Page 18 of Skye's Fall
Sal came over and asked me and Beau to take the horses back and I readily agreed.
“Look, I don’t know the whole story about you and Linc, but he’s going through some shit. Try to give him a break,” Beau says to me as we water and give the horses new hay. I don’t answer him. He knows I heard him, I just don’t want to say anything. Or have anything to say. Not to him or Linc.
“I love you, little sister. And you’ve overcome a lot in the past year. Grown up a lot even though you’re already grown, but you get the drift.” He gives me a hug and I want to cry all over again. Beau is not always good with feelings or crying women, unless it’s me. Someday, I hope he finds a woman who breaks down all those walls he has up.
“Love you, too,” I say as I close the last stall and watch him leave. I hear the cars pull up and all the contestants head down to their cabins, some laughing along the way. I wish I could laugh. I don’t even know what I’m feeling.
“You want to stay in the loft?” Ever closes the barn door, shutting out the noise.
“Could I?” I don’t want to go back to the cabin. I can’t face him.
“He’s being an ass, but he’s had it rough since coming back from horse hunting with Memphis.”
“Beau said almost the same thing. Do you know why?”
“I do, but it’s his place to tell,” she smiles sadly.
I get it. Guess I’ll never know.
“Stay in the loft. I’ll bring you clothes to change into in the morning,” Ever pats my shoulder as I climb up the stairs.
“Thank you,” I call over my shoulder. I’m so drained that I collapse onto the bed fully clothed— a bed that smells like him— and pass out.
Chapter Fourteen
Lincoln
Iknew she was in the barn, but I didn’t go in. I headed to the cabin and waited. She hasn’t shown up. I messed up. I know I hurt her. But wasn’t it justified? She’s treated people with such hatred for years. But Ever forgave her, so why can’t I?
I’m pacing back and forth, ready to pull my hair out. I can’t take it, I’m not only mad, I’m worried right now. What if she tripped and fell? Hit her head? I need to just check on her.
I walk to the barn and slip in, not wanting to wake up the horses or chickens, or alert anyone else that I’m not in my cabin. I check on the horses, it’s a habit of mine, and then I walk up the stairs to the apartment.
I quietly open the door and see her on the bed. I breathe a sigh of relief, and in a gesture of good faith, I take her shoes off and cover her with a blanket. She looks so peaceful and sweet.
I turn and leave, not wanting to disturb her. I do know we will have to talk at some point. I fall asleep once I’m back in the cabin, knowing she’s not hurt, physically.
I wake up to an early alarm, but I’m used to it. I shower and dress and head to the barn to check on the horses, making sure to be quiet since she might still be asleep in the loft. Mason falls in step with me, Dayton trailing behind with Jimmy.
“You talk to her yet?” Mason asks as we fall in step on the way up to breakfast.
“No, I will. She slept in the barn last night.”
“Is that why we’re here now?” Dayton asks.
“No, we’re going to check on the horses and feed the chickens. Maybe collect some eggs,” I say as Ever rounds the corner.
“No, we’re leaving the eggs,” she says.
“Oh no, not another one of those competitions,” Skye joins us. Guess she’s up.
“No,” Ever laughs. “The eggs have already been collected. Breakfast is ready. Sal wants everyone there to announce the next competition.”
We all walk toward the house, where the banquet tables have been set up. I try to walk next to Skye, but she moves away every time I get close. I don’t blame her.
“Once you’re all seated, we can discuss what is going to happen today.”
I know Sal and something wicked this way comes, I believe, meaning none of us will be prepared.
