Liam looked over at me. “I’m not sure. I don’t know the first thing about amnesia. You could be subconsciously forgetting who you are. Or maybe when he hit you over the head, it impacted a part of your brain that holds certain memories? I’m not sure. We can probably google it.”
I let out a soft laugh. “Maybe it’s best if I don’t push it. I mean, it’s bound to come back to me sooner or later. At least I hope.”
His eyes were filled with compassion as he gave me a soft smile. “I’m sure it’ll come back. You had a small memory already today.”
Nodding, I replied, “That’s true.”
Once the pasta was cooked, he ran it under cold water to cool it down, letting it drain for a few minutes. He then poured it into the bowl with the cheese, pepperoni, and some diced onion. He poured Italian dressing over the top and stirred to coat everything.
“I think it tastes better if you put some dressing in, let it sit for at least thirty minutes, then pour the rest in. But we’ll be okay. I’ll save some dressing to pour on the leftovers, though.”
My stomach took that moment to growl. “It looks yummy.”
“All the plates and bowls are in the cabinet right behind you, above the dishwasher. Can you get us two bowls each?”
“Sure.”
I quickly removed the bowls, then opened the drawer under that cabinet and lucked out, finding the silverware.
“Would you like to sit out back? It’s a beautiful day.”
“Yeah, that sounds lovely,” I said, glancing out the window to see Piper sunning in the grass.
While Liam filled our bowls with what looked like vegetable soup, I served us some pasta salad.
“There are a couple of beers in the fridge, or that left drawer has Cokes and bottled waters. Take your pick, but I’ll take a beer.”
Opening the refrigerator drawer, I stared at the contents. I must have been staring for longer than I thought because Liam appeared beside me.
“Our soup is going to get cold if you contemplate your drink choices much longer. Here,” he said, leaning in, “take a Coke, a beer,anda bottle of water.”
I laughed as I handed him the beer, and he reached for a water. I did as he said and took all three.
“Good girl, Piper,” Liam said as we walked outside to see her guarding the table of food.
“You don’t think she snuck some food, do you?” I asked as I gave her a smile.
When she barked, we both laughed.
“I think you got your answer to that question.”
I slid onto a chair. “I guess so.”
Liam gave Piper a noodle and told her to stop begging. She took the treat and made her way back out into the yard and laid back down in the sun.
“She’s such a good dog.”
He nodded. “Tell me about it. I don’t know how I lucked out with such a chill dog. She’s my sweet girl.”
Smiling, I took a bite of the soup. “This is delicious.”
“Thanks,” he said as he blew on a spoonful of soup. “It’s my mother’s recipe.”
“Does she live here in Montana?”
His eyes instantly filled with sadness. “My parents both passed away almost seven years ago. They were behind a logging truck when its load came undone. My father tried to swerve out of the way, but ended up losing control of the car. Dad died instantly, and my mother passed a few days later.”
I instantly lost my appetite. “Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry, Liam. I feel terrible for asking.”
