Page 53 of Keeping Skylar
I’ve been on edge all morning thinking about this meeting. She didn’t mention what it was about, which only makes my mind spiral. Maybe everything’s fine—maybe she’s happy with my work and I’ve got nothing to stress about. Or...maybe I’m not meeting her expectations, and she’s about to let me go.I think I’m going to be sick!
“I wanted to discuss some things with you, and would like to hear your thoughts on the matter. But before we proceed, I’d like to begin by officially welcoming you back. It’s truly been a pleasure having you with us again, and we’re thrilledto have you back on the team.You’re adapting nicely, and I’ve received a lot of positive feedback from both the parents and the teaching staff. So, well done, Ms Rivera. Tremendous work,” she commends, her expression filled with pride and appreciation.
My body instantly relaxes, feeling a huge sense of relief that I’m not getting fired today. “Oh, thank you so much, Mrs Donaldson! Honestly, it’s been an incredibly busy yet rewarding two weeks. I absolutely love my Pre-K class, and I’m excited to be back working at the school,” I tell her as my expression lights up with pure joy.
Loretta nods, looking pleased with my response. “Well, I for one, am certainly happy you’re back.” She smiles warmly. “But the real reason why I have you here today is because I wanted to inform you that your six-month maternity leave position has just recently become permanent following Mrs Davis’s resignation today. She’ll be moving to the country in a few weeks time and won’t be returning. Therefore, we’d like to offer you a new contract if you’re interested. You don’t need to give me an answer now. You can spend the weekend to think it over, but either way, the position is yours,” she says, and I have to resist the urge to leap onto her desk and break into a happy dance.
“There’s no need to think about it, Mrs Donaldson; my answer is a resounding yes. I would love nothing more than to work permanently at this school.”
“That’s wonderful to hear. I’ll have your new contract finalised and sent to you by Monday. If you have any questions regarding your position, you can reach out to me at any time.”
This feels so surreal. My heart is literally about to explode with happiness. We wrap up the meeting by wishing each other a safe and relaxing weekend. As I head towards my car, a wave of hope and satisfaction washes over me. Things are finally looking upfor me, and all I can think about is how excited I am to share the news with my new roommate.
I’m home by four, after stopping by the grocery store to pick up a very expensive bottle of French Champagne, because, why the hell not? I’m treating myself tonight, and I don’t care that I just splurged five hundred bucks on a bottle of vintage sparkling wine.
My smile hasn’t left my face since leaving Loretta’s office. The good news was just the thing I needed to help kick off the weekend.
I’m just about to close the front door when the soothing strum of a guitar catches my ear. Drawn in by the melody, I wander into the living room and find Heath on the couch, his guitar resting upright in his lap.
He immediately stops when he sees me enter, and greets me with a welcoming smile. “Good evening, duchess.”
I grin and set the bottle of Champagne on the kitchen counter. “Hey there,” I say as I stroll over to the armchair across from him and settle in. “Please don’t stop, that sounded beautiful. What song were you just playing?”
He shrugs and glances down at his guitar, his fingers deftly gliding over the strings. “It’s actually an original,” he reveals. “I’ve been working on it for a few weeks.”
I nod, genuinely impressed by all his talents. Is there anything this man can’t do? “I’d love to hear it once it’s finished, if you don’t mind?”
For the briefest moment, he doesn’t move or say a single word. Then, without warning, he begins to play the song again. I watchwith fascination as his eyes close, allowing his fingers to weave their magic over the strings.
The sound is soft and soothing, with a slow, mellow tempo. Its soulful tone evokes a whirlwind of emotions, from sadness to hope, and from despair to healing. But what truly captivates me—is the raw, heartfelt expression on his face. He looks as though he’s completely in his element—like he’s performing for a real crowd.
After a few mesmerising minutes, the song comes to an end, and Heath opens his eyes. He glances up at me and frowns. It’s then that I realise a single tear has slipped down my cheek. I quickly brush it away with my fingers, trying to regain my composure.
I let out a sharp exhale, and gaze into his icy blue eyes. “Heath...that was beautiful,” I whisper the last word, my voice barely audible. “I’m completely speechless...and a real mess.” I chuckle softly.
“Thank you. I’m glad you like it.” He smiles.
“What’s the song called?”
“Beyond the ordinary,” he says, his lips curling into a half-smile. “It tells the story of a man whose soul travels through multiple lifetimes, all in search of a love soextraordinary, so great, and infinite, that he would rather choose to die alone over and over again, than accept anything less,” he explains before adding, “the kind of love that transcends time and distance—never fading, never ending,” he concludes, his expression softening with a warmth that melts all my insides.
The more I learn about Heath, the stronger this chemistry between us becomes. And if I’m being truly honest, it’s all happening too fast. Things have started off a littletooperfect—so much so, it feels like I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop.
The last thing I need or want right now is to be involved with another man. I’m still healing from the trauma of my previous relationship, and the thought of jumping into something new terrifies me. I don’t have the emotional strength to endure another heartbreak if this was to all go to shit.
I need to take a step back, and establish some boundaries between us. This means no more intimate dinners or deep and meaningful conversations that blur the lines of our friendship.
From this day forward, I promise to protect my heart fiercely, until I’m truly ready to trust another man with it—one who has proven themselves worthy of such a gift.
CHAPTER 23
Heath
The four of us are gathered around a table at Coyle’s, celebrating my homecoming. Hannah and Skylar are enjoying their mojitos, while Nate and I take hearty gulps from our pints of beer.
It’s been a week since I moved to Brightly Bay, and it already feels like home. I started working at the restaurant a few days ago, and it’s been an incredible experience. The food is outstanding, the team is fantastic, and the atmosphere is full of life. As head chef, I’m responsible for planning next season’s menu, and so far, my ideas have been met with enthusiasm from the boss. Life couldn’t be any more perfect.
Skylar has been very accommodating, allowing me the freedom to use her kitchen as my creative space. I’ve been planning to cook us a meal again, but each time I’ve suggested it to her, she seems to have already eaten beforehand.
