Page 52 of Keeping Skylar
My eyes widen, jaw clenching tight as the shock and growing anger ripples across my face. I don’t even bother hiding it. I’m genuinely furious on her behalf. “Fuck, Skylar. I’m really sorry to hear that. I’m sorry you ended up marrying the biggest scumbag to ever walk this earth, but most of all, I’m sorry for everything you went through. He’s a selfish moron who never deserved you. You’re much better off without him, trust me,” I say with the utmost truth.
I may not know Skylar very well, but it deeply pains and angers me to know that two people she loved and trusted had deliberately set out to hurt her. God, the rage boiling inside me makes me want to shatter my cocktail glass with my bare hands.
She quickly notices my fury and offers me a reassuring smile. “I’m managing it in the best way I know how. I saw a therapist for a couple of months, but I discovered that talking to family and friends was the key to healing. I’m especially grateful for your sister; if it weren’t for her, I might’ve thrown in the towel by now and gone back home.”
I can’t explain how or why, but I suddenly feel this deep impulse to protect her—to shield her from any more pain than she’s already endured. I soften my gaze and look into her gorgeous honey-brown eyes. “We may not know each other all that well yet, but I hope, in time, you’ll feel comfortable enough to see me as a friend too. I might not have much to offer apart from a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on—but, if I’m beingcompletely honest—I’ve been told I give excellent cuddles too.” I wink at her, and she lets a full-belly laugh.
The sound of her laughter and the sight of her radiant smile sends a warmth straight through my heart. In just twenty-four hours of knowing this beautiful soul, I’ve felt a stronger connection to her than I ever have with anyone else. I may not fully understand what this means, but one thing is certain: I’ll become whatever she needs if it helps her move on.
CHAPTER 22
Skylar
Week two of the new school year—done and dusted. All I can think about now is crawling under the covers and sleeping the night away. I’m tired, hungry, and in serious need of a back massage. Chasing after a bunch of hyperactive preschoolers all day is seriously no joke!
I’ve finally settled into my new role at the school and things are going rather smoothly. The kids, their families, and the staff have turned out to be the unexpected distraction I didn’t know I needed.
I’m packing up for the day when Hannah suddenly appears in the doorway of my classroom and waves. I smile back, grab my bag, and prepare to head out. She walks with me to Loretta’s office, where I have a meeting with her scheduled for this afternoon.
“How was your day?” Hannah asks.
“Interesting as usual. You know how the Pre-K classes are—one minute they’re testing your patience, and the next, you can’t wait to see them again.”
She chuckles and then retrieves her phone from inside her bag. She quickly types a text message, I’m assuming either to Nate or Heath, before placing her phone back into her bag. “Hey, before I forget, I want to invite you out for drinks with us for Heath’s welcome home gathering,” she says. “It’ll just be me, Nate, Heath, and you. He’s not one for big social events, so we’re keeping it small.”
A social gathering with new people—it’s been months since I’ve gone to one, and honestly, it’s exactly what I’ve been needing. Without a moment’s hesitation, I eagerly accept the invitation. “That sounds amazing! Count me in.” I smile broadly.
Hannah claps her hands together in excitement and grins. “Wonderful! We’re thinking the Irish Pub again, seeing it’s halfway between our place and yours.”
I nod. “Good idea. When is it?”
“The following Wednesday. Exactly a week from when Heath moved home. It’s also, his only night off from the restaurant.”
Home.Now mine and Heath’s home. It still feels a little strange living with him, but not nearly as awkward or uncomfortable as I expected.
Heath completely caught me off guard last night by surprising me with a home- cooked dinner. I’ve never had a man whip up a meal for me, let alone someone who I just met. It was one of the nicest, most thoughtful gestures anyone has ever done for me.
The dinner itself was amazing. Everything—from the food and drinks to the company—was perfect. He made it seem effortless—like having dinner with your roommate, and sharing personal stories was the most natural thing in the world.
When we both opened up about our pasts, it felt liberating—like sharing our deepest pain with one another released some of the hurt and anger we had been carrying for so long. And for the first time in months, talking about the betrayal didn’t leave me feeling miserable or broken. It felt healing. Maybe it was the way he listened without judgement—how his steady, calming presence made all the difference. Whatever it was, it had a lot to do with Heath.
As the night wore on and I learnt more about him, I started to feel an unspoken connection—like I could truly understand his pain and loss, even though it was so different from my own.
“What’s that smile for?” Hannah asks, jarring me from my thoughts about last night.
I shrug. “It’s nothing. Just a memory of something someone once did for me,” I deflect as we pause in front of Loretta’s office. “I should head in and see what she needs. I’ll catch up with you on Monday?”
“See you Monday. Oh, and tell me if Heath’s giving you any trouble at home.”
“He’s been nothing but a perfect gentleman,” I say with a sincere smile.
She bursts out laughing as if I just told her the most hilarious joke. “My brother? Heath? A gentleman? Funny joke, Skylar. I’ll have to see it to believe it.” She chuckles.
We share a brief hug and wave each other goodbye before I turn and knock on the door. Loretta’s soft voice calls from the other side, signalling me to enter.
She’s seated behind her desk, focused on the computer screen when I step into the room. She looks up, giving me her full attention, then gestures for me to take a seat across from her. My stomach churns with nervousness.
“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me after class, Ms Rivera. I won’t take up too much of your time.”
