Page 18 of Tell Me You Love Me Again

“We’re all kind of close. They’re cool people and Shan is a damn fool.” I nodded because I picked up on her vibe and she seemed pleasant.

We spent the next few hours talking and laughing. Everyone had stories to tell about me and Gabe, and they were all either sweet or hilarious. They made my marriage seem so loving, but why couldn’t remember any of it?

Everyone left a little after midnight. Now it was just me and Gabe alone. I don’t know why, but I was nervous about being around him now. We both have been drinking, and I didn’t know if he expected me to have sex with him or not. I mean, he was my husband, but I don’t think I was ready for that just yet. It was like he was reading my mind because his next words answered my question for me.

“I’ll sleep in the guest room, and you can have our room. I showed you where everything was earlier, so you’re good. If you need me, I’ll be right across the hall.” He kissed my forehead before exiting the room and leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I need to focus on getting my memory back before I lose this man.

Gabe

I got up early the next morning so that I could fix breakfast for my wife. I usually did stuff like this when I was home and had time. Hopefully, she would remember and appreciate the gesture. I already handled my hygiene and dressed in a pair of joggers and a t-shirt. I was a street nigga to my core, and this was my go to attire, especially in the house. I decided to make my baby a big breakfast, so I made cheese grits, salmon patties, waffles, eggs, and bacon. I had her favorite fruit, which was pineapple cut up and drizzled them with honey just like she liked them. While I was taking the bacon out of the oven, I heard Chiara walk into the kitchen. She looked just as beautiful as the first day I laid my eyes on her. Her face was free of makeup outside of the lashes that she went and got done. Her eyebrows were prefect thanks to micro-blading. She had her locs pulled up into a bun showcasing her round face. She had on one of those sets that she ordered from SHEIN that I hated her to wearbecause I know if I loved how the shit looked on her; I knew other niggas did, too.

“Good morning,” she spoke in a soft voice, breaking me from my lustful stare.

“Good morning, Snook.” I cleared my throat along with my head. “I made some of your favorites for breakfast, so I hope you’re hungry.”

“You cooked all of this?” she asked.

“I did. I’m no Anthem, but I can do a little something,” I smirked.

“Who’s Anthem?” she asked.

“The owner of Nuni’s and a crazy ass nigga.” I kept the story light because I didn’t want her to remember that nigga before she remembered me.

“Come on. Let’s get you fed.” I extended my hand for hers and led her to the kitchen table where I sat her plates in front of her. I know she probably thought I was crazy because I had two plates and a bowl sitting in front of her. I didn’t expect her to eat it all, but I wanted her to have a variety of the things I knew she loved.

“All of this looks and smells so good.” She smiled. I noticed her smile faded when she looked at the pineapples. She picked up one and just stared at it.

“Look familiar?” I asked.

“It does. This is my favorite comfort snack,” she mentioned. I nodded at her revelation, and we commenced to eat our breakfast in silence.

“Do you have to work today?” she asked.

“Nah. I’ll be home with you for a while. I do have some things to do today, but I want you to come with me.”

“I’d like that,” she simpered.

“I’m gon’ need you to change before we go, though.”

“Why?” she frowned slightly, looking down at herself. “Is there something wrong with what I have on?”

“Not necessarily. I love how that shit looks on you and I know other niggas would, too. I don’t want your first memory of me, be of me beating a nigga’s ass for looking too fuckin’ long or at all.” I saw her eyes widen before I saw the lust flash through them. She always loved my aggressive side.

“Territorial much?” she smirked.

“Very much so, and I’m not ashamed one bit.” I made sure to look her dead in the eyes when I said that so she could connect with the way I was feeling.

We finished our breakfast and, after cleaning the kitchen together, we went upstairs to freshen up and get ready. I had to go by the office for a quick second, but I was solely hers after that.

An hour later, we were dressed, and I escorted her outside and into the truck.

“Did they say anything about my car after the accident?” she asked.

“Yeah. It was…totaled. I’m just waiting on clearance from the insurance company, and we can go get you another one.” I didn’t want to tell her that someone got her out of the car right before it burst into flames. There wasn’t anything I could do to salvage it, even if I wanted to.

“Oh,” she said solemnly.

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