Page 20 of In The Dark
“No, and both of those things sound like a nightmare. I separate my personal and professional lives for a reason.”
“You have to admit his dad is hot, though. In a nerdy, accountant kind of way.”
“Because heisan accountant.”
“Who knew khakis could be sexy?” Skyler joins me on the bed and rests her head on my shoulder. “What happened today?”
“Molly came by while my kids were at music class and told me she saw Brian’s car at school today.”
“Brian? As in, your ex-boyfriend Brian?”
“That’s the one.” I frown. “I looked for his car in the parking lot, but I couldn’t find it.”
“Is she sure it was him?”
“I mean, I didn’t ask for proof. She’s met him and seen him drop off lunch for me in the past, so she’d know what he looks like. Knowing he was there creeps me out.”
“Hm.” Skyler drums her fingers on the sheets between us. “Any chance he’s seeing someone else at your school?”
“Unless it’s Phyllis, the librarian, chances are slim. The girl he cheated on me with is a bartender.”
“Definitely weird then. Was there anything on your car when you finished for the day? A note? Something you left at his place?”
“No.” My gut twists. I’m so confused, and that takes up residence in my stomach again. “We haven’t talked in weeks. Why is he hanging around?”
“I bet he’s trying to be a dick and intimidate you. Do you want me to come be your volunteer for the day tomorrow and keep an eye out for him?” she offers. “I’d be great as an undercover cop.”
“I appreciate it, but it’ll be okay. You have my location, so if things go off the rails and he kidnaps me, you’ll be able to track me down.”
“I would kick hisassif he touched you. I’d put my heel right through his chest. Maybe I’d step on his face.”
“See? This is why you’re my best friend. Because you’re a total badass.” I pat her hand. “Are you coming home tonight? Or are you meeting up with Dustin again?”
“Did he ask me to sleep over tonight? Maybe. Is it anything more than sex? Absolutely not.”
“Permission to say something you might not like?” I ask. “As your best friend?”
“Granted, but only for twenty seconds,” she answers, and I laugh.
“There’s nothing wrong with enjoying time with someone. If men are allowed to sleep with half the city and not be slut-shamed for it, women should be able to do the same. But you’re also allowed to have feelings for a guy, Sky. It doesn’t mean you’re going to marry him. Just… you know. Let him cook you breakfast in the morning and hold your hand.”
“I think I might be broken, Max. Dustin is a great guy. He texts me and asks how my day is going. He bought me Taco Bell on the way home from Fright Nights the last time we hung out. He even made sure there was extra hot sauce in the bag because he knows how much I like it. On paper, he’s perfect. A stable job? His own home? A bed with a headboard?”
“Whoa. A whole ass headboard? Sweetie, you need to lock that down.”
“He has curtains, too.” Skyler giggles. “But then I think about being with the same person for the rest of my life, and I panic. We were cuddling after sex, and I felt like I needed to escape. It was… suffocating, almost. And I didn’t feel like I had a way out.”
“Have you talked to him about this?” I ask, and she’s quick to shake her head.
“God, no. A friends with benefits agreement means no feelings and no emotions. It’sjustsex. Bringing up things likethat is a surefire way for this to either tread towardserious, which I don’t want, ordisaster, which would mean not sleeping with him anymore. And I like sleeping with him more than I like sleeping with other people, so I keep my mouth shut.”
“I’m never going to tell you how to live your life, Sky. But Iamgoing to tell you that you deserve the world. Someone who treats you right, however that might look to you.”
“True, but who needs a man when I have you?” Skyler leans over and kisses my cheek before hopping off the bed. “My best friend and ride or die.”
I should be sitting here telling her about Hunter instead of my douchey ex, but I can’t find the right way to mention I went back to the haunted house to see him. No part of her wouldeverjudge me. We’ve seen each other through so many highs and lows throughout our lives, and we’ve never had any secrets.
She’d be happy for me.
