Page 13 of Keeping Skylar
I set my phone down on the coffee table then open my book up to the last chapter I was on. After my fifth attempt at reading the same paragraph, I slam the book shut, throwing it onto the cushion next to me and lean back. My eyes immediately glance up at our photo wall.
The once-beautiful memories encased in black frames have now become tarnished relics of a happier time, a reminder of what we once had. I spent ten years completely devoted to him. Ten fucking years of my life wasted over some stupid, reckless affair.
Sitting through dinner with Kaden tonight was pure fucking torture. Every brush of his hand, every glimpse of his smug face, and every inflection in his voice, sent a wave of disgust washing over me. His overall presence grates on my senses, and his words are an insult to my intelligence, with each spoken lie from his mouth amplifying my revulsion.
The thought of being intimate with my husband again fills me with both disgust and fear. It’s been nearly two weeks since we last had sex, and I’m surprised I’ve managed to hold him off for this long. Kaden usually has a high sex drive—he’d have to, to juggle two women at once.
Oh God!Did he have sex with me right after coming home from seeing her? Are they using protection? Is he fucking her raw?
First thing tomorrow, I’m booking an appointment with my GP to get tested.
I know I have to tell my family soon, especially Mila. To her, Kaden was always like a protective older brother, the ideal husband. Hearing about the affair will undoubtedly send shockwaves through her.
Knowing how much my mother adores Kaden, I can’t bring myself to break the news to her just yet. I’m not ready to see the hurt in her eyes when she finds out the truth about her beloved son-in-law. For now, I’ll settle for telling Mila first. I snatch my phone from the coffee table and unlock my screen to text Mila.
Me:Hey baby sis!
Mila:Hey! What’s been going on?
Me:Too much, but can’t explain it over text. Can we meet for dinner sometime this week?
Mila:I’m free tomorrow night. Everything okay?
Me:Great! I’ll explain everything over dinner tomorrow. I promise.
Mila:Okay? Now I’m worried.
Me:Don’t be, I’m fine. How about we meet at Cedars Steakhouse at 5pm?
Mila:Sounds good to me. Can’t wait to see you.
Me:Me too. See you then. Love you xoxo
Mila:Love you too, sis x
And so, it begins.
CHAPTER 6
Skylar
I exit the doctor’s clinic after spending almost the entire afternoon getting tested for every sexually transmitted infection known to man. Now, I’m on my way to Cedars Steakhouse to meet up with my sister, Mila.
Arriving at the restaurant twenty minutes later, I push through the heavy door and quickly scan the room for my sister. The steakhouse has always been our favourite local joint to dine in.
Its interior exudes a rustic country vibe, with cedar panelling along the walls and warm lighting. To the left is the kitchen and bar, while rows of oak dining tables with metal chairs fill the centre of the restaurant. On the right, private booths with red vinyl seats and solid oak tables line the wall. The cedar walls are adorned with gorgeous Australian wildlife paintings and intricate Aboriginal artefacts, and there’s country music playing softly in the background.
The atmosphere is unusually quiet for a Tuesday evening, setting the stage perfectly for the heavy conversation that will unfold here tonight. I look over to the right, and instantly spot Mila seated at the last booth with a bottle of Pino Grigio in front of her. She’s scrolling through her phone as I slowly approach her.
“Fancy seeing you here, pretty lady.”
Mila’s head pops up and she quickly jumps out of her seat and crashes into me with a full body hug.
“Sky-zee! Good seeing you, big sis. Come, let’s sit.” She motions for us to take our seats and I sit on the one across from her.
“I’ve ordered us our usual sirloin steak, steamed veggies and mash, if you’re okay with that?” Mila says as she pours wine into both our glasses.
“Thanks. Did you order the mushroom sauce?”
