Free Once Found: The Pocket Watch Chronicles by Ceci Giltenan

losing your memory for you to stand up to them. I firmly believe that had you not, had you simply been injured, you would be in Baltimore this morning regardless of your feelings for Gabe. And as to that, you’ve mentioned him to me in the past, but you’ve never told me what happened. I always suspected you had unresolved feelings, but had simply chalked it up as a love lost. It doesn’t surprise me that he is the only person you remember. So that’s why I came.”
    “Thank you, David.”
    “It’s my pleasure. One of the last things I said to you on Saturday was that I hoped someday you could work your way free of expectations and allow joy to enter your life. Maybe this fugue state you’re in will open the doors for that.”
    Gabe shook his head. “Holy freakin’ cow, the fugue could have been brought on by this.”
    “I wondered as much. If that’s the case, the last thing she needs is to be forced into something by her parents. If I need to tell all of this to the psychiatrist, I will.” David turned to Elizabeth. “Now, drink your mocha: it’s one of your favorite things.”
    She took a sip and was transported. “Oh my, that really is delicious. But can I tell you both? It’s a little disconcerting that you know what I like better than I do.”
     
     

Chapter 8
    When Gabe walked into Elizabeth’s room to find the boyfriend with whom she had apparently just broken up, his heart went to his throat. When he heard that her parents had called the man, he wasn’t happy, but perhaps they were doing what they thought was best. After all, if she remembered an old boyfriend, she might remember a new one. The more her memory was jogged, the more likely it was to return.
    But when David described Elizabeth’s relationship with her parents, when he said they hadn’t attended her high school or her college graduation, he became angry.
    With himself.
    Again, he remembered the conversation where he had confronted her about not telling him who she was until after he had learned the truth.
    “I never dreamed they’d show up.”
    “What the hell, Elizabeth? You were graduating from med school. You were the freaking valedictorian for the love of God.”
    “You don’t understand—”
    “No, I don’t.”
    “Gabe, please listen. My family isn’t like yours.”
    He hadn’t listened. He could never have imagined there was any doubt about her parents being there.
    When they arrived shortly after David, things got tense quickly.
    Her mother carried a bag from the hotel boutique. “David, it’s lovely to see you.”
    Dr. Quinn shook his hand. “Yes, it has been a while, but it’s very good of you to come. I’m sure Elizabeth appreciates it.”
    “I’m happy to help Elizabeth in any way I can.”
    Neither of her parents greeted Gabe.
    Her mother sat on the edge of her bed. “Darling, I brought you some lounging pajamas, slippers, and a robe, so you don’t have to wear a hospital gown. Gentlemen, if you’ll give us a moment of privacy, I’ll help her change.”
    “I’ll change later, mother,” said Elizabeth.
    “Don’t be silly, darling. You’ll be much more comfortable in these. They’re cashmere. And you’ve always called me mom, not mother.”
    Gabe had a hard time schooling his expression. Cashmere pajamas? For Pete’s sake, who buys pajamas that need to be dry-cleaned?
    Dr. Quinn leveled a glare at him.
    Gabe simply motioned to the door. “After you, sir.”
    They were barely through the door and had it closed when Dr. Quinn rounded on Gabe. “What in the hell is your end-game, young man? Are you after her money? Are you hoping to convince her to marry you while she’s in a fugue? Perhaps pay off your student loan debt before she remembers anything?”
    Gabe became angry instantly. He summoned every ounce of self-control he contained and said, “No, sir. I have no end game . I care about Elizabeth and want what’s best for her.”
    “Then why are you manipulating her to stay