Page 30 of Keeping Skylar (Fractured Hearts #1)

Skylar

Week two of the new school year—done and dusted. All I can think about now is crawling under the covers and sleeping the night away. I’m tired, hungry, and in serious need of a back massage. Chasing after a bunch of hyperactive preschoolers all day is seriously no joke!

I’ve finally settled into my new role at the school and things are going rather smoothly. The kids, their families, and the staff have turned out to be the unexpected distraction I didn’t know I needed.

I’m packing up for the day when Hannah suddenly appears in the doorway of my classroom and waves. I smile back, grab my bag, and prepare to head out. She walks with me to Loretta’s office, where I have a meeting with her scheduled for this afternoon.

“How was your day?” Hannah asks.

“Interesting as usual. You know how the Pre-K classes are—one minute they’re testing your patience, and the next, you can’t wait to see them again.”

She chuckles and then retrieves her phone from inside her bag.

She quickly types a text message, I’m assuming either to Nate or Heath, before placing her phone back into her bag.

“Hey, before I forget, I want to invite you out for drinks with us for Heath’s welcome home gathering,” she says.

“It’ll just be me, Nate, Heath, and you.

He’s not one for big social events, so we’re keeping it small. ”

A social gathering with new people—it’s been months since I’ve gone to one, and honestly, it’s exactly what I’ve been needing. Without a moment’s hesitation, I eagerly accept the invitation. “That sounds amazing! Count me in.” I smile broadly.

Hannah claps her hands together in excitement and grins. “Wonderful! We’re thinking the Irish Pub again, seeing it’s halfway between our place and yours.”

I nod. “Good idea. When is it?”

“The following Wednesday. Exactly a week from when Heath moved home. It’s also, his only night off from the restaurant.”

Home. Now mine and Heath’s home. It still feels a little strange living with him, but not nearly as awkward or uncomfortable as I expected.

Heath completely caught me off guard last night by surprising me with a home- cooked dinner. I’ve never had a man whip up a meal for me, let alone someone who I just met. It was one of the nicest, most thoughtful gestures anyone has ever done for me.

The dinner itself was amazing. Everything—from the food and drinks to the company—was perfect. He made it seem effortless—like having dinner with your roommate, and sharing personal stories was the most natural thing in the world.

When we both opened up about our pasts, it felt liberating—like sharing our deepest pain with one another released some of the hurt and anger we had been carrying for so long.

And for the first time in months, talking about the betrayal didn’t leave me feeling miserable or broken.

It felt healing. Maybe it was the way he listened without judgement—how his steady, calming presence made all the difference.

Whatever it was, it had a lot to do with Heath.

As the night wore on and I learnt more about him, I started to feel an unspoken connection—like I could truly understand his pain and loss, even though it was so different from my own.

“What’s that smile for?” Hannah asks, jarring me from my thoughts about last night.

I shrug. “It’s nothing. Just a memory of something someone once did for me,” I deflect as we pause in front of Loretta’s office. “I should head in and see what she needs. I’ll catch up with you on Monday?”

“See you Monday. Oh, and tell me if Heath’s giving you any trouble at home.”

“He’s been nothing but a perfect gentleman,” I say with a sincere smile.

She bursts out laughing as if I just told her the most hilarious joke. “My brother? Heath? A gentleman? Funny joke, Skylar. I’ll have to see it to believe it.” She chuckles.

We share a brief hug and wave each other goodbye before I turn and knock on the door. Loretta’s soft voice calls from the other side, signalling me to enter.

She’s seated behind her desk, focused on the computer screen when I step into the room. She looks up, giving me her full attention, then gestures for me to take a seat across from her. My stomach churns with nervousness.

“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me after class, Ms Rivera. I won’t take up too much of your time.”

I’ve been on edge all morning thinking about this meeting.

She didn’t mention what it was about, which only makes my mind spiral.

Maybe everything’s fine—maybe she’s happy with my work and I’ve got nothing to stress about.

Or ... maybe I’m not meeting her expectations, and she’s about to let me go. I think I’m going to be sick!

“I wanted to discuss some things with you, and would like to hear your thoughts on the matter. But before we proceed, I’d like to begin by officially welcoming you back.

It’s truly been a pleasure having you with us again, and we’re thrilled to have you back on the team.

You’re adapting nicely, and I’ve received a lot of positive feedback from both the parents and the teaching staff.

So, well done, Ms Rivera. Tremendous work,” she commends, her expression filled with pride and appreciation.

My body instantly relaxes, feeling a huge sense of relief that I’m not getting fired today.

“Oh, thank you so much, Mrs Donaldson! Honestly, it’s been an incredibly busy yet rewarding two weeks.

I absolutely love my Pre-K class, and I’m excited to be back working at the school,” I tell her as my expression lights up with pure joy.

Loretta nods, looking pleased with my response.

“Well, I for one, am certainly happy you’re back.

” She smiles warmly. “But the real reason why I have you here today is because I wanted to inform you that your six-month maternity leave position has just recently become permanent following Mrs Davis’s resignation today.

She’ll be moving to the country in a few weeks time and won’t be returning.

Therefore, we’d like to offer you a new contract if you’re interested.

You don’t need to give me an answer now.

You can spend the weekend to think it over, but either way, the position is yours,” she says, and I have to resist the urge to leap onto her desk and break into a happy dance.

“There’s no need to think about it, Mrs Donaldson; my answer is a resounding yes. I would love nothing more than to work permanently at this school.”

“That’s wonderful to hear. I’ll have your new contract finalised and sent to you by Monday. If you have any questions regarding your position, you can reach out to me at any time.”

This feels so surreal. My heart is literally about to explode with happiness.

We wrap up the meeting by wishing each other a safe and relaxing weekend.

As I head towards my car, a wave of hope and satisfaction washes over me.

Things are finally looking up for me, and all I can think about is how excited I am to share the news with my new roommate.

I’m home by four, after stopping by the grocery store to pick up a very expensive bottle of French Champagne, because, why the hell not? I’m treating myself tonight, and I don’t care that I just splurged five hundred bucks on a bottle of vintage sparkling wine.

My smile hasn’t left my face since leaving Loretta’s office. The good news was just the thing I needed to help kick off the weekend.

I’m just about to close the front door when the soothing strum of a guitar catches my ear. Drawn in by the melody, I wander into the living room and find Heath on the couch, his guitar resting upright in his lap.

He immediately stops when he sees me enter, and greets me with a welcoming smile. “Good evening, duchess.”

I grin and set the bottle of Champagne on the kitchen counter. “Hey there,” I say as I stroll over to the armchair across from him and settle in. “Please don’t stop, that sounded beautiful. What song were you just playing?”

He shrugs and glances down at his guitar, his fingers deftly gliding over the strings. “It’s actually an original,” he reveals. “I’ve been working on it for a few weeks.”

I nod, genuinely impressed by all his talents. Is there anything this man can’t do? “I’d love to hear it once it’s finished, if you don’t mind?”

For the briefest moment, he doesn’t move or say a single word. Then, without warning, he begins to play the song again. I watch with fascination as his eyes close, allowing his fingers to weave their magic over the strings.

The sound is soft and soothing, with a slow, mellow tempo.

Its soulful tone evokes a whirlwind of emotions, from sadness to hope, and from despair to healing.

But what truly captivates me—is the raw, heartfelt expression on his face.

He looks as though he’s completely in his element—like he’s performing for a real crowd.

After a few mesmerising minutes, the song comes to an end, and Heath opens his eyes. He glances up at me and frowns. It’s then that I realise a single tear has slipped down my cheek. I quickly brush it away with my fingers, trying to regain my composure.

I let out a sharp exhale, and gaze into his icy blue eyes. “Heath ... that was beautiful,” I whisper the last word, my voice barely audible. “I’m completely speechless ... and a real mess.” I chuckle softly.

“Thank you. I’m glad you like it.” He smiles.

“What’s the song called?”

“ Beyond the ordinary ,” he says, his lips curling into a half-smile.

“It tells the story of a man whose soul travels through multiple lifetimes, all in search of a love so extraordinary , so great, and infinite, that he would rather choose to die alone over and over again, than accept anything less,” he explains before adding, “the kind of love that transcends time and distance—never fading, never ending,” he concludes, his expression softening with a warmth that melts all my insides.

The more I learn about Heath, the stronger this chemistry between us becomes. And if I’m being truly honest, it’s all happening too fast. Things have started off a little too perfect—so much so, it feels like I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop.

The last thing I need or want right now is to be involved with another man. I’m still healing from the trauma of my previous relationship, and the thought of jumping into something new terrifies me. I don’t have the emotional strength to endure another heartbreak if this was to all go to shit.

I need to take a step back, and establish some boundaries between us. This means no more intimate dinners or deep and meaningful conversations that blur the lines of our friendship.

From this day forward, I promise to protect my heart fiercely, until I’m truly ready to trust another man with it—one who has proven themselves worthy of such a gift.