“Have you guys set a date yet?”
“No.” Lucky shook her head. “I can’t decide if we should get married before or after the babies are born.”
“I say we fly to Vegas tomorrow and just get it over with.” Zane grinned. “We could have Elvis serenade us.”
“Yeah, why not?” Lucky rolled her eyes. “Idiot.” She mumbled under her breath and winked at me. “Now let’s talk dinner. How’s about steak, herb-roasted potatoes and a big salad?”
“If I get to make the salad,” I laughed. “Or grill the steak. I have no idea how to make herb-roasted potatoes.”
“So do you like Robin?” Lucky looked at me quizzically. “Like a lot?”
“Lucky, he just met the girl. Give him a chance to get to know her before you have us at a double wedding.”
“I do think I like her.” I nodded slowly. “At least, what I know of her so far seems pretty great.”
“So this may be the first of many dates?” Lucky looked excited. “Like we could go on a double date sometime soon?”
“Slow down, there.” I laughed, and watched as Zane gave me a look as if to say ‘I told you so.’ “Let’s get through this dinner first.”
“She’s very beautiful.” Lucky stared at me. “I mean, she was a bit of a shrew, but she’s beautiful.”
“She apologized to me.” I saw them look at me in surprise. “I saw her the other day when I was running. She’s nice, nicer than that day in the restaurant.”
“It’s the waitresses these days. They think they can talk to you any way that they want.” Zane laughed as Lucky hit him in the arm. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Ass.” Lucky shook her head at him. “But I’m glad you like her. I think she seemed pretty nice.”
“Yeah. I think I’m willing to give it a chance. See where it goes.” I was surprised at the words as they came out of my mouth. I hadn’t realized until that moment that I really was interested in seeing how everything went. “I think it’s time for me to move on with my life.” I smiled at them both briefly. “Now, shall we get cooking?”
“Yes, Zane go and get the …” Lucky started talking, but I was distracted by my ringing phone.
“Excuse me.” I pulled my phone out of my pocket. “I hope that’s not Robin calling to cancel already.” I joked and then looked at the screen. All the blood drained out of my face as I saw the name flashing on my phone. It was Skylar. My heart stopped for a moment as I stared at the phone. Questions ran through my brain as I hurried out of the kitchen to answer the call.
“Hello.” I whispered into the phone, all thoughts of Robin dropping out of my mind. “Skylar, is that you?”
Chapter 7
“Skylar,” I said again, but then I heard a click and there was dead silence on the other side. I immediately tried to call the number back again, but it just rang and rang without going to voicemail. “Damn it,” I cursed under my breath. My stomach was in knots and I wasn’t sure how I was going to continue on with the night. It was like life didn’t want me to move on just yet. Maybe it hadn’t been a good idea to invite Robin over for dinner. It had been an impetuous invitation and now I was regretting it. I tried calling the number again and nearly threw my phone across the room when she didn’t answer. I was worried. I knew that she wouldn’t call me unless it was important. Unless it was a set-up. I closed my eyes and leaned against the wall, not knowing what to do. Part of me thought I should just catch a plane to Orlando and then drive to Palm Bonita and do whatever I could to get to Skylar.
“Noah,” Zane walked out of the kitchen and stared at me with a look of worry on his face. “You okay? Who was that?”
“I’m fine.” I gave him a weak smile and started to walk away from him.
“Was it Mom?” His voice sounded angry, and I shook my head as I continued walking. “Was it Mom?” His voice was louder as he followed behind me.
“No.” I turned around and looked him in the eyes. “No, it wasn’t.”
“She has your number, though?”
“Yes.” I couldn’t lie to him, even though I wanted to.
“And she calls you?” His eyes looked bleak and I didn’t want to have this conversation now, but I was angry and annoyed.
“Yes, she calls me. But I’m not talking to her anymore.”
“Well, I’m glad you have that option.” He looked angry and confused. “You’re going to have to forgive me if I’m being a jackass here, but what the f**k is going on? I really don’t understand it. Our mother won’t say jack shit to me even when I fly halfway across the world to see her. Yet she’s calling you every f**king Friday and telling you how much she loves you?”
“That wasn’t her.” I shook my head. “And she doesn’t call me often. She hasn’t called me in a while. I haven’t seen or spoken to her in over a year.”
“Why not? You’re the brother who always wanted to find her. Why haven’t you set up a big family reunion already to show me that you were right all along and dear old Mummy was back?”
“Maybe I was wrong. Maybe it was best for us not to find her.” I stared into his eyes, willing him to see and understand where I was coming from. “She doesn’t know the meaning of right and wrong, Zane. She doesn’t know what true love is. We were better off without her. We still have each other.”
“Well, she clearly wants you and her new son. What am I? Pig fat?” He walked towards the front door. “I can’t do this right now. I’m going out.”
“Wait.” I touched his shoulder. “Don’t be like that.”
“Why not?” He glared at me and brushed my hand off of him. “You’re clearly not in a talking mood.”
“I’m sorry.” I took a big breath. “And I’m really confused right now. I could really use your support right now.”
“What’s wrong?” He froze and looked at me with a worried expression. “Are you sick, Noah?”
I shook my head, unable to speak, as he stared at me with extreme love and concern. My heart swelled for the man who was my brother and best friend. The man who looked out for me even when he was hurt inside. The man I knew would do anything for me; actually, had done everything for me. And I knew that I couldn’t take the easy way out. I knew that the easy way out might make it better for me, but it would break his heart and I couldn’t do that.