Page 51 of Promise Me

“I don’t know.”

“If Linc moved out, why won’t you go back home?”

She wrinkles her nose as she thinks over her words.

“They remember the last few years. I don’t. They have pictures, memories, and things that … hurt when I see them. I’ll have to go back eventually, but I need time to come to terms with it. That place seems foreign to me now, and even my room is different.”

“My apartment is unfamiliar to you.”

“Yes, but the difference is that it makes sense why this place is that way.”

“Why did you pick me? You could have gone anywhere else.”

“True. But you don’t make me feel like I just woke in a hospital. You make me feel like you’re not waiting for me to remember everything right this second. Like I can take my time and figure it out on my own.”

Her words hit me hard. I needed that person after my injury. I thought I had her, too, in my girlfriend at the time, but she left. Turns out she wasn’t with me for me—she liked the fame and name that I gave her more.

“You can stay here as long as you need to, Sadie. There’s no rush.”

“Thank you.”

She hesitates.

“Is that all?”

“No.”

“Okay,” I chuckle. “Rip off the Band-Aid.”

“Will you help me get through this and hopefully remember?”

Her question takes me by surprise, so I lean back.

“How?”

“I don’t know yet.”

I nod slowly. Well, this sounds easy. But, like I said, I didn’thave anyone there for me. I won’t saddle Sadie with that same fate.

It hurt too much, and even though our past is nothing but one big fight, I won’t let her go through it alone.

If she wants my help, she’s got it.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

SADIE

“Is this what you do every day?” I ask as we sit in Hudson’s living room.

He’s reading more of his thriller book, and I’m bored out of my mind. Now, I know I said I wanted him to help me remember, but I’m pretty sure staying inside won’t help. It’s a beautiful day outside. We should be doing something.

“Let’s go,” I say and stand, rounding the back of the couch to put on some shorts. “Give me five minutes.”

“Where are we going?”

“I’m not sure yet.”

“Sounds fun.”

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