This was my moment to make everything right. To fix what I’d broken. To fix Stone. And now it’s gone.
How could I have been so stupid as to leave the potion where Hercules could reach it? Well, he couldn’t reach it, could he? Thelambicorn had to jump on a chair, then on the table, then knock the potion down and lick up every last bit.
I stare at him. “You have been so mad at me because of Stone, and when I want to fix him, you ruined it. What do you have to say for yourself?”
“Baaaaaaaa.”
“Not helpful.”
What do I do now? Wait another month? Tell Stone the truth? Even if I tell him, will he believe me? Dammit! This potion was going to make it easier because he would remember everything. I wouldn’t have to tell him. He’d remember how much he hates me and he’d hate me again.
It would destroy me, but I could live with it, because I’ve experienced him loving me and that would be enough. It would have to be.
It’s a toss-up on whether to scream or collapse. I should call Cristina, but how do I explain this?Sorry, the magical lamb ate the one thing that could’ve saved everything?
I drop my face in my hands.
No, I can’t call her. There’s nothing she can do that’ll help.
I exhale a gusty sigh. There’s no use crying over spilled milk. I might as well clean up the mess, even though Hercules has done most of the work for me, then get ready to swallow my bitter pill.
I grab the pot and take it into the kitchen. On my way there, I swipe the barbecue from the floor in case Hercules is still hungry.
Hungry . . .
I whip around. “Hercules, are you feeling okay?”
He cocks his head like a dog trying to understand what I’m saying.
“Come here, little guy.”
For the first time in days, the lambicorn pads over. I give him a good scratch behind the ears. “If you throw up, it’s not my fault.”
“Baaaaaaa.”
Hopefully, the potion won’t make him sick or change him. Like, you know, make him remember a past he’s forgotten or something like that.
The irony of this moment is not lost on me, and it makes me wonder if maybe it wasn’t up to me to give Stone back his memory. Maybe it’s something he has to do himself.
That still doesn’t make me feel better.
I’ve just washed and dried the pot when the door opens.
I turn as Stone sweeps in, a huge grin on his face. He pulls me into a hug and kisses my temple. “It smells good in here. Did you get barbecue?”
My stomach clenches. “I did.”
He tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Is something wrong?”
Everything.But I shake my head, fighting back tears that threaten to prick my eyes. “No. It’s fine. Hercules just got into some food he wasn’t supposed to, and I’m worried it might make him sick.”
“Oh.” Stone turns to the lambicorn. “He looks okay. Has he thrown up?”
“No.”
“Then he’ll be fine. We’ll watch him. So.” Stone claps his hands. “I’m starving. Thank you for getting food.”
“You’re welcome.” I wish he’d stop thinking I’m a great person. “How was dropping Natalie off?”
