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“What does that even mean, Josh?” I ask, ignoring Brody.
“It means things aren’t what they seem.”
I frown, more confused than ever. “That’s not an answer.”
“Ask Zara, Jack.”
“But I’m asking you,” I say, a little annoyed. “Why won’t someone just tell me?”
“It’s not for us to say,” Brody says before Josh can answer. “It’s fucked up and I’m sorry, man.”
“Tell me this, then, am I happy with Zara? We’ve been on the ranch at least a few weeks. You must have seen us together? Are we happy?” They’re both silent for a few seconds before Josh answers.
“Ask yourself the question. You’ve been home from the hospital a week. Are you happy?”
“No,” I reply immediately, not even having to think about it. There’s been a niggling doubt in my mind since before I left the hospital. If my relationship with Zara before the accident is like it is now, then I can only think I stayed for Jacob. I’m not happy. Not at all. “Something’s missing. I just don’t know what the hell it is!” I slam my bottle of Coke down on the table in frustration.
“Look, lost memories or not, you can change your life whenever you want, Jack. You don’t have to stay in a relationship where you aren’t happy. Life’s too short, man,” Brody says sympathetically.
“Urgh, I hate this! Why can’t I just remember!”
“Come and dance!” Quinn exclaims as she suddenly reappears at the table and unwittingly interrupts the conversation. She sits down in Brody’s lap.
“Hey, baby. Having fun?” he asks, and my eyes drop to the hand he places protectively over Quinn’s small baby bump. I can’t help but feel a little envious of their relationship. They clearly adore each other, Sav and Josh too. Even with what I can remember of my relationship with Zara, it was never like that. We only decided to make a go of things because she fell pregnant. It was never that all-consuming love. I could only hope it had grown into that in the years we’d been together, the years I couldn’t remember. It didn’t feel that way though. Not even close. I have to speak to her when I get back to the ranch.
“Come and dance,” she says again. “You guys too.” She points to me and Josh, pulling me from my melancholy.
“You up for that, Jack?” Josh asks as he drinks down the last of his Bud.
I shrug. “Sure. Why not?” I finish my drink and follow Quinn as she leads us to where Aria and Savannah are dancing. Some guy is trying to dance with Aria, and I can see how uncomfortable she is. The guy, however, seems to have no idea. I hesitate for a second before walking up behind her and winding my arms around her waist.
“It’s me, Jack. Play along,” I whisper in her ear. She stiffens for a few seconds before relaxing and dropping her head back on my chest. She smells of strawberries, and I inhale, her scent invading my senses.
“She’s taken, man. Move on,” I shout to the guy, who’s now glaring at me. I can’t say I blame him for being pissed. She’s the most beautiful woman in the room, and I try not to think about how good it feels to have her in my arms. I thought it might feel awkward, but if anything, it feels the opposite. Familiar and like home. The guy’s disappeared, but I make no move to let her go, and I wonder if she can feel the pounding of my heart on her back.
“Thank you,” she shouts, her head tilting back to look at me. “I’ve never needed rescuing more.” It’s dark on the dance floor, but I swear I can see tears swimming in her eyes, and my heart twists as I realize she’s upset. I turn her in my arms, but she keeps her head down, and I use my fingers to lift her chin so she’s looking at me. Her hands go to my chest and I inhale sharply as she touches me.
“Are you okay? You look upset.”
“I’m okay.” I hold her gaze, knowing she isn’t telling me the truth, but I don’t want to push her. “Will you dance with me?” she asks, just loud enough for me to hear. I hadn’t noticed the music change to a slow song, and I nod as I pull her closer. Her arms go around my neck and she drops her head on my shoulder. We dance in silence, and I know for sure this time she can feel the racing of my heart, just like I can feel hers. The song ends, and I don’t want to let her go. Knowing I have to, I reluctantly remove my arms from around her and take a step back. The music changes and Savannah takes her hand, spinning her around. She laughs and I can’t pull my gaze off her. She’s mesmerizing.
As the night goes on, I catch Aria’s eyes on me more and more, and while I haven’t danced with her again, I’m itching to. I don’t know how to react to my developing attraction to her. I’m with Zara and would never cross a line with someone else while I’m in a committed relationship, but even my morals are being tested as I watch her dance.
When Quinn starts yawning, we decide to call it a night. Both Savannah and Aria are drunk, and getting them out of the bar proves difficult. Josh is practically carrying Savannah, and I end up with my arm around Aria’s waist as I guide her through the crowds. We’re almost to the door when she grabs my hand and pulls me into a corner.
“What are you doing?” I chuckle as she stumbles and reach out to grab on to her so she doesn’t fall.
“Shh,” she mumbles, her finger going to her lips.
“I’m not making any noise.” I can’t help but smile at her and she grins back at me.
“Just a few more minutes before we have to go back to reality,” she slurs, winding her arms around my neck. I don’t hesitate to pull her close, frowning at her words.
“What do you mean, back to reality?” Her shoulders shake, and I realize she’s crying. “Aria, talk to me. What do you mean?” I try to pull out of the embrace to look at her, but she holds on to me tightly. After a few minutes, she composes herself and steps back, wiping her eyes.
“I’m sorry,” she whispers. “Ignore me. I always cry when I’m drunk. We should go. Everyone will be waiting.” She goes to walk past me, and I reach for her hand, stopping her.
“Aria.”
