Page 27 of Finding Emotion

“I was proud of you, Skylar,” Jami said. “With Dad, I couldn’t visit much, but you owned your recovery.”

“That’s no joke,” Erin agreed, settling into the back of the couch. “I remember following the story back then. I tracked down Damon to ask him some pointed questions, but he’s always been a choirboy.”

“He blushes prettily,” Skylar said with a smirk.

Erin flashed a matching one. “Oh yeah, he was all red when you planted one on him at that interview, chick. He said you surprised him or something?”

“I gave in to an impulse,” Skylar admitted. “We’re not a thing, despite what the press is saying.”

“Well, that’s because of all you said,” Jami reminded her. “How are you handling the backlash?”

Skylar stared down at her lap. “I’ve always got haters, Jame.”

“It’s because you rock,” Erin said.

Skylar’s gaze shifted back to her in surprise.

“Don’t let the idiots get you down. So, you hanging around my brother for a while?”

Skylar nodded. “That’s the current plan. We’ll break things off publicly sometime before we tour.”

“So there really isn’t anything between you two?” Katie asked, tilting her head as she studied Skylar.

Skylar shook her head, despite the tingling that started in her fingers when she thought about taking him inside her earlier that day. That hadn’t been about Damon himself, and if the way he’d looked at her in the suite was a sign, it had given him an interest in things she’d rather avoid. It was one reason she’d run off to see her sister, despite how late it already was and her having company over.

“I was glad you stepped in.” Erin frowned as she reached for the open beer. “That crazed-fan crap freaks him out.”

“With good reason,” Celia said quietly. “Even the investigators Trenton hired failed at identifying the person.”

Jami folded her arms over her chest. “Malcolm has been worried about the situation too.”

Skylar frowned. “Wait, it’s been going on that long?” She’d had a stalker once, but it had been during her initial bar gigs, and the cops had taken care of it after the bouncers stepped in.

“I guess he still doesn’t like to talk about it.” Erin drained her beer. The can clanged hollowly as she set it back on the coffee table.

Skylar’s mind turned over Damon’s problem as she stared vacantly at the empty can. With more details, she might have been able to help him more, as a kind of repayment for his earlier gesture. She preferred one-upping anyone who did her a favor; that way, they couldn’t cash in on an IOU later. And him giving into her need for sex had been one hell of a favor, even if he’d more than enjoyed it.

“Oh, sorry, chick.” Erin’s voice cut into her thoughts. “I didn’t mean to tempt you.”

Skylar realized what she’d been staring at. Her nose wrinkled. “Beer was never my poison.”

“Is being around alcohol a problem for you?” Katie asked.

Jami picked up the empty can. “I can get rid of it.” She headed toward the kitchen before Skylar could wave her gesture off.

“No need to tiptoe around me. I handle my shit.” Her fingers linked where they continued to dangle between her legs. Only during the panic attacks was her shit not handled. That was why she hated them so much.

“But you shouldn’t have to, not here,” Jami said.

Skylar sighed. “It’s really not a problem.” She doubted she’d ever be tempted again. “It pisses me off when people act like I’m broken or some shit.” She wanted to kick herself when Jami tensed out of the corner of her eye. “Just ignore the whole rehab thing. I told you all, it took.”

“So it wouldn’t be rude to invite you to a girls’ night later this week?” Erin asked.

Skylar lifted an eyebrow, assuming it was a pity invite.

“You should come.” Jami’s expression had smoothed when she came back into view. “You always bring the fun.”

“Sure, I’ll think about it.” Skylar wondered if the paparazzi would be too much. She’d had the limo drop her off at a bar and then slipped out the back again before heading to Jami’s place. Her sister had been through enough without the press tracking her down. There was a reason Skylar only went by her first name.

---