Read Online Forgetting August (Lost & Found) by J. L. Berg - Free Book Online

been one of those kids—the defiant ones who never gave the right answer, unwilling to conform to the norm. Or had the guy with the perfect hair and blank stare been an exemplary student—scared to step a foot out of order?
    Perhaps a mixture of both?
    What if I never found out?
    “What are you thinking about?” Dr. Schneider interrupted my thoughts, sending my gaze upward. I met his pointed look as I tried to decide which type of pupil I wanted to be in that moment.
    Teacher’s pet or non-conformist.
    “What if I never get the memories back?” I finally asked, ditching the idea of games in search of answers.
    “It is possible they may never return, August. That is a reality you must face.”
    For once, I appreciated his honesty.
    “How will I know what kind of man to be?”
    “Does it matter?” he asked, before adding, “You have a gift, August. I know you don’t see it that way, but you have to find the silver lining in your situation. Not many people are given a second chance in life—a do-over, if you will. That is exactly what you have. If you aren’t liking the type of man you are discovering you were before—become someone else. Do whatever you wish. Find new talents, discover new ambitions. Live, August.”
    I wasn’t quite certain I agreed with him, as I remembered the haunting pain of Everly looking back at me that day in the hospital. I had a feeling the shadow of the man I once was would follow me no matter where I went.
    But as I sat there, I knew there was only one way out of this place, and that was through Dr. Schneider.
    So it was time to start playing it his way.
    “How do I start?” I asked with an encouraging smile.
    He looked down at the laptop I’d brought back, and I knew I had my work cut out for me.
    No more sullen attitudes or gloomy meetings. From now on, it was nothing but hope, rainbows and sunshine springing forth from this mouth. I was getting out of this place, and once I did—I was going to figure out just who the hell August Kincaid was.

Chapter Seven
    Everly
    S ince when had coffee become so damn complicated?
    Granted, this frothy, overly complicated beverage was currently keeping me employed, but as I hollered back orders to my fellow coworkers…I failed to understand why someone would screw up a perfectly good drink with caramel and soy milk when it was like heaven on earth all by itself.
    The line of eager caffeine addicts currently cleared the door, as each person stared at our unfamiliar menu. I suspected they were each nervously comparing it to the big box chains they knew and loved, secretly wondering if that two-block walk down the street was suddenly worth it.
    We mostly catered to the locals, but being close to several hotels the cute little family-owned coffee shop I’d been working at for the past two years tended to get a rush of business professionals and tourists early in the morning as they rushed off to start their individual days.
    I knew Ryan wasn’t pleased with my career choice, but I enjoyed working here.
    The tourists could get a little intense, but I had my regulars and a lifetime supply of coffee. What wasn’t there to love? And I genuinely enjoyed my coworkers’ company. They were eclectic and wild, something I was used to growing up in foster homes.
    My life hadn’t exactly resembled a Leave It to Beaver episode.
    “Nonfat mocha latte with extra whip!” I shouted back to Simon, who continued to slow jam to the quiet jazz playing over the sound system. His rhythm was completely off, telling me he was actually dancing to his own tune—probably something he was working out for his reggae band in his head.
    The only acknowledgment I got for my shout-out was a slight raise of his eyebrow as he continued to work the machines, dancing backing and forth between them like he was seducing a woman rather than working at a frantic coffee house.
    But everything came out quick, on time and correct. I had no idea how he did it, especially considering