And it was what he said next that I knew would be burned in my memory for all time. Every time I’d think of it, I’d feel the pain of it again, searing my flesh and taunting me. An open, gaping wound that would never heal.
Life as I knew it ended with three little words, nine letters, three syllables, all coming from the mouth of the man I’d fallen in love with. The one staring up at me with those beautiful brown eyes, marred only by the vacant expression behind them and the slight frown etched between his brows.
“Who are you?”
part two
seventeen
REID
THREE MONTHS, TWO weeks, and about—I fiddled with the band of my watch as I glanced at the time—two hours. I hadn’t intended to keep track of how long it’d been since I’d woken up from surgery, but I couldn’t seem to stop from counting the days since my whole life had changed.
Or since I’d becomeawarethat my life had changed, rather.
“Reid? Did you hear what I said?”
I blinked up at my mom, whose eyes were narrowed as she did a quick inspection to ensure I wasn’t falling apart.
At least she wouldn’t be able to tell anything was wrong from the outside.
I tried for a smile to appease her. “I’m sorry, what was that?”
“I said are you sure I can’t take you tomorrow? To the Music Junction?”
Shaking my head, I sipped my coffee. “No, it’s not that far from my apartment. I’ll walk.”
“But it’s a couple of miles. And it’ll be so muggy.”
“It’s fine.”
A sigh escaped her as she tapped her fingers against her mug, and I could tell she was trying to hold her tongue. I hoped she would. My nerves were already shot from the couple of hoursI’d spent under her intense scrutiny during Sunday breakfast, and it wouldn’t take much more to send me over the edge. The problem was that I knew my mom too well. She was itching to say something else, to convince me I was being stubborn, and I should do what she thought was best.
Sure enough, a minute later, Mom gave in. “I just don’t see why you won’t let your father or me drop you by on our way to work. It’d be no trouble at all.”
“Because it’s unnecessary, and I have two legs that seem to be in working order.”
Her frown deepened. “Reid… I know you’re not ready to drive again, so I wish you’d let us help you. Honestly, I’d feel better if you’d let me?—”
“Mom,” I said, slapping the table with my hand, and my voice came out sharper than I’d intended, causing her to startle. Rubbing my forehead, I reined in my irritation, and when I spoke again, I made sure my tone was softer. “I’ve got it.”
“Of course. Of course you do.” She bit down on her lip, and her hands shook as she lifted the chipped ceramic mug my younger sister, Anna, and I had given her well over a decade ago that said “World’s Best Mom.” And she was. Really, she was. She’d been a saint through the endless weeks of recovery, as well as getting me set back up in my apartment, finding me a temporary summer job…
Sighing, I reached across the table for her, and when she lowered her mug, she placed her hand in mine. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to snap at you. I’m just ready for things to get back to normal.”
“I know you are.” She gave me a squeeze and wiped the corner of her eye. “I just worry about my baby boy, is all, and that won’t ever change. When you’re a parent, you’ll understand.”
“You don’t have to worry about me. I’m fine.”
A smile tipped her lips, seemingly appeased for the moment, until she looked down at the platter of food between us. “Oh dear. Either I made too many pancakes or you didn’t eat enough.”
“I had plenty. I’m sure dad or Anna will finish them off when they get home.”
“You’re right,” she said, standing up and clearing our empty plates off the table. “Will you be joining us for church service this morning?”
I wiped my mouth as I got to my feet to help her. “No.” The answer was always no. “Thank you for breakfast.”
Mom’s hopeful smile fell, and she set down the empty dishes before coming around the table to me.