Page 52 of Skye's Fall

I want what they have. I want it all— the fights, the laughter, the giggles, the tears, the anger, and love.

“No reason you can’t have it,” Ariel says as she sets a plate down in front of me.

“I don’t know.” I’m throwing another pity party for one.

“Did you wash your hands?” she asks before I take a bite.

“Yes, ma’am,” I show her and dig in. The dumplings are just as good as if Ever made them.

“Looks good,” Brick says as he takes his seat.

“It is good,” I tell him as I shovel more into my mouth. Maybe I’ll eat my feelings.

“Is Shane not feeding you guys over there?” Brick laughs.

“No, he is. But since the girls always complain, it’s all healthy food. Memphis has snuck me cookies just so I don’t die.”

They both laugh at that. It’s true. The other day, Memphis put a container of milk and Oreos in my cabin because the food wasn’t typical southern food. I love food.

“I will have to agree with Linc. Last season, the girls used to always complain.”

“What’s your game plan?” Brick asks. And I don’t really know. What am I going to do?

“I don’t know. I left before the end of the competition,” I reply.

“I’m sure if you want to stay, you can talk to Sal.”

“I don’t know if I want to stay.” I don’t think I do. I want to get my life going.

“Then come home. We will help you get this in shape,” Brick says.

“I think I need to get out of town for a bit,” I admit.

“We’ll be here waiting,” Ariel pats my hand and Brick growls.

“Oh stop, you know I only have eyes for you,” Ariel winks at him.

“I’m going to head up to Ever’s and talk to Sal. I’ll be back. Dinner was phenomenal.” I pat Ariel’s shoulder and fist bump Brick as I walk to put my dish in the sink.

“Thank you. The master bedroom is all yours.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Brick and Memphis worked on the second bedroom, added a bathroom to it. I’ll show you in the morning.”

“Oh, okay. Thank you both.” I grab the keys Brick hands me and head to the homestead.

The drive is short and I have no idea what I’m going to say.

“How could you?” Ever is at my door.

“How could I what?”

“Sleep with her, call her a good fuck, and leave her pregnant?” Okay, we’re starting there.

“I didn’t know. Weren’t you watching the show?” In my defense, I did sleep with her and call her a good fuck, but it was to hurt her. I didn’t know she was pregnant.

“When the sleeping part came out, I pulled Memphis away. Ivy filled me in.”