’s here, we’ll go.” He starts to pivot away, then pauses, the muscle in his jaw pulsing. “And I agree with Nina. Wear the green dress.”

18

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