She raises a hand. “But again, team Lennon. If he’s screwed things up with you indefinitely and you’re done, I know it’s only because whatever he did was unforgivable.”
“What makes you say that?”
I mean, her assessment is spot on. I’m just curious how she arrived at that conclusion without knowing the details.
“Because we’re a lot alike. Which means you’re not the kind of girl who gives up on people. Not until you truly believe with your entire being that there’s no longer any good in them and there’s nothing inside them that’s salvageable or worth fighting for anymore.”
I blow out a breath. Damn her and her perceptiveness.
However, I can’t help but wonder if she’s also speaking from experience.
“Is that what happened with you and Josh?”
She averts her gaze. “Something like that. Only I held on way longer than I should have. Which caused me to lose the best thing that ever happened to me…permanently.” Her face scrunches. “I’m Phoenix.”
I’m pretty sure I know who she’s talking about. And if that’s the case, I don’t think it’s as permanent as she thinks it is. I’ve caught him staring at her numerous times when he thinks no one’s watching. Not that I can blame him. Skylar’s easily one of the most beautiful women on the freaking planet.
“I don’t think—”
“I hurt him a lot, Lennon,” she interjects. “Like a lot. And not just once or twice…so many times I lost count.” She wipes a tear from the corner of her eye. “Now he’s having a baby with someone else.”
I’m not so sure I believe that.
“You don’t know that for a fact. She could be lying.” I lower my voice because I don’t want Quinn to think we’re in here talking shit about her. I simply want to prove a point. “Just like Quinn.”
She shakes her head. “No, he’s the father. It was confirmed this morning. And because I know him better than anyone, I know he’ll step up and be there for her and his baby.” Her eyes close. “I had years to make the right decision and I never once chose him, so I have no one else to blame but myself. I’m not a good person, Lennon. If you knew the things I’ve done, you’d be disgusted, and we wouldn’t be friends anymore.”
My heart twists. I’m sure she’s made some mistakes. Who hasn’t? However, Skylar’s being way too hard on herself. It sounds like what she’s going through right now is punishment enough.
“That’s not true.”
Her nostrils flare and she grips the ring on her necklace so hard her knuckles turn white. “If there’s even a small chance you can forgive Phoenix and give him another shot…do it. I’d hate to see him end up like me. Because the only thing that hurts worse than a broken heart is watching someone walk away with everything you ever wanted…because you fucked it all up.”
Sadly, I know all about what it’s like watching someone walk away with everything you ever wanted.
Because he stole it.
“I—”
The door to the bunk opens and Chandler pops his head inside. “Emergency staff meeting. Now.”
Composing herself, Skylar clears her throat. “Be right there.”
Arching a brow, Chandler looks between us. “Do us all a favor and leave this Ya-Ya Sisterhood bullshit at the door.”
“Sure thing, Dicky.”
Mumbling something under his breath, he leaves.
Skylar and I scramble off my bunk. “The last name sure fits him, huh?”
Raising her chin, she heads for the door. “Trust me, his actual dick isn’t nearly as big as his attitude.”
My mouth drops open.
How the hell would she know the size of Chandler’s dick?
Then again, she’s been with these guys for years. I’m sure she’s seen lots of stuff she wishes she could forget.
When I pad out to the kitchen, mostly everyone’s already out, and either seated at the table or on the bench.
Everyone except Phoenix.
I breathe a sigh of relief because it will be much easier to focus without him around.
As if on cue, the universe flips me the bird because Phoenix appears.
Skylar wasn’t kidding. He looks like shit.
I mean, gorgeous shit…but still.
He has bags under his eyes like he hasn’t slept in days, his hair is a mess, and his jaw is covered with stubble.
Not that I’m looking any better with my puffy eyes and blotchy face.