Page 30 of Keeping Skylar
Here in this room, there’s no hesitation, no holding back—just raw, physical need driving every movement. And when it’s finally over, we collapse in a breathless, tangled mess of sweaty limbs, our bare bodies sated and our connection quietly reignited—deeper, messier, and more undeniable than ever before.
CHAPTER 13
Skylar
Hawkins Bar and Grill on a Thursday night pulses with the loud chatter of tipsy patrons and the steady thump of dance music. It’s 10:00 pm, and we’ve been here for two hours—the warmth of our cocktails still humming through our veins. For the first time in weeks, after what felt like a storm of heartache and uncertainty, I finally feel a flicker of hope.
Tonight, I’m letting my hair down, refusing to let anything dampen my good mood. I’m on the verge of a new chapter—a fresh vision for my future—and what better way to celebrate than with my two favourite people?
I turn to my girls and raise my glass. “To fresh starts—filled with purpose, meaning, and growth.” We clink our glasses and take a long, satisfying sip of our mojitos.
“And new love!” Mila chimes in, wobbling slightly as she tries to steady herself on her chair. Four drinks in, and she’s well on her way to drunkville.
“Too soon, little sister. Too soon. I need to get all my ducks in a row first before I can think about dating again.”
“I can’t believe you’ll be back on the market again. You’ll have those Melbournian men eating out of the palm of your hands.” She winks, just as a loud hiccup bursts from her mouth, making her giggle.
“I completely agree with Mila, babe. Kaden’s loss is another man’s gain, and you, my darling, are a total catch! There’ll bemen lining up for days,” Kirstin says proudly, clinking her glass with Mila’s in full agreement.
I shake my head, laughing at the absurdity of this conversation. The truth is, the idea of putting myself out there again makes my chest tighten with anxiety. It’s not that I’ve stopped believing in love—I don’t think I ever could. But the thought of handing my heart to someone new, trusting them not to shatter it, feels terrifying. I’m not sure I could survive another heartbreak.
“I think it’ll be a long time before I even consider dating again. Right now, I need to focus on getting through the separation and divorce...and even after that, I’m not sure I’ll be ready.”
“What’s that saying they always mention? Love comes when you least expect it. Maybe that’ll be your case too,” Mila slurs.
“Maybe, but as I said before, I’m not going to think about dating for a long time.” “Well, you know what I’ve been thinking?” she says, cutting in before we can respond. “I think it’s time I putmyselfback out there. Being single for this long has gone from freeing to utterly boring. I’m craving some fresh meat,” she adds with a sigh, nursing her cocktail.
“Mila, boredom is the worst excuse to start dating. Last thing you want is to settle for some douchebag,” I quip.
“Or a Kaden,” Kirstin slips out.
We all snap our heads towards Kirstin, who’s leisurely sipping her drink. She shrugs nonchalantly, and in the next moment, we all explode in laughter.
Two weeks ago, I might’ve taken offence to Kirstin’s remark—but now, I see it for what it is: the truth. And the truth is, Kaden’s the ultimate douchebag.
I’m just about to order us another round of cocktails when Jason suddenly appears behind the bar. I was hoping to avoid him tonight—which is ridiculous, considering he owns the restaurant—but I’m still reeling from our last encounter, whenhe blatantly covered for Kaden’s lies. And honestly, I don’t have it in me to act bitter and cold tonight. I’m in too good of a mood for that.
He spots us right away, his eyes zeroing on me. Just before he walks over, I catch him taking a deep breath, like he’s mentally preparing himself—but for what? He makes his way over to us and grins. “Fancy seeing you all back here. To what do I owe the pleasure?” he says, addressing no one in particular.
I feel Mila tense up beside me, her eyes wide and locked on Jason. When he catches her gawking, he winks, and her cheeks flush instantly as she quickly looks away. The whole exchange is just too amusing—like a scene out of a cheesy romantic comedy.
Kirstin is the first to break the awkward silence. “Just a girls’ night—and we couldn’t resist your cheap cocktails,” she says with a smirk.
Jason chuckles, then glances back at me. “Good to see you again, Skylar. How’ve you been? How’s Kaden?” he asks casually, as if he doesn’t already know what his best friend’s been up to.
I shrug. “I’m good. And as far as I know, Kaden’s good too.” My response is short, curt. I’m not in the mood to talk about my unfaithful husband—especially not with someone who’s been enabling his infidelity from the start.
Sensing my reluctance to elaborate more, he simply nods and asks if we’d like another round of cocktails. We all nod in response, watching as Jason expertly crafts our mouth-watering hibiscus mojitos.
Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Mila’s gaze fixed on him, utterly captivated as she watches him work his magic with rapt attention. She’s had a crush on Jason for years, and even now, she can’t help but swoon at the sight of him.
Once he’s finished, he slides the drinks over to our side of the bar, and I hand him my card.
He raises his hand to stop me and shakes his head. “On the house.” He winks again.
“Are you sure? I don’t mind paying.” Just then I feel a sharp sting on my arm as Kirstin slaps me. “Ow ...”
“Skylar, what the fuck are you doing? Free drinks,” she murmurs.
