Page 125 of When Sky Breaks
One more kiss, and then we’re on the road to her house.
Whether she makes the call to her mom or not isn’t up to me, but the result will be the same. She’ll have me to lean on no matter what.
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
sky
There’s some very manly giggling coming from my backyard as August and I arrive at the house. Is there such a thing as manly giggling?
Maybe my subconscious is manifesting something outlandish to protect itself after the afternoon with August’s mom.
He hasn’t said much about it, instead modeling my silence and being a comfort rather than expecting me to know exactly how I’m feeling about the phone number burning in my contact list.
Giggles erupt again from over the fence and even August can’t deny their existence.
“What is that?” He cranes his neck like he can see over the fence from our position in the truck.
“I don’t know. Sounds like two geese honking at each other,” I say, squinting in the dark.
“More like two hyenas on helium.”
“Oh, I like that one. That’s exactly it.”
August softly smiles, reaching out to brush his thumb over my cheek. “Are you doing all right? I’m giving you space to process, just so you know. But I’m here when you need me.”
I hold his hand to my face and smile back. “I know. Thank you. I’ll be fine, eventually. Just like you said, I’m processing the fact I have Dannie’s number. It’s a weird feeling. I can’t describe it.”
“That’s okay, take your time. My mom’s been back for almost a year, and it’s still strange to have normal conversations with her.”
A loud bang from the backyard makes us swivel our heads.
“We should see what’s going on. That noise and the crazy laughing makes me nervous.”
August jumps out and runs around to open my door. Such a fucking gentleman. Seeing as he learned little of that from his parents, I hit the jackpot lottery of men.
Instead of going through the house, I grab his hand, and we walk through the crunchy leaves toward the fence gate.
“Shhh! Dad, you’re making too much noise—someone’s coming,” Trek’s voice pitches high.
“Think we can take ’em?” Foster asks with a giggle. He sounds…under the influence.
The gate squeaks as I push through, rounding to the back of the house.
Trek and Foster are sitting around a fire blazing in the pit. Lounging is more like it. A billow of smoke streams from Trek’s mouth, wafting up to be taken by the breeze rustling the trees.
He turns all the way around once he sees us, and his face lights up.
“Oh, it’s just Sky! Hi Sky, hah that rhymes. And her boy. My best friend. Former best friend. Maybe new best friend, I don’t know yet. We did kind of cry together. That has to count for something.”
Foster shifts in his seat, his smile lazy, his bald head shiny in the firelight. “Hi baby girl. August. Want some?”
He holds out a small blunt—if the skunky smell has anything to say—pinched between his fingers. I fight a grin.
Naturally, the nurse in me has to say something. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”
August chuckles, kisses my head, and drags two empty chairs to join them.
Trek sends smoke straight up before giving me a wink. “Sky Wintersssss, Dad earned this. Don’t hate. You know it’s good for cancer patients. It’s not that strong.”