Page 67 of Choosing Skyler

Devon clears his throat. “Yeah, of course. Let’s kick some ass, old man.”

Timothy chuckles. “Watch it. I’m notold. I could still run circles around you college kids in all kinds of ways,” he says with a smirk, and I don’t miss the way his eyes find Julie, standing to the side waiting to watch the race. He winks at her, and she blushes.

Before Devon can comment, the startup menu comes up on the TV andJoyrideby Chevelle plays out from the surround sound speakers. We all choose our drivers and cars for the first race. Timothy plays on Tracey’s account and chooses from her line-up. Skyler and I played a few times this past week and she built a car and driver that’s going to be tough to beat. We agree on a track and a three-lap race.

We get lined up at the start/finish line and take off asUnstoppableby Disturbed plays through the speakers. Devon gets the jump on us at the green light, but we all quickly catch up. Skyler and I take him on both sides, fighting for the lead. Timothy is hanging back and I’m not sure if it’s intentional or if he just doesn’t know how to play.At least he hasn’t spun out,I think as I gain the lead with Skyler right behind me. Skyler hugs the inside of the track, blocking Devon because we all know that’s his preferred path. We complete the first lap just like that.

As we come into the second turn on the second lap, I see a flash of pink and realize it’s Timothy in Tracey’s Toyota Supra. He zips around me to take the lead and somehow makes that car as wide as the damn track. I can’t get around him. Skyler flies up beside me to try to box him in, but neither of us can gain enough between turns to get around him. Skyler looks like she may take him in the last turn of the last lap but starts to spin and has to pull back before losing control all together. That gives Devon the chance to shoot around her, taking third place just as Timothy and I cross the finish line together. We wait for the flag screen where the winning car will be shown. And it’s… That bright pink Supra. Timothy beat us all.

“Hell yes!!” Devon hollers, jumping up and clapping his dad on the shoulder. “I guess you’re not an old man after all. Where the hell did you learn to play like that?”

Timothy scoffs. “I told you I was a hell of a racecar driver. Most of it is knowing the cars and their strengths and weaknesses. Whoever created this game did their research on the cars. It’s extremely accurate. That’s something to consider when you set out making your own games,” Timothy says, his face passive as he waits for Devon to start an argument like he usually does anytime his dad offers him advice.

Devon just rubs his chin. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. Thank you. For helping me kick ass and for the solid advice. That was fun,” he says, and Timothy’s face relaxes into a smile.

Skyler puts her hand on my thigh, pulling my attention to her without drawing the attention of everyone else. She nods towards the kitchen, and we stand and leave the room, giving Devon and Timothy a minute. This is the first time I’ve ever seen them speak more than two words to each other without it ending in an argument. Hopefully, this is that start of a better relationship between them.

Chapter 25

Skyler

Brady and I make our way into the kitchen and slide barstools out at the makeshift bar set up on our kitchen island. I smile at Tony as I point to the handle of rum and hold up two fingers. He makes Brady and me both a drink and slides them over. I take a long sip and sigh. This has been such a great day.I hope the rest of my life looks like this.

Julie slides out the barstool next to me and sits, turning to face me. “I’m so happy to see you so alive today, Skyler.”

I thank her in sign language, smiling as I sign, “I love you.”

“I love you too, Sky. I’ve got to head out to get ready for my shift. I just wanted to tell you that before I left,” she says before she leans in and hugs me.

I hug her back. “Don’t be a stranger,” I whisper. My voice is just about gone after all the talking and laughing I’ve done today.

“No way. You, Tracey, and I are going to be a trio. Add Jenny to the mix and we’ll an unstoppable quad.” She laughs before her face turns serious. “It feels good to have real friends again,” she says, and it surprises me that she’s ever had an issue with finding friends—but I guess others back in Florida would have said the same thing about me.

When Julie grabs her bag to leave, Timothy comes in and wishes Brady and me a good evening. He has calls to return to clients this evening and wants to be able to work on my case this weekend so he’ll have everything ready to present to the grand jury next week.

Chelsea comes in next and tells Tony that he’s off the clock.

“I haven’t been on any damn clock, and you know it, Hellsy.” He laughs, making me grin at the nickname.

She rolls her eyes and turns to me. “I’m heading out to give you kids some space. I love you, Hun,” she says before hugging me and kissing my cheek.

I give her the sign and smile.

She turns back to Tony. “Let’s go, bartender Tony. You can walk me to my car.”

Tony laughs. “I guess that’s my eviction notice. I’ll see you soon, Sky,” he tells me. Then, he turns to Brady. “You take care of her, Brady. She’s a keeper,” Tony says more seriously.

“Yeah, she is. I’ve got her, man,” Brady tells him, shaking his hand before pulling him into a man hug with a slap on the back.

After they leave, I lean into Brady, laying my head on his shoulder. The day is catching up to me and I’m ready for a nap. Brady stands and reaches over to pick me up, carrying me through the apartment like a bride.

“We’re going to decompress for a bit,” he tells the trio still in the living room without pausing for a response.

Once we’re in our room, he sets me on the bed before kicking off his shoes and taking his jeans off. He kneels in front of me to help me out of my own jeans. I take off my fitted t-shirt and bra just in time for him to replace them with the t-shirt he just pulled over his head. We climb into bed, and he wraps himself around me.

“Rest, Beautiful. I’ve got you,” he tells me, knowing that I need to hear it.

I pull his arms tighter around me and close my eyes, letting the exhaustion take me.

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