When Sky Breaks: Burn & Break Duet Book 2

26. Sky

When the manyou’re supposed to be dating interrupts a moment with the man you’re not supposed to be falling for all over again, it’s time to evaluate your priorities.

“Are you all right?” Johnny asks as I stand.

Heat infuses my cheeks as I straighten my shirt like I did more than just hold August’s hand. “I’m fine. August’s mom hit her head. After I looked it over, we thought it was best to bring her here to get stitches.”

Johnny shifts in his leather shoes, pulling at the collar of his navy blue dress shirt. “Is she okay?”

“Yeah, it didn’t look too deep, but the possibility of glass being embedded was a concern.”

“Did you at least clean it with isopropyl alcohol? Those head wounds can get infected pretty quickly?—”

August stands and sighs, interrupting Johnny. “No offense, but Sky handled it. She’s good at what she does. I’d think someone like you—a doctor such as yourself—would know that about the woman you’re dating.”

Johnny bristles but restrains himself.

I bite back a grin before I chastise myself. This isn’t the place to take sides, but my chest warms at the thought of August defending me and my profession.

August meets my eyes before turning and walking toward the backend of the ER, where there’s a snack machine and coffee bar.

“Your ex. Am I right?” Johnny’s voice is tight, and I wince at his annoyed expression. “The one who hurt you so badly?”

“It’s complicated, but not what you think.”

“What I think is that we need to have a talk about us.” He scoffs and rakes his mahogany hair back with a firm hand. “And soon. You promised you’d explain everything.”

My hands shake as I place a wild hair behind my ears. “August and I have a long history and a lot to work through.”

“I have eyes, Sky, and it’s clear there’s more than just working through some history.”

I stiffen and ball my fists at my sides, but a team of doctors enter the ER doors from the outside, clearly back from lunch as a few sip from to-go cups, and one holds a carryout bag stained with grease.

“Dr. Hawk,” one of them says, coming forward to shake his hand. “How are you? I hear you’ve been wooing our cancer unit here, bringing in some promising treatments.”

Johnny’s charm switches on as he gives them a brilliant smile. “I’ve had a trick or two up my sleeve, or so they say.”

The doctors prattle on, laying on the praise rather thickly. There’s no denying Johnny’s good at his job and I’m grateful for his expertise where it concerns Foster, even as he peacocks.

“And who is this?” one of them asks, a handsome blond with twinkly brown eyes. His badge reads Dr. Decker, Surgical Unit.

Johnny places his hand on the small of my back in a display of ownership, and I let him. There’s no sense in creating a scene, although I’m far from being his piece of property. I don’t, in fact, want him to look bad here, as he’s doing good things for the hospital. I just don’t think he’s doing good things for me.

“This is Sky Winters. She’s my girl from Purdue. Mercy North.”

My forced smile must be convincing, as they all shake my hands with enthusiasm.

“A doctor, too?”

He shakes his head before kissing my temple. “Nurse. Pediatrics.”

“Right on,” Dr. Decker says, slurping from his drink. “Nice to meet you. Bet you feel real lucky to have snagged a catch like this one here.”

“Mmhmm,” is all I reply.

Since when did the patriarchy smell up the room this bad?

Soon, they realize there are places they need to be and issue goodbyes, continuing their swagger through the ER doors in the opposite direction from where they came.

Johnny removes his hand from my back and I welcome the space he gives me. His warm tone from earlier disappears. Those dark brows arch and I repress the urge to just walk out of here and face the consequences later.

“I’m booked for the next three days, but after that, we’re having dinner to discuss what happens next.”

What can I do other than agree? Now is not the time or place to hash it out with him. Not with August returning, a rather volatile expression on his face he quickly erases when he looks at me. His eyes soften, and his mouth twitches into a smile.

Damn. I’ve missed that smile.

Johnny clears his throat and glances at his watch. “I’ve got to head in for a meeting, but we’ll talk later. August,” he says with a brisk nod before striding around us and through the ER doors like the others who went before him.

I stare after him, my brows pinched. Somehow, he’s made me feel like this is all my fault. Maybe it is; maybe I should’ve been more vocal about the status of the relationship from the start. He still doesn’t have to be a jerk about it, right?

“Here,” August says, nudging me with his arm. “For all your trouble.”

In his hand is a package of candy. Sour Patch Kids. Just like the ones Trek gifted me in large quantities.

“My favorite,” I murmur, ripping into the package, selecting a red one, and shoving it into my mouth, the sourness overriding some of the sourness in my stomach. I have to take care of this Johnny situation and soon.

“I know,” August says softly, munching on his own bag of candy.

I flick my gaze to his and nearly lose it, my candy getting stuck in my throat. There’s so much tenderness I could cry. He said he’d never forget the things that make me happy. Guess that also includes my sweet tooth.

“I better check on my mom.”

I bob my head, trying to keep it all together as I clear my throat. “Good idea. I’m sure she’s looking for you.”

He steps in close and, after a beat of hesitation, reaches out to brush a lock of my hair behind my ear like he always did. He lingers a beat before dropping his hand. A second longer, and I would’ve curled into him. “Thank you again. I’m sorry my surprise got ruined, but I’ll take you soon. It’s important you see this.” He glances at his phone. “I ordered you a ride back to the firehouse. They should be here soon.”

“Oh, you didn’t have to do that.”

August shakes his head. “When will you realize I’ll do anything for you, even to my detriment? A ride is nothing, Sky, but if you let me, I’ll do a lot more.” He turns and leaves me an emotional mess in my head.

Stunned, I walk outside the ER doors and wait for the ride to take me to my car at the firehouse, where I’ll apologize to the Chief for leaving our painting supplies.

Once I’m home and tucked in my bed for the night, I let my thoughts wander back to today and what it all means for my future. Despite the turmoil and the confusion, it at last feels like there’s a semblance of one after all.

* * *

My phone buzzes with a text the next morning.

Unknown number

Hey it’s me. August. Just in case you deleted my number, which I’m absolutely certain you did.

My lips twitch as I chew on a piece of toast. I’m enjoying my breakfast in the quiet house while Foster and Trek take advantage of the weekend. Trek got in late last night like he used to when we were teens, and I’m half tempted to bribe out of him whose house he’s been visiting. He’s been mysterious with some of his comings and goings, and my spidey senses are on full alert.

I type out a reply.

Me

How do you know my number hasn’t changed?

Unknown number

Well, I wasn’t positive until now. Took my chances.

Me

Awfully bold of you.

Unknown number

Much easier over a text. Believe it or not, you still leave me completely out of my element.

I gnaw on my lip, enjoying this far more than I should. Sitting up in my chair, I take a deep breath.

Me

Was there something you needed?

Unknown number

If you’re free, I’d like to take you where I meant to yesterday.

I finish my toast and leave him on read for a few moments while I go back and forth between what to do. Then I remember the efforts he’s putting in, and I’m pulled even more in his direction. I’m positive every time he looks at me, his sins hit him in the face. Yet, he doesn’t back down, remains steadfast in his convictions to make things right.

Nothing will bring back Chase. Not a wish, not even hope will undo what has been done. I will always miss him in a way that’ll never be satisfied. The what-ifs are entirely too cruel.

But I can move past the pain and start living. Forgiveness isn’t just about the action that needs forgiven. It’s about the person. I need this. I need to free myself from this prison of thought. I can either choose to be broken or live the life I was given.

Chase would want me to take the second choice and run with it, to be as free as he is in the afterlife. That alone fuels me to pick up my phone and answer August.

Me

Tell me when and where.

* * *

Why am I obsessing over what to wear? This isn’t some high school date. Hell, this isn’t even a grownup date. This is merely two adults going somewhere together. Period.

Which one, then? Blue or purple? I hold up two shirts, toss them both onto the back of my chair, and flop down on the edge of the bed.

“Yo, sis, what are you up to tonight—hey, are you okay?” Trek pushes open my bedroom door and leans on the frame, concern rippling his brows.

“I’m fine. And I have plans.”

“Oh. Okay. Can I ask who?”

“Am I surprised that you’re so nosy? No, I’m not. I’m seeing August.”

Trek practically slides off the doorframe but catches himself in time. “How? Like, how did this happen? I thought you were just low-key stalking him and ogling him every time he was at the firehouse?”

“I do not ogle at him. He just keeps showing up!”

“Oh, so you admit to paying attention to him, then?”

My face burns. “Shut up.” Trek knows me way too well, even with those years in between. “I’m just sizing up the situation.”

He scratches along his nose. “And what did you come up with?”

“Nothing that makes me feel any better. I’m really confused.”

“It doesn’t take a genius to figure out it’s because you still care about him and are still upset over the fact he fucked you and left. And the obvious. Chase.” He frowns. “Ugh. Did you two do it here in your bed?”

“Don’t poke fun at me. You and Mira had sex everywhere. I can’t look at the dryer the same anymore.”

Trek squeezes the back of his neck and grimaces with a shrug. “She said it felt good. Who am I to judge?”

I roll my eyes. “Then, no judging me on where I did things with August. Did you ever end up talking to Mira again after you guys broke up?” It’s been a while since Trek and I have had any normal conversations. As if you can call any moment spent with Trek normal.

He sighs and folds his arms. She must still be a sore subject for him. “Last I heard, she was married.”

“Ouch. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. It all worked out. I’m seeing someone now.”

I sit up straight. “Who?” Who in this small ass town could my brother be seeing? He once chased a girl in middle school, but after that, it was only Mira.

“You remember Mrs. Thorn?”

Crunching my eyebrows, I nod. “Yeah…”

“Well, she’s a Ms. now, and uh …” He lifts his shoulders and tips up a corner of his mouth.

“You’re dating one of our teachers?” I screech.

Trek winces. “It’s not like that old witch, Mrs. Pierce. Hazel’s only thirty-six years old. Smoking hot, by the way.” He bites his lip. “Killer body.”

My eyes widen comically. “Oh my god, Trek. I don’t know if I want to hear about this.”

“You asked who I was bumping uglies with. I answered.”

I stare, bewildered and slightly mystified by all I’ve missed. “Jesus. You’ve only been home for a few months. Does Dad know?”

“Not yet. I mean, I don’t know if it will last. But I gotta tell ya, older women? Holy shit.”

“Stop, I don’t want to hear anymore, la, la, la.” I plug my ears as he rolls his eyes.

“Okay, well, I’m having dinner at her place Saturday, so if you need me, don’t. I’ll be busy. Unless it’s about Dad.”

I salute him. “Gotcha. Do not interrupt Trek’s sex sesh.”

“Bingo. Now tell me, where is August taking you?” He wiggles his brows suggestively, and I wag my head. Even I can admit this forgiving Trek thing is getting easier and easier despite the crazy shit he gets into as a grown man.

“I don’t actually know. He said it was a surprise.”

“Hmmm. A surprise? Well, I guess use this opportunity to clear the air. You and him have a different history than you and I. But if that picture on the wall of Snaps means anything, he still cares about you.”

“You noticed that, huh?” I bite my cheek.

So many memories August and I had. And to see that one on the wall? My lungs tightens as I try to breathe.

“Yeah, Dad wasn’t kidding about needing those pictures the other day, so I went up there. I remember that picture from the pile August left you. To blow it up and frame in a damn store? I’d say the guy still loves you.” He ponders for a moment. “Or just obsessed. Who knows?”

A huff of disbelief passes my lips, as well as something pressing behind my ribcage. To avoid awakening any hope I’m not ready to address, I steer the conversation away and poke a finger in his direction. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten that you still owe him a conversation yourself.”

He acts astonished. “Me?”

“Obviously. Or did you forget you were the one who basically threw your best friend under the bus?”

“We both agreed to it,” he mumbles.

My head’s going to fall off from all the shaking I’ve done to it. “Boys are so dumb. You hurt him, and you owe him. If the roles were reversed? Come on, Trek. Think about it. He was the subject of so many rumors and isolated because of your stupid plan.”

“Fine. You’re right. I hate it when you’re right.” He sulks against the doorframe. And he’s sleeping with an older woman acting like that?

“Don’t lie, you love it.”

His scoff is exaggerated. “Whatever.” He straightens and points to a shirt on my chair. “Wear the blue. It matches your eyes.”

Trek leaves to go do whatever twenty-three-year-old men do in a small town as I get ready. I curl my hair and then get mad that I care so much about what I look like, so I sweep it up into a simple ponytail. Minimal makeup, a smidge of perfume, and a lot of deodorant because I haven’t even left the house, and I’m sweating like I ran around the block three times in a snowsuit in the middle of summer.

Here goes nothing. Or everything.