Page 104 of Always

Skye is far from perfect. She’s headstrong, stubborn, and impulsive.

She’s also intelligent, beautiful, and creative.

And though she’s not perfect…

I’ve come to realize that she’s perfect for me.

Ending my relationship with her was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done. I don’t regret it, of course. It was necessary at the time. But I’m thrilled that we’ve worked it out.

Skye knocks softly and then enters. “Hey.”

“I’m almost finished,” I say.

“Great. I’m going to go see Tessa. She should be home by now. Her mom’s going to stay at her place for a while, but I want to see her before we leave.”

I nod. “Be back in two hours. That’ll give us enough time to get to the airport.”

“I will.” She grabs her phone. “Just going to catch an Uber.”

“No need. A car’s waiting downstairs for you.”

“Is Christopher back?”

“No. I ordered a car today in case we needed one, and it turns out we do. I’d go with you, but I need to finish up this document.”

“It’s okay. I understand. I don’t want to overwhelm her.”

“You think I’d overwhelm her?”

“Braden, you overwhelm everyone.”

The left side of my mouth twitches slightly. I’m trying not to smile.

Skye laughs. “You try so hard to be stoic all the time. Why? Let yourself go, Braden!”

“You sound like Tessa,” I say.

“Yes, I do. And she has a point. Let it out! Let yourself laugh! For God’s sake, I’m right, and you know it. You do overwhelm everyone. It’s who you are. Love yourself for who you are. Let it out!”

This time I allow a smile to form. “Oh, Skye,” I say. “You don’t want me to let it out.”

“Of course I do. Be happy!”

“I am happy. You know that. I’m happier than I’ve ever been with you.”

“That’s not what I mean, though I’m really glad about that. What I mean is that life sucks sometimes. We’ve had a few rough times. But we’re back together. Tessa’s going to be okay. Life is good, Braden. Enjoy it.”

“You really want me to let myself go?”

“Yes. I really do.”

“Are you sure? Because I’m not sure you know what you’re asking for.”

Skye has no idea how dark I can actually go. I keep myself in check—as much for myself as for her. Because the darkness I crave isn’t good for either of us. When I’ve allowed myself to go there, there’s always a small part of me that never returns.

“Maybe I don’t know what I’m asking for,” she tells me. “Most of what you’ve shown me has been new to me. But I love you, Braden, and I’m willing to go wherever you want.”

I gaze at her. “We’ll see about that when we get to New York.”

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