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ChapterEight
FELIX
Istood in the doorway of Skye’s bedroom as she frantically packed for her trip down the shore with the Parks.
“That’s why I told you to pack last night, half pint,” I said.
“Don’t rub it in!” she shrieked as she ran around her room.
“You want help?”
“No!”
I shook my head at her, but the doorbell ringing downstairs distracted me.
Skye gave me a panicked look. “I’m not ready.”
“I’ll get it.”
I walked downstairs and opened the door to find Christine Park and her daughter Sophia behind it. Christine was in her mid-thirties. She had the same tawny brown skin as her brother Ryan and kind, dark eyes. Sophia looked like her spitting image.
“Come in,” I said to them. “Skye’s still getting her stuff together.”
Sophia bounded up the steps without a word, and I shook my head.
Christine shrugged. “Teenagers. How are you doing, Felix?”
I ran a hand down my face. “Tired. You want coffee or something?”
She shook her head. “I’ll stop at Wawa on the way. You look like you could really use that vacation.”
I nodded and sat on the couch.
Once Skye left, I’d start my long drive to the Poconos. It might sound lonely, but I was looking forward to being alone with my thoughts for the week.
“Thanks for taking her this week.”
Christine squeezed my arm. “Any time. Skye’s a joy to have. I know that’s all you.”
I nodded.
“Fe, you’ve done an amazing job. Being a single parent isn’t easy, but we’re here for you and Skye.”
“I know, Chris. You’ve helped me more than you know.”
She smiled at me. “You’re a good dad. You’ll be amazing when you have your own kids.”
I grimaced. Yeah, no. I loved my sister, but raising kids was hard. I never expected I would end up raising my sister because my dad lost himself in drugs. When I told people I didn’t want kids, they acted like I was a monster.
Christine checked her watch. “Girls! Let’s get a move on!” she yelled up the stairs.
It sounded like elephants were clomping down the steps instead of two teenage girls.
“Half pint, be good for the Parks, okay?”
My sister gave me a hug. “I’ll be fine! Enjoy your vacation. You deserve it, big bro.”
Christine smiled at me, and she ushered the two girls out of the house. They ran to the car together, where Christine’s husband was sitting in the driver’s seat waiting.
