Page 32 of Fracture

She swallowed roughly and turned to go back to the living room. “I know you don’t want to babysit me. I’ll be fine if you have to go do something. See someone or whatever.”

Vinnie followed her to the living room, shaking his head. “I already checked in with my boss, so I’m good. I have to go to work sometime, but he’s agreed to let me have time to figure that out. So I can be here with you.”

“I don’t want you to put your life on hold because of me. We’re strangers.”

Vinnie took a step back like what she said bothered him. He nodded sharply. “You’re right. But I agreed to let you stay here, so I’m going to make sure you’re okay. Are you hungry? I was going to order some food and I’m guessing you’re going to want to get some sleep.”

“Sure, sounds good.” It didn’t. None of it sounded good. But she didn’t know what else to say to the man she didn’t know anymore than she knew herself.

8

What the fuck was he thinking, offering to let her stay with him? Vinnie kicked himself all through a completely awkward dinner and after Lorelei excused herself to go to bed. He heard her shifting in his bed and knew she wasn’t any more comfortable than he was.

He’d make it better tomorrow. He had to.

Vinnie finally fell asleep somewhere after midnight. His sleep was fitful and broken, a cry waking him sometime before the sun lightened the shades on his windows.

It had been ten days since she disappeared. A full week since he found her. And her memory was still not back. What did that mean?

Vinnie spent his spare time over the last week researching memory loss and what the recovery would be like. When he wasn’t looking at Lorelei, he was thinking about her and wondering how he could make her feel better. How he could help her be herself again.

A text popped up on his phone from Marcus and a smile lifted Vinnie’s lips without a thought.

Are you up for breakfast? I heard you have a guest.

I’m up. Not sure if my guest is. I’m assuming you know all the details by now.

Yeah. Frannie has been champing at the bit to rush over to your place and mother Lorelei.

Sounds like Frannie. She’s been helping people since I met her.

She’s an amazing woman. So is your guest. Let us know when you guys are up for company. We can come to you or meet somewhere. Whatever is easiest.

With her crutches, I think leaving as little as possible is best. Probably taking her to Karli and Cade’s later.

I thought she wanted to stay with you?

I don’t think she really understood what she was asking.

You and I both know people in crisis moments aren’t always rational from the outside.

Yeah, I guess.

Have you asked her what she wants?

I don’t think she wants to hurt my feelings.

She’s definitely lost her memory if that’s the case. She never worried about that before.

She’s not the same.

Even if she had her memory, she wouldn’t be.

True.

Let me know when you’re ready. We’ll bring food to you.

Thanks, Marcus.