Michelle’s breaths quickened, forcing her shoulders up and series of short jerks. “That’s why it felt familiar, why I couldn’t stop myself.” She scrubbed her eyes and raised a pleading look his way. “I need a bag of corn.”
“Add it to my order.” Chase handed Jasper the list. “My usual, plus this stuff.”
Jasper read the list, gave him a tiny grin and a nod, and smacked the counter. “Give me a half hour. I’ll have the boys load it up.”
“Sounds good.” He tipped his head toward the door. “Ready for that ice cream?”
“Sure.” Some of her enthusiasm evaporated, confusion taking its place. “I can pay for the corn.”
“No need.” He tapped the brim of his hat in a gesture of thanks toward Jasper. “I’ll be able to use it this winter…unless you decide to take it to the B&B with you.”
That brought out a sharp laugh. “I can just imagine Yvonne’s face. She’d probably let me drag it into my room and not say a thing.”
“Probably.” He knew she would, but he let her enjoy this moment of discovery as she worked out the personalities of the people around her.
“Hey, Chase, got a second?” Jasper called out behind him.
The sharp edge to the question stopped Chase halfway out the door. “Sure.” He nudged Michelle lightly with his elbow. “Why don’t you go ahead to the ice cream shop. I’ll be right there.”
“I’ll wait for you here.” She dropped into the rocking chair beside the door and kicked her feet up onto the rail. “I just needa piece of hay sticking out of my mouth and it’ll be like I’m in an old western.”
“Jasper modeled his store after those kinds of movies.” He pointed at the false front and antique wooden planks. “He’s pretty proud of his ingenuity.”
“Probably why I like it here. I’ve discovered an affinity for centuries’ old buildings.” She wiggled deeper into the padded seat. “Surprised I became a bank executive. Why not a real estate agent?”
His chest pinched so hard he forgot how to breathe. She used to talk about just that. Her love for old buildings sent them exploring more than one condemned residence through the years. She loved exploring, finding the lost and forgotten pieces of people’s history. Then she’d left for the city, proclaiming there was nothing in the past that fascinated her anymore and that her happiness was in the city. He backtracked to the counter before he said something he’d regret. “What’s up?”
“She really doesn’t remember?” Jasper gripped the edge of the counter. “I heard, but I didn’t believe it till I saw her face. It was like she was discovering herself all over again.” He blew out a coffee-scented sigh. “Any chance she’ll get it back?”
“I can’t really talk about that, Jasper.” He’d never been one to talk behind another’s back. “She might. She might not.” He turned on his heel. “Gotta go.”
“Enjoy your ice cream.”
He intended to. It wasn’t a date but sitting with her in one of their favorite places as a couple hurt almost as much as it helped remind him that his suffering and Michelle’s suffering were not the same. She had the thrill of discovery pushing her forward. He had the pain of the past locking around him and tempting him to dream of things best left buried.
Michelle sat right where he’d left her. The only difference was the couple standing on the other side of the wooden railing.
Mr. and Mrs. Coleman, the elderly couple Michelle had bugged for years until they let her pilfer through their garage for antiques. Mrs. Cole grinned at Michelle. “You sound just like her. I swear, if it wasn’t for the new wrinkles on my face, I’d swear no time at all passed.”
“Just like who?” Michelle’s boots thumped to the floor, and she sat forward so fast the chair creaked.
Mrs. Coleman squinted. “That same little girl who wanted to know the story behind every picture in my photo album. She used to follow me around the house every time she found an interesting piece in the garage until I told her the story behind it.” A light laugh tickled the air. “She sure was persistent.”
Michelle leaned her forearms on the rail. She seemed comforted and confused by the interaction. “I don’t understand. Am I the girl you’re talking about?”
Mrs. Colemen nodded. “Of course. We didn’t want to pressure you into trying to remember. But when I saw you sitting there, I had to stop by and say hello.” She squeezed Michelle’s hands. “It’s good to see you again, dear. And don’t you worry if you never get your memory back.”
Michelle shrank away from those words.
Mrs. Coleman either didn’t notice or knew her next words would help. “You’re still a wonderful woman, and nothing can change that. New memories can’t replace the ones you’ve lost, but you have a whole town here ready to help in any way you need.”
“You’d tell me all your memories of me?” A spark of defiance lit her eyes when she locked eyes with him.
“Well, my memories are not as good as they used to be, but I’m sure I can come up with more stories.” Mrs. Coleman released Michelle’s hands and backed away with a tiny wave. “You come see us sometime.”
Michelle pushed to standing and hurried down the steps. Her heels banged out a furious rhythm, and he hurried to catch up.
“What’s wrong?” He didn’t dare touch her. The need to comfort her eclipsed every other thought. If he pulled her into an embrace, he might never let her go. Andthatwould ruin everything about his promise to help her.
