Page 38 of Keeping Skylar
“Why are you whispering?”
“Jake has just gone to sleep. I don’t want to wake him.”
I nod and smile. “How’s it going over there, anyway?” Mila’s been babysitting for the Hawkinses for nearly three months now. Jason hired her not long after that night at his bar—the same night I walked into my house and found my husband having sex with my best friend.
“He is just the sweetest child. He’s only five, but he’s so smart, very courteous and just an all-round happy little boy. I definitely hit the jackpot with this kid,” she declares proudly.
My sister has always been a natural when it came to kids, so it’s no surprise that she’s formed a strong bond with Jake. I just knew she was the perfect fit for the job when I recommended her to Jason.
“Aww ... I miss the little guy. I’m glad you’re enjoying it over there. How’s Jase? What’s it like working with the big guy?”
She flashes a bright smile. “He’s actually really sweet. He’s been super flexible with my study schedule—always letting me take time off when I need it. And he pays well, even gives me a little extra on weekends. It’s been great.”
“Ah, yes. Our dear buddy Jase is doing quite well for himself as a single dad. He’s always been so generous—something I’ve always admired about him. And how about Dean? Are you two official now?”
The most exciting news since I left came when my sister finally admitted she’d been seeing someone new for the past couple of months—and, according to Kirstin in our last group chat, he’s quite the hunk.
“Umm ... yeah, you can say that,” she replies hesitantly.
There’s a flicker of doubt in Mila’s expression, as if she’s afraid that letting herself feel too happy or hopeful about this new relationship will only lead to disappointment. It’s almost as if being single for so long has made her wary of trusting her own feelings. Or maybe, there’s something about this Dean guy that she’s not entirely sure of. Either way, I have to find out.
“Is everything okay, Mila?” I ask gently.
“Yeah, everything’s going well. We’ve been spending some time getting to know one another. It’s still early days, so there’s not a whole lot to tell you—but so far, I’m happy.” Her soft smile fades a little too quickly as she speaks the last two words.
There’s more to this than she’s letting on. I can feel it. My sister never keeps anything from me. “Mila, you know you can always talk to me about anything, right?”
She nods slowly, her smile tight and forced. “I know. But I’m okay, I promise.” I decide to drop it for tonight. It’s clear the topic is making her uneasy. But deep down, I know she’s holding back. I’ll press for more details another time.
“Hey, listen,” she interrupts my thoughts. “The other night, Jason mentioned that Kaden’s been a wreck since you left. He’s been drinking more than usual, crying over you likeyouwere the one who brokehisheart.”
“You haven’t told Jason anything, have you?” I ask sharply.
She shakes her head. “No, I promised you I wouldn’t say anything. Jason knows the unspoken rule between us—he doesn’t ask questions about you.”
Over the past three months, Kaden’s tried reaching out to my mother, my sister, Kirstin—even a few of my former colleagues—but thankfully, no one’s said a word. I can only imagine how much that silence is eating him alive.
“Oh, and get this,” Mila continues. “Apparently, he and Lucia have been living together for a couple of months now, and that’s why he put the house up for lease. It’s clear they’re taking their relationship to the next level. But what puzzles me is why he’s still trying to track you down if he’s supposedly with Lucia now.”
I shrug, like I couldn’t care less about whatever’s going on between those two. But the truth is, it hurts. Knowing Kaden has moved on so quickly after I left stings more than I’m willing to admit. I practically handed him over to Lucia in that letter I left for him, and still, some foolish part of me hoped he’d suffer alone—like me. But I guess that was too much to expect.
“That doesn’t surprise me at all. Kaden is a selfish, pathetic man-child who deserves to be with a whore like Lucia. I’m over them,” I lie.
“Good—and I couldn’t agree more, they deserve each other! I just thought it was worth mentioning. But enough about those two idiots—what’s been going on withyou?”
“Actually, Hannah’s invited me out for drinks after work sometime next week. I think it’s time for this ol’ lady to go out, socialise and have some fun.”
“That definitely sounds like a great idea. I wish I could join you, but I’m glad to hear you’re finally getting out there and making new friends. Hannah seems like a pretty cool chick.”
“She is! She’s one of the good people. I really like her. But I’ll let you know how it all goes,” I promise my sister.
“Sweet! I’m looking forward to it,” she says as she looks over her shoulder at something. “I should probably go check on Jake and then text Jason to let him know that he’s asleep now.”
“You go do that, and I shall speak to you same time next week. Give Jake a big kiss for me.”
“Will do. Goodnight, sis.”
“Goodnight.”
