Page 2 of Skye's Fall
She was never like this before. Skye was kind and sweet. I loved her, always will, but she has turned into a monster— bullying Ever, treating her family like shit. I don’t know what happened, but that wasn’t Skye.
I pull in and head to the barn. Working with the horses clears my head, and I need it. I need her.
I’m going to have to get over it. I have to move on. But it’s going to be hard.
One thing is for sure, there will never be anyone else. I won’t let my heart get broken again.
Chapter One
Skye
Five years sincethe wedding, a year since first season ofChicken Fried Love.
I look around the bar in disgust. Not because it’s dirty. No, it’s much worse. My brother has turned it into a yuppy bar to go with the rest of the changing town. I’m in Hell.
This town used to be just a one church town. We lived simple lives, and then TV happened. But thanks to Memphis andChicken Fried Love, this place has grown in the last year. Several large homes fit for any lifestyle of the rich and famous have gone up and we get droves of tourists trying to catch a glimpse of the Tanner Homestead. Years ago, I would have loved the fact that uppity folks were moving in. I’m not that girl anymore. I would rather sit at home than kiss some guy’s ass for a good tip. I might not be back to my old self because I’m still trying to figure out who I am. But I know this bar is shit now.
For years since Ever’s accident, I was lost. Not just then, even before then, when I first started taking notice of Memphis. I wanted attention and I got it, losing myself along the way. I lost myself in the fame and money and shopping trips. Before Memphis went pro, he was already trying to live that lifestyle and I benefitted from that. I expected it, and I turned into a monster because of it . . . and the jealousy. For years, I was jealous of Ever. She always had Memphis’ heart, so I lashed out because of it. And then I kept going with the complaining so I would get a new watch, or dress— I was out of control.
I will never forget the kindness Ever has shown me, even when I was at my worst. I’m glad she and Memphis worked it out.
I want what they have. I could have had it, but I chose to go with the guy who was easy, who would do anything to keep me quiet and pleasant. Memphis caught me with two men and that’s how we ended in divorce, though it was a long time coming. But when I first started dating Memphis, I was in love with someone else who didn’t love me back. Or maybe he did, since he came to try and get me to change my mind about marrying Memphis. I can see why Ever was so hurt— I fell in love with this guy and he rejected me. Ever had the same thing happen. It hurts. And now I’m just trash to him, always will be.
“What do you think?” My brother Beau, as in Beaumont, named after the city in Texas, looks around the bar, smiling. He’s really proud of himself. Don’t know why he’s smiling— this is garbage in the form of a business. This is not something to be proud of.
“It’s horrible.” I can’t stand the vibe going on in here.
“What do you mean it’s horrible?” He glares at me.
“What was wrong with the old bar?” I return his glare with one of my own.
“I think people will love this.” He looks happy with himself as he looks around the monstrosity that is the new bar. Sellout.
“No one wants to just come sit and drink anymore,” Beau informs me. I wonder if he hit his head at some point and forgot his roots. It’s kind of ironic since he asked me just that when I got hauled off fromChicken Fried Lovelast season.
“Umm, locals did,” I hiss, trying to remind him of the fact there are regulars who frequent this bar.
“This will bring in those new homeowners. Oh, and remember those aerial classes you took?”
“Weird you remember that, but yes.” It’s weird that my brother would remember something like that. I also have a feeling I’m not going to like what he has to say.
“You’re the new attraction,” he tells me.
“I’m sorry? I don’t think I heard you right.” I was right, I don’t like it.
“People will come to town to see Skye Drake, aerial artist, former wife of Memphis Bradford.” He looks at me like he’s won a million dollars in the lottery.
“So, we’re exploiting the fact that I was a train wreck?” I grimace at that thought. He’s right, though— people will come to see me if they know I work here.
“Just think of this as your way of paying the family back,” he grins.
“And my new gig?” I know I shouldn’t have asked, but I want to see where this accident waiting to happen is going.
“Oh, great you asked.” He points to a hula hoop hung from the ceiling.
“All the top shelf bottles will be displayed in that case above the bar. When someone asks for a shot of the good stuff, you pull the hoop down, ride it up, pull the bottle, and hang upside down to pour the shots.”
“What in the ever-loving fuck?” I’m not doing it. No way in hell. Not just doing that, I’m also not wearing the stupid uniform he wants me to wear. I swear, my brother only sees green sometimes.
