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“I understand that, sweetheart. I can only imagine. But I’m glad you’re asking. Because if those years don’t come back, you’ll need to have several hard conversations. You’re going to be ready one day. And you’ll have me, your father, Fran, and Zev to help you through.”

My pulse races with her words. My memories returning feels so much less intimidating. I don’t want to hear stories about my life as if it were someone else’s life. I just want to remember.

“Rosalie?”

“I’m here. Just processing.” I swallow. “You said you approved of Zev?”

“We loved how much he loved you. I’m not sure there’s anything that boy wouldn’t do for you.”

Forty-Two

It’s been a week since I’ve seen Rosalie. One week. Of silence.

I’m ready to rip my hair out. Something Noreen would call a “darn shame,” as she loves my red hair.

I lie on my bed and bounce a soccer ball against the wall. It springs from the wall to my hands, over and over, with a thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

I pause my throw-catch-throw when my phone pings with a text. I pull in a breath, and like I have with every noise my phone has made the past week, I grapple for it.

It could be her.

However, it’s not.

Lucca: Dude. What are you doing over there?

Me: Sorry. Nervous energy.

Roman: Am I supposed to be a part of this conversation?

Lucca: Yes. Now that I have you all here, let’s attempt to help our friend Zev.

Me: I didn’t ask for help.

Lucca: And yet, you need it.

Callum: He’s right, man. How are you holding up?

Lucca: Did you mean how is the wall we share holding up? Because it’s about to come tumbling down.

Me: Where’s Maggie? She needs to put you in your place. You’re exaggerating.

Lucca: The photo of my vovó fell off the wall.

Me: Sorry.

Callum: Zev, how can we help?

Roman: Stella and Ivy are going to visit her parents in Canada for a week. You wanna stay here? I’ve got a spare room. Maybe you need some space.

Lucca: Maybe he needs less space.

Callum: Zev?

Me: Guys. Thanks. More space, less space. What does it matter? Rosalie’s still isn’t going to remember us. She’s still going to want time. I honestly don’t know how anyone can help me.

Lucca: So negative.

Lucca: You need a little scheming. You just need to get her in the same room as you again.