Page 25 of Playing for Keeps
“Are you kidding me?” Caroline rose again to look over Skye’s shoulder. “I didn’t cheat on him. I would never cheat on anyone!”
Skye patted Caroline’s shoulder. “There, there. Let’s not get worked up. Nobody who knows you would ever believe any of this.”
Caroline pointed to the offending post. “Someone thinks that! Who said it?”
“It’s anonymous.” Skye tossed the phone onto the bed and wrapped Caroline in the biggest, warmest hug, but even the sweet embrace couldn’t touch the stone hardening her heart. “I’ll message the page admin and see if they’ll get the comments turned off or something. Rumor on the Ridge is supposed to be information, not gossip.”
Caroline forced a breath through her tighteningthroat. “Okay. It’s hard not to worry though. I don’t like it that people think bad about me.”
“Oh, trust me. I know. You have a talent for avoiding confrontation.” Skye’s arms fell from around Caroline’s shoulders, and the look she wore was one of pure pity. “You do everything to make others happy, and I can’t stand it when people hurt you.”
Caroline’s face warmed. The room was suddenly sweltering. “Why are they doing this? I just want to be left alone with my best friend and my sweet treats,” she whispered.
Skye brushed a hand through Caroline’s hair. “I know, sweetie. I’ll get to the bottom of this. Nobody talks bad about my best friend and gets away with it.”
Caroline let out a single chuckle. “You’re the best. I don’t know how I would do this without you.”
Skye was the only one who lived through the Justin Year by Caroline’s side. With so few people “in the know,” she’d leaned on her friend over and over again after he broke her heart. They’d stood by each other through every stage of life and had only grown closer through the years.
“Skye, I don’t even deserve you. Why have you put up with me so long? I just wish I could get him out of my head!” Caroline grabbed her hair and pulled at the roots. “How are you so patient with me? It’s just so hard to give up those dreams we had… dreams I thought meant something. But obviouslyhiswere better. Mine haven’t changed. I’m just here, baking and dreaming. Why couldn’t he love me enough to stay? I’m still here! Why couldn’t I have been enough for him? I would never have asked him to give up his dreams, but he’s back now! What am I supposed to do here? He could have taken his money and gone anywhere. He’s back, and I’m so mad at him, and yet even after all of it, I still see myself growing old with him. But then these nasty rumors all over the internet are going to make people think I’m a money-grubbing two-timing?—”
“Okay, you’re spiraling,” Skye said as she stood. “Get under the blanket and get comfortable.”
Caroline did as her friend commanded, lying on her back and slipping the covers up under her chin. Skye slid into the soft cocoon of the bed on the other side, scooting over until their arms were flush against each other.
“Now, I think we need to pray,” Skye said.
Caroline nodded. “You’re right. I definitely need it.”
They both closed their eyes as Skye gripped Caroline’s hand. “Almighty God, we come to You tonight with our worries and doubts. Please calm Caroline’s heart and give her the strength to face the words of the world. Help her to remember that it doesn’t matter what people think of us as long as we’re holding onto You. I pray You would give herpeace and rest and that You would grant her the wisdom to face Justin with kindness and grace.”
Well, that was a little clue as to how Skye was thinking about the Justin situation. Caroline kept shutting down, but Skye thought she needed to face him head on?
“Lord, we humble ourselves before You. Help us to trust Your guidance and remember Your love above all else. In Christ Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.”
Skye squeezed Caroline’s hand beneath the covers. “You feel better?”
Caroline tilted her head to the side until it rested on Skye’s shoulder. “I do. Thank you for that. I’ve been so caught up in my own emotions that I haven’t prayed about this at all.”
Skye nuzzled her cheek against Caroline’s head. “That’s what friends are for. I’m right across the hall. Just whisper my name, and I’ll come running.”
“I know. You’re the best.”
“And you’re the sweetest,” Skye said as she slipped out and headed for the door. “Good night, sugar plum.”
“Good night.”
Skye stopped with her hand on the doorframe. “Oh. One more thing.”
“Yeah.”
“His actions are speaking for him. Take a look around, friend. You’re in a fairy tale.”
Sweet buttercream, Caroline’s defenses weren’tgoing to hold if her best friend wasn’t fighting on her side. “Thanks.”
Skye plunged the room into darkness, and Caroline remained still for a few seconds before reaching for her phone. There was already a text waiting from her sister-in-law, Alicia.
Alicia: I’m bringing you lunch tomorrow. Be prepared to take a break at 11:00.
