“See what I mean?”
“So, why’d you get out?” Isaiah asked, still curious about her time in the military and what the transition had been like for her when she left.
Sofia’s eyes dropped to the table for a moment. “Family reasons. My mom was sick.”
“Ah, sorry to hear that.” He could tell by the tone of her voice that her mom had never gotten better, and his heart ached for her.
Holly spoke up then. “So, Isaiah, we thought it was about time we got to know you a little better. We know you don’t have your memories, but it’s clear you’re great at all the handy tasks around the House that Ash has you doing, and we’ve heard you’re a natural with the dogs at the shelter too. Have you rediscovered any other interests since you’ve been here?”
Isaiah was grateful for the change in conversation, even if for Sofia’s sake more than his. He contemplated Holly’s question. Her soothing voice had seemed to change the atmosphere, his heart rate slowing and his shoulders relaxing. The evening sunlight was glistening on her hair like she was on the cover of a photoshopped magazine, and he had to force himself to refocus on her question.
“You know, it’s interesting, because sometimes, I see something, and I just know that I’m into it. Other things, I know I’m not a fan of. But I can’t explain it beyond that. At the library a couple of weeks ago, I pulled up some maps of the area. I was exploring the trail where Sofia found me, trying to figure out where I might have been coming from. When I started sorting through the maps, it all felt familiar. Not the places, unfortunately, but the maps. I knew what all the symbols meant, how to interpret topography. I had a clear sense of direction. It made me think I was—or am—into maps or navigation or something.”
Ash stopped slicing his steak and studied Isaiah for a moment. “That is pretty interesting. Maybe you were a Boy Scout.”
Sofia laughed. “Wouldn’t that be a perfect headline? ‘Former Boy Scout gets lost in the woods and loses his memory.’”
Holly gasped. “Sofia!”
But Isaiah grinned. “It would be pretty ironic.”
“Well, I think that’s a good sign that the maps felt familiar. Maybe eventually, you’ll bump into something else familiar that will be even more of a clue,” Ash offered.
“I hope so. I’m not sure what else to do at this point. I can’t live on all your hospitality forever.”
“It won’t be forever. I’m sure it will get sorted out soon. But as long as you need. You’ve been a huge help around here.”
Isaiah nodded and took a bite of his baked potato, the hot, buttery taste sharp on his tongue. He glanced at Sofia out of the corner of his eye and caught her watching him. She jumped ever so slightly, and her face did a funny little dance as she tried to change her expression, then she turned and struck up a conversation with Holly. A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
As much as he wanted to know what was going on in his own head to recover his memories, he was also dying to know what was going on in hers.
Chapter Twenty-Five
SOFIA
Ash pulled out a coconut cream pie and passed a piece to everyone. Sofia gave him the stink eye. He knew she couldn’t resist coconut cream and the thick layer of homemade whipped cream that topped it.
“So, Sof, what’s new with you?” he asked, ignoring her expression as he handed her a small piece.
Sofia sat up a little straighter. She was glad the topic of conversation had moved on from her military days. Remembering that period of her life inevitably led her to thoughts of Noah, and as always, she was angry that he had soured all memories of that time.
She tugged on an earring. “Well, since you ask, my business has been going really well lately.”
“Was it a particular product that started taking off, or have sales ticked up across the board?” Ash asked.
Isaiah turned toward her, waiting to hear the answer. She avoided looking at him, suddenly unexpectedly and uncharacteristically self-conscious. “Actually, I launched a new line, and it’s been surprisingly popular. Also…” She swallowed, seeing Isaiah shift slightly in his seat out of the corner of her eye. “I changed my business name.”
“What did you change it to?” Ash asked, a note of surprise in his voice.
“Emerald Hollow Artisanal. The tagline is ‘Quirky jewelry, gifts, and more. Handmade in Emerald Hollow, Oregon.’”
“That’s brilliant,” Ash said.
“It’s beautiful, Sof!” Holly said, reaching across the table and giving her hand a squeeze.
“A name change. What an interesting idea,” Isaiah said slowly, his voice full of humor.
Sofia rolled her eyes up to the sky. “Fine! It was Isaiah’s idea. And a very good one.”
