Help Me Remember (Rose Canyon, #1)(23)

A part of me understands it. Here was a chance to rewrite our history, but the issue is that we were going to end here anyway.

“I don’t know how things went before, but I know that I want so much more than this. I want someone who will be by my side, especially in the hard times.”

“My job demands that I handle certain clients. When things come up, I can’t just walk out.”

“I understand. I do, but I’m not things and my brother’s death wasn’t minimal, especially not to me. I need to be able to rely on the man I love, and if you wanted this to be our second chance, you failed me already.”

“I can do better.”

“Yes, I think we both can.” But not in that way.

I can find someone else. I can love someone who will be at my side. Henry’s not that man, and not acknowledging that because I’m desperate to have a piece of my old life isn’t something I’m willing to do.

Henry looks away. “You were always the one for me, Brie. I wish I was yours.”

I take his hand in mine. “When I first saw you at the hospital, I was so relieved. Mostly because you were something I remembered and you being there gave me a constant. Only, even then, I knew that wasn’t true. Yes, you and I were happy in the beginning, but somewhere along the way, we lost that. Our goals changed, and I think we grew up and apart at the same time. You were the dream, Henry. I think our realities are just too different. You deserve a woman who’s willing to move to Portland with you, and I deserve someone who puts me first. I really hope that you find someone, though. I hope she makes you happy and that you can do the same for her. I want you to have the most amazing life, and I really hope that we can be friends.”

He lets out a soft laugh. “You may not remember the way we broke up, but it’s incredibly similar.”

“Is it?”

He nods. “You wished me love and happiness and then handed me back that key with the red ribbon.”

I blink a few times. “I told you that there was another’s heart that it would open.”

I remember. I remember saying it with tears streaming down my face because it was truly the end. I loved him and didn’t want to hurt him, but I couldn’t do it anymore.

“You did.”

“I was sad.”

“So was I.”

It’s funny that I feel the same thing again. “It was the right thing for us, wasn’t it?”

He shrugs. “I don’t know. Maybe it was because here we are again, and even with a faulty memory, you knew I wasn’t the one for you.”

My lips form into a sad smile. “I wish things could’ve been different.”

“I think I’m meant to be alone,” he says with a laugh. “I’m married to my job, and if I were being honest, it would be unfair to ask any woman to put up with it.”

“I think the right woman will make you willing to give up anything for her. I’m just not that girl. Do you think we can see each other, as friends? I am working with Spencer on retracing my life, and I’m sure I could use your help.”

He smiles softly. “Of course. No matter what, I still want the best for you. Plus, I’ve missed you.”

“I’m sure I’ve missed you too. I know when I saw you in the hospital, I was so happy to see your face.”

“We’ll always have amnesia?”

We both chuckle.

“We’ll always have at least that. Come on, I’ll walk you out.”

At the door, we hug, and a part of me relaxes a little, as though a piece of the puzzle clicked into place. When I open it, Emmett and Spencer are there, and Henry gives them both a dip of the chin before he heads down the hall.

“What happened?” Emmett asks first.

“I told him that I didn’t want to be with him, and in doing so, I remembered that we broke up.”

“You did?” Spencer asks.

I lean my shoulder against the frame and nod. “Yeah, it was also when I gave him back his key with the ribbon on it.” I let out a heavy sigh. “I’m going to bed. Today wore me out and I am on the verge of losing my shit. Good night.”

With that, I walk into my apartment, close the door, and prepare myself to unlock all my secrets.





Chapter Eight





BRIELLE





For the first time since my entire world collapsed, I sleep dreamlessly. Nothing haunts me, and I kind of like it. At least, I needed it more than anything because today starts the work.

I take a shower, loving the scent of the new brand of shampoo I apparently use, which isn’t a brand I could buy from the drugstore. After I get dressed, I sit at my desk, rummaging through drawers for a notebook or something that might give me a hint about the last three years. All I find are the typical bills and a few birthday cards.

I smile when I see the one from Holden, Emmett, and Spencer. Since I was a little girl, they’ve always made a big deal of my birthday. Mostly because I was the most annoying person in the world as we approached it, but I still thought it was sweet.

My phone rings, and I glance at the screen before answering.

“Hello, Mother.”

“Hello, Brielle. How are you this morning?”

I walk into the kitchen and grab a bottle of water. I fill her in about the key memory, Henry, and all the other mundane things. I start to ask her about the store, but she cuts in before I can.