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“Zara isn’t around if that’s what you’re worried about. I know last night you said you aren’t the best of friends.”
“Where is she?”
“Austin, apparently. She was gone when I woke this morning. Mum said she invited herself when Aunt Claire said she was going.”
“Okay then,” I say quietly. “I just need a quick shower though. I stink.”
“You look beautiful.”
“I look a mess!” He frowns. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I just had the strangest feeling of déjà vu. Like I’ve said those words to you before.” He shakes his head, as if brushing off the feeling, and my eyes widen as I remember hehassaid those words to me before, the day Zara arrived. He’d come to the stables to find me. We were going to visit Libby at the hospital after she’d had Annie. I want to tell him, but I don’t. Hope sparks in my chest that it might mean he’s beginning to remember.
“You definitely have time for a shower. I need to get the picnic ready anyway. Jacob and I can do that while you’re getting ready.”
I nod, and we walk in comfortable silence to the house. Once inside, I stop at the foot of the stairs. “I can help you with the food once I’m ready.”
He waves off my offer. “I’ll be fine. Take your time. You might want to put your swimsuit on. We’re going to the river.” He grins at me and I smile back before turning and heading upstairs.
I’m quick in the shower, eager to get back downstairs. Plus, I don’t want to be alone too long, overthinking whether I should be spending time with Jack and Jacob regardless of how much I want to. I put my black bikini on under my shorts and pull on a tank. I don’t do much with my hair, it’s wet, so I braid it and leave it to dry naturally. Jogging down the stairs, I hear voices coming from the kitchen and I find Jack and Emma packing a wicker picnic basket.
“Hi, Emma. How are you?” I ask as I walk in.
She turns and pulls me into a hug. “I’m good, sweetheart. It feels like forever since I’ve seen you.” She looks from me to Jack and smiles. “I hear you’re going on a picnic?”
“We are. Is there anything I can do?” I ask, looking across to where Jack is still packing the basket.
“No, we’re all done,” she assures me.
“Where’s Jacob?”
“He’s outside with Phil. That child has so much energy, I can’t keep up,” she says with a smile.
“The picnic’s ready, I’m just going to run and get changed.” He winks at me as he jogs out of the kitchen, leaving me alone with his mom.
“I’m so glad you’re spending some time together,” she says. “I’m worried about him, Aria. He seems so lost.”
“I hope it helps him to remember. I miss him so much.”
“I think he knows he isn’t happy with Zara. I still have no idea why she flew all the way out here. She barely notices Jacob.”
I shake my head. “He’s the most amazing little boy. I don’t understand her.”
“Do you think we should tell him? There’s no sign of him remembering?”
“I don’t know, Emma. What if telling him messes up him ever remembering Jacob? I want him to get those memories back more than anything.”
“More than remembering you?” I nod. “You love him that much?” I nod again, tears filling my eyes. She pulls me into a hug, holding me tightly.
“Everything okay?” Jack asks, reappearing in the kitchen. I pull out of Emma’s embrace and my mouth goes dry as I look across at him in his black swim shorts, his t-shirt pulled tight across his chest. It’s a good job Jacob’s coming with us. I don’t know how I’d manage to keep my hands off him otherwise.
“Everything’s fine,” Emma says when I don’t answer.
“Aria?” he asks when I still don’t speak. Realizing I’m staring at him, I drop my eyes to the floor and play with the hem of my tank as my cheeks rush with heat.
“Yep. I’m good. Let’s go.” I keep my eyes off him as I head into the entryway, hearing Emma chuckling in the kitchen. Picking up the picnic blanket, I stand on the porch steps, watching Phil and Jacob in the yard. They are both on their hands and knees, driving cars and trucks around the grass.
“Ready for our picnic, Jacob?” I shout.
