Page 80 of Love You From Afar

“I would offer up some cliché apology, but we both know that doesn't do shit for someone who’s going through it. So, I’m just going to ask… Are you okay? I… I can’t even begin to imagine how you’re feeling.”

I nod my head as if to silently say,I’m more than okay.

“Yeah, I’m okay,” I breathe out. “I’m sad, but not for the reasons you would expect. I’m disappointed that it took me this long to realize that Elliot never truly cared about me, at least not in the way that a partner should. I’m sad that I’ve wasted so much time. I hate that I let my fears and insecurities control my life. I hate myself for the hell I put Everett through. But I don't miss Elliot. I’m not heartbroken or even sad that he cheated on me. I guess I’m more relieved than anything. Walking in on him balls deep in another woman saved me from spending the rest of my life with him.”

I exhale a deep breath, running a hand through my hair.

“So yeah,” I sigh. “My feelings are all over the place right now, but I’m okay. And as fucked up as it may sound, I’m happy here with Everett. Happier than I’ve been in years.”

“Then that’s all that matters to me,” she immediately replies. “I’ve had my doubts about Elliot for a long time, you know that. I haven’t necessarily been shy about how I can’t stand his arrogant and controlling personality,” she scoffs. “But sometimes we have to realize things on our own, and that’s okay. At the end of the day, I love you and just want you to be happy.”

“I know,” I whisper, my voice barely audible. I lift my knuckle to the corner of my eye, wiping away a stray tear. “I love you too, sis,” I choke out.

Kara clears her throat, making an awkward coughing sound. Tears and sentimental conversations haveneverbeen her thing. She prefers to use humor and sarcasm to deal with painful situations, and I kind of love her for that. I’ve never met someone who can laugh at themselves as often as she does. It’s a trait that I’ve always envied.

“So, two things now that we’ve gotten the hard part out of the way,” she quips, “time for a reality check. Number one, I’ve always thought Everett was the hotter brother. And number two, I will happily kick Elliot’s ass if you want me to. I may be small, but I will chop off his micropenis if you ask me to.”

My head thumps against the headboard as I arch my neck, my chest rumbling with laughter. The fact that she just referred to Elliot’s dick as micropenis has me rolling.

“That reality check was very much needed,” I chuckle, shaking my head. “Thank you for that, sis.”

“Anytime,” she laughs.

Everett’s deep voice booms down the hall, pulling me from our conversation.

“Sky,” he hollers, “Breakfast is ready.” The deep bravado sends a familiar heat down my spine.

“Wowww,” Kara hums. “He rented you a cozy cabin in the mountainsandhe cooks? You really upgraded overnight, didn’t you?”

I chuckle at her sarcasm, rolling my eyes. “I’m gonna go eat breakfast now.”

“Yes, definitely,” she quips. “I’m sure you need to fuel up for all thephysical activityyou two are doing.”

“Goodbye, Kara,” I croon, thankful she can’t see my flushed cheeks. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Use protection,” she rushes out in a smug tone. “Love you, byeee—”

My breath hitches as a thought occurs to me.

“Wait,” I say, cutting her off, hoping she hasn't already ended the call.

“Yeah?” I sigh a breath of relief at her response.

“This thing between me and Everett… We’re obviously trying to figure it out,” I exhale. “We haven’t talked about what we are or what’s going to happen when we get back to Dallas… We’re just enjoying being together right now. So just keep this between us, okay? I don’t want Mom and Dad freaking out or asking me a million questions.”

“Of course,” she replies. “Always, sis.”

“Thanks,” I breathe out, my lips tilting up in a soft smile. “Love you.”

TWENTY-THREE

Skylar

“I can’t believe this is our last night here,” I whisper as Everett traces the curve of my shoulder with his fingertip.

“Don’t remind me,” he rasps, his gravelly voice vibrating against my skin.

My back is resting against Everett’s chest, my body encased between his strong legs. We’re sitting in a clawfoot tub in the middle of the wood-paneled bathroom. The only illumination in the room comes from a few candles perched on top of the sink and twinkle lights outlining the square window. The warm glow casts an amber hue across the glossy wooden floors. Midnight blue shadows cascade through the window, highlighting the sleepy mountains in the distance. The night sky peaks behind hazy clouds, moonlight shimmering through the wispy fog.

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