Page 42 of A Future To Remember

Then I saw a map of the US, and my inner gaze traveled from Idaho to Arizona, zooming in on Phoenix and another plaque and bell above that appeared, but this time the bell was ringing.

And then a form letter appeared, and at the top of the letter I clearly saw the word accepted. And then another form appeared, and at the top of that form was a dollar sign. And then a cloud of confetti descended on the forms, and I felt a warmth and happiness take shape in the pit of my stomach.

Next, across my mind I saw two men arguing—one older, one younger, and I knew they represented a father and son.

Putting all that together, I started to talk through the images like I was telling Cash a story. A story about him and his son.

“You have a son who’s ready to go to college, right?”

Cash nodded like this wasn’t a secret, cocking his head only when he seemed to realize he’d never told me that.

“You’ve been telling your son he should go to a university nearby, like in Boise, but where he’s really going is Arizona. Probably Arizona State, which is where he wants to go, right?”

Cash paled. I doubted he’d shared with anyone that his son was itching to get away from him and this small town as soon as he could.

Since he didn’t answer, I decided to continue telling him what my mind simply knew: “You and your kiddo have been fighting about it. You won’t win this one, Cash. Your son has already sent in the acceptance letter, and right now he’s working out the financial aid. You should let him go. He’ll thrive at ASU. He’ll feel stifled if you force him to head to college nearby, and within a year, he’ll end up transferring anyway.”

Cash simply stared at me, blinking and not saying a word, but I could see a thread of wariness that bordered on fear in his eye, and even that I swear I understood because it just felt so familiar.

“You’re worried my head’s gonna start spinning around and I’m about to puke up some pea soup, huh?”

His shocked expression immediately softened, and he chuckled. “How’re you doing this, Maddy?”

I shrugged. “If I knew how I was doing it, I might remember where I’d been doing it and we’d be having a different conversation.”

He nodded. “True enough.” Then he cleared his throat, put his hat back on, and waved toward Wanda’s. “Don’t want to make you late for your shift. I’ll walk with you.”

We fell into step with each other, and I had to concede that I really liked Cash. He was different than what I’d expected, which of course made me wonder what I’d expected, but all I could say was that he felt different for a lawman. He felt decent and kind—even noble. I didn’t find him to be quick to judgment or drunk with power, and all of that just seemed…refreshing.

“How’s the waitressing job going?” he asked.

I grinned. “Really well! I’ve made forty-eight dollars so far in tips!”

Cash grinned, but there was a little bit of an edge to it. “That’s quite the haul! Looks like you’re making a good impression on the locals. Wanda told me you’re killin’ it. Seems like you have experience in the restaurant biz.”

“I must have. I just know how to do things and organize stuff to make the process smooth. It’s like muscle memory or something.”

Cash looked at the bag I was carrying. “Groceries?”

“Toiletries. I didn’t even have a toothbrush last night, and my teeth feel like they’re wearing sweaters.”

He grimaced. “Sorry. I should’ve thought of that.”

“You have zero to apologize for, Sheriff. You found me a job and a safe place to sleep, and I’m thinking I probably owe you my life.”

He laid a friendly hand on my shoulder, gave it a gentle squeeze, and it was good to feel a connection with someone.

“Any more memories come to light?” he asked, letting his hand fall away.

I stopped and he did too. When he lifted his gaze to mine, it was hard to look him in the eye and tell him what I knew I needed to.

“I had a nightmare,” I began.

He nodded. “I’d expect you’d have some, given the condition we found you in.”

“It felt…real.”

“Less dream than memory, you think?”