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She shrugged.
“This might be the last warm night before the cold weather arrives. Plus, we can stargaze on our way.”
“You better be watching the road, not the stars.”
“I shall follow The Big Dipper all the way to the ice cream.”
Her giggle made him look over at her.
Skylar rested her head against the seat and tilted it sideways to look at him. “You’re sweet to do this for me.”
“Hey, it’s the least I can do after all the times you’ve been there for me. You’ve listened to me complain about work for months, and you’ve made me actually believe something better might be possible.”
“It is.” She gave him a sweet smile.
“You might not feel so sure about your job at the moment, but once all your initial doubts and fears are gone and the situation with Gus gets sorted out, you’re going to be excited about your new position, and you’ll be glad we took the time to make a big deal of your accomplishments.” He reached over and squeezed her hand. “I’m so darn proud of you. You deserve to be spoiled for a night.”
A huge smile spread across her face. “Thank you.”
They drove on to the ice cream shop, where a long line of customers were waiting. It seemed everyone had the same idea as they did.
“We can go somewhere else,” Skylar said.
“Nah. Worth the wait.” Franky got out of the car and went around to open her door.
They took their place in line and chitchatted while they waited. Franky could think of worse things than standing beside Skylar for fifteen minutes. And in no time at all, it was their turn.
“Sorry for the wait. What can I get ya?” the young guy behind the window asked.
“Two Tammy Turtles, please,” Franky replied.
“You remembered.” Skylar’s smile was sweeter than the ice cream they were about to enjoy.
“Of course, I did.”
The smile remained on her face while they joked around and waited for their order. Franky was happy to see her smiling after the day she’d had.
The guy handed their sundaes through the window to Franky. “Have a great day!”
“Thanks, you too.” Franky took the sundaes and turned to hand Skylar hers, but she didn’t take it. Her smile had disappeared, her eyes were wide, and her lips were pressed together in a firm line as she stared over his shoulder.
“Sky?” he asked, about to turn around.
“Well, if it isn’t Skylar Schultz.”
Franky turned to see Milton Hanley, accompanied by a tall brunette, stepping up to the back of the line. He turned back to Skylar. “Just ignore him.”
“Not even going to say hello?” Milton asked. “That’s not very kind of you.”
Skylar looked around Franky and glared at her ex. “What do you know of kindness?”
“I know it wouldn’t be very neighborly of me to pretend I didn’t see you.”
“We’re not neighbors,” she snapped. “And haven’t you done enough to my family? Just leave us alone.”
“You mean hasn’t your family done enough to me?”
“That’s rich coming from you!”