Page 9 of No Apologies
He didn’t like the sound of that and he had headed towards the door before she even finished speaking. Skylar was sick and alone? He hated that. He wanted to go storming over there and demand she let him in, that she let him help her in any way he could, but he didn’t have that right.
“I’m sure she’s fine.”
“You’re probably right but I haven’t been able to reach her in a few hours and I know her. She hates doctors. She could be dying and she wouldn’t tell a soul just to avoid going to the hospital. Will you please go and check on her for me? I know it’s asking a lot. I know you’re at work. But please do this for me.”
He rubbed his forehead as his mood darkened again just that fast and easily. Skylar was sick and alone and she wouldn’t have asked anyone for help even if she needed it. He knew her well enough to know that was true.
She’d been sick when they were all kids, really sick, like extended stays in the hospital sick. He’d seen the scar that ran across her chest from the surgery on her heart and his gut clenched tight at the mere thought of the pain she’d dealt with. He didn’t like the idea of her hurting at all.
“Bent?” He mouthed the words while he put a hand over the receiver, “I’m heading out now.”
His cousin gave him a thumbs up but didn’t say a word. For that much he was grateful. The last thing he needed was to explain to Cash or Jemma why Bentley was in the shop, ready to cover for him since he needed to leave. He didn’t want to have to lie to them and he couldn’t get into the Lincoln situation now, or ever.
He pushed out onto the street and uncovered the receiver, “When did you hear from her last?”
Jemma sighed, “A couple of hours ago. I had to hang up because she got sick while we were talking. I’ve tried her a few times since but it just goes to voicemail.”
“Maybe she’s sleeping it off or her phone went dead. You know how she is with her phone. If it’s not lost, she forgot to plug it in.” He didn’t know if he was trying to convince Jemma, or himself.
“Maybe, but I need to know.”
He hedged even as he unlocked his truck and crawled inside, “Jem, there’s gotta be somebody else that could check on her. You know she’s not gonna want to see me. Can’t you call her boyfriend or something?”
Just saying the words felt like acid on his tongue. Skylar’s boyfriend. Trey. He’d spent half an hour with the guy earlier in the day and he’d never mentioned a word about Skylar being sick. But why would he? It wasn’t as if Colt had any right to that information.
“No. I can’t. She gave me strict orders not to talk to Trey.”
“What? Why?”
“Girl code. I can’t tell you that. The point is, she doesn’t want Trey there. If she did, he’d be there now and I wouldn’t be calling you.”
She didn’t want Trey there. Some sick, twisted part of him enjoyed hearing that. Skylar hadn’t called the other man to come and care for her, didn’t want him there and even knowing that was probably just because she was puking her guts up, he liked that she wasn’t with someone else.
“Billie’s working and can’t get away.” Jemma huffed, “And before you ask, I can’t call Skylar’s brother either. He’s out of town. I’m calling you because you’re my only option but also because I know you care about her, so do me this favor and go check on her so I can sleep tonight.”
She made it sound so simple but he knew better. He was the last person on earth Skylar would want to see right now. But Jemma was right about one thing, he did care about Skylar so he couldn’t say no. He wouldn’t say no.
He turned his truck at the next street and headed towards the apartment complex where they all lived, “She’s probably going to yell at me.”
“Probably.” Jemma snickered. “You’re a big boy though so I figure you can handle it.”
“I’m throwing you under the bus when she asks why I’m there.”
“I’d expect nothing less.”
That tremor of worry that had begun to thrum through him at the mention of Skylar being sick made his hands shaky as he shifted, “What if she doesn’t come to the door? You want me to break it in to make sure she’s okay? Because if I kick it in and she’s only taking a shower or something, I’m not paying to replace it.”
“Way to think worst case.” Jenna snorted, “My keys are in Cash’s room. Take them and let yourself in if she doesn’t answer.”
“Jem…”
“Stop arguing and go check on her, Colt! I’m serious. I won’t be able to rest until I know she’s okay.”
“Damn it bro, stop being a little bitch and go check on Skylar. It won’t take you ten minutes if you stop whining and just do it.” Cash’s voice came through the line, muffled but clear. “Jem’s not supposed to be stressing. It’s bad for the baby, remember?”
“Yeah, I remember.” He sighed with defeat, “I’m already headed that way.”
“Thank you.”
