How do I make a list selection persist across layouts?

Here's what I'm trying to do:

Layout 1: includes a list (Item 1, Item 2)

- The layout loads initially, Item 1 is displayed, player selects item 2.

- Player leaves the layout.

-Player returns to the layout, I want item 2 to still be displayed (problem: list returns to displaying item 1)

- Tried adding the persist behaviour to the list object, however this causes the list to delete the entirety of it's entries upon reloading of the layout.

Thoughts?

Save selected index in a variable. When player returns to this layout, use "List Set selection" action with saved index.