Page 22 of A Lapse in Time

I heard her shuffling around for a minute before she responded.

"It's okay. I need to get up and fix us some lunch. Carlie couldn't make it, so it's just been me and Nia. Are you coming home soon?"

"Yup. I'm on my way now. Do you want me to stop and pick up something?"

"That would be great. That way, I can lie back down for a bit longer."

Carsyn told me what she wanted, so I headed in the direction of the restaurant.

"Okay. I won't be too long, but before I go, I want to ask you a question."

"Yes?"

"Can you go on another date with me to a boxing match tomorrow night?"

Carsyn hesitated, and if I had to guess, she was second-guessing her answer.

"I'm sorry if it's too much. We don't have to go."

I should have waited until I got home. I wasn't sure if my question would cause her to overthink or not, and I wanted her to get more rest until I got there.

"It's okay, Noah. I would love to go. Maybe it will help me." She yawned, so I had to let her get off the phone.

"Okay. I'll see you when I get home."

"Bye, Noah." She hung up the phone, and I continued on my way.

I prayed that the night turned out well and the match would do more good than harm. I arrived at the restaurant and placed the order. While waiting for the food, I shot Evander a text to let him know we would come through. I also had to secure a sitter for Nia. Hopefully, I was on the right track in getting the old Carsyn back, if that were possible. I didn't mind the new Carsyn, though. As long as we were together and happy, I'd take her any way she came.

Noahand I arrived at the gym that he said he and his cousin owned, and I was a nervous wreck. I sat in the passenger seat, twisting my wedding band and trying not to think about going inside. I agreed to attend the fight, but the closer we got, the more nervous I became. I was afraid of what watching a boxing match might do to me. I'd always loved boxing. However, knowing that it was the thing responsible for me not remembering my family made me not like it anymore.

"You good?" Noah asked when he shut the car off.

I twisted my ring again and looked in his direction. "I'm a little nervous."

At first, I wasn't going to tell him how I felt, but when I talked to my sister earlier, she told me to be honest about my feelings.

While Noah dropped Nia off at my parents' house, I called Carlie to catch up and so she could help me navigate my feelings. She assured me that I would be okay as long as I talked to Noah. I knew he wouldn't try to force me if I told him I didn't want to go.

I almost told him I wanted to stay home with him and Nia and watch movies, but everyone thought it would be a good idea for me to go. Still, I already missed Nia and couldn't wait until she came home, but I knew Noah and I needed more time to bond alone.

"Do you not want to go inside?"

I chewed my bottom lip and thought about it for a second.

"I do. I'll be okay." I plastered on a smile. "Let's go."

Noah's eyes roamed over my face, searching for any hesitation.

"You sure?"

"Yes, Noah."

He smiled at me and took off his seat belt. I wasn't completely sure, but I could tell Noah looked forward to the evening. Plus, he told me we would see his cousin Evander, and I hadn't seen him since high school. At least, that was the last time I remembered seeing him.

"Okay." He exited the car, then came around and opened the door for me.

I unfastened my seat belt and put my hand in his when he stretched it toward me.

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