Page 92 of Forget Me Not

Heather always appears so timid and fragile. Like she’s hiding from someone or something.

She nods, forcing a smile on her face. “I’m fine.”

“My two favorite words.” I take the tray from her and set it on my dresser while she stands back watching in confusion. “Come in,” I wave my hand, gesturing her into the room. Once she’s stepped out of the doorway, I close the door.

“You can talk to me, Heather. Whatever you’re going through, I’ve likely been there.”

She drops her chin to her chest, avoiding eye contact while her hands tremble at her sides. “I’m in trouble.”

My heart jumps a beat and my eyes shoot wide open as I take her by the arm and lead her to my unmade bed. “What kind of trouble?”

She sits down, still averting her gaze as she twiddles her thumbs nervously in her lap. “I can’t go too much into detail, but I got mixed up with the wrong people. Did some things I’m not proud of, and now I’m indebted to a very bad man.”

“Oh, Heather.” I softly pat her back, not used to the emotions but trying for her. “You’re singing to the choir. Let me help you. There has to be something I can do.”

After another long beat of silence, Heather jumps up frantically. “It’s fine. I shouldn’t have said anything.” She hurries to the door, and before I can reach her, she’s out, slamming it closed behind her.

My heart aches for her. I know that feeling of hopelessness and regret all too well. My only hope is that she’ll find the courage to open up about her troubles and let someone in, because keeping it all inside and trying to take on the world alone is a loneliness like no other.

I walk toward my bed to grab my phone, stopping in amusement when I see a black box with a gold bow onthe nightstand. How I missed it is beyond me. Anxiously, I grab it and untie the bow, then set the box on my bed. Lifting the lid of the box, I see a notecard.

I pick it up and flip the card open to read the handwritten note from Alaric.

For tonight. I’m prepared to be left breathless, as I always am when I’m with you.

My body flushes with heat and my heart leaps into my throat. And when I look down to see what was beneath the note, my jaw nearly hits the floor.

I grab the smooth velvet fabric and lift it from the box, revealing a beautiful, formfitting, long-sleeved dress. I hold it up to my body and sway slightly with it, knowing the smile on my face won’t be leaving anytime soon.

* * *

“Thank you so much for breakfast,”I tell Gladys as I join her in the living room. She’s in her rocking chair, knitting a baby pink blanket. Or at least, I think it’s a blanket.

“Of course, darling,” she says, pushing her feet off the floor in a steady tempo. “Will you be here for dinner tonight?”

“I’ll probably just grab something at Taryn’s.” I take a seat on the sofa, stretching my arm to hand her an envelope of money. “Here’s my rent for November.”

Gladys looks at the envelope, and without taking it, her eyes lift. “Rhea, honey. You’re paid up for the next six months.”

I shake my head. “No. That’s not right. I haven’t paid since the beginning ofthismonth.”

“Sure you have. Alaric gave me your envelope last week with six months’ rent paid in full.”

My eyebrows cave in. “I never gave Alaric any money, and I certainly can’t afford to pay six months in advance.”

“Well, if you didn’t give him the money, that means—”

“He paid it.” I shake my head in confusion. “Why would he do that?”

Gladys simpers, her eyes twinkling. “That man cares for you deeply, darling.”

“Yeah,” I mumble. “I think he really does.”

She cocks a brow, searching for a reaction from me. “Is it safe to assume the feeling is mutual?”

I start nodding slowly, picking up the intensity of my movements. “It is.” I gaze at the wall as I speak of him. “Alaric is…confusing, annoying, and overbearing. But he’s also gentle and kind, and he does things like this that totally take me by surprise.”

“That’s men for you.” Gladys sets her ball of yarn to the side and shifts slightly to face me. “He reminds me so much of my Carlisle. Such a grouch, but as gentle as can be with me.” Her eyes light up and I can see the love she holds for her late husband as she speaks of him. “Did you know that Carlisle was sixteen years older than me?”

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