Help Me Remember (Rose Canyon, #1)(27)

“The ones you weren’t paying attention to.”

“Such as . . .”

Spencer puts the plate down. “Your body language. Things you did almost as if they were muscle memory. You remembered the password to the rewards program for a restaurant that hasn’t been open more than a year. You stopped in front of the building where Henry works without knowing he works there.”

My eyes widen. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I just did,” he says as if it’s the most logical answer in the world.

I recall a building now. It was a brick-front that looked more like a store than an office building. I just stood there for a second, not really sure what it was that had stopped me. I had this feeling that I had been inside, but for the life of me, I couldn’t figure out why I would have been.

I’d wanted to go inside.

Emmett speaks. “Careful, Spencer, we’re veering a bit too close to giving her information.”

“He didn’t tell her which building,” Holden replies. “The fact that she stopped in front of it is a good indication that the memory is there and not destroyed.”

“I promise,” I add, looking at Emmett, “no one has told me a damn thing.” Much to my dismay.

“Brie, can you describe the building so we can see if it’s the one Spencer thinks it is?”

I do that, talking about the large window in front and how there was a windchime on the left side of the awning. Even if it isn’t the building where Henry works, there was something familiar about it that could mean something.

Spencer smiles. “That’s the same one. It was the way your head tilted or your hand moved.”

Holden nods. “You mentioned a place she had a password?”

“Yeah, we got lunch and there was a loyalty program.” He turns to me. “You had no idea that restaurant was semi-new. You just put your password in.”

As much as I’d love to call that a victory, I think he’s wrong. “It’s the same password I use for everything. I’ve been using it for years.”

He shrugs. “I still think it matters.”

Maybe, but I am going to say that last one was luck. There are still things I don’t know, and I am hoping they’ll come back sooner rather than later.

“So, we know that Spencer lives here now and isn’t currently working. I know that Holden is still in Los Angeles. You are the big mystery to me, Em. You’re the sheriff, which is comical since I seem to remember you were the one who heckled Sheriff Barley when he tried to break up a party.”

Emmett smirks. “I can neither confirm or deny such a story.”

“I can!” Spencer says. “He did it. And then he also let the air out of the tires so we could get away.”

Emmett snorts. “That was you, asshat.”

“Anyway”—Spencer rolls his eyes—“his misguided youth prepared him for this.”

“And,” Emmett draws the word out, “I am good at it.”

“How long have you been back?” I ask.

He rubs his forehead, looking to Holden and then to me. “It’s within your gap.”

I groan. “How is being honest with me tampering with my memory? I didn’t ask you to tell me the story, I just asked how long!”

I’m on my feet, anger pulsing through me. This sucks. I am so tired of this feeling as though I’m on the fringe of my whole life.

The three of them share a look and then Spencer is reaching for my arm. “We are all trying to give you what we can and also making sure no one missteps. Emmett especially since he will be called to testify once we find whoever did this.”

Emmett puts his beer down. “Which is why I shouldn’t be here. I should be more careful.”

“Em,” I say quickly, “I won’t ask again. Please don’t go. I’m sorry.”

He gives me a warm smile. “I know, but Spencer is right. We will be called in, and we don’t want to give the defense any reason to claim our testimony is tainted.” Emmett pulls me in for a hug and kisses my cheek. “I’ll see you soon.”

My heart sinks, and a new type of sadness wraps around me. I want my life back.

Emmett leaves, and I stare at the door with tears falling down my cheeks.

“Brielle,” Holden says softly as his hand rests on my shoulder. “Don’t cry.”

I turn with a laugh. “Why not? How much more do I need to lose? Isaac wasn’t enough? Addison and Elodie have to go too? You’re going to LA soon. Emmett can’t be with me in case he’s called to testify.” I look at Spencer. “You’ll get a job or a girlfriend. Don’t you see? I have nothing! I have lost everything and don’t even know why.”

Holden doesn’t offer me empty platitudes or assurances that it will be okay. He just pulls me in for a hug. After a minute, he grips my shoulders and pushes me back. “You have so much more than you’re letting yourself admit, you just need to have a little faith, okay? It isn’t going to be easy, and yes, you’re going to get frustrated, but you aren’t alone. You never have been.” He wipes away the moisture on my cheeks and offers me a kind smile.

I hate that he’s right. I’m being ridiculous and need to stop because my getting worked up isn’t helping anything.