Chapter 2

Garrett had come back with his memories of our past life too.

He used what he knew about where the research was headed to get into the Aldridge Institute in just five years, three years sooner than he had the first time. But all he remembered were the final conclusions, not the full experimental process behind them.

His papers looked impressive at first glance, yet none of his data held up under review, and many of his key steps flatly contradicted each other. The only reason the research team hadn't confronted him was that Dr. Walter Penrose had once recommended him publicly. So instead, they buried every proposal he submitted at the bottom of the review queue.

Today was the Meridian Symposium, held once every five years. The board would formally recognize the Regenesis Project and name its new director.

"Garrett, once you're lead researcher, can we get one of those houses in Brookline?" Blair hooked her arm through his, her face glowing.

In her mind, she had made the right call five years ago. If she hadn't taken my place at that wedding, I'd be the one standing here enjoying all of this.

"Don't worry." Garrett straightened his tie, completely sure of himself. "Nobody understands this research better than I do. The director's seat is mine."

In our last life, this same research had stunned everyone at the symposium, and Garrett had been the one to take all the praise.

"Margot?"

I heard my name and stopped, then turned toward the voice.

Five years had passed, and the two of them had put on so much weight that I almost didn't recognize them.

Blair recovered first. She covered her mouth as if she were shocked. "Garrett, she actually followed us all the way to Boston." She hurried over and lowered her voice. "Margot, I know you still resent me, but today decides Garrett's appointment. You can't make trouble here."

His appointment? Without me working out the core derivations for him, he still thought he'd be running this project?

"You've got it wrong. I have my own reason for being here."

Garrett looked me up and down, and his voice was ice. "This is a symposium at the Aldridge Institute, not a potluck back in Linden Falls. What business could someone from a nowhere town possibly have here?"

He was still looking down at me, the way he'd always looked at everyone, as if the whole world belonged under his shoes.

"That's none of your concern."

Blair's eyes went red right away. "I know you hate me for taking Garrett from you, but he hasn't slept properly in years because of this research. Please don't ruin the most important day of his life." She bit her lip and added, in a wounded voice, "If you'll just leave, I'll get down on my knees and beg you."

"Fine." I looked at her calmly. "Go ahead and kneel."

Blair's face froze. She had clearly never expected me to take her up on it in front of everyone.

Garrett pulled her behind him and glared at me. "Margot, you're every bit as vicious as you used to be. If you really didn't come here for me, show us your badge. If you have one, I'll believe you."

I ignored him. The truth was, I didn't have the badge they gave to ordinary guests.

"You can't, can you?" Garrett sneered. "You know what it means to trespass at the Meridian Symposium."

"It has nothing to do with you."

"I'm about to be named project director. Of course it does."

I almost laughed. Even after living twice, he still had no idea where his limits were.

"I don't have a badge because this symposium was organized to announce my research."

There was a short silence. Then Garrett burst out laughing, as if he'd just heard the funniest joke of his life. "Do you think this is some charity that makes dreams come true for people from small towns?"

A few researchers who knew him laughed along. "Garrett, why waste your breath on her? Just have security throw her out."

Blair came over and took my arm, all fake concern. "Margot, please, just go. If you keep making a scene and a video of it gets around, people will know your face everywhere you go." While she spoke, she was already trying to drag me toward the exit.

I shook her hand off. Blair used the motion to stagger backward and fell straight into Garrett's arms.

The next second, a slap cracked across my face.