Page 67 of Pucking Only
In addition to my worries about how he’ll respond is myanxiety about getting into a real relationship. As much as I hope he says he feels something for me, I’m also terrified. I’ve never been in a committed relationship before I don’t really know how to be in one, especially not a long distance one. There’s always the chance that things will crash and burn between us, despite any feelings we might have for each other.
The weekend can’t come soon enough, and yet I’m terrified of what it might bring. Seeing Carson again could either make things better or break my heart completely, but either way, I have to know. I can’t keep living with this uncertainty.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: IT ALL FALLS APART
SKYLER
The weekend finally arrives,and with it, my trip to Wisconsin. I fly in the same day as the party because that's all I can get off of work after being in Denver for so long, so I don’t have time to see anyone before the party. I head straight to my hotel. I chose not to stay at Grace's parents because I'm afraid of running into Carson, and get ready before heading to the golf course country club where the party is being held. When I get there, I shoot Grace a text before heading in.
Skyler: At the party! You inside already?
Her response comes moments later.
Grace: Yay! Not yet. Jensen and I are at the hotel and will be there in 20. We were helping set everything up all day and are running a little behind getting ready.
I grin, chuckling to myself as I reply.
Skyler: Okay!See you soon!
Putting my phone in my clutch, I take a deep breath before climbing out of my rental car and making my way to the club’s entrance. The moment I step through the grand double-doors of the country club, I'm greeted by the soft hum of conversation and the tinkling of crystal glasses. The air is filled with the faint scent of roses and polished wood, mingling with the aroma of hors d'oeuvres being passed around on silver trays. The lighting is warm, casting a golden glow over the room, highlighting the elegance of the space — the polished marble floors, the high ceilings adorned with chandeliers, and the long tables draped in white linen. I pause, taking it all in.
I’m admittedly super nervous, but it helps that I know I look fabulous. The dress I’m wearing is a deep shade of emerald green, something Grace picked out during our shopping trip. It hugs my curves in all the right places, and for once, I feel beautiful. Powerful, even. My hair is styled perfectly, cascading down my back in soft golden waves, and the simple gold necklace at my throat catches the light with every step I take. I've also opted to wear contacts instead of my glasses, which is something I rarely do, but tonight I'm going all in.
I scan the room, searching for familiar faces. When I spot my dad, my heart flips in my chest and excitement bubbles up within me. He looks up. When he sees me, his face lights up with that big, warm smile of his. I feel a surge of affection and relief as I push my way through the crowd and make my way over to him.
“Skyler!” he exclaims, pulling me into a bear hug as soon as I reach him. “You look absolutely stunning.”
I laugh softly, trying to blink back the tears that threaten to well up. God, I’ve missed him so much.
“Thanks, Dad. You’re not looking so bad yourself.”
He chuckles, patting my back before letting me go. “I’m soglad you’re here, sweetheart. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”
“I wouldn’t miss it,” I say, meaning every word. Being here, surrounded by family and old friends, feels like a lifeline after the chaos of the last few weeks. Even as I stand here, wrapped in the comfort of my dad’s presence, my thoughts keep drifting to one person.
Carson.
I haven’t seen him yet. I can feel the nervous energy building inside me, the anticipation making my heart race. I’m not sure how I’m going to do this, but I know I have to talk to him and finally figure out where we stand.
“Have you seen Carson?” I ask my dad, trying to sound casual.
“Yeah, he’s around here somewhere,” he replies, glancing around the room. “Probably talking with someone or grabbing another drink.”
I nod, trying to suppress the anxiety bubbling up in my chest. “I’ll go find him. I’ll catch up with you later.”
“Take your time, sweetheart,” he says, giving me one last reassuring smile.
As I weave through the crowd, my eyes dart from face to face, searching for Carson. The music, the laughter, the vibrant energy of the party — all of it feels muted, like background noise to the pounding of my heart.
“Skyler! There you are, sweetheart!”
I stop in my tracks and turn to smile at Mrs. Monroe, who's making a beeline through the crowd to get to me. Mr. Monroe isn't far behind her.
“Congratulations on 30 years of bliss!” I exclaim, opening my arms so Mrs. Monroe can wrap me in a big hug.
“Thank you, hon,” she says, looking me up and down onceshe steps out of our hug. “My goodness, look at you! You're stunning!”
I blush and reply, “Thank you. You two are looking pretty sharp yourselves.”