Page 114 of When Sky Breaks
Back in my room, I open the window and let the cool air rush in, drying the trail of happy tears. Handing Trek that file was the single most important moment of my life, and as I stare at the clear evening sky, one so full of promise among the glittering stars, I wait.
CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
august
Work at Snaps shouldn’t even be considered work. Since it’s essentially a lot of self service, most of my time is spent printing photos for customers not used to the new tech or creating canvas prints for them. Also, managing the books. One day, I plan on hiring someone to do that shit because math has never been my favorite. But between what the store brings in and what I earn from royalties, I’ve got enough funds to keep this place going for a while.
The bell above the door rings. Without looking up from the canvas I’m working on, I yell to Alex, “Can you help them, please? I’ll be done in a minute.”
There’s a pause as she speaks to the customer. “He says he needs to talk to you.”
Curious, I lift my head and turn to face whoever it is.
My chest tightens. Ever since I started repairing my relationship with Sky, I knew the moment would come when I’d have to face her brother.
My former best friend.
My voice betrays me and stutters. “Oh, uh, hey Trek. How can I help you?”
He cracks his neck, his hands shoved deep in his pockets. “Do you have time to go somewhere and talk?”
His twitchy energy raises a red flag, and I stand. “Is everything okay? Foster, Sky? Is she all right?”
I just saw her yesterday at the Villain’s Playground while I was taking more pictures for the paper, and she was fine. Even allowed me to feel her up again. This time in my truck in the parking lot.
He huffs out a small laugh and smirks. “Yeah, man, she’s good. Foster too. He’s fine.”
Relief fills me. I catch Alex’s eyes and tilt my chin up. “Cover the store for me? I shouldn’t be gone long. Text me if you need anything.”
Once I put away my materials and grab my jacket, I follow a jumpy Trek out the door. It’s reminiscent of our interactions after the fire and when Sky was adopted by Foster. Anxious. Bubbling with some emotion that itches to escape.
Mirroring his stance, I shove my hands into my jeans pockets and wait for him to speak.
He gestures to his car in a parking spot and walks to the driver’s side.
“You kidnapping me, Berry?” I joke and pull open the passenger door.
He grunts as he slides into the driver’s seat. “Sorry. You’re not my type.”
“That’s right. Your type is more the educational ones. Older.”
Trek turns and glares while a flush rides up his neck. “Of course. I should’ve never said she could tell you. I’m gonna ring her—no, I’m gonna rearrange all the books on her shelf every night so she can never find the one she’s looking for.”
I hold my hands up as he backs from the parking space. “That’s harsh. However, dog-earing them might be worse.” He raises a brow in confusion, and I shake my head. “I’m just messing with you.” And trying to diffuse whatever this heavy feeling is.
Deflating, Trek rubs at his temple while he drives. “I know. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact I’m going to be a dad and how weird it is to talk to you after all this time.”
Silence hangs in the air. I wait him out. I’m just as at a loss for words as he is.
After a tense few minutes, he pulls into the empty lot of the boarded up under twenty-one club. That place didn’t even last a year before the town decided it was a terrible idea. That or the influx of drug deals that occurred while it was open helped in its demise.
It’s evening and the gray clouds hide the setting sun, casting shadows and encouraging the chill in the air.
He reaches into the middle console and pulls out a piece of paper. Holds it on his lap like it’s capable of revealing the secret to everlasting life.
“What’s going on? We haven’t spoken in years, and you come into the shop acting all shifty. I swear if this is some weird joke, I won’t hesitate to kick your ass and leave it here. I’ll apologize to Sky later for it,” I tease because it was always so easy to rile Trek up.
He cracks a smile and rolls his eyes. “Eh, we all know who’d win that fight.”