Page 88 of Remember Me

“That’s amazing, sweetheart, what was it?” Hannah asks.

I tell them all about Bella’s Harry Potter sweater and going to the shelter on my birthday.

Hannah’s hands are clasped in front of her chest. “I remember knitting that sweater, I’m so glad it still fits her,” she gushes. Reaching into my pocket, I show Hannah the photo of Bella in her outfit this morning.

Alyssa chimes in, “That was actually really clever of my brother to think to do that. I wonder if he’ll do that every away game to see if you can recover anything else?”

And then, Kayla being Kayla, and obviously not being able to help herself, asks, “So, have you fucked yet?”

“Jesus Christ, Kayla. I can guarantee at least two people in this room do not want to know that.” Alyssa drags her hand down her face, exasperated.

“Oh, come on. Mama S knows all about the birds and the bees, and she is under no illusions that her precious boy isn’t having sex.” Kayla gives Hannah a knowing look, which she returns.

“You haven’t told us anything since your trip to see our favorite slutty, moustache-wearing singer.”

“Well, to respect his mom and sister, all I will say is that Jake is very respectful and we’re having a wonderful time together.” There, that’s a diplomatic answer.

“Yep, they fucked. You can text me about it later.” Kayla winks at me.

Palm to my forehead, I shake my head. Why is she like this?

My phone dings a little while later after the game has finished. They won 3–0, so I know the boys will be riding the high.

Jake - Did it help you remember anything?

Charlotte - Yes!

Charlotte - I remembered my 21st birthday when I got Bella and your mom knitted that sweater.

Jake - You have no idea how happy it makes me baby that you’re remembering things.

Charlotte - Slowly but surely, they’re coming back

Charlotte - Congrats on the win

Jake - Thanks baby, I’ll call you when I get back to the hotel?

Charlotte - I can’t wait

Chapter 60

Jake

We’re buzzing from our win at our first exhibition game, and it was a shutout no less. Our flight’s early in the morning so we all head back to our rooms.

Lottie texted me during the game to let me know she had gone to my mom’s. It’s just like old times; she would always watch my away games at my childhood home. I wonder if she remembers?

I am extremely needy and desperate to get back to her. Nothing has changed there, I was always desperate to see her after my games, but it’s different now.

My body is thrumming with built up adrenaline and I can’t expel it the way I would have before. Looks like it’s just me and my right hand for company tonight, but when I get home tomorrow? All bets are off, and I am spending the day in bed with my girl.

I shed my suit and grab my sweatpants and phone as I head to the bathroom to brush my teeth. Codey’s already in bed with his headphones on, doomscrolling. I shut the door behind me, quickly change, and decide to call Lottie. It’s late, but hopefully she’s still awake. She answers on the third ring and her sleepy voice comes through the speaker. It’s soft and gravelly and makes me yearn to be with her even more.

“Hey, baby, did I wake you?”

“No, you’re fine, I was just drifting off. Congratulations on the win.”

“It was amazing. It was like I was on fire tonight. The only thing that would have made it better is if you were here.” I sound like such a lovesick fool. Oh wait, I am.