Page 13 of Kian

“Nope. I made it. My mother loves to cook, and she made sure I learned too.”

“Is she still living?”

“Yes. My parents live in Clifton.”

“Clifton.” He shook his head. “Shouldn’t I know where that is? I mean, I was here, so I should know it.”

“Maybe your memory will continue coming back like your name did. Just out of the blue.”

“I was talking to another man in my dream, but I couldn’t see his face, but there was something about him that was familiar. He said my name.” Kian shook his head.

“Come sit down. You’ll remember, but you can’t try too hard.”

“I know.” He stood beside the chair.

“Please, sit.” Gretchen motioned to the chair.

“I will, after you.”

“Well, you have manners. That’s always good.”

“I’m glad I remembered those,” he said, grinning.

“Are you sure you’re comfortable on the floor?”

“Yes, I tried the bed, but my feet hang over the bottom and my body barely fit on the mattress.”

Gretchen grinned as she spooned stew into a bowl for him, then set it in front of him, and sat down, then he did.

“It’s a twin size. I don’t get many guests.”

“It doesn’t bother you being here alone?”

“I have Lobo. He takes care of me.”

“No shit,” he muttered then apologized. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?”

“Swearing.”

She laughed. “It doesn’t bother me. I swear too.”

“Okay, but my mother wouldn’t like it—” He frowned. “How do I know that?”

“Well, most mothers expect their sons to be gentlemen.”

“I agree.” Kian sighed. “I hope, if my parents are living, I’m not causing them pain.”

“I do too. I’m sure they’re very worried about you.”

“I hate that.”

“There’s nothing we can do about it right now.” She spooned some beef stew into her mouth.

Kian nodded, took a bite of stew and moaned. “Damn, this is good.”

Gretchen laughed. “You just swore again.”

---