Page 58 of Skye's Fall

“Yeah, need to get out of town.”

“Like you’re going on a spiritual journey or something?”

“Geez, you’re weird, but sure, call it that,” I snort.

“I guess if it works.”

“I’ll be home soon.” I wave as I walk out the door, not feeling any better. I head home, throw a bag together, and go to the barn just to say goodbye to the horses.

“I’ll only be gone for a few days,” I tell Joey as I feed him a sugar cube.

“I’ll be back before you know it,” I tell Mazy. I do the same to each horse.

“Buddy, you be good for Ariel,” I pat him on the head and send him back inside.

I look around at what I built from the ground up with the help of my grandfather and marvel at what hard work can do.

But I need to do this. I was going to wait until the morning, but no time like the present.

I need some answers and I can only get them from the other man in my life— my father.

Chapter Thirty

Skye

“He’s gone,” Beau says softly as I eat a sandwich. I’m sitting at the table this time.

“Oh?” Linc left. He left his ranch? He loved that ranch. Is he coming back?

“He said he needed to clear his head. But I saw him, Skye, he looked terrible. He hasn’t looked the same since you left.”

“I didn’t leave,” I point out. Liar— I ran off like a scared child.

“You did. You blurted out your truth and ran like the cops were chasing you.”

“Are you always this weird?”

“He asked the same thing,” Beau chuckles. “Are you ready to talk about what happened?”

“No, I’m not.” I don’t mean it to come out harsh, but it does. Beau doesn’t snap back, he takes it in stride.

“I’m ready whenever you are.”

“I think I’d like to work today,” I tell him and his eyes widen.

“Really?”

“I can’t stay cooped up forever.” I’ve been in this house for five days straight. I need fresh air.

“Good girl. You can go in with me.”

“I’ll get ready,” and he rolls his eyes. He thinks if you take longer than ten minutes to get ready, you’re being prissy or something. Doesn’t he understand these bags under my eyes don’t go away by magic?

I try to make myself look presentable and find a pair of jeans that hopefully still fit. In the last week, I’ve lost some weight. Guess that’s what happens when you don’t eat. I just felt too depressed to eat.

I throw on a shirt and flip flops and I’m ready.

“Finally,” Beau throws his hands up with an eye roll, causing me to laugh.