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16
Lily
“Lily! I’m so glad you came,” Skylar said when I arrived at her place after work Monday afternoon. She’d texted me during the day to ask if I could drop by and check on her progress. I’d said yes, because Linc had the kids at his place tonight, and after I’d checked in on Brynn, I drove to Skylar’s.
I followed her inside, taking note of how well she used her crutches. “You’re doing great with those.” She was clearly doing her exercises, which made me happy. Some patients became a little complacent with their recovery, which slowed it down, but if Skylar kept this up, she’d go from strength to strength fast.
She led me into her lounge room and we settled on her long couch. I instantly felt at home here. That probably had more to do with the fact I genuinely liked her, but her home was so cosy and inviting with the colour she had splashed here and there, and the plants scattered around. Not to mention, the framed prints on the wall that held a mixture of positive quotes and gorgeous artwork.
“I knew I liked you,” I said with a smile as I read one of the framed quotes. “I need to get some of these for my place.”
“They’re from a market. When I’m walking better, I’ll take you.”
“Thanks, babe.” I nodded at her hip. “How’s it all going?”
She rattled off the work she’d been doing on her rehab and the challenges she’d faced. She also detailed for me the concerns she had now she was back home and living alone. Her list wasn’t too long, though, and it contained challenges I could easily help her address.
We spent about twenty minutes going over everything, and when we were done, she exhaled a long breath and smiled. “I’m so glad I called you. I was kinda worked up over all this, but you’ve put my mind at ease that I can manage this on my own with just a little help. Thank you.”
I reached for her hand and gave it a
squeeze. “I’m just a call away, okay? Don’t hesitate to reach out.”
“I know, but I don’t want to intrude on your time when your sister is in hospital. And I know you’re busy with the kids and work.”
“Skye, it’s all good. Brynn is doing really well. I just visited her before I came here. They’ve moved her to a ward, and the doctors think she’ll likely be home by the end of the week. And even though my ex is being a dick because of King, he’s being more hands-on with the kids, so I have some free time. Also, besides all that, and besides the fact King paid me a lot of money to manage your rehab, I want you to know I’m here for you because I feel like we’re friends now.”
“Wait, go back. What do you mean your ex is being a dick because of King? Have I missed something there?”
“Oh,” I said, my mouth forming an O.
“Oh what?”
I suddenly felt a little nervous about having this conversation. I wasn’t sure if King would be down with me discussing our relationship with his sister.
She nudged me with her hand. “Spill, Lily, and don’t leave anything out.”
I made myself comfy, and as I crossed my legs, I said, “King and I are seeing each other.”
Her eyes widened as a huge smile landed on her face. “Oh my God! This is the best news! Tell me everything.”
I laughed. “Ah no. That would just be weird. He’s your brother. And honestly, I’m not sure he’d be happy to know we’re having this conversation.”
She frowned. “Why wouldn’t he be?”
“He might have preferred to tell you himself.”
“Look, I think we both know my brother isn’t a big talker. He wouldn’t give a shit that we’re having this conversation, because it saves him having it with me. But on top of that, let me just tell you one thing—King hasn’t dated for years. I think it’s probably been like seven years since he was in a relationship. You must mean something to him if he’s, umm, how do I put this without sounding crude… If he’s been back for more.” She cringed. “Sorry, that sounds awful, but that’s King.”
“Don’t be sorry. We are who we are, right?”
What she told me caused a rush of fluttery goodness in my belly. King and I hadn’t discussed past histories except for him laying down the law about me never mentioning another man to him again. I figured it wasn’t something he wanted to get into, and honestly, I wasn’t the type of woman who wanted to think about his past either. But I couldn’t deny that this new information Skylar had shared made me feel all kinds of happy.
I stayed chatting with her for another half hour before she said, “You should go. It’s not often you get a night to yourself. You need to make the most of it.”
“Yeah, I’m looking forward to a long bath with a couple of glasses of wine and no kids harassing me.”
Her brow lifted. “Are you shitting me? Wouldn’t this be the perfect night to spend with King?”
