Say You Swear

“You don’t know that.”

“I’d bet on it.”

If I were thinking straight, I would too. I’d bet on her, on us, but the world keeps finding ways to remind me life is rough and for every good comes a handful of bad. Every time I think things are turning around, that I’m finally getting past the heavy, a rockslide comes tumbling down and I have to fight my way through it. But this time, I can’t do that.

I’m at the mercy of a mind I no longer hold a place in.

My sigh comes next, and I look to the door Chase and Brady disappeared into. “She doesn’t even like flowers.”

A laugh spurts from him, but the sorrow within it isn’t missed. “Yeah, man, I know. That would be my dad’s fault.”

My eyes flick to his, the smallest hint of warmth flickering in my chest. “Yeah?”

He smirks, the man knowing he’s got me, his words offering a little more of my girl to me, but the answering “yeah” comes from down the hall.

We turn to find Mr. Johnson closing in.

I stand straight and he clamps his son’s shoulder, facing me.

“Flowers are pretty, but they’re prettier in the dirt and don’t die after a week.” His mouth curves into a side smile. “My girls are spoiled with food, treats, and shit.”

My lips twitch, and Mason lifts a brow in victory. “Why you think she was all about cooking meals with you? You were winning her over when you didn’t even know it.”

Memories of the first time I cooked for her sweep in, and I look away.

“That’s sort of why I’m out here.” We both look to Mr. Johnson. “She’s starvin’ and she doesn’t want what they brought in.”

“I can go get her a spicy chicken from Popeye’s?” Mason’s already fishing his keys from his pocket.

“No, she, uh, she was pretty specific with what she’s craving.” His brown eyes move to mine, a hidden thought within them. “Know where we can find a pot pie around here?”

My muscles lock, a spark of something jolting me from within, the smallest hint of darkness morphing into daylight.

Unable to speak, I nod.

“Then lead the way, son.” He tips his chin. “Our girl’s waiting.”

I pray to God, somewhere deep down, she is.

And then I remember the man she thinks she loves is with her right now, and any flicker of hope I might have felt, is gone.

Chapter 42

Arianna

* * *

Stuffed, I drop my head back, happy to have my parents home. “That was so good.”

My dad takes the Tupperware container and tosses it into a bag on the countertop. “Yeah, that Noah sure knows how to cook.”

“Noah Riley?” I look to my dad. “He made that?”

“Oh, yeah, and straight from scratch. Pretty impressive, if you ask me. Why do you think it took us three hours to get back here?”

“I didn’t think it was because Avix U’s quarterback seconded as a chef, that’s for sure.” I gasp, looking to Mason. “Oh my god! Your season? How was it? Did you play?”

Mason chuckles, opens his mouth, but I cut him off before he can speak.

“Wait, don’t tell me! I changed my mind,” I tell my family, and all eyes slide my way.

Once my dad and Mason got back, we were able to call Dr. Brian back in, and this time, he was joined by a specialist. They broke everything done once more, so my parents could fully understand and the way the specialist explained what I’m facing made me think about things a little differently, leading me to my final decision.

“I don’t want anyone to tell me about the last few months.”

“Ari.” Mason shakes his head. “There are things you need to know.”

Subconsciously, my hand plants on my stomach, and I nod.

“I know, and I will ask some about some things, but I want the chance to do exactly that when I need to. The doctor said someone else’s thoughts could confuse me more than I already am, and I don’t want to risk that. I want to remember on my own. They said I can.”

“Of course you can, sweetheart.” My mom pushes my hair back. “There’s no pressure. Whatever you decide, we’re here.”

“About that, I get released tomorrow, and I don’t… I don’t want to go home.”

My mom looks from me to my dad, and Mason guesses, “Beach house?”

I nod, looking between the three of them. “It’s the last place I remember, and I want to stay closer. I also want to go back to school when the semester starts.”

“That’s less than a month away.”

“And the doctor said I could remember any day. The accident was fifteen days ago. Everything should come back soon. Tomorrow even.”

The room is quiet a moment, and my mom offers a small smile. “And if it takes a little longer?”

A wave of nausea hits me, but I steady myself. “I still want to go back, especially then. Being on campus, hanging around the same areas and the same people could help. I did end up on campus, right?”