Chapter 18

"Kartiyah Kar-tee-ah…Kar-sha?...Kat-yah?" Lucy said, pronouncing it the way it's spelled even though she knows it's wrong because it sounds weird.

"You seriously don't remember?"

Obviously, she wants me to try harder. But she should know it's not like I can control what I can and can't remember. It's not like trying to lift a 200 pound weight. "Where's it from?" She has that look again as if I'm joking. She seems annoyed too or too busy doing whatever it is that she's doing on the laptop. "Is that Russian?" There she goes again, looking like I'm supposed to know. It didn't sound American then when Scud said her name. It didn't sound American now. She doesn't look Russian so maybe one of her parents is.

"It's just a name."

Or maybe they just like the name. A lot of parents do that. It is unique but with a name like that would cause one to wonder if she's not all American even though she looks like one. "Is that your real name?" Maybe it's not, just like Brooke.

"I named it myself so you'd notice me."

Oh. All is forgiven but at this moment, it's hard not to feel stupid even though she did eventually fall for me. What's so funny? Oh. She's joking.

"The first time we met, you ignored me…like I'm just one of the guys. You were so rude."

This is so weird. It's weird because she sounds like she is still upset about it. It's weird that she still remembered the details, when and where it happened, what I was doing, as if it happened yesterday. I was always with a girl? Well, that sounds possible. That would explain why I wouldn't have noticed her but that doesn't explain what happened afterwards. So what did she do to get my attention?

"After I saw you with another girl, I noticed something I didn't before."

It has been years. She sure has a good memory. For someone with her looks, it wouldn't be difficult to attract anyone's attention but to say that all it took was a new hairstyle to make herself stand out from the other girls I was with, that's just crazy. Medium length straightened? That's not hard to imagine what she would look like since that's what she has now. It's a bit messy and wavy though. She doesn't have any makeup on now but everyone would look better with makeup. A sexy outfit would attract attention. A long sleeve pajamas set does not.

"I didn't think you were that type after you ignored me but you were."

What's that supposed to mean? Did she just insult me? "Who's not attracted to pretty woman?" That sounds better as a compliment than saying she does too. Yup. There's the smile. She agrees. It's hard to believe that it was only a week ago when everyone thought they would never see that smile again. No one knows if she was going to make it and now she can stand and walk rapidly to the bedroom like a healthy person. For someone who just got released from the hospital two days ago, she looks like she didn't. Weird. She did get a lot of rest. Can't blame her for not wanting to stay there. This five star hotel would be much more comfortable. But the wine definitely needs to go. Too much alcohol wouldn't be good for anyone especially for her if she wants to…ohhh. No wonder she's spending so much time on the computer. She's not just looking at places to visit, foods to try or things to do. She's…

"Remember this?"

Wowww. Where did she get that? When? How did she change so fast? Putting on the makeup doesn't take a long time but straightening the hair does. High heel boots, tight black leather pants, matching sleeveless top with a v neck opening and those hazel eyes, they look different this time. No tears can be seen. No words need to be said to know what she's thinking. Her intention is now obvious. It seems that she has given up on the idea of waiting for me to remember but this is just a dance. Closing my eyes isn't going to help but okay. A night club filled with people is not hard to picture but singing Total Eclipse of the Heart on the stage is. She can sing? Better than I can. That would do it. Standing on stage would attract anyone's attention even if she wasn't the lead singer. "Ssso…did I ask you out that night?" No? Well, that's odd. Then why bring this up if nothing happened?

"Anthony did."

"ohhh" That's not shocking, just surprised he didn't mention it. He probably wasn't the only one who wanted to get to know her that night.

"After that night, you tried to get close to me. You bought me a drink. I ignored you, you kept trying."

Line, hook, suckered. What is it about you that got me so crazy? Can't be just the pretty face, sexy body or the British accent although that does make her more interesting than others.

"Did you really expect me to drink that?"

Does she really expect me to remember? As detailed as she made that night out to be, it didn't bring back any memories. Whatever it was, she seems to think that the drink is spiked. Just because she's never heard of the name of the drink doesn't mean it is. Just because it happened in my club doesn't mean I would. Just because her reason to think that it could be spiked sounds logical doesn't mean I did. "I would never do that!" Saying it loudly is necessary since she's accusing me of making a bet with Anthony to see who could get her into bed.

"Don't believe me. Ask him."

Why does she sound so confident? There must be a misunderstanding.

"Tell him, he lost and if he said he can't remember, remind him…he owes you a Mercedes" Brooke said before walking away.

No wonder she remembered it so clearly. No wonder she's not fond of Anthony. No wonder I…

"and one more thing, tell him to grow up and …"

"Wake up!"

Lucy opened her eyes then realized what happened after blinking a few times. God damn it! Eight AM is too early. Apparently not for Niki who is calling Ace to get ready to go. Holly seems to be having a tough time waking up too.

"What's the hurry?" Lucy asked in frustration. If she thinks the police are coming, then that would be a good reason but she should know why that perv won't call the police. It's because he knows the power of social media. It's because he knows domestic abuse is much worse than DUI. It's because he is the illegitimate child of a sitting congressman and if word gets out, he might stop getting support from his father, not just financially. Bad publicity might not affect his father's position but could affect his own since he has plans on running for a government seat in the future.

"Just hurry up."

There she goes again. Keeping everything to herself. Stupid. Lucy slammed the bathroom door to let Niki know how she feels. Having to wake up early isn't the only reason. It's because it has been a long time since she had dreams of Brooke.

Dreams are so weird. That's not how it happened. I didn't ask her about her name. Maybe I did when we first met? We did dance but she definitely did not have that catwoman-like outfit on. She did look hot though with the sleeveless v-neck zipper leather top in the dream. Maybe that's what she wore in the club? Maybe that's from my hidden memory? Her ability to change her accent from British to American so effortlessly made her so damn sexy. It's odd though. What Mercedes? There was a bet according to Anthony but he didn't say what the loser had to do and he strongly denied using the phrase 'get her into bed.' He may not have said that but it's probably implied. He definitely would dislike her even more if he knew about the 'grow up' comment.

"Who did you give it to?" Lucy said while looking at herself inside the bathroom mirror.

"Hurry up!"

Jesus Christ. It has only been 5 minutes. Using 45 minutes to get ready is nothing compared to the time it took Aria to get her things from the house. Going back when that jerk is there is a very bad idea but Aria knew what to do to get him to back off. Who knew all it took was a phone? That jerk instantly backed off after he was told that he was being live streamed. Maybe it was Niki's idea? If it is, she's not that stupid but she must be running out of options since she's doing everything that Aria says. It is possible that Brooke left her jewelry besides money, a condo and 2 inexpensive paintings. It is possible that the key could be a ring, necklace or bracelet but how old are they? Does it have any numbers or characters on it? Can't remember doesn't sound like a lie since she sold the jewelry over a year ago. With or without a receipt, it would be impossible to get it back. In this case, she doesn't have the receipt which is understandable since there is reason to keep it. Let's hope no one bought them. Let's hope she remembers what they look like since she did say she doesn't but does remember there are designs on the necklace and the ring, just not sure if it has the infinity sign. The key has the infinity sign? For whatever reason, Niki thinks that is a possibility. For whatever reason, Niki chose to keep this information to herself until it's time to go. For whatever reason, Aria chose this moment to ask a very personal question in front of Holly and Niki. It is lunch time. Stopping for a break is necessary since there is still a long way to go. It is a good question.

"I'm thinking of transitioning." Lucy said, noticing the confused stare from everyone except for Ace who probably would have the same reaction if he is here.

"really?"

Sounds like she doesn't believe me. Why is it so hard to believe? People change. She should know since she did say her ex boyfriend wasn't like that when they met. She herself probably has changed too. Would she do this for money years ago? Two hundred thousand dollars is not that much. If she knows who I am, she'd probably think that two hundred thousand dollars is not worth getting caught with a criminal even if I am declared dead in the US criminal database.

"So did you...were you with her when she...passed?"

Oh, she wants to know more about Brooke. That's understandable. There's no need to lie. In fact, there is a need to tell her the truth so that she would feel better knowing that her childhood friend didn't die in a hospital or alone but instead spent her last months doing what she loves before passing away with a smile. As expected, one question led to another but it's mostly about Brooke. Since she asked, then there's no reason not to ask what she remembers about Brooke. It could help me remember. It didn't but at least now, Niki should be convinced that Brooke's birthmark is not an infinity sign. Does she still think Brooke is Russian? Probably even though Aria doesn't think so.

Here we are after a very long boring two hour drive from Maine to New Hampshire. Nice place. Better than expected. Not as fancy as Zales but better looking than a pawn shop. But why is this place opened? It's not an essential store. No covid mandates here? Maybe they don't care? Maybe they don't buy and sell just gold and jewelry? A lot of pawn shops do illegal stuff. Or maybe she's lying about not knowing the owner? She did say this place was suggested by her friend which sounds like a good reason but is that the truth? That's possible but there is still so much we don't know about her other than her current situation and her relationship with Brooke. It seems that Niki is willing to take that risk. Ace and Holly are in the car. There are people walking around. Seems like a safe area. Okay, then. Let's go in. Oh.

"Thanks"

"Sure." Lucy held the door for the woman who just came out of the store. Looks like it's

"You haven't changed."

"Excuse me?" Lucy said, wondering what she's referring to this time since last night she didn't hold back. Calling me arrogant and disrespectful wasn't enough. Now she thinks I'm like her ex? "I was just" Lucy trailed off since she's not listening and Niki is following her lead inside the store. "Should I close my eyes every time a pretty woman smiles at me? Geez." Damn Niki. She didn't tell her I'm married, did she? She better not. There's no need for her to know. Asking will need to wait. It's time to look around.

Watches, earrings, necklaces, fake pearls probably, is that a real diamond? It's hard to tell under the glass. A heart shaped pendant is ssso old fashioned but this isn't. This looks familiar. A heart with two wings, where have I…looks like Niki found something. She's waving for the worker to get it for her. Shouldn't she have Aria look at it first? Let's see what it is. Oh. She's not only stupid. She's nuts. It does look like an infinity sign but it's a silver snake wrapped around a sword. This can't be it. Can it?