Page 10 of Keeping Skylar (Fractured Hearts #1)

Skylar

It’s Friday night, and exactly eight days since I discovered my husband’s betrayal.

I’m out with Kirstin at Hawkins Bar and Grill, with only one goal in mind: to escape from reality with the one person who can always guarantee a good time.

This may or may not involve getting a little buzzed.

After the week from hell, it’s the least I’m owed.

With Kaden at his work event, or so he claims, there couldn’t be a better time or place for a night out with my favourite person. The establishment also happens to be owned by Kaden’s best friend, Jason, so, I know we’re in capable hands if the night turns out to be quite an eventful one.

I decided to put in a little extra effort in my appearance tonight.

Sporting a short, black, spaghetti-strap bodycon dress that clings to all my curves, I matched it perfectly with a pair of four-inch stiletto heels that strap around my ankles.

I wanted to embrace a more daring look that shouted ‘sexy’ and ‘elegantly chic’.

I wore my dark hair in loose curls that fall just above my tailbone, and make-up that I know will command attention.

Opting for a more dramatic style tonight, with long, voluminous lashes, smoky eyes and crimson red lipstick that make my lips appear softer and plumper, it’s a look I know will infuriate Kaden. Oh well!

My gaze is transfixed on Kirstin who is dressed in her usual ripped jeans matched with a black lace bodysuit.

She’s rocking her favourite leather ankle boots and a gemstone choker that adorns her slender neck.

I can’t deny, my friend looks smoking hot this evening.

Since Kirstin volunteered to be the designated driver tonight, she’s sticking to just two to three drinks.

I’m already on my third mojito, and I can feel my body starting to relax.

We’ve been here for nearly two hours. The bar is bustling, and the music blares loudly in the background at an almost deafening volume, forcing me to yell just to be heard. The atmosphere is filled with excitement as people wrap up another workweek.

We’re seated at a table in the farthest corner of the room, quietly watching the crowd as more rowdy patrons gather at the bar, ordering drink after drink. After a few minutes of observing the chaos, we turn our gazes back to each other.

“Now this is just what the doctor ordered,” Kirstin mutters into the rim of her cocktail glass as she takes a sip of the refreshing beverage. “Speaking of doctor, how did you go with the results?”

I smile widely. “All clear. Thank God.” We clink our glasses together, taking a long swig of our cocktails to celebrate the good news.

I received my test results yesterday afternoon and was absolutely relieved to learn that everything came back clear. It was exactly the kind of positivity I needed after the week I had to endure.

The days following my visit with Mila were slow and agonising.

I did everything and anything I could to keep my distance from Kaden.

I worked on my lesson plans for the new school term late into the night, or I’d clean the house for the umpteenth time, repeatedly organising and reorganising things over again.

In fact, I began to appreciate the times he came home late, as it meant less time I had to spend with him.

Bedtime proved to be the most challenging.

With each passing night, sharing a bed with my husband was becoming harder and harder to endure.

The warmth of his body pressed against mine as he held me in his sleep always left me feeling sick to my stomach.

While I’m grateful he hasn’t tried to initiate sex with me yet, I worry it’s only a matter of time before he starts seeking me out.

“May I just say, bestie—you look ravishing tonight,” Kirstin praises, her eyes slowly taking in my outfit and face with approval.

“You look positively dashing yourself, my friend.” I wink.

It’s such a relief to finally be out of the house and switch off for the night.

It’s been so long since I’ve gone to a bar without my husband on my hip, and I must admit, it feels absolutely freeing.

In all my years with Kaden, he has never once permitted me to go to a bar or club without him, especially not dressed the way I am tonight.

One thing he could never handle was other men looking at me. I’m certain if he were to walk into this bar and see me right now, he’d be fuming with jealous rage.

“I can’t believe we haven’t done this in a long time. And just when you’re about to leave me.” Kirstin pouts.

“Please don’t remind me. If Kaden weren’t so controlling and possessive 99.9% of the time, we could’ve had more nights like this.”

“Gah! He’s such a narcissistic prick who just needs to fuck off,” she bellows before changing the subject. “Any news on the apartment hunting?”

“No, not yet. Oh, I forgot to tell you. Loretta called this morning and offered me a six-month maternity leave position as one of the Pre-K teachers at her school. It’s only for half a year, but it’s more than enough to help me get by until I find something more permanent.”

“Holy shit, babe! That’s fantastic news! When do you start?”

“In six weeks, start of December. The first couple of weeks will just be the official handover, but the actual role doesn’t start until after the Christmas holidays, end of January.

I know it’s still a long time away, but I’ve got enough savings to last me a few months if I do end up securing an apartment earlier and need to move in right away. ”

Getting a job offer from Loretta was the highlight of my week. It made everything feel more real, more permanent. Things were falling into place and I could finally breathe a little. Now, if only the agency would get back to me with some good news, I’d be all set.

“You’ve accomplished half of your goal in less than a week. At this rate, you’ll be out of here before you know it. I’m not sure whether to feel happy or sad about that.” She feigns a dramatic sad face for effect.

I chuckle. “My friend, I’ll only be less than an hour and a half away by flight. We can do this.”

She nods and offers a warm smile. “I know. I’m just being a big baby.

Pay no attention to me. I’m excited for you, Skylar.

Truly,” she replies with deep sincerity.

Kirstin scans the room, taking small sips of her drink from time to time.

Minutes go by before she glances back at me and smirks.

“I know you might not realise it, but almost every guy in this room is looking at you right now.”

“Really? I hadn’t noticed,” I reply sheepishly as my cheeks flush with heat. I suppose when you’ve been in a relationship for so long, you begin to tune out your surroundings. That includes noticing other people or other people noticing you. I straighten my back and slowly assess the room.

I quickly spot a group of four men at a table two spots ahead of us, looking in our direction. One of them, a handsome, tall man with blond hair, lifts his drink up and grins at me the moment our eyes meet. Warmth spreads across my neck, and I quickly avert my gaze. Smooth, Sky. Real smooth.

Kirstin laughs at my awkwardness. “God, you’re adorable!

It’s okay to have some flirty fun, babe.

The arsehole doesn’t deserve your loyalty anymore.

You’re young, sexy and can get any man in this room if you wanted.

I think you should ...” Kirstin suddenly freezes, her posture stiffening and her eyes widening as she focuses on something behind me.

She quickly reaches over and grips my forearm resting on the table.

“Kirstin, are you okay?”

“Hon, whatever you do, do not turn around.” She swallows hard, her hand still gripping my arm, her eyes fixed on whatever’s behind me.

“Why? What is it?” I ask, suddenly feeling really nervous.

“Your fucking husband just walked in the restaurant with Lucia.”

“What!” I gasp as every limb in my body tenses up. “Now is not the time to joke around, Kirstin.”

“Skylar, I would never joke about this. They’re here and talking to Jason at the hostess desk,” she explains, shaking her head in disbelief.

I slowly turn to face the direction of the hostess desk, feeling Kirstin’s grip tighten on my arm, but I brush it off. As soon as I peer over my shoulder, I see them—all three of them laughing and chatting amongst themselves like they’re all old buddies.

I have to admit, the expression on Jason’s face looks almost forced and uncomfortable. But the fact that he’s talking to them—the fact that he’s known about the affair and hasn’t said a word to me—feels like another fucking betrayal.

This night has just turned into my worst nightmare.

As much as it hurts, I can’t seem to look away because my husband and his mistress look very much like a loved-up couple.

Seeing Kaden’s arm slung over Lucia’s shoulders, while hers is wrapped firmly around his waist, makes everything real now. The pain is just indescribable.

I quickly turn back around before they notice me glaring, and gaze at my friend, who appears to be just as stunned as I am. ‘What the fuck do we do, Kirstin?’ Tears well up in my eyes and spill down my cheeks. A wave of nausea hits me, and I feel like I can’t breathe. I need air.

Kirstin glances around the room, likely searching for the quickest way to escape. “The place is crowded, so I don’t think they’ll be able to spot us from back here. I saw an exit door next to the restrooms. Let’s get out from there.”

Without a second thought, we grab our purses and leap from our seats. I trail behind Kirstin towards the exit, holding tightly onto her elbow. As soon as we step outside, I immediately collapse against the wall.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” I mutter, trying to keep the panic at bay. My hand instinctively goes to my chest as I try to take in as much air as possible.

Kirstin holds me by my arms, keeping me from collapsing on the ground. She’s mumbling something under her breath, but I can’t make out her words. “Skylar, honey. Breathe. I need you to breathe.”

I gaze up at her, my eyes watery and unfocused.

My breathing grows heavier, and my body won’t stop trembling.

Kirstin keeps a firm hold on me, helping me steady my breaths.

We wait several more minutes until my breathing and heart rate slows.

I lean back against the wall to support myself and Kirstin drops her hands from my arms.

“We need to start walking, okay,” Kirstin encourages me. I nod and take her hand. We’re almost at the car in the parking lot when I suddenly hear a familiar man’s voice call my name.

“Skylar?”

I instantly halt my steps, causing Kirstin to stumble back.

Letting go of her hand, I slowly turn around to face the one person I once believed truly understood me and my situation.

Standing before me is Kaden’s childhood friend and best man at our wedding, Jason Hawkins.

His expression shifts rapidly from surprise to sheer nervousness.

“Hey, Jase. What brings you out here?” I say with a smile, trying to appear calm and composed, even though inside, I’m a volcano about to erupt.

He points his thumb over his shoulder in the direction of his car. “Umm ... I’m just about to head to the store. We’re running low on limes. I didn’t know you were here tonight,” he says, his voice faltering slightly, probably from the anxiety of keeping Kaden’s dirty little secret.

“Oh, yeah. Kirstin and I just stopped by for drinks, but we’re on our way home now.”

Jason gives Kirstin a curt nod, but she just glares, shooting daggers at him. She’s mostly silent, knowing I’m perfectly capable of handling the situation on my own.

“If I had known you two were here, I would’ve stopped by for a chat.”

“Another time,” I quip. “Anyway, we should probably go. Kaden will be home soon from his work event and I want to be there when he arrives.”

Jason’s gaze drops to the ground instantly, an obvious sign of his guilt. I wait to see if he’ll say something, maybe confess that Kaden and Lucia are in the bar together at this very moment. But he never does, and I’m left deeply disappointed.

Fuck this! I’ve had enough for one night.

I shake my head and without saying another word, I grab Kirstin’s arm and slowly walk away.

As we near our car, I spare Jason a final glance, looking him straight in his eyes.

“You know, I’ve always admired your loyalty to Kaden.

You’re a trustworthy friend, Jase. Not just to him but to me too.

I know I can always count on you. Have a good night. ”

His expression cracks, revealing the guilt in his eyes. Before he can utter another word, we hurry inside the car and lock all the doors.

As we back out of the carpark, I catch the pained expression on Jason’s face in the side mirror, and for some reason, it stirs up even more anger within me.

He had the chance to expose Kaden and Lucia, but instead, he chose to stay silent.

He chose loyalty to his friend over being an honest, decent person. And for that, I hate him too.