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“No,” she breathes, shaking her head.
“Look, Sky… What you just walked into… I can’t imagine how you’re feeling right now,” I exhale. “If you need to scream, cry, curse my brother to the pits of hell, or vent about what a narcissistic asshole he is, I’ll listen and not say a word. I just want you to know that you’re not alone.”
A small chuckle falls from her lips, I’m assuming from my “pits of hell” comment. I already miss her smile as her face falls, returning to a somber expression.
“Thank you,” she whispers. “I really just want to get out of here, though.”
“Okay,” I nod.
She’ll talk when she’s ready, Everett. Give her the space she needs.
“I need to make a quick stop by the wedding venue first. My cousin already texted me five times asking about when we’re dropping everything off,” I sigh. “I just want to get the decorations out of our hands, so we don’t have to worry about them anymore. Are you okay with that?”
“Yes,” she mutters. “I want to stay in the truck, though. I don’t want to get out or see anyone.”
“Of course,” I nod. “I’ll make it fast,” I assure her before shifting the truck into drive and leaving this hotel for good.
I decide to keep my plan to myself for now because I don’t want to give Skylar a chance to talk me out of it. All I know is that after our experiences the past two nights, the last place we’re sleeping tonight is another hotel room. At this point, I wouldn’t care if I ever stayed in another hotel again.
I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure Skylar’s far removed from the shit show we just walked into. I can’t help but eye her phone as it rests in the cup holder. It’s only a matter of time until Elliot calls her with his sob story. And when he does, I want to be the one to answer, so I can threaten to cut his balls off if he calls her again.
Thankfully when we arrive at the venue, the caterers delivering tablecloths and chairs are the only people there. They work around me as I make multiple trips, delivering the seven-foot arbor and boxes of decorations. After I finish carrying in the last box, I take a seat at an empty table near the back of the room as I dial my mom’s number. I might as well get this over with while Skylar’s in the truck.
Mom answers on the first ring in her usual, chipper tone.
“Hey, honey! I was just about to call you. How’s the trip going?”
I run a hand through my hair, inhaling a sharp breath.
“Hey, Mom,” I exhale. “It’s uh… it’s been an eventful day to say the least. We actually just arrived at the venue and dropped everything off.”
“Oh, good!” she squeals. “I’m glad you two made it here safely. I know it’s an exhausting drive. How’s Skylar doing?”
Not good. Not good at all.
“She’s uh… she’s not doing well, Mom,” I answer honestly.
“What?” She gasps. “What do you mean she’s not doing well? What happened?”
“Call your son and ask him,” I reply, rubbing a palm against my jaw.
“Iamspeaking to my son,” she says sternly.
“Your other son,” I clarify.
“What is going on, Everett? Is Skylar sick?”
“No, she’s just devastated,” I trail off, shaking my head. “And Elliot is the sole reason for that. Call him and make him admit what he did. Don’t let him off the hook either. For once in his life, he needs to learn to take responsibility.”
I know all too well how Elliot can be.He’s never owned up to a damn thing in his entire life.
“Oh my God,” Mom mumbles under her breath. “What did he do now?” She also knows how Elliot can be.We all do.
“Just call him, Mom,” I rasp, swallowing down the lump in my throat before continuing.
“Skylar and I won’t be at the wedding, and I won’t budge on that. I just… I need to get her out of here. I don’t have time to explain it all to you, but you’ll understand once you know everything.” A beat of silence passes before she speaks.
“Okay,” she croaks. “I’ll let the family know that there’s been an emergency and you can’t make it.” Her voice cracks with each word.
