Page 2 of Skylar

Ignoring the duffle bag of her belongings that Emmett had dropped off, Skylar went to her bedroom to prepare her uniform and pack her suitcase. She’d need to pack more than usual since it was a multi-day trip.

Once everything was prepped, she went through her nighttime routine, then crawled into bed even though it wasn’t very late. The info Denise had sent included the time when she had to be at the airport, and since she didn’t like to be rushed in the morning, she needed to go to bed at a reasonable time.

At pre-departure the next morning, Skylar stood with the rest of the flight crew, preparing to greet the clients who were coming aboard the private jet. Though she was young, she had achieved seniority because of her experience and popularity, which meant she had a place right next to the co-pilot. Jack stood nearest the door, dressed neatly in the company pilot uniform.

“Good morning,” Skylar said with a smile as she shook the hand of the first person to board the plane.

After they’d greeted each passenger, the pilots returned to the cockpit while Skylar and the other attendant went into the large cabin of the plane. Not every company plane required two attendants, but depending on the length of the flight and the number of passengers, there could be two of them serving the cabin.

All too soon, they were preparing for takeoff, and once they had reached altitude, she was up off her seat to take drink requests. That day, most of the passengers wanted coffee or tea, but occasionally there were flights where people wanted an alcoholic drink.

Slipping into professional mode was easy, and, in fact, a relief. Professional Skylar hadn’t just been dumped by her boyfriend. Professional Skylar didn’t have a duffle bag ofassorted personal effects that her ex had returned to her sitting on her coffee table. Professional Skylar didn’t have any personal problems.

As usual, her friendly approach to the clients on the plane brought a similar response from them. She was in her element, and very glad for it.

Three days later, she was back in Las Vegas, eager to get to her apartment. As much as she’d enjoyed the distraction of the flights and spending time in some nice cities, she was also ready to be home.

She had a couple of days off, with no firm agenda of activities planned. For the past six months, Emmett had been with her nearly every day that their schedules allowed, which was most of the time.

But now she was alone.

I like it that way.

However, no matter what she might tell herself, the quiet was heavy as she stepped into her apartment.

Standing just inside her door, Skylar pulled out her phone and sent a text to Denise.

Back from the triple. If you need me for any further shifts on my days off, just let me know. I’ve got no plans.

She slid her phone into her pocket, then carried her bag into her bedroom to empty it out. It didn’t take long to put everything in its place. Dirty clothes into the hamper. Shoes onto the rack in her closet. Makeup bag onto the counter in the bathroom.

Though she had appreciated the distraction of the trip, she was also glad to be back in her apartment. Her sanctuary. Her haven.

She’d spent time and money decorating it the way she wanted to, using the interest she’d once had in interior design to create a cozy home for herself. She might not have everything she’d once thought she’d have at this point in time, but she’d built a life for herself that she cherished.

Once her bag was unpacked and she’d changed into her comfy clothes, Skylar made her way to the kitchen to get herself something to eat and drink. She eyed the wine bottle in the fridge, but passed it over, choosing instead to grab one of her fancy bottles of water.

She was in the process of trying to figure out what to make for her supper when the alert for a video chat sounded on her phone. Usually the only person who wanted to chat with her via video was her mom, so it didn’t surprise her to see that was whose name was on the call request.

“Hi, Mom,” she said as her mom’s face filled the screen. When she saw a serious expression on her mom’s face rather than her usual cheery smile, Skylar clutched her phone more tightly. “What’s wrong?”

Her mom didn’t reply right away, making Skylar’s heart sink. “Just rip the band-aid off, Mom.”

“So over the past few weeks, Shiloh has been having some health issues,” her mom began, then paused again.

Skylar’s breath caught in her lungs. Most days, she was able to not think about the child she’d given birth to, except in passing. However, it was as if her body knew that she was receiving bad news about something that had once been a part of her.

“What’s wrong with her?”

“After doing some testing, they’ve discovered she has cancer.”

“What?” Skylar felt like she’d been punched in the gut. “Cancer?”

She reached out to grip the counter, the bite of the sharp edge into her palm mirroring the sharp pain she felt in her heart. Her head spun as she struggled to draw breath into her lungs.

“How sick is she?”

“She’s… not well, but she has a good chance of recovery with several treatment options available.”

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