Page 9 of One of Those Amnesia Stories

I looked between them.

“What?”

“Nothing,” they replied in perfect unison.

I narrowed my eyes. “You’re doing the thing.”

Felicity blinked at me with exaggerated innocence. “What thing?”

“The thing where you both go quiet, exchange suspicious looks, and suddenly develop a passionate interest in interior decoration.”

Naija’s mouth twitched. She glanced at Felicity, who was already looking back at her.

There it was again.

That silent exchange.

Naija finally turned her attention toward the room. “The room is fascinating. Look at that centerpiece.”

Felicity followed her gaze and nodded with grave appreciation. “Extraordinary centerpiece.”

I folded my arms and looked between them. “Spill it.”

Felicity sighed, her expression softening as she looked at me. “I just hope you’re right. You and Cassian make each other happy. It was obvious from day one.” She hesitated, her eyes lingering on my face. “But it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you actually smile, Sia. And all I keep thinking is that he should have noticed too. He should know when you’re unhappy, no matter how busy work gets.”

I opened my mouth, searching for a defense I could give her.

Nothing came.

She wasn’t wrong.

I looked away, letting my gaze wander across the room while her words sank deeper than I wanted them to.

I knew Cassian’s work had consumed him. I knew how demanding his days could become, how easily one problem turned into three and how quickly the hours disappeared when he was caught in the middle of it. I had spent countless nights making excuses for the late hours because I understood the pressure he was under.

That was never the part I questioned.

What stayed with me was everything around it.

The missed calls.

The empty chair beside me.

The nights I’d gone to bed alone while telling myself he would make it up to me tomorrow.

Felicity hadn’t asked whether he meant to hurt me.

She had asked whether he had noticed.

And I didn’t have an answer.

I turned back to her and forced a small smile. “Like I said, everything’s going to change tomorrow.”

Felicity watched me for another beat, clearly unconvinced, but she didn’t argue. Instead, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me.

“If it doesn’t, let me know.” She gave me a squeeze before adding, “I know a guy who can beat some sense into him.”

A laugh slipped out of me, the first genuine one I’d managed all evening. “No, you don’t.”