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 Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2022 5:28 pm
Zac inhaled, held it, and judged how he wanted to answer.
She knew, obviously. She had to know. Even if they hadn’t told her, they’d still shared a room. She could have pieced things together.
He sighed.
“Yeah, we dated.”
There wasn’t any point in lying. It wasn’t some dirty secret. It’s not like she could have predicted what would have happened. Or what he’d become.
It wasn’t her fault.
“I wasn’t trying to find you because I had any expectations. I don’t want you to feel like I want anything from you. Just wanted you to be safe.”
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Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2022 8:30 pm
Talia gave a soft sigh, nodding. “Figured…I think I was dating Ilse before too. When I was Ana. She doesn’t remember it though, so we have to trust that the note I wrote to myself was telling the truth…she said she was in love with me I guess though.”
Carefully, she began cutting the rolls and put them in a baking dish, pouring over the brown sugar and karo syrup mixture over them, and sprinkling in some more raisins.
“I don’t want to rush into anything, but I’d like to get to know you again. Her too.” She finally looked back at him, slipping the rolls into the oven and giving a small smile. “Worst comes to worst, I’ll just have you both. Maybe.” It was mostly a joke, but. The idea of two people loving her…made Talia feel very warm inside.
“Obviously, that’s a big maybe, but. It’s a long way down the road, too.”
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Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2022 5:32 am
The confirmation was discouraging, partly because–yeah, he resented Ilse. But also because Faustite was right, and he hated his smug little face. It was burned into his mind the same as the fire had seared into his back. It itched now, but he didn’t want to scratch it, didn’t want to acknowledge it.
Zac was jealous. Zac was overprotective. He wasn’t sure if he had it in him to share someone.
Ilse could have mentioned that they were dating.
…Probably smart that she didn’t, though. He might have found reasons not to help her.
“You’re not beholden to me or anything. I just don’t want you going into this thinking I expect you to be something you don’t want to be. I am going to judge anyone you set your eyes on, though.”
Whether she was Cambria or Talia or Ana, he didn’t want her to wind up unhappy.
Even if she didn’t remember him. Even if she didn’t remember herself, or anything they’d had.
Cambria was gone. Everything he’d poured into that relationship was gone. He didn’t know what he had left to give to someone else–even this new Cambria. But then, he hadn’t really processed the loss. He hadn’t grieved.
Everyone else seemed so quick to encourage Talia to be herself, to support her, and–
Zac didn’t know what he had to give. Maybe it was just because he was tired. Maybe it was because he’d been pushing himself so hard for so long. He didn’t know a lot of things. He didn’t know what the future held. He didn’t know how to move beyond the past.
But, Talia was here. Making some pretty good looking cinnamon rolls.
“We’ll see what happens. I meant what I said when I told you not to spread yourself too thin. I want you to be able to enjoy this life. I’ll be here, you’ll get to know me. You’ve got time. You sure you want to keep working with Evan at that food truck? Seems like you’d be pretty good in a bakery. I’ve never watched someone make cinnamon rolls like this, though.”
Oh, the coffee. He’d been so distracted by her that he’d forgotten about it. Thankfully, he liked the convenience of a quick cup so it didn’t take long to get everything read, and when he finished he just leaned back against the counter to watch her work while it brewed.
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Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2022 7:51 am
A…bakery? She paused and looked at him, her expression startled, but thoughtful. “...Maybe you should try the cinnamon rolls before you put ideas into my head about working in a bakery…that…”
Talia hesitated. “...Evan needs help with the truck though…doesn’t he? Are there others who would help him if I…”
She broke off, shrugging. There was no reason to get ahead of herself, even if she wanted it. It sounded fun and…it would be something that was all hers...and that was utterly appealing.
“Damnit, Zac. Now you’re putting ideas in my head!” Talia huffed and smacked him playfully on the arm with a pot holder, shaking her head. “Try my baked goods before you mention a bakery again…even if it…sounds wonderful.”
Her cheeks felt warm and after clearing her throat and turned away again. “And I’m not…hoping for any romance anything for a long while. I need to figure myself out again before I tackle the two relationships that I forgot. You’re the only one who remembers dating me though. I hope. I mean. Maybe if you have pictures. I’d like to see someday.”
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Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2022 1:04 pm
Oh, but he could see that she wanted it. He could see the wheels spinning in her head. He didn’t have to taste them to think she could have been good with it. Even if she didn’t have her memories, Cambria had always been resourceful. He suspected Talia would be, too. He didn't think she’d cook for them if she wasn’t any good at it.
“Yeah, I’ve got pictures.”
Didn’t know what good it would do her, he didn’t think she’d recognize herself, and he didn’t think it would jump start anything in her mind or her heart.
…Maybe it was for the best. He couldn’t keep going around telling he to focus on herself and still have her at the center of all of his thoughts.
“I’ll show you, I know there are a lot on her laptop. I guess it’s yours now, if you want it. Might be good to get you hooked up with something like that so you can figure out what you want to do. Evan’ll be fine with the food truck. We’ll figure something out. Focus on you first. Everyone else here can adapt to what you want, but you need to make sure you’re doing things for you. Make yourself the priority, don’t make decisions based on what you think’ll worry others. If Evan needs someone to help him, we’ll get Ahri or Tobias to do it. If I have to, I’ll help out.”
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Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2022 1:18 pm
“God, you helpling out,” She turned to look at him, eyes sparkling now with mischief. “I can’t picture you in customer service, Zac. It’s not like you can smile on command and make people feel anything but horror that you’re about to kill them with your left thumb.”
Talia pulled out one of the chairs and sat at the kitchen table, feeling…a lot better, oddly. And tired. After the rolls were done, she would nap…and after that…maybe she’d figure out what kind of a bakery she would want…and after that…?
Maybe she could spend some more time with these roommates of hers. And figure out what the next steps would be.
“I’m glad you woke up. This was nice. Just saying.” Setting a timer on her phone, Talia rested her head on her arms, leaning against the table. “I really do hope you like the buns though. Also, just saying.”
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Posted: Fri Mar 18, 2022 1:46 pm
Zac laughed softly; he sounded tired but he was still a bit amused. “No, I wasn’t made for customer service. But I bet I could bully people into buying a little extra. I’ll have you know I can be quite charming when I want to be. But, I won’t lie, a cute girl manning the counter usually makes a bit more than a guy like me.”
A million years ago, they’d all worked in the same bar together. He knew how Evan worked, he knew how she worked.
They had their strengths and he had his; these days he was better off handling other things.
But, he’d have done it if they needed him to.
“I’m starting to get excited for those buns, though. If they’re too good, I might not share with anyone else. You look exhausted, maybe I’ll let you fall asleep and have them all to myself.”
The coffee machine made a little noise, an indication that it was finally done brewing. He perked up a bit and his plans seemed to shift. “Hope they go well with coffee. I’ll go get you a cup. I’ll make it how Cambria liked it. Let’s see if your taste buds have changed.”
If they had to get to know each other all over again, they might as well start over a cup of coffee.
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