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I shiver, thinking about the helplessness I’d feel whenever I’m in a spell, trapped in pitch black water rushing into my lungs.

“One day, everything will make sense.” I snap my rubber band. “Maybe when I can swim without help, I’ll finally figure it out.”

I’ve gotten nowhere with my swimming. Floating in the kiddie pool and even swim laps around it, no problem. But put me somewhere deep where I can’t touch the bottom, and I’m screwed.

“It must be hard.” Dayton releases my hand. He sits back in his chair, his voice soft. He’s matured so much and I like this side of him. “But don’t force yourself. It can backfire…or so I’ve read.”

“You’ve done research?”

“Of course. We’re friends, right? I care about my friends.”

“Right. Of course we are. I’m grateful you’re here.” The tension releases from my body. Having a second chance at life puts everything in perspective.

To really treasure the people who stick around.

“You know what sucks? People tip-toeing around me. Thanks for not treating me like an invalid.” I sigh and look around. “So much has changed. Remember Uncle Ian, Dayton? You met him when you picked me up for Homecoming back then.”

He looks at me strangely. “I think so.What about him?”

“You think so? He showed you our gun safe, and you were sweating bullets afterward. No pun intended.”

Dayton chuckles. “Oh right. I remember now. What about him?”

“No one would tell me how he died. I asked and even researched online but came up empty.”

He leans forward, his voice urgent. “Lexy, you won’t get answers to everything. And that’s okay. Enjoy the present.”

I cock my head to the side, and he shrugs and smiles.

“You’re right. I just need to accept that I might not remember everything about the past. I should focus on the present instead.” I groan, thinking about who I’ll be seeing when I get back to Fleur.

My meeting with the finance department, which includes Ethan.

“What’s going on? You look worried.”

“Just work stuff.” I ball up the napkin in front of me.

Dayton frowns and leans forward. “Is this about…Ethan Anderson?”

Maybe it’s the concern in his voice, the familiarity of his gaze, or the fact he isn’t related to the man in question, like Taylor is. But suddenly, I get an urge to confess my complicated feelings toward Ethan.

I stare at the napkin in front of me. “He’s a man of a few words—cold, and yet hot at the same time. I can’t figure him out.”The understatement of the year.

“Hm.” Dayton taps his fingers on the table. “May I give you some advice?”

I look up and nod.

“Ethan Anderson is known to be calculating and ruthless in the industry. He never reveals his cards until he’s setting down his winning hand. And it makes me wonder how a person became that way and what deals he had to make to get to where he’s at now.” Dayton reaches over and clasps my hand again. His voice becomes urgent. “I don’t want you to get hurt, Lexy. I might be overstepping, but if I were you, I’d stay away from him.”

A pinch appears behind my rib cage.What if I don’t want to stay away?

The server returns with the bill and Dayton lets go of my hand and signs it. “Shall we?”

We walk outside, and his driver opens the door of his town car.

“You sure I can’t drop you off at your office?”

Glancing at the overcast skies, I shake my head. “Nah. Going to walk off my lunch. Thanks though.”