Page 23 of Take Me to the Valley

I’m not sure how I missed her walking in.

“Any chance you know when I‘ll be able to go home?” I ask.

“The surgeon will check on you tomorrow and sign off then. Your doctor has to sign off, too. It could be as soon as tomorrow night, but most likely, the next day.”

“Let me think about it,” I say to Cody because going two more days without seeing her is a bit too much.

“Okay, Mom will be calling soon, so you can ask her when you talk. Are you still okay with Calista staying with you and helping?”

Fuck, the thought of having Calista under my roof and in my space has given me some very inappropriate thoughts, especially with her brother sitting a few feet away. I haven't let myself think too much about it.

“Yeah, better someone I know and trust than some stranger,” I say.

“You know there are plenty of people who would do it, all of whom we trust. She is just the most qualified, but if you aren't comfortable…”

I interrupt him. “I'd rather have her,” I say rather too quickly.

Cody pauses and stares at me with a questioning look, but doesn't say anything. I don't want to let him know how much I like being around Calista. Growing up, Cody made it crystal clear that his sister was off limits to everyone. We even beat up a few kids who thought they could sneak around that rule and use Cody to get close to her.

Because of this, I never told Cody how I felt about her. My friendship with Cody means everything to me. So, I will do what I did then and lock the feelings up. I won't let my mind wander down the what ifs for too long. At least I will try.

“Okay, I think it's the best choice. I know I will worry less with her there to help you out,” he says.

I cringe. Maybe he should worry more. I sure do. But it's just a few weeks, and I will keep the wall up. It won't be a big deal.

Just then, his phone goes off, and he checks it before turning to me. “Ready to video chat with Skye?”

“Yeah,” I say, and he helps me sit up and put on a sweater to hide the bandages over my shoulder before he calls her and hands me the phone.

“Daddy!’ Skye giggles and keeps glancing off screen.

“What are you doing, princess?” I ask.

She pushes some buttons on the screen, and the phone flips around, showing off a massive blanket fort in Cody's parents' living room.

“Uncle Colt and Uncle Kaiden helped build a fort! Want to see inside?” She’s almost bouncing with excitement to show me.

“Of course I do. I think that's bigger than any fort we ever built as kids,” I say.

“Oh, it is!” Colt calls from the background.

Skye giggles and walks inside the fort. The first thing I see is Calista in sweatpants and a shirt that molds to her curves, her hair in a messy bun. She sees Skye and smiles.

“Look, we are going to have a movie nightinthe fort!” she says. Then she turns the phone to show me the TV that has been put in the makeshift fort.

“Wow, I'm so jealous. That's better than any fort I've built,” I say as the camera flips back to her face.

“Calista is going to braid my hair and paint my nails. After we have popcorn,” Skye says, slipping back out of the fort and sitting on the couch that's been pushed out of the way. When can I come see you?” Her voice is much more serious now.

I glance over at Cody, and he shrugs.

“Well, since it's the weekend tomorrow, maybe you can come and visit then,” I say.

“Calista said she'd take me,” Skye says.

“Mom wants to clean, and Dad needs to mow the yard,” Cody whispers, letting me know why they won't bring her.

“Sounds like a plan. I can't wait to see you.” Even though I’m trying to listen while she keeps talking, all I can think about is seeing Calista tomorrow.

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