Page 25 of Keeping Skylar (Fractured Hearts #1)

Skylar

“Raise your hand if you can tell me about a time you showed kindness to another person,” I say to my Pre-K class during circle time.

For the past week, my class has been gradually working on a project centred around kindness. Today, inspired by a story we read about a little boy’s journey from meanness to compassion, I decided to spark a discussion—encouraging them to share some of the thoughtful things they’ve done for others.

Jacob is the first to raise his hand, eagerly waving it in the air. I nod in his direction and motion for him to speak.

“I ... I helped my mummy change my brother’s poopy nappy,” he announces proudly. “It was really gross and I almost vomited on him, but I did it! I changed his stinky nappy.”

The room instantly erupts in laughter and I can’t help but chuckle along too. “Thank you, Jacob. That’s wonderful to hear. I’m sure your mummy appreciated the help.”

Jacob beams and gives an enthusiastic nod. Chloe, who’s sitting right at the back of the group, raises her hand next.

“Yes, Chloe. What can you share with us?” I smile encouragingly.

She sits up a little straighter and takes a deep breath, as if preparing to give a public speech.

“For my nanna’s two-hundred birthday, me and my daddy made her nachos and a card that said ‘nacho average old fart’,” Chloe reveals, a hint of pride dancing along her little face.

Wow. Okay—not exactly what I was expecting, but A+ for the effort. For the next several minutes, the children eagerly take turns sharing their stories, ranging from heart-warming acts of kindness to wildly amusing tales—some so outrageous, you can’t help but laugh.

“I gave my best friend Lana a new toy cat that goes ‘meow-meow’ because her real cat went splat-splat on the road.”

“I gave my dog a treat for being a good boy, but then my brother yelled at me and said dogs can’t eat chocolate.”

“I told Aunty Nora she looked nice in her new dress and not like Fiona from Shrek — like Uncle Bruno said she did.”

“I made breakfast for my family today. Toast with tomato sauce ... ” Oh, boy.

It’s Friday night, and I’m sitting inside the Irish Pub, waiting for Hannah to arrive.

I’ve gone for a sexy-casual vibe this evening, something that says ‘ I’m here for a good time, not a rebound’ .

I’m wearing tight black jeans, ankle boots, and a shimmery royal blue camisole tucked neatly into my waistband.

My hair is down in loose, messy waves, and I’ve kept my makeup neutral, with my go-to taupe-coloured lips adding a touch of sophistication.

Hannah walks in just minutes later, radiating perfect elegance in a white, long-sleeve bodysuit paired with a sleek black pencil skirt and open-toe stilettos. Her chocolate brown hair is swept up into a loose bun, making her piercing blue eyes sparkle all the more brilliantly.

She makes her way over to the bar, greeting me with a one arm hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. “Have you been waiting for long?” she asks, as she settles onto the stool beside me.

I shake my head. “I’ve only been waiting for a few minutes.”

“Okay, great. What’s your poison? My treat tonight,” she offers.

I pretend to look over the cocktail menu, although, I already have a drink in mind. “I’ll have a classic mojito, thanks.”

She nods and smiles. “Just what I had in mind.”

She calls for the bartender and orders our drinks before tapping her card on the contactless device to pay. The atmosphere tonight is lively, yet not too out of control that we have to yell on top of each other.

The week had flown by, and I was grateful for the chance to finally unwind tonight— especially with Kaden constantly hounding me for updates on my whereabouts and wellbeing, emails I’ve chosen to leave unanswered.

His latest message caught me off guard—he’d finally told his family about our separation.

Apparently, the decision came after his brother, Dylan, ran into him and Lucia late one night at the store and asked where I was.

My guess? Dylan caught him holding hands and sucking face with his new girlfriend, so he had no choice but to come clean.

Oh well—good riddance to them. I was never particularly close to his family anyway, especially his mother, who always believed her ‘special boys’ could do no wrong.

In fact, it came as no surprise to hear how furious Susan was after learning I’d left, blaming me for breaking her precious son’s heart. I highly doubt Kaden told them the truth, if anything, he probably casted himself as the poor, abandoned victim.

Pfft! Whatever! I’m just relieved I’ll never have to see those people again. The bartender sets our cocktails down in front of us, pulling my focus back to the present. We both pick up our glasses at the same time and take a long, generous sip of our mojitos.

Hannah lets out a satisfied sigh and turns to face me. “I’m so glad to be out of the house for some girl time. I love Nate, but, wow, that man can be frustrating at times,” she whines.

“How are you and Nate going by the way?”

She takes another sip of her cocktail, then smiles. “Things are great! The wedding plans are coming along smoothly, and Nate has been incredibly hands-on. I would have loved to get Heath’s opinion on a few things, like the catering, but I’m just thrilled that he’ll be home in time for the wedding.”

“When’s the wedding again?”

“In two and half months time, April twenty-second,” she says with an excited smile.

I raise my glass to hers for a toast. “Here’s to a long, fulfilling, and happy marriage. You truly deserve it, my friend.” We clink our glasses together and down the rest of our cocktails before Hannah orders us a second round, refusing to let me pay.

As the bartender begins preparing our mojitos, I can’t help but look back on memories of my own wedding day. It was a small, intimate affair, with just immediate family and a few close friends in attendance.

I vividly remember Kaden’s family showing up late to the ceremony, and his mother becoming embarrassingly intoxicated during the reception—so much so that his father and brother had to escort her out of the venue.

Looking back, that should’ve been the first red flag, a clear warning that our marriage was headed for disaster—and that I’d be the one left hurt and disappointed in the end.

I shake the thoughts away just as the bartender slides a cocktail across the bar. Without hesitation, I grab the glass and take a long sip, gulping down half of it in one go.

Hannah watches me closely, a hint of concern softening her features. “Whoa, take it easy there, tiger. Are you trying to get drunk before happy hour ends?” She chuckles.

I let out a sharp exhale and set my drink down. “Sorry about that. It’s been a while since I’ve gone out for a drink.” My face flushes with embarrassment over the brief lapse in control.

Hannah frowns, then suddenly slaps a hand over her mouth.

“Oh, God. I’m so sorry. I can be such an inconsiderate bitch sometimes.

Here I am talking about my wedding to Nate while you’re going through a difficult separation,” she says, gently squeezing my hand.

“Please forgive me.” Her voice is filled with genuine empathy and apology.

I wave her off, shaking my head. “No, you have nothing to be sorry for. Seriously, you have every right to talk about your wedding and feel excited about it. It’s actually quite refreshing to listen to you. You make it easy to believe that true love exists.”

Her expression warms and she gently squeezes my hand again. “Well, that’s enough wedding talk anyway. What else has been happening?” Hannah asks.

“Nothing new or exciting. I was chatting with some friends about the possibility of getting a roommate. I’ve never lived with a stranger before, so I’m still on the fence about it. But I’m willing to give it a shot if there’s even a slight chance of finding someone decent,” I sigh.

I take a sip of my drink when Hannah smacks a hand on the counter, causing me to flinch in my seat. “I think I might have the perfect candidate for you!” she exclaims, her smile beaming as if she’s just discovered the solution to all of life’s problems.

I gaze at her suspiciously. “Who?”

“My brother, Heath—he just finished his contract as a chef with Royal Expedition Cruises and is finally coming home for good. His landlord recently put the apartment he’s been renting up for sale, and with his roommate moving in with his girlfriend, Heath’s now looking for a new place to live,” she explains.

“Oh, umm. To tell you the truth, Hannah, I’m still thinking about it. I’m not even sure if I’ll go through with it to be honest,” I attempt to decline gently.

She shakes her head, as if to emphasise that she hasn’t made her point clear enough.

“Trust me on this. Heath is the perfect roommate. I should know, I lived with him!” She grins.

“He’s respectful, organised, easy-going, and an excellent cook!

” She emphasises the last point. “He also has a protective side, so you’ll always feel safe and secure inside your own home. ”

I sit quietly, absorbing every detail she shares about her brother. Truthfully, I hadn’t imagined living with another man anytime soon—the very thought makes me uneasy. But if he’s anything like Hannah describes, maybe it’s worth considering.

I glance at Hannah, who’s watching me expectantly, clearly hoping for a yes. “Well, the fact that you know him personally definitely makes the idea more appealing than having a complete stranger move in,” I admit. After a brief pause, I finally give in. “Okay ... I’d be open to meeting him.”

Hannah bounces in her seat with excitement. “That’s fantastic! Oh, Skylar, he’s going to be thrilled to hear this. Can I share your contact details with him?” she asks eagerly.

“Sure, why not.” I shrug casually.

The rest of the night unfolds seamlessly. Hannah offers more insight into Heath’s background, highlighting his thirteen years of experience as a chef and raving about his incredible cooking skills. She makes sure to emphasise that last piece of fact more than a few times.

Several cocktails later, we can barely see, walk, or even talk properly, so we decide to call it a night. Nate arrives to pick us up a short time later, and Hannah takes a moment to introduce us before heading home.

As soon as I arrive back to the apartment, I collapse onto my bed, without bothering to shower or change into more comfortable clothes. The moment my head hits the pillow I gradually drift off into a deep sleep.

Once again, I’m dreaming of the same enigmatic figure living across the hall. This time, he’s cladded from head to toe in shining steel armour, observing, and guarding me without uttering a single word. Though he remains silent and motionless, this faceless stranger now carries a name: Heath .