Page 49 of Rafe

Skylar heard the male driver attempt to make conversation, noting his British accent. Though she wondered why he’d moved to Vegas, she kept her answer short.

“Not this time.” Lucky? Yeah, no. I met the love of my life. Rolled the dice. Crashed hard.

“Sometimes you’ve gotta take a chance.”

“I’m not much of a gambler. The house always wins.”

“Where’re you going?”

“Anywhere but here.”

“You okay?”

“Yeah, I just need to find a flight.” She tapped at her phone, opened a travel site and began scrolling through the airlines.

Skylar’s mind raced and she decided to call her parents to let them know she’d be arriving. She quickly switched to her phone app and scrolled to her favorite people. As her finger slid against the screen, her eyes widened as she caught sight of the name directly after her mom’s. Rafe.

“What the hell?” she mumbled under her breath. Shocked he’d enter his name into her favorites, her heart raced. A mix of warmth and regret swirled in her chest, but she refused to contact him ever again. As her finger made the final death swipe to block him, the phone rang. Mom.

“Skylar?” Her mom’s voice warmed her soul.

“Hey, mom! How’s it going?” Emotions rushed through Skylar, her voice cracking, unsuccessfully holding back her tears.

“You okay, honey? Did I wake you up? Sorry, I should’ve checked the time difference.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ve got a surprise. I’m headed home for a bit.”

“Oh baby, we’re away right now. Do you remember the code?”

“Yeah, mom.” Skylar concealed her disappointment, but she considered that it might be best to hide out in solitude, at least until she was certain she’ hadn’t been followed. “No, no, it’s okay. I’ll fill you in when you get back. Where are you guys?”

“Croatia. We’re staying in Opatija. Remember I told you about Nanny, how she was born on Cres? It’s absolutely gorgeous. We’ve been here a few weeks now. The food is to die for.”

“Sounds amazing. Can’t wait to see your pictures.”

“If you need something to eat, check the freezer. I stocked up before I left.”

“Okay Mom. I don’t want to keep you so, you have fun.”

“You’re sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah, just headed to the airport now.” She glanced to the driver. “I love you. Tell Dad I send my love.”

“Love you too! I’ll send pics soon! Bye, honey. Hugs and kisses.”

Overwhelmed with emotion, Skylar bit her lip and wiped a tear from her cheek. She’d just about kill for a hug from her mom, but she wasn’t a little kid anymore and she didn’t want her mom in danger.

Skylar returned to her flight search, finding several that would get her to Seattle. But as she went to make the purchase, her card was declined. “Mother fuck—” She glanced to the driver who appeared unnervingly silent.

Quickly she logged into her credit card account only to find it had been flagged as stolen. New cards had been issued to her home in New Orleans.

“It figures,” she muttered under her breath.

“Is everything okay?” he asked.

“Yeah, yeah,” She blew out a frustrated breath. “It seems someone lifted my card.”

“Sorry to hear that. Where are you headed?” he asked.