Page 106 of Choosing Skyler

“It’s pretty obvious that something’s going on with you and Julie. Is that really why you flew her up here?” Devon asks, his voice taking a combative tone.

“Of course not!” Timothy balks. “Brady needs help and Skyler shouldn’t have to do it on her own. You said that yourself. They trust Juliet and Brady is less likely to fight with someone he knows. I won’t deny that I’m attached to her but that is not the reason she’s here. I promise.”

Devon’s tone softens. “Okay, but you know you don’t have to hide whatever’s going on, right? I mean… You’re both adults.”

“Son, I’m not hiding anything from anyone. I’m just not broadcasting my personal affairs to the world.Ifour mutual attraction becomes more than that you’ll know,” Timothy says firmly.

I don’t want to see Devon and Timothy argue like they used to. Timothy is being way more forthright than he ever was before and Devon needs to accept that. I grunt as I try to lift up from my lounging position on the chaise at the end of the couch. They both turn their heads and Devon rushes to my side to help me sit up.

“Thanks,” I tell him as I catch my breath after settling in a more upright position. “Lay off your dad, man. You don’t like your shit on blast either,” I remind him.

He nods before looking back at Timothy. “Sorry.”

Timothy puts his hand up, standing and taking a step in Devon’s direction. “Don’t apologize for looking out for your friends, Devon. They’ve been a bigger part of your life than I have. I am sorry for that, you know.”

Devon’s eyes turn glassy as he nods.

Before anyone can say anymore the girls come back down the stairs, giggling. They stop in the doorway, their laughter stopping when they take in the heavy atmosphere in the living room.

“Everything okay in here?” Skyler asks, her eyes flying to me in concern.

“All good, Beautiful. You two can finish your gossip… I mean your house tour.” I wink at her.

She rolls her eyes and turns back to Julie, leading her back through the foyer towards the library to show her the rest of the house. Once they’re out of ear shot, I turn my gaze to Timothy and Devon.

“I’m glad you two are on better terms than you’ve ever been. Like, over the moon happy for you both.But, do not let your shit make Skyler uncomfortable. Especially here. This is her home. It’s supposed to be her safe space and that was shaken last week. I won’t have anyone shaking it more. Got it?” I finish, raising a brow.

Timothy looks chagrinned but Devon laughs. “Uh oh, Dad. We’re in trouble. Bulldog Brady’s back,” he says, bumping Timothy’s shoulder with his, breaking the rest of the tension.

I can’t help it. I laugh with him. Then, grab a throw pillow to hold to my stomach—because laughing hurts after getting shot.

I’m exhausted and starting to doze off on the couch as we visit. Skyler wakes me with a hand on my thigh.

“We should get you to bed where you’ll be more comfortable,” she says softly before turning to Julie. “Where are you staying, Julie?”

“Timothy offered to pay for a hotel suite while I’m here, but I’d like to be close in case you need any help,” she says.

I sigh, knowing I should offer her the extra room upstairs. But I can’t get the words out. I can’t imagine someone staying in my mom’s bedroom. Devon notices the look on my face and jumps in.

“That’s silly. Just stay in my room at Dad’s house. I’m crashing here tonight and flying out tomorrow. Then, you’ll be right next door if they need anything. That’s okay with you, isn’t it, Dad?” Devon says, looking at Timothy seriously.

“Of course. I thought of that as well, but I didn’t want to offer your room without talking with you. I also don’t want Juliet to feel uncomfortable,” Timothy replies, turning to Julie. “I can still get you a hotel room if you’d be more comfortable in your own space.”

“No. I don’t mind staying at your house. I mean… I’ll have my own room anyways since Devon offered his up. I’d really rather be close for Skyler and Brady. Thank you. Both of you,” she says, looking from Timothy to Devon.

“Of course,” Timothy replies, standing and offering his hand to help Julie up from the loveseat.

We all say goodnight and Timothy leads Julie to the front door with his hand on the small of her back. I smile, recognizing the possessive touch for what it is.

After they leave, Devon helps me up the stairs and into bed before climbing into his across the room. It feels good to have him here with me, just like when we were teenagers. It feels even better when Skyler comes out of the bathroom in her sleep shorts and t-shirt and climbs into bed next to me.

Skyler and Julie cooked breakfast for everyone, and we all ate together before Timothy drove Devon to the airport to catch his plane home. Timothy offered for him to fly home on his jet, but Devon refused. They offered to help me up the stairs to bed before leaving, but I opted for the chaise in the living room. I’d rather be downstairs with Skyler than upstairs alone—or worse, have her feel like she needed to stay cooped up in the bedroom with me all day.

I look over Skyler’s shoulder to her phone screen as she scrolls through Pinterest. She seems to be looking at crochet patterns as she chews on her bottom lip.

“Whatcha thinking about, Beautiful?” I ask her.

She looks up at me and smiles. “I want to make an afghan for the back of the couch. I’m trying to choose a pattern and decide on the colors. Then, I’ll know what hooks and yarn I need to get started.”

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