Page 17 of Tell Me You Love Me Again

“No, but I do have this familiar feeling. This candle scent. It’s familiar.”

“It should be. You have a closet full. That’s your favorite scent,” he revealed. “Come with me. I want to show you upstairs before our family gets here.”

“Our family?”

“Yeah, well, not all of them. Just my brother, his wife and daughter, and your sister. For obvious reasons, your parents won’t be here, and I’ll take you by my parents tomorrow.”

“I’m sorry about my father. He has always been protective of me and my sister. Most fathers are,” I said.

“Yeah, but I’m not just some nigga that he needs to protect you from. I’m your husband and if I could trade places with you right now, I’d do it without blinking.” For some reason, I believedhim. Maybe being here will help bring back the memories that we once shared.

I followed him into what I assumed was our bedroom and saw that there were clothes laid out. I noticed the look on his face, and it was one of regret.

“Were you going somewhere?” I asked, still standing in the same spot.

“Uh, yeah. We were going to dinner,” he revealed.

“But my accident happened?”

He nodded, “yeah.”

Turning around, I took my time and looked at the things that were around the room. I noticed a bookshelf in the corner filled with books. I smiled because I remember having a love for reading. Tracing my fingertips along the book spines, I smiled because I remember the last book I read was from this new author named Nek Mills. Baby, Khalil was as toxic as they came and I should be ashamed by how badly I was in love with a fictional character, especially one as toxic as him.

“I would come home plenty nights and you would be somewhere with a book or your kindle in your hand,” I heard Gabe say from behind me.

“I remember my love of reading.” I paused for a moment because I felt bad for remembering things so miniscule, yet I can’t remember the man who’s supposed to be my husband.

“Gabe, I’m sorry. I’m trying to remember you and our life together, but it’s not coming together. I feel bad because I can look at you and see how much you love me. I promise I’ll keep trying. Just don’t give up on me.” I felt the tears streaming down my cheeks before I even realized I was crying. Gabe pulled me into his chest and kissed the top of his head.

“Take all the time you need, Snook. I ain’t going nowhere. I promise.” I looked up at him and smiled while he wiped my tears.

“Let me show you where everything is so you can take a shower while I get this stuff up before our people arrive.” Nodding, I followed his lead and got ready for our guests. I hope being around them will help trigger something.

Two hours later, I was refreshed, and Gabe had it smelling good. He put some steaks and ribs on the grill, and they smelled phenomenal. It was refreshing and sexy to see him maneuver around the kitchen and work the grill the way that he did. I volunteered to make some sides, but he refused to let me do anything. I didn’t know if it was really because he wanted me to relax or he didn’t trust me to do it. He mentioned that his sister-in-law was bringing the sides, so I let it go.

I heard the doorbell ring just as he was bringing the meat in. I got nervous all of a sudden because I didn’t want to offend these people if I didn’t remember them. I really hope that was my sister showing up first. That way, by the time the others got here, I would be comfortable. When I heard a man’s voice along with a woman’s, I knew I was wrong. I heard a child’s voice too, so I assumed it was his niece. They finally emerged into the kitchen and Gabe was now accompanied by a man that looked very similar to him and a beautiful chocolate skinned woman. Gabe was holding who I assumed was their daughter.

“Hey sis. How you feeling?” His brother asked.

I looked at Gabe, who gave me a warm smile before speaking. “I’m doing fine. Uhm, you’re Gary right?”

“I am. And this is my wife Shannon and our daughter Gabby.”

“It’s me, Auntie Chi,” the little girl said from Gabe’s arms.

“It’s nice seeing you, pretty girl,” I greeted.

“I brought the sides. I didn’t want you to get overwhelmed, so I fixed everything,” Shannon said. “I got tossed salad, macaroni salad, and baked beans. I made you an extra macaroni salad because I know how much you love it.” She gave me a soft smile, and I returned the gesture.

“Thank you.”

As she sat the food on the counter, there was someone else at the door. Judging by the guests that were already here, it had to be Chiquita. I was correct when Gabe came back with my sister in tow, who had two bottles of wine in her hands.

“Let the festivities begin,” she said as she approached me. I watched as she interacted with Shan first and then Gary. They seem to be acquainted with one another well. She even picked up Gabby and gave her a hug and kiss before making her way to me.

“How you feeling, Chi?” she asked.

“I’m okay. You seem close to them,” I revealed.

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