Page 14 of Collateral Damage

Skyla shakes her head vehemently, and I chuckle. “You mind?”

“Be my guest.”

I walk to the recliner and eat the Jell-O. The guilt is nearly drowning me, and all I can think about is hearing Jess’s voice.

No, I need to see her.

I look over at Skyla, and she’s fallen asleep again. The fruit and yogurt are nearly gone. It looks like she at least ate three-quarters of it. That’s something.

I quietly exit the room and pull my phone out of my pocket, not able to wait a minute longer.

I hit dial and wait as the nerves bounce around my abdomen.

Her voice is like silk as she answers. “Hey, you.”

“I need you.”

“Time and place, handsome.”

---