Page 6 of Stone Coast

"I'll be back tomorrow to check on you." Dr. Russell smiled and patted my ankle before leaving.

“What about this tube?” I asked.

“I’ll have the nurse remove that, and we can start you off on something light, like broth.”

It didn’t sound appetizing, but it was better than the tube.

Dr. Russell left, and there was an awkward moment of silence.

I stared at the bullet in the glass jar, trying to recall the incident, but it was just a blank.

"Do you feel up to visitors?" Grayson asked.

"I guess."

"I'll call Olivia and let her know you’re back amongst the living.”

"Who is Olivia?"

"She's one of your best friends. She lives in an apartment not far from your marina."

"I live in a marina?"

"On a sailboat. TheIntrepid.” Grayson paused. "I really think you should move into my place when you're discharged. Just in case you need assistance."

"Is that what you think?" I said dryly.

He smiled. "Yes, I do. I've been thinking about that for a long time before… this happened."

He hesitated for a moment, and his eyes locked into mine. There was so much going on in his head. It was clear to see.

I was empty in comparison. I felt nothing for this man.

“I guess we’ve got a lot ofgetting to know each otherto do. I…” he started, then stopped. He pulled back his emotions and said in a measured tone, “It’s good to have you back.”

4

"I'm mad at you," Olivia said.

I looked at her with confusion—I had no memory of her whatsoever.

“You had me worried sick. I've had no one to bitch to for the last week. No one to share gossip with. And there has been a lot of juicy gossip, let me tell you,” she said with a mischievous grin.

She leaned close and stared into my eyes, trying to see what was in my brain. In a hushed voice, she said, "Grayson says you don't remember shit.”

I shook my head, but it hurt to shake.

“That's okay. There are plenty of things I’d like to forget. Consider yourself lucky. A fresh start. Nothing in your past to haunt you. No embarrassing memories.”

Olivia was a gorgeous platinum blonde with hair in a sculpted hairdo that hung above her shoulders. She had alluring blue eyes, high cheekbones, full lips, and the kindof curves that make men get silly. In another era, she could have been a pinup queen painted on the side of bombers.

She whispered. "I would have brought some liquor, but I figure right now you don't need to kill any more brain cells."

I wanted to laugh but didn’t have the strength.

Olivia was sassy, spunky, and struck me as the type of woman who spoke her mind without a filter. She didn't care what anyone else thought.

I liked her instantly.