Page 15 of Keeping Skylar
“I’m thinking of telling her the moment I hear back from Loretta and the real estate. There’s no point of worrying her right now if I have nothing to fall back on,” I explain.
She nods in concurrence, aware that there’s no need for further discussion on this matter. We spend the next fifteen minutes eating in silence, at least, eating as much as we can stomach. Mila pops tiny pieces of steak into her mouth, while I nibble on some of my vegetables. We order another bottle of wine to help take some of the edge from tonight’s dinner conversation.
I feel an immediate sense of relief after revealing the truth about Kaden and Lucia’s affair to Mila. I can see her mind still trying to grapple with the weight of my news, but I’m glad she finally knows. Her support has been one of my greatestcomforts, knowing that she’ll always have my back, just like she knows I’ll always have hers.
“I have a friend from uni whose dad is a family lawyer. His name is Frank Walters. You should google him and book a consultation online when you’re ready,” Mila suggests.
I nod and smile in appreciation. “That would be great actually. I don’t know the first thing about navigating a divorce. I understand that in Australia, Kaden and I would need to be separated and living apart for twelve months before we can apply for a divorce. But that’s as far as my knowledge goes. I’ll get in touch with Frank as soon as I can.”
“What are you going to do about the house?” Mila asks.
I shrug. “The ideal thing to do is to sell it and split the sale 50/50. I’ll have to talk to a lawyer about it. I just want the process to be as quick and seamless as possible.”
“Understandable. I don’t see why Kaden wouldn’t agree to that. It’s more than what he deserves after the shit he’s done.”
“Oh, I know him. He’ll try to make things difficult for me, in true Kaden style.”
Mila shakes her head. “Let’s worry about that when the time comes. For now, how about we make the most of the rest of the evening. Tell me more about your plans for Melbourne and where I’ll be staying when I come for visits.” She grins.
And for the next half hour, that’s exactly what I do.
CHAPTER 7
Skylar
It’s Friday night, and exactly eight days since I discovered my husband’s betrayal. I’m out with Kirstin at Hawkins Bar and Grill, with only one goal in mind: to escape from reality with the one person who can always guarantee a good time. This may or may not involve getting a little buzzed. After the week from hell, it’s the least I’m owed.
With Kaden at his work event, or so he claims, there couldn’t be a better time or place for a night out with my favourite person. The establishment also happens to be owned by Kaden’s best friend, Jason, so, I know we’re in capable hands if the night turns out to be quite an eventful one.
I decided to put in a little extra effort in my appearance tonight. Sporting a short, black, spaghetti-strap bodycon dress that clings to all my curves, I matched it perfectly with a pair of four-inch stiletto heels that strap around my ankles. I wanted to embrace a more daring look that shouted ‘sexy’ and ‘elegantly chic’.
I wore my dark hair in loose curls that fall just above my tailbone, and make-up that I know will command attention. Opting for a more dramatic style tonight, with long, voluminous lashes, smoky eyes and crimson red lipstick that make my lips appear softer and plumper, it’s a look I know will infuriate Kaden.Oh well!
My gaze is transfixed on Kirstin who is dressed in her usual ripped jeans matched with a black lace bodysuit. She’s rockingher favourite leather ankle boots and a gemstone choker that adorns her slender neck. I can’t deny, my friend looks smoking hot this evening. Since Kirstin volunteered to be the designated driver tonight, she’s sticking to just two to three drinks. I’m already on my third mojito, and I can feel my body starting to relax.
We’ve been here for nearly two hours. The bar is bustling, and the music blares loudly in the background at an almost deafening volume, forcing me to yell just to be heard. The atmosphere is filled with excitement as people wrap up another workweek.
We’re seated at a table in the farthest corner of the room, quietly watching the crowd as more rowdy patrons gather at the bar, ordering drink after drink. After a few minutes of observing the chaos, we turn our gazes back to each other.
“Now this is just what the doctor ordered,” Kirstin mutters into the rim of her cocktail glass as she takes a sip of the refreshing beverage. “Speaking of doctor, how did you go with the results?”
I smile widely. “All clear. Thank God.” We clink our glasses together, taking a long swig of our cocktails to celebrate the good news.
I received my test results yesterday afternoon and was absolutely relieved to learn that everything came back clear. It was exactly the kind of positivity I needed after the week I had to endure.
The days following my visit with Mila were slow and agonising. I did everything and anything I could to keep my distance from Kaden. I worked on my lesson plans for the new school term late into the night, or I’d clean the house for the umpteenth time, repeatedly organising and reorganising things over again. In fact, I began to appreciate the times he came home late, as it meant less time I had to spend with him.
Bedtime proved to be the most challenging. With each passing night, sharing a bed with my husband was becoming harder and harder to endure. The warmth of his body pressed against mine as he held me in his sleep always left me feeling sick to my stomach. While I’m grateful he hasn’t tried to initiate sex with me yet, I worry it’s only a matter of time before he starts seeking me out.
“May I just say, bestie—you look ravishing tonight,” Kirstin praises, her eyes slowly taking in my outfit and face with approval.
“You look positively dashing yourself, my friend.” I wink.
It’s such a relief to finally be out of the house and switch off for the night. It’s been so long since I’ve gone to a bar without my husband on my hip, and I must admit, it feels absolutely freeing. In all my years with Kaden, he has never once permitted me to go to a bar or club without him, especially not dressed the way I am tonight.
One thing he could never handle was other men looking at me. I’m certain if he were to walk into this bar and see me right now, he’d be fuming with jealous rage.
“I can’t believe we haven’t done this in a long time. And just when you’re about to leave me.” Kirstin pouts.
