About to walk out, I paused. “Trust me when I say this, if you so much as hint a word of this to Skye, that little help Dad gives you and Aunt Katie, will cease to exist. Aunt Katie and Tricia will be welcome to live here.” I stepped outside.
“Shay,” she cried, rushing to my side. “I’m sorry, boy. Please, I’ll never mention it again. I promise.”
My laugh was harsh, yet no regret pilfered my anger. “I made a promise to a woman once. A wonderful mother who, in eight short years, gave me love I can never forget, not in this lifetime or the next. Only, if your intention is that pure, should you be making promises, Grandma.” I left her on the porch, wide-eyed and sobbing.
“Hey, you look ready to kill a bunch of renegades, what gives?” Griffin climbed into the car and handed me the button-down shirt I’d asked him to bring with.
“I need to fuck, hard,” I growled, needing to fuck the disgusting thoughts for Skye out of me.
He chuckled. “Why do I get the feeling Ryleigh isn’t going to cut it tonight?”
I cocked a brow at him. “Because she hadn’t crossed my mind.” Truth was, she hadn’t. I swapped out my t-shirt for the shirt.
When Griffin and I landed this afternoon, Ryleigh was there to meet us at the airport. Apparently, she had some shopping in the city and decided to pick us up, saving Dad the trip. On the drive back she asked me to meet her tonight. I declined, telling her it was Skye’s prom and I needed to get home before she left. I could’ve sworn she’d attempted just about everything to delay me. From wanting to fucking pee several times on the hour trip to claiming stomach cramps. I lost my shit, shoved her into the back seat, demanded Griffin to join me upfront and raced the rest of the way.
“Brax’s brother is throwing a party for him, we can swing by if you’re up to it,” Griffin cut into my thoughts, referring to one of our friends who’d joined the service after us. He’d just graduated AIT and also returned tonight.
I didn’t say another word as my foot hit the gas. There was only one way out of this. I had to break my heart, for her sake.
If only I could soothe it instead...
15. Dancing With A Stranger – Sam Smith, Normani
Skye – 17 years; Shay29 years
As if mother nature was in sync with my mood, a light rain followed us from the house to the town hall. Fortunately, the overhang at the entrance shielded me from the drizzle. The second we entered the ballroom, Alan ditched me in favor of his football buddies.
Rolling my eyes, I walked away. I could’ve spent this time with Shay who’d just returned after a yearlong absence and here I was, about to dance with a stranger. Because that’s what Alan was, we’d never spoken prior to him asking me to prom and we had nothing in common.
A minute later, Laika found me at the refreshment table, sipping punch with my eyes scanning the room.
“Hey, bestie.”
I turned, my gaze drifting over her pale green gown that made her emerald eyes sparkle. “Wow, you look gorgeous.”
“Ditto.” She grinned, fingering my cubic zirconia tear-drop earrings. “Love these.”
