“Shall we get going?” she asked.
“We shall,” I said as I lifted my traveling bag.
She led me to the flat where she stayed. She explained to me that it wasn’t her main home.
“Sorry, we’ll have to share the same room for the time you’re here,” she said. “I’m not really liquid right now.”
“What’s wrong with your home?” I asked. Thinking about it now, that wasn’t how I intended to phrase that question.
“Well, I have a bug infestation problem,” she replied. “Got it fumigated this morning. That’s why I was a little late in picking you up.”
“Oh, I see,” I said. “I’m sorry I didn’t phrase the question correctly.”
“No, it’s alright,” she said. “Would you like me to get you anything? The usual?”
“The usual?” I asked.
“You really did lose your memories,” she said. “Don’t worry, I’ll fix it for you. I’m sure you will remember once you taste it.”
With those words, she left for the kitchen.
While she fixed my drink, I took a look around. The apartment was small, and the number of materials she had was also minimal. There was no TV but her laptop was placed on a small study desk. This was the home of someone going through college life on a tight budget.
There was a sweet smell coming from the kitchen. The scent was nostalgic and seemed to stir up memories I had forgotten.
“Here you go,” she said as she set down the cup of tea.
“Thanks,” I said before picking up the cup and taking a sip.
Ginger and honey tea.
When I had lost my memories, Hunter didn’t let me have this because he convinced me that I had some sort of allergic reaction to it.
Tasting the liquid now had a different effect. I remembered more things. My mother made this a lot for me and Blake.
“Do you remember why it’s special?” Matilda asked.
“My mother used to make it. It was my favorite,” I replied.
“Yes,” she said, and she started to play with her thumbs. “It’s also special to me.”
“Yes, it was the first task I gave you after hiring you,” I remembered.
“You saved me from that place,” she said as she sat close to me. “I never dreamed that I would ever leave there, but you gave me freedom.”
“I was just doing what anyone would have done,” I replied as I took another sip.
She grabbed my hand and squeezed it. “Not anyone would have done that. Your brother definitely wouldn’t have.”
I didn’t say anything. I remembered how much Blake disliked her.
“How have you been holding up?” I asked. “Knowing Blake. I trust you haven’t had it easy.”
“Well, the skills I had picked up at the brothels and strip clubs kept me alive,” she replied with a pained chuckle as she brushed the lock of hair aside.
“I’m sorry, Matilda,” I apologized. “I promise I’ll fix this.”
“If it’s okay with you, can I cash in that early reward?” she asked.