SOFIA
Sofia sat on her couch that night, her legs crisscrossed and her notebook on her lap. She’d glanced at some of the previous name-change ideas she’d had and struck each through with a firm swipe of her purple pen.
Next, she scrawledEmerald Hollowacross the top and began to ideate. After just a few minutes, a smile crossed her lips. She’d come up with a name and knew in her heart that it was right. She practiced a few taglines then got to work on her computer, designing a new logo.
When that was taken care of, she bought a new website domain and began to move over her inventory. It took hours, but the work allowed her to zone out as reruns of her favorite TV show played in the background.
When all that was done, she began sketching earring ideas for a new line. Isaiah was on her mind, and she thought of their conversations over lunch. She tried not to dwell on the moment their knees had briefly touched. A little thrill had passed through her at the contact, and she’d turned away instantly.
What would it be like to have no memories of your life? To be completely dependent on others and at the same time tryingto figure out the reality of your life?Her hands began to work almost on their own.
She made the first pair of earrings for the new line, which she decided to tentatively call the WanderLost Collection. She took a picture of the earrings and posted it on her social media as a teaser.
Well after midnight, Sofia shut down her laptop and silenced her phone. Her sparkly New Year’s Eve dress was still draped over the back of the chair, waiting for her to drop it at the dry cleaner’s. When she lay in bed that night, there was a smile on her lips.
Sofia wokeup the next morning well after ten, glad, as usual, that she didn’t work the morning shift at the House. She wrapped a blanket around herself and cranked up her electric heater immediately. As the house started to warm up, she poured some coffee and sprinkled a few chunks of granola on yogurt then unplugged her phone.
Her eyes widened at the number of notifications on her screen. She quickly unlocked the phone. There was a slew of comments on her social media post with the sneak peek of her new WanderLost Collection.
LOVE the name.
Those earrings are incredible. When can I buy them?
I need these for my next trip! How much?
The comments and likes had stacked up all night, it seemed. The post had gotten more traction than any others had before. She sat down on the skinny barstool at her counter, taking a scoop of her yogurt.Why did this post take off? Did the idea of WanderLost resonate with people?
Her mind drifted to Isaiah, the inspiration for the name, as she scrolled through the comments.What is he doing this morning at the Emerald House, with no memories and no plans for the future other than trying to get those memories back? She remembered Esmeralda showing up at the restaurant just as her shift was starting.Maybe she’d already set him up with volunteering at the animal shelter.
Sofia tried to rid her mind of Isaiah by replying to a few comments as she finished her coffee and breakfast. She looked around the living room at her jewelry-making supplies. She still had a few hours before work. Perhaps the WanderLost Collection could use a few new designs.
Chapter Eighteen
ISAIAH
Isaiah sought out Ash immediately after he woke up the next morning. The owner of the Emerald House was in his office, the door open halfway, and Isaiah knocked softly.
Ash glanced up and smiled. “Isaiah. Come in.” He motioned for Isaiah to take a seat at the chair facing his desk.
Isaiah sat, scooting the chair back slightly to accommodate his long legs. “Hi, Ash. You know I struck out yesterday at the trail, and I’m not sure if Sofia told you, but I haven’t had any luck at the library yet either. I’m sure I’ll figure something out within the next week, but until then, I’d like you to put me to work. I can work in the restaurant, or if you have projects going around the building, I think I’m pretty handy.” He paused, meeting Ash’s eyes. “What I’m saying is I want to earn my keep.”
Ash studied him for a moment then nodded. “That’s nice of you to offer. Would you prefer to work outside or inside? I always need extra hands in the restaurant, but the forest has some brush that needs cleaning up after some big storms not too long ago. Does either of those sound like something you’d like to do?”
Isaiah’s mind flashed to Sofia. His brain replayed watching her prepare that sandwich like it was a dance.If I worked in therestaurant, would we be on the same shift? He quickly shoved the idea away.He got the impression she was being forced to spend more time with him than she wanted already.
And Isaiah did have a sense that he would like working outside. After all, he’d been out for a hike in the woods when he lost his memories. He made his decision. “The forest work. Just point me in the right direction, and I’ll get started.”
Ash stood and extended a hand. “Welcome to the Emerald House officially.”
Isaiah took the hand, and they shook firmly. For the first time since he’d left the trailhead the previous day, with nothing but a strange tingle and a phantom of a voice to show for it, Isaiah thought that maybe things would work out all right.
He’d made a plan with Esmeralda to walk dogs at the animal shelter each morning, and he would be able to do some manual work on the Emerald House grounds until Sofia’s break, when they went to the library. His time in Emerald Hollow didn’t have to be completely useless. He could contribute.
At least until I figure out who I am and what happened to me.
Chapter Nineteen
SOFIA
