Page 57 of Bossy Mountain Daddies
Just found out yesterday. Walked in on them.
Always knew she was trash.
Each word cuts deeper than the last. He doesn't use my name, but he doesn't have to. Our mutual friends will know exactly who he's talking about. And now they'll all think I'm some desperate, pathetic woman who jumped from son to father.
I toss my phone aside and press my hands against my closed eyes. How did my life spiral into this mess? Now I’m the subject of Daniel's public humiliation campaign.
My phone buzzes with a notification. I peek through my fingers, half expecting to see more comments on Daniel's post. Instead, it's a direct message from Alicia.
"Classy, Skye. Really classy."
I throw my phone across the room, immediately regretting it when I hear the thud against the wall. I can't afford a new one if I've cracked the screen. That thought makes me laugh—a sharp, bitter sound.
What if Daniel finds out about Buck and Ford too? What if he posts about that next? I can see the post now:My ex is banging my dad AND his two best friends. #slutty #desperate #psycho
I groan and roll onto my stomach, burying my face in the pillow. It's not like that. It's not some weird revenge thing or a desperate rebound. What I have with these men is genuine. Different with each of them, but real. How could anyone understand that, though? I barely understand it myself.
I need to get my stuff from Daniel's apartment before he makes good on his threat to trash it. But I can't face him, not after this. And I can't ask Griff, Buck, or Ford to do it—that would only escalate things further. There's only one person I can trust with this.
I retrieve my phone (mercifully uncracked) and dial my cousin Gabe's number. He picks up on the third ring.
"Well, well, if it isn't my favorite cousin," he says, his voice warm and familiar.
Despite everything, I smile. "Hey, Gabe. How’s it going?"
"I’m good but you sound off, girl. What's up?"
I take a deep breath. "I need a favor. A big one."
"Uh oh. Should I be sitting down for this?"
"Daniel and I broke up." The words come out in a rush. "He cheated on me, I left town, and now he's threatening to throw all my stuff out of our apartment by Friday if I don't come get it."
"That asshole!" Gabe's voice rises. "Want me to beat him up? I've been taking taekwondo."
I hold back laughter. Gabe's a foot shorter than Daniel and about as threatening as a golden retriever puppy. "No, I need someone to go get my stuff. Mainly books, clothes, some photos, a few kitchen things. Nothing big. Can you do it? And maybe store it in your garage for a while until I figure out where I'm going next?"
There's a pause. "Of course I can. Where are you though?"
“Stuck in a little mountain town that’s on the way to Wyoming. I was on my way to see Charlotte and my car died. I’m here waiting on the parts.”
"There's more to this story, isn't there?" he asks.
"So much more," I admit. "But I can't get into it all right now. Can you help a girl out? Please?"
"You know I will. Text me the address and I'll go this afternoon. I'm off work today."
Relief washes over me. "Thank you. The key is under the potted plant to the right of the door. But... be careful. Daniel might be there with his new girlfriend."
"Seriously? What a piece of shit." Gabe's disgust is clear. "Don't worry, I'll be in and out. Just send me a text of everything you need me to get."
"You're the best, Gabe. I owe you big time."
"Just tell me the whole story someday. And come visit when you get back. Mom talks about you all the time."
After we hang up, I feel momentarily lighter. At least my belongings will be safe from Daniel's vindictive threats. I send Gabe the address and a list of the most important things to grab, then lie back on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
My relief is short-lived when, against my better judgment, I check Daniel’s post again. More comments. More people connecting the dots.
