Page 8 of Burning For You

Because her brothers all were super protective of her, even when she didn’t give that much emotion back.

And when she did, it almost melted them every single time.

She wouldn’t feel guilty for using that.

Not when maybe she wanted to feel some protective arms around her.

Something that had been missing from her life for years.

Something she had never gotten before she moved in with the Lancasters.

“He will. That was nice of you. He’s been wanting to see you also.”

She sighed. “I know. I’m sorry. I know everyone wanted to help me move.”

“But you had to do it your way,” her mother said, “and your way normally means independently. It’s hard for us all to accept.”

“You’ve done a good job of it for the past decade.” She stood up and walked to the small kitchen in her one-bedroom apartment.

At eight hundred square feet it was twice the size of the place she had downstate and a fraction of the price.

She was still making the same salary as she was there...so winning!

She popped the top on a can of soda and took a swig. “Can I bring anything on Sunday for dinner?”

“Just yourself. I’ll do the cooking. There is no reason for anyone to bring anything.”

“You shouldn’t have to do it all,” she argued.

“I won’t be. Your father helps. We’ll grill. I’ll make your favorite chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting.”

“Now you’re talking my language. That’s bribery so I don’t leave before dessert.”

“That’s right,” her mother said. “I’m going to call Brenna now and see if she’s off. She’s the last of my kids to know their schedule for the weekend.”

“Wow. You might have all six of us there at once? When was the last time that happened?”

“Last year for Christmas when I talked you into coming home. Now that you’re here, I get you for all the holidays.”

She blinked her eyes, the tears gathering that she was glad no one would witness.

“You do get me for the holidays.”

“I’m so glad you’re back, Skye. I know this isn’t easy for you. The decision to return rather than visit.”

Because normally when she visited it was short and she was out of there.

Always avoiding driving by the empty lot where her family home once stood.

Not that it was much.

Nothing big. Nothing fancy. Not even pretty.

It was a small home that needed a lot of work and didn’t even have smoke detectors.

Something so simple that could have saved their lives, but that her parents never thought much of nor cared about. And paid the price with their lives.

As shitty as her home life was, the last thing she would ever wish was that.