Page 84 of Choosing Skyler

Devon lets out a sigh of relief and looks at me. “She said it’s okay?”

“I haven’t talked to her yet. I was just about to call her when you came in. Would it make you both feel better if I call her on speaker so you can hear what she has to say?”

“No,” Brady says at the same time Devon says, “Yes.”

I giggle at their opposing answers. “Okay. I’m going to go call her and talk to her first. Then, I’ll come out and let you two talk to her if you need to,” I tell them, heading back to the living room to grab my phone and make the call from my bedroom.

Brady

“Man. I’m sorry I lost it,” Devon says when we hear the bedroom door close down the hallway.

“Don’t be sorry for looking out for her. I just want to make sure you know thatI’mlooking out for her, too,” I tell him.

“I know. I overstepped. It’s an adjustment to step back after being the only one she trusted to lean on for so long,” he says with a heavy sigh.

“I can see that.” I chuckle. “As much as I was willing to go alone, I’m stoked that she’s coming with me. I want to show her my home and my mom’s things. Even though Mom’s gone, it feels like introducing them in a way, you know?” I say more seriously.

“Yeah. I’m glad she’s going with you too now that I know she’ll be okay. You shouldn’t do this alone,” he says.

“To be honest, I’m scared shitless to face Eric after all these years. And in a fucking courtroom of all places.” I rub my hand over the back of my neck.

We hear the click of the bedroom door opening and head into the living room. Skyler comes in with her phone and a smile on her face. Dr. Anderson tells us that Skyler is doing great with her recovery and seems capable of deciding what she can and can’t handle. She even recommends seeing Skyler in the office less often for appointments as long as she promises to call her if she needs to.

She ends the call with Dr. Anderson and looks at us. Devon and I are both in awe of how far she’s come. She’s in a much better place than we expected her to be so soon. I lift her up and spin her around, making her giggle.I still love that sound.

When I set her back on her feet, Devon swoops in and wraps her in a bear hug. “I told Brady, but I want to tell you too—I’m sorry about earlier. I just want you to know that I’m here. No matter what, okay?”

She smiles up at him. “I know that, and I appreciate it more than you know, but I really am okay. And if I’m ever not okay, I’ve got more people to lean on now than I have my whole life. You don’t have to take it all on yourself.”

“She’s right, Devon. You let everyone lean on you too much. You’re gonna buckle under the weight if you don’t lean back once in a while,” I tell him.

“Oh yeah?” He pins both Skyler and me with a playful smirk.

Then, he’s pulling us both into a hug andleaningon us. We all fall to the floor and Skyler huffs, but she can’t hold back her giggles. Devon rolls so that he’s lying on the floor next to Skyler and we all lay there and laugh. It feels good to laugh with them and know that we’re all okay for a minute. Maybe I need to take Dr. Anderson’s advice too.One step at a time.Next week’s problem will be here next week. I’m going to enjoy living right now,right now.

I sit up and look at Devon and Skyler, still laying on their backs. “Y’all want to go to TG’s tonight? We can invite Tracey and Julie too. Even Joey. Make it a party.”

Devon jumps to his feet and holds both hands out to help Skyler and me to our feet. “Hells yeah! Let’s do it. I’ll call Tony and tell him to reserve the big corner booth for us at nine. Brady, send a text in the group chat to invite the girls. I’ll call Joey when I get off the phone with Tony.”

Skyler and I look at each other, raising our eyebrows.He’ll call Joey?I threw that in as a jab, but okay. I guess they finally worked their shit out.

Devon looks at us and smirks. “Don’t even start. Joey and I are cool.”

Skyler laughs. “That’s not what I heard. I heard you and Joey werehot.”

Devon rolls his eyes. “Tracey and her big ass mouth. You know…” he says, looking between Skyler and me. “I think it’s a little fucked up that you know my shit and I don’t know yours.”

Skyler stops laughing and looks at me. When I wink, she blushes. Devon looks at me and arches an eyebrow. I throw my hands up in surrender.

“You really want to know, Devon? Are you sure you can handle the truth?” I ask him teasingly.

He grins and nods. Skyler’s blush travels to her chest when I turn my gaze on her. I answer Devon, but my eyes never leave Skyler’s. I take a step toward her with every statement.

“She’s mine. Loved by me. Claimed by me. Taken by me. Chosen by me. Owned by me.Mine!” When I’m standing directly in front of Skyler, I reach up and grip the back of her neck. “Mygood girl.Right, Beautiful?”

She trembles and whimpers until I kiss her. Then, she moans that new throaty purr that’s even sexier than it used to be. I glance up just long enough to wink at Devon.

“Ho-ly shit! No wonder Tracey said you two were so hot together. Fuck me,” Devon says, fanning his face.

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