Page 24 of How To Summon A Memory
“I did. And knowing you, you haven’t had any in a while.”
“Years,” Florence says from behind the phone.
The next thing he pulls from the bag are a few photos I had Sparkle take of me this afternoon, then I printed off. I figured Sparkle knew what the best angles would be with how he likes to preen for others, and I was right. Though he wanted me to get naked, I just wasn’t comfortable with that. And I didn’t think Ethan actually wanted naked pictures. “You are exquisite, Wick.”
My cheeks heat and I’m not sure if he can see it through the phone camera, but my brother whistles.
I pull a few more things from the bag and gasp at a copy of a book I haven’t been able to find for ages. “Again, how?! This one’s impossible to find.”
“Another guess. I had it in my collection and I’ve read it so much I have it memorized. So I wanted to pass it along. My gut told me you’d appreciate it.”
I hold it to my chest. “I’ll cherish it forever.”
Pike snorts above me, but Lark elbows him. “Do you forget how I cherish your first gifts to me?”
The demon blushes and bends down to kiss Lark. “Forgive me?”
“Of course,” Lark and I both say together.
Gift after gift is like we never stopped being together. It’s like Ethan can look into my soul without us being near. I take my phone from Pike.
“Can we have some privacy?” I ask and push to my feet.
Ethan takes the phone from Florence and takes a few steps into the maze.
“It’s like we never separated,” I say.
“I want my fucking memories back,” Ethan says, tears streaming down his face. “I want to know why I don’t know you, and I feel like my heart’s been ripped out at the same time.”
“We’ll be together again. I know it in my bones.”
“I do too. And I’ll be at that masquerade party whether my grandmother approves or not. I’ll find a way, so wait for me.”
“Until the end of the world.”
Ethan’s crooked smile soothes my sadness. He yawns.
“It’s been a lot of adventure for you, my little witch. Off to bed with you.”
“I know you’re right, but I don’t want to leave you.”
“I’m here, just a call or text away.”
“I’ll take you up on that. And the first thing I’m doing when I wake up is searching for your crossroads.”
“Don’t wear yourself out, Ethan. I want to dance with you at the party.” I keep kissing to myself.
“I want that, too. So much dancing. It’ll be great. But before that I’ll be texting you nonstop. Something has to trigger my memories.”
I hope he’s right. “But for now, you need sleep, my sweet Ethan.”
“Good night, my demon.”
“Night, little witch.”
Chapter 11
Ethan
