Page 21 of Choosing Skyler

“I left my phone in my room when I went to shower, earlier. I’m sorry, Dev,” Skyler says, frowning a little.

“Damn it. Mine is still on the charger. It was dead when I woke up and I haven’t turned it back on.” I shrug. “No one to call me except you two anyways. I’ll turn it on after we eat, but I’m sorry too, man.”

“It’s all good. This was what I wanted anyways. So, it gave me an excuse to get all the goods.” Devon laughs around a cheese stick. “I’m going to pig out, take a shower and hit the PlayStation. You in?”

“Hell yes!” Skyler and I say at the same time, laughing.

“A shark on the pool table and you play video games? How did I get so lucky?” I grin and lean over to rub some nacho cheese from her lip.

“I’m your best friend’s best friend. What did you expect?” She shrugs, laughing.

Chapter 9

Skyler

Brady grabs his phone to turn it on and check his messages while Devon and I clear the dinner mess. “Shit,” he says with his phone to his ear. I look over at him as his face goes paler than I’ve seen it. His jaw tightens as he pulls the phone from his ear and tosses it back on the counter.

“What the FUCK?! he yells, making me jump. Seeing my reaction, he flinches. “I’m sorry.”

“What’s wrong?” I ask, seeing that his face isn’t pale anymore, it’s beet red.

From what Devon has told me, I know it’s not like Brady to get angry—ever. He’s usually laid back. So, something is definitely wrong. Devon runs over and wraps him in a bear hug before hearing an explanation. None is needed for Devon. Someone needs a hug, he’s there with open arms.

“We’ve got you, man. Whatever it is, we’ve got you,” he tells Brady.

Once released from Devon’s arms, Brady runs a hand over his face. “That was my mom’s estate attorney. Eric is contesting the will since they were never divorced. I can’t believe the nerve of that asshole. I haven’t seen the fucker since I was three and he thinks he’s entitled to what my mom worked her ass off for.”

“‘What the fuck?’ is right, man,” Devon says. “What are you going to do? What all did the attorney say?”

Brady lets out a shaky exhale. “Not much. Just that he filed a petition to contest the will and the life insurance policy. I’ll have to call her during office hours tomorrow for more information. I don’t know what I’m going to do. My mom worked her ass off to buy that house. Even if I can’t be there right now, I’ll be damned if I let him take it without a fight.”

“What about the life insurance? You’ll need that to settle her medical bills, right?” I ask, hoping I’m not overstepping.

I shouldn’t have worried, though. I guess with Brady, in is in, just like it is with me. He walks over and wraps me in a hug like he needs the contact.

“Yeah, but I’m not too worried about that. He wasn’t listed as beneficiary and Virginia is not a community property state. Besides, she signed a form listing the hospital on the life insurance. So, her bill there will be paid before I get the rest anyways. Even if he manages to get what’s left of the life insurance, it won’t be much. I just don’t want him touching my home.” He looks at Devon over my head. “You know I hate to ask, man. But do you think you can call your dad and see if he can help?”

Devon sighs. “Yeah, of course. It’s the least he can do after everything Jillian did for us over the years. Let me know after you talk to the estate attorney tomorrow and I’ll make the call.”

“Thank you! I know it’s a big ask and I wouldn’t if I knew another way,” Brady says.

“Don’t sweat it. You know I’ve got your back, no matter what. I’m going to shower. You good?” Devon asks seriously.

Brady just nods and tightens his arms around me. “What time do you work tomorrow?” he asks, kissing the top of my head.

“Ten to six, but I can call in if you need me. I don’t want you to deal with this alone,” I say, leaning back to look at his face.

He smiles at me a little sadly. “You don’t need to do that for me, Beautiful. I’m used to dealing with all this shit on my own. I’ll be okay.” Then, he perks up. “Now, let’s go beat Devon to the PlayStation so we can pick the first game and kick his ass.”

By ten o’clock Devon is done with both of us. “I swear you two are cheating assholes. I can’t win with either one of you!” He scoffs, throwing the game controller on the ottoman. “I’m done. I’m going to bed. You two can play with each other!”

We all burst out laughing and Brady gives Devon a wicked grin. “I’m pretty sure we can manage that.” Brady smirks, bouncing his eyebrows before he winks at me.

“Yep. All done, here. Night, guys,” Devon says, heading to his room.

“Goodnight, Diva Devon!” we call out at the same time. Then, we look at each other and laugh again.

We get all the controllers back on the charging dock and close up the gaming cabinet under the TV. Brady stands and offers his hand to help me up. When I take it, he pulls me up and right into him. His hands land on my hips, squeezing lightly as he leans down to rest his forehead to mine.

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