Within limits because…ew. Who wanted to hear about their brother’s sex life?
When she was done, she was crying again and felt even more emotionally drained, but talking with her friends definitely helped.
They each came over–sitting on either side of her–and hugged her. It was the best medicine.
Well, that and the coffee.
“So what happens now?” Lea asked quietly.
“I don’t know,” Skye told her. “I’ll get over it. Over him. I don’t have a choice. It’s just going to take some time.” Straightening, she looked at Josie. “I’m sorry I kept this from you. In the beginning–well, the recent beginning–I really was just hanging out with him because I wanted to help him. I never expected things to turn into what they did.”
“But maybe you secretly hoped?” Josie asked quietly.
Why deny it? “Yeah, I secretly hoped. I’ve always secretly hoped. And you know what? It was still the best relationship I’ve ever had. I love him.” She wiped away some tears. “I know it’s been less than twenty-four hours, but…I ache for him. I’ve never felt like this and I don’t know how to move on, but I promise you that I will.”
Her friends both nodded.
“And please promise me, Jos, that you’re not going to let this get awkward for us or for you and Elliott. I would hate if things were strained between the two of you. As it is, I hate that you’re in the middle of it now.”
“Yeah, um…sorry,” Lea interjected.
“No, you were right to do this,” Skye reassured her. “It was killing me to be sneaking around and not telling you. I just thought when you found out it was going to be because Elliott was going to tell your whole family that his embargo was over because we were in love.” She wiped tears away again as she let out a mirthless laugh. “Pretty stupid of me, huh?”
“You’re not stupid,” Josie told her, hugging her close. “I’m so sorry he hurt you.”
“I hurt myself,” she admitted. “I knew the risks and I chose to ignore them, so…this is totally on me.”
“What do we do now?” Leanna asked.
“The bagels and coffee were a good start,” Skye said. “But any chance you brought some icing?”
Lea grinned as she grabbed her giant purse and reached inside. When she pulled out a container, she handed it to Skye. “As if I’d come unprepared.”
The last thing Elliott expected when he pulled up to his house late Monday night was to see Josie’s car in his driveway. He had specifically worked late because he needed the distraction and stared at codes on the screen until he couldn’t see straight. Why would she show up like this?
His first reaction was that Skye must have told her about them, but…they pretty much swore not to tell anyone, so…
Muttering a curse, he pulled in beside her and prayed there was nothing seriously wrong and this was just his sister coming to hang out.
Pasting a smile on his face, he climbed from the car at the same time Josie did. “Hey! What brings you by?”
“Oh, you know,” she said, smiling, “I worked late and was on my way home and thought I’d swing by and say hello!”
It seemed plausible, so he went with it.
“As you can see, I worked late too.” They walked to the front door and then into the house. “Have you eaten?”
“I had a yogurt and a cupcake,” she said with a small laugh. “It’s not an ideal dinner, but it was good.”
He shook his head. “Do you ever sit down for a real meal?”
“Only if it’s delivered.”
“I was going to order a pizza,” he lied. Honestly, he was going to come home and go to sleep because he hadn’t slept at all the night before.
“Ooh…I would totally be down for that! Can we get pepperoni and mushrooms?”
“I hate mushrooms.”
“So don’t get them on your half,” she countered with a grin before walking into the kitchen and helping herself to something to drink.
Within minutes he had their dinner ordered and accepted a bottle of water from her before collapsing on the couch.
“Any offers on the house?” she asked.
“Um…not yet.”
“Really? That’s odd. I would have thought this place would have sold the day it hit the market.”
It probably would have if he had been more agreeable with the real estate agent and actually let her bring people by to look at the place.
But he hadn’t.
“Yeah, well…people are picky.”
“How many couples have they brought through? Are you asking too much?”
He shook his head. “I think the price is fair.”
“So what are people saying? What kind of feedback are you getting?”
Ugh…his sister was like a dog with a bone sometimes.
“I haven’t really had any feedback because…” He groaned. “I haven’t let them bring anyone through.”
Josie’s eyes went wide. “But…that’s just stupid, El. Why would you list the house and then not let anyone see it?”
Good question.
“I’ve been working a lot and haven’t had a chance to do all that…you know…staging stuff. It’s not like I’m in a rush or anything.”
“A month ago you seemed like you were. Having second thoughts?”
Second. Third. And fourth.
“No. Not really.” Another lie. “Enough about me, what’s going on with you? Everything set for Nana and Pops’ anniversary party?”
Her whole face lit up as she got more comfortable. “This party is going to be amazing! We’ve got a videographer working on some of the old home movies and slides and making them into a video presentation. Mom and Dad suggested it, and I knew a guy, so I took care of that. Patricia finalized the menu and it’s outstanding! She even got some of Nana’s recipes and worked on them with her so we’re going to be having her homemade ravioli and her meatballs. I am psyched about that!”
With a yawn, he nodded.
He could feel Josie’s eyes on him and he couldn’t bring himself to look directly at her.
“You must be working on a big project or something.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because you look like shit,” she said bluntly. “You shouldn’t work so hard. It’s not good for you.”
“Yeah, well…it’s not like I’ve got anything else to do with my time.” Now he did look up at her. “With the embargo and all.”
“Oh, stop. You and I both know the embargo has nothing to do with this and it hasn’t for a long time. It was just a little…creative encouragement to get you to explore some other aspects of your life. And you know, for the last few months, you were really thriving.”
“Thriving?” he asked with a small snort. “That’s a good one.”
“It’s true! You looked good! You were laughing and smiling and seemed genuinely happy!” She took a sip of her water and studied him. “Who knew joining a basketball league would be so invigorating, huh?”
He had a feeling she knew more than she was letting on, but he was afraid to comment on it.
“I’m working with Tyler on a fundraiser event for his company and he noticed how much happier you’ve been too,” she went on. “Any other hobbies you’ve taken on?”
Shaking his head, he said, “Nope. Just getting out more with the guys.”
“Hmm…I can understand that. I know I’m always in a better frame of mind when I get to hang out with the girls more. Especially when it’s not work-related.”
Elliott nodded.
“Actually, Lea, Skye, and I were just talking today about finding time for a girls' getaway–you know, checking the calendar and seeing when we’re free. I’m thankful for how great business has been, but I would kill for a weekend away.” She paused and took another sip of water. “When was the last time you got away for the weekend, El?”
Okay, that was too much of a coincidence and he knew he wasn’t going to breathe easy until they put the ca
t-and-mouse conversation aside.
“Something you want to know, Josie?” he asked, his voice gruff.
Her expression was mildly amused. “Something you want to share, Elliott?”
God, she was such a pain in the ass.
They were at a standoff, and as much as he normally enjoyed this kind of banter with his sister, he just didn’t have it in him tonight. Hell, if she weren’t here, he’d be in bed asleep right now. So he yawned again and took another drink.
“What would you think of me going out with Tyler?” she asked casually.
“Considering you just told me you’ve been working with him on the fundraiser, I’m guessing you’ve already gone out with him.”
Josie let out a low laugh before leaning forward slightly. “I meant on a date. Like a romantic date. Possibly having sex with him.”
“Josie…”
“Like would you want to know? Obviously not the specific details or anything because that would be weird, but would you want to know that we were involved?”
Elliott hung his head and sighed.
“I always thought you and I were close, but…would it be totally weird to think of me being involved with like…your best friend?” She shook her head and took a sip of water. “Although, to be fair, he’s kind of my friend too. Not a best friend, but…close enough. So maybe it wouldn’t be weird since…you know…he’s my friend too.”
“Why are you like this?” he murmured.
Luckily, they were saved by the bell and neither had to answer or continue this ridiculous conversation for a few minutes while he got their dinner from the delivery guy and then set it up on the coffee table. Josie grabbed plates and napkins and when she sat back down, she was grinning from ear to ear.
“Want to watch some TV while we eat?” she asked.
“Yes. Please,” he growled and tossed the remote at her.
“Touchy, touchy,” she hummed and tsk-tsked. “I don’t know why you’re so grouchy.”
And that was it. Tossing his pizza down, he jumped to his feet. “Obviously, you know exactly why I’m so grouchy, so can we please cut the crap already? You want to make me feel bad? Fine! I feel bad! I feel horrible!” he shouted as he stalked away from her.
Rather than respond right away, Josie took a bite of her pizza and then took her sweet time chewing.
And gently blotted her mouth with a napkin.
And then took another sip of water.
Elliott was pretty certain his head was going to explode.
“Tell me, Elliott, do you feel bad for keeping such a big secret from me? Or the fact that you lied to our entire family who essentially forbade you from getting involved with anyone?”
“You know what, Josie? Neither,” he said firmly. “No one had the right to forbid me to do anything. I’m a grown man, not a child. And as for keeping a secret from you, don’t make me laugh. You’ve kept plenty of secrets from me and I never–never!–put the guilt trip on you like this!”
Her eyes went wide. “What secrets have I ever kept from you?” she demanded. “This I’ve got to hear.” Then she crossed her arms over her chest and waited.
“There was the time when you snuck out to see Pearl Jam when we were in high school,” he smugly reminded her. “And I was a fan of their music first!”
She rolled her eyes. “I would have told you, but you were such a goody-goody that I knew you would have ratted me out to Mom and Dad and I wouldn’t have been able to go!”
“Still a secret…”
“Oh, please. Elliott, you cannot compare a concert to sneaking around for months with Skye! You just can’t!”
If he weren’t so damn tired, maybe he could argue it with her, but…he couldn’t.
Hell, he shouldn’t because she was right.
He hung his head in defeat. “I know,” he said quietly before sitting back down.
“Well, shit,” she replied, tossing her own pizza down. “I thought you’d be a little more…I don’t know…defiant. I was really looking forward to fighting this out with you.” She sighed. “Now it just feels like I’m kicking a puppy.”
“I deserve to be kicked.” Head back, arm thrown over his eyes, he let out a long breath. “Go ahead, kick me.”
“I’m not going to kick you, Elliott. That’s ridiculous.”
“No, I’m serious. It’s the least I deserve. Just do it.”
“I’m not…”
“Just do it!”
“Elliott…”
“Oh, my God! Would you just…ow!” Sitting up straight, he looked up at Josie who was standing beside him. “You kicked me!”
“You told me to!”
Leaning forward, he rubbed his shin. “That really hurt.” Then he looked at her feet. “Are you wearing steel-toed boots or something?”
“Nope. Just knew where to hit for maximum effect.” She smiled proudly. “I took a couple of self-defense classes and learned that. Glad to see it really works.”
“I’m probably going to have a bruise there.”
“And you deserve it.” Then she sat beside him, resting her head on his shoulder. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry about the whole embargo thing. We never should have done that to you. Especially that day.”
He shrugged. “I understand why you did.”
“Yeah, but…that really wasn’t cool, and we put more pressure on you than you deserved so…I’m sorry.”
Elliott rested his head against hers. “Thanks.”
They sat like that in companionable silence for several minutes before Josie let out a soft sigh. “You going to be alright?”
“Eventually.”
She straightened. “Elliot…”
“Hey,” he said softly, taking one of her hands in his and squeezing it. “I got through being dumped at my high school graduation, being cheated on in college, finding my fling making out with an Elvis impersonator, and being left at the altar. I’ll get over this too.”
“And what is this?” she quietly asked.
He stared at her. “What do you mean?”
“Well, all of those events were easily summed up. How would you sum this one up?”
Good question.
It wasn’t until much later when he was alone in bed that Elliott realized how he would describe what he and Skylar had.
Perfect.
Chapter 14
When you realize your self-worth you’ll stop giving people discounts.
Unknown
“And you’re sure you’re okay with this?”
“I’m sure I’m okay with this.”
“Because if it’s too much, you know I’ll go.”
“I know you will, but it’s completely unnecessary.”
Skye let out a long breath and looked around the office. “I feel bad dumping this on you.”
“You’re not dumping anything on me,” Leanna assured her. “We agreed a month ago that this was going to be the plan. Josie walked me through everything, you’ve walked me through everything, and honestly, I have handled some events on my own so I’m not completely clueless.”
“No one thinks you’re clueless, Lea. I just feel bad because you have that huge cake order for Enchanted Bridal’s expo.”
But Lea waved her off. “It’s not a big deal. I’m bringing all the cupcakes and display pieces over tonight and then tomorrow I’ll bring the cakes and get them set up.”
“It’s three wedding cakes, Lea. How can you do all of that and Josie’s grandparents’ party? It’s not possible!”
“I have my girls coming to assist me and we’ll be fine.” She gently grasped Skye by the shoulders and spun her around before giving her a playful shove toward the door. “Now go home and relax. We’ve got this under control.”
It felt wrong to be leaving like this, but…
“Okay. But promise me you’ll call if you need me.”
“I will.”
“I’m serious, Lea! I’m totally fine seeing Elliott. It’s been a month and…I’m good.
Better than good,” she said with false bravado. “Let him see me and eat his heart out.”
“Yes, I’m sure he would, but it will have to happen another time. Go and I’ll call you on Sunday and tell you how everything went, okay?”
It took her almost another hour before she made it out the door, and once she did, Skye had no idea what to do with herself. They had blacked out this weekend for any other events and the Enchanted Bridal Expo was something they accepted simply because they loved the girls there and they were in a pinch.
Now, with nothing but a free weekend ahead of her, she had to try to muster up some enthusiasm to find something to do.
At home, Skye did laundry, made herself some chicken stir-fry for dinner, took a long hot bath, and read before crawling into bed. It was far from an exciting evening, but…it had been the story of her life since her breakup with Elliott.
She meant what she told Leanna earlier–she could handle seeing him now. It wouldn’t be easy, and she’d probably feel more than a little regret at the loss of their friendship more than anything–but she knew she could see him without bursting into tears and needing to lock herself away for days to recover. She never believed in the whole time heals all wounds thing, but she was finding that it was true.
Sucky, but true.
Josie kept asking if she was ready to date again, and Leanna kept asking if she was okay. Most days her answer to both was no, but lately Skye felt like maybe it was time to start dating again. It was probably the only thing that was going to get her to move on so…maybe one night next week she’d shock her friends and suggest they have a girls’ night out.
The thought made her smile. It had been far too long since they’d done that–just the three of them, and with nothing else on the agenda except having some fun and seeing if some good-looking guys would buy them some drinks.
Rolling onto her side, she got comfortable and smiled. The look on Josie and Lea’s faces would be comical, and she almost couldn’t wait to spring it on them. Maybe they could try someplace new to be certain they wouldn’t run into Elliott and Tyler.
The Engagement Embargo: A Meet Me at the Altar Novel Page 19
