Page 21 of Tell Me You Love Me Again

“Oh, okay. I’ll just hit him up a little later,” I offered.

We stayed and talked with my mother for a little longer before we left. It’s been a long day, and I just wanted to order out and lay up with my wife and pray that she got memory back. But I can’t lie and say I’m not mad about not having to argue about things that weren’t important. It felt good having my wife back…the one that I married.

Chiara

One month later

It’s been a month since my accident, and things are slowly coming together. Gabe has been perfect, so I’m confident that everything he said about our marriage is true. I still felt a little bad having him sleep in a separate room, but he has been so patient with me. I even started driving a little bit. Today I was meeting with my sister to have a girl’s day. She suggested we go do things we would normally do while she was off, and I was perfectly fine with that. I still didn’t have a car yet, so Gabe was letting me drive his Tahoe. He insisted I didn’t have to ask, but I just didn’t feel right picking up his keys and leaving. He didn’t seem like the controlling type, but you never know how people will react to you touching their stuff. After I finished gettingdressed, I gave myself a once over in the mirror and was satisfied with my appearance. It’s been a minute since I had my hair re-tightened, but lucky for me I knew how to rock my locs well so that didn’t affect my appearance at all. Grabbing my purse and phone, I left my bedroom in search of Gabe to let him know I was leaving. I found him downstairs, coming from out of the kitchen. When he got close enough, he pulled me into a hug and kissed me.

“You look good, baby. Real good,” he complimented with his eyes roaming over an inch of me. That look alone caused goosebumps to form over my skin.

“Uh, thank you.” I blushed. “I was getting ready to leave and wanted to let you know,” I said.

“Aight. You got everything you need?” he asked.

“Yes. I’m not sure what all Quita has planned, but I don’t plan on being gone long.”

“It’s cool. I don’t have nothing planned for the day, so I’ll be here whenever you get back.” Nodding, I headed toward the door with Gabe in tow. When we reached the door, he stepped around me so that he could open it and did the same for the truck door. After helping me in and making sure I was strapped in safely, he kissed me and shut the door so that I could leave.

On the way to meet Chiquita, I thought about everything that I’ve experienced in the last month and all I could say was that I was happy to be here. From what the doctor first said at the hospital, I’m lucky to be alive. I could always get my memories back, but not my life. I wonder when I will get my full memory back. I see the proof that Gabe and I looked happy, but I can’t help but wonder why I can’t remember any of it. I had an appointment with my doctor next week, so I would make sure I asked them then.

Pulling up to the nail salon that Quita told me to meet her at, I pulled into a parking spot right in front of the door and got out.When I walked in, I was greeted and waved over to the empty chair by the station Chiquita was at.

“You couldn’t wait for me?” I asked as I took a seat in the empty chair. I was happy that it was black owned because a lot of us had the same talent as the Asians.

“I wanted to make sure my slot was secured. I figured you were over there trying to get reacquainted with your husband,” she said as I took my seat beside her. I spoke to the nail tech and told her what I wanted before I turned my attention back to my sister.

“Things between Gabe and I are going great. It’s damn near perfect. That makes me wonder why I can’t remember anything that pertains to us. I mean, certain things around the house seem familiar, but nothing of any significance is coming back. I don’t remember my wedding day or anything and that makes me feel some kind of way because, from the pictures, we looked so happy and had so much fun that day.”

“Bitch, did we? I got so drunk and showed my ass,” we shared a laugh, “but I was happy for my big sister. She had finally found her Prince Charming, and he adores the fuck out of you, girl,” she revealed.

“Well, why can’t I remember any of that? I had no problem remember you, mama, or daddy.” I was getting mad at myself because clearly I had a husband who cherished the ground I walked on, but I can’t remember the simplest detail about our relationship. It’s clear that it’s genuine and filled with love because I feel so safe and comfortable around him.

“Trust me when I tell you, sis, that man loves your dirty draws. There’s nothing you desire, and he doesn’t try to make happen for you. I know he feels just as bad and wishes he could trade places with you.” I noticed that far off look in her eyes again, but I didn’t speak on it.

We continued our manicures and pedicures while we caught up on things. We talked about our childhood moments, and I remembered a few. I loved that we were so close because you don’t see that with siblings these days. Especially girls. There’s always some sort of secret animosity brewing over the dumbest shit.

After we got our nails and toes done, or next stop was the waxing place. I desperately needed one, too. In a way, I’m glad that I haven’t been intimate with Gabe because I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t want to go through that mini bush I was growing. Waxing went by pretty fast, so we ended up in the mall.

“Come on. Let’s go inside Victoria’s Secret. I need to see what sales they have going on and maybe you can get some new stuff to show off for your husband.” she smirked.

“Why do you always look like that when you bring up Gabe’s name?” I asked. I couldn’t hold it any longer. Was he having an affair on me with my sister and that’s why I couldn’t remember him?

“Huh? How am I looking?” she asked, eyeing me skeptically.

“Like you’re hiding something from me pertaining to him. Are you sleeping with my husband?” I blurted out. She stared at me with a shocked expression before she burst out laughing.

“See, bitch. That’s definitely that head injury talking because my sister would know that I would never. I’m not even upset that you asked. At least you’re showing some kind of concern when it comes to your husband. I merely want you to remember how happy and in love y’all are and how much he loves and cherishes you. That’s all, Chi. I promise.” I looked her in the eyes, and I believed her.

“Now, straighten up your face and come on. Got these people all in our business like we’re some hood rats.” I let Chiquita drag me into the store and go from display to display, picking out new underwear and lingerie pieces. While having one of ourconversations, I learned burgundy was his favorite color, so I got a few things in that color as well. By the time we were done, it was going on six o’clock.

“We’ve really been gone all day,” I said, looking down at my phone. I noticed I hadn’t heard from Gabe, so I dialed his number as we were heading out of the mall.

“Wassup, Snook?” his deep voice rumbled through the phone and entered my veins.

“Hey. I was just checking in since I’ve been gone most of the day. I’m finishing up with Quita and was going to head home. Do you need me to pick up anything?” I asked.

“Nah, I’m straight. You don’t have to get anything either. I was actually getting things ready for us for tonight. Besides, I wanted you to enjoy your day out.” I couldn’t stop the smile that was plastered on my face. This man knew all the right things to say that gave me all the feels and had me desiring him like he wasn’t already mine.

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