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“Um, you can come in. If you want.”
Skylar opened the door wider and made sure to lock it behind me. Her apartment looked like it belonged to Camdyn more than Skylar. Everything was neatly put away and organized, but she had toys everywhere. There were pictures on the wall of Camdyn at every stage of her short life. She still looked exactly like her baby pictures.
“Why is there so much food in this bag?”
“The rest is for Cam.”
“I told you she was asleep. You didn’t have to do that,” Sky fussed, joining me in the living room with her food.
“It’s no sweat. Save it for later.”
Skylar shook her head before digging in. I was nervous but watching her avoid eye contact because she didn’t know what to say calmed me.
“You lied to me. I’m hurt.”
“What did I lie about?”
“My party.”
The heavy lashes that shadowed her cheeks flew up. A dead giveaway as I shook my head. “Gi and Tyson want to do this for you.”
“This isn’t about me, or it wouldn’t be a party.”
“They want to celebrate you. Is that so bad?”
“It will be for them if I stay my ass at home.”
“They’ve worked hard, and so have I. Smiling and having fun for a few hours won't kill you. You can go back to being a hermit when your birthday is over,” Skylar fussed between bites of her food.
“Only if you come.”
“I’ll be working, but I’ll be there, Macklen.”
“Then I guess I’ll have something to smile about.”
“Mommy!” A high-pitched voice came stumbling into the living room, rubbing her eyes. They looked so much alike. I’m sure Sky’s baby pictures were identical to Cam- a round face that housed chubby cheeks, slanted eyes, and caramel skin.
“Come on, boo. Let’s go back to bed.” Skylar scooped the mini version of her into her arms and kissed her chubby cheek.
“Who’s that?” She asked, pointing her tiny finger at me from Skylar’s arms. She froze, unsure how to explain my being here to her four-year-old, so I saved the day again.
“I’m mommy’s friend, Mack.”
“Hi, Mack.”
“Mommy got hungry, so Mr. Mack was nice and brought me food.”
“I want some!” Camdyn erupted, and I smiled, causing Skylar to roll her eyes. I didn’t know much about kids, but they always wanted what an adult had.
“You’re going back to bed.”
“But, mommy!”
“Fine, you can eat it in your room.”
“You said I can’t eat in my room.”
“Tonight, you can. Now get,” Skylar put Cam down and tapped her butt, “Go to your room. I’ll bring it to you.”
