Page 73 of Arrogant and Merciless

“Not just like you. In your confusing reality, thanks to your amnesia, it’s obvious you never forgot him. You’re not the kind of person who has sex with a stranger.”

“He was never a stranger to me. Just because I don’t remember the past doesn’t mean I forgot him.”

“What do you mean?”

“The moment he called me on the night of the party, I realized I didn’t feel about him the way I do with others. Even with you, it took me some time to readjust, but with William . . .”

“It felt natural,” she finishes.

“Yes.”

“God, and here I thought I had relationship problems.”

“What does that mean?”

“Nothing. Keep going.”

“I haven’t even told you the worst part yet.”

I explain how we didn’t use protection, and her eyes widen. “Sweet Jesus!”

“Please, I don’t want to talk about it. I’ll wait until I’m sure, or I’ll go crazy.”

“Alright.”

I finish by telling her about the hospital job and, finally, about my discovery—right when I got here—that I had been followed before I disappeared.

“Your life is like an action movie, girl.”

“Horror movie, you mean, right?”

She gets up from the couch and holds out her hand. “Come on, let’s get some rest. You look exhausted.”

* * *

The Next Day

“How did you sleep?” my friend asks after pouring herself a cup of coffee.

“Better than I expected.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me you thought you were being followed?”

“My father raised me, Jackie. I learned to be independent. When he died, I was alone in the world. Everyone has their own problems. It didn’t make sense for me to burden you with mine.”

“I believe in the power of independence, Taylor, and I know exactly what it’s like to have no one. But in your case, this wasn’t an empty threat. You know there’s a high chance the guy you thought was following you is the one responsible for your disappearance?”

“A kidnapping? With what motive? I don’t have a penny to my name.”

She looks at me for a moment, as if unsure whether she should say what’s on her mind.

“What is it?”

“I want to help you find answers, not cause more distress.”

“Tell me.”

“You’re a beautiful woman, Taylor. The person who took you could have been some sicko obsessed with you.”

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