Page 7 of Remind Me
There was a silence between us as Belle started making dinner while I worked on the brownies. It was broken when she spoke again. “I don’t think I have ever asked you, how did the two of you meet? I just assumed that it was at school, but he is older than you.”
“He is. He was a few years above us at school, whereas I was in the same year as Beau and Austin. One of the girls that I made friends with after I moved here, was dating his best friend so I met him through her at a party one night.” I went quiet thinking about it.
Past Savannah
Walking into the party, I felt so odd. Jessica had dressed me up in a really short dress and I was uncomfortable as hell. I wanted my jeans and my boots, but she quickly had me change out of that before we left her house. We got drinks before going to find her boyfriend. He was, after all, the reason for us being out. They had a party to celebrate the football team making it into the finals. Not something I really cared about, but I could see that my aunt and uncle were worried about me. Moving away from my life in Athens after what happened with my parents, I wanted a fresh start, but I had hated leaving behind my friends. I wasn’t a social butterfly at the best of times. Most of the friends I’d had were since first grade. We were the quiet ones that were, more often than not, found sitting at the back of the class minding our own business while the class clowns did their thing. I was quite happy flying under the radar until I wasn’t. Soon the whispers and rumors of what was happening spread like wildfire around town and my aunt and uncle came in. When they found out what was happening, they packed my bags and got me out of there. It was too late to save my mom, but they weren’t going to let it happen to me too.
The minute I entered the party, I felt eyes on me. My anxiety had me ready to run from the house, but I didn’t. I was hanging on by a very thin thread though. When I sawhim, it was like everything in me stilled and a calmness washed over me. I had no idea who this man was, but I wanted to. More than I had ever wanted anything in my life and that thought scared the living fuck out of me!
“Come on, there’s Michael.” I glanced to where she was looking and found her eyes and mine were focused on the same spot. Although, that’s when I noticed the guy standing next to the one who’d got my attention. Please let that be Michael. The last thing I wanted was Mr. Mysterious to be her boyfriend. When we reached them, she kissed the other guy and I felt my body instantly relax. We both stood there awkwardly not really knowing what to say while our two friends did what horny teenagers did when they hadn’t seen each other for a few hours. He eventually turned his back to them and held out his hand.
“Sorry we weren’t introduced, I’m Cash and behind me is my mate Michael. You probably already know that though.”
“Know of him, this was going to be the first time meeting him.” My lips curled into a smile as I held my hand out to his. “Savannah.” He shook my hand before taking a drink.
“Excuse my rudeness but why haven’t I seen you around before?”
“New to town.”
“Ah right. Liking it so far?”
“So far. Everyone here has been very welcoming.”
“You’re the same year as Jessica, which means you may know my brother.”
“Haven’t really met the whole year yet but try me.”
“Beau James?”
“Ah, yes, I know Beau. He is in a few of my classes. Made himself at home in the seat beside mine.” Cash chuckled.
“Yeah, he does that. He is harmless though.” It was my turn to laugh at that.
“Good to know!” Taking a drink from my bottle, I looked around. I could still feel eyes on me. Was it my imagination or had word spread here too? Did people know why I was really in town. As if sensing that I was about to have the mother of all breakdowns, Cash placed his hand on my back.
“Come on, let’s go outside for some air.”
“What about them?”
“When they surface, I am sure they will come find us. I will text Michael where we are so Jessica doesn’t worry.” I nodded and let him lead me out of the room. Truth was, I would let him lead me anywhere. A thought that should scare me, but it didn’t. I felt safe with him. Maybe I was crazy…
Chapter Five
Cash
Getting to the hospital at the same time as Felix, we both headed inside.
“What’s happening?” We went into the ICU and to the nurses’ station.
“We got a call that Holly was awake. She came out of surgery and we could speak with her, but we needed to be quick.” I nodded as we reached the desk. “Here for Holly Winters.” The look on her face said it all. We were too late.
“I’m really sorry. They had to rush her back to surgery but coded and we couldn’t get her back. There was more damage done than the doctor originally thought.” A breath left me as her words sunk in. What the hell? I cleared my throat.
“Has anyone told her family?”
“No, not yet. We haven’t been able to reach them.”
“You okay, James?” I nodded. Not looking forward to telling Austin this news but I was fine. I wasn’t going to stand here and pretend that I liked the woman. I couldn’t stand her most of the time, but I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.
