Crashing Down

by Samantha Conley

  “Know what?’ I ask, exasperated.

  “Derek and Isaac are members of the Silver Tongued Devils. Isaac plays lead guitar and Derek is the bassist.”

  “You’re kidding me.”

  “Nope. Hell, before they made it big they all worked for our construction company and played at the bar on the weekend.”

  “Holy shit,” I breathe out.

  “Try not to fangirl too hard, okay?” I ball up my napkin and throw it at his head, only his quick reflexes keep me from hitting the target.

  “I’ll try to contain myself.”

  “Speaking of date, why don’t you?” He shocks me with the question. No, no, no, no. Please don’t be asking me out.

  “I did in college. It didn’t end well. I’ve just been focusing on my career right now.”

  “What happened?” he thunders, startling me in my chair.

  “What makes you think something happened?”

  “I have eyes and ears. The tone of your voice changed, and you hunched in on yourself. Did he hurt you?” Zane demands.

  “Like hit me? No, he never laid a hand on me.”

  “There are other kinds of abuse, Skylar.”

  “We had a bad episode. Just one. Hurtful things were said, and our relationship ended. Nothing more, nothing less.”

  “I think I smell bullshit.”

  “It’s not something I want to talk about okay? It’s in the past and it needs to stay there.” I push back my chair making it squeak across the linoleum floor and stomp off to put my dishes away. The fork clattering against the glass as my hands tremble.

  He walks up behind me and places his hands on my shoulders, “I’m sorry, Sky. I shouldn’t have pushed. If, when you’re ready to talk about it I’m here,” he whispers.

  Choked on my emotions, I can only nod without breaking into sobs. In my head, all I can hear is Craig calling me a murderer, that I did everything to spite him. His tall frame looming over the hospital bed after I miscarried our baby. The warmth of his cinnamon scented breath fanning across my face as he screamed degrading names at me before security hauled him out of my room as he continued to rant. To this day the scent causes me to become nauseous.

  “You okay?” he murmurs against my hair.

  “Yes,” I swallow to get past the lump in my throat. “Yeah, I’m fine. Don’t know why it hit me so hard. But I’m okay. Don’t worry.” I smile up at him, but he’s not convinced as he states down at me with narrowed blue eyes.

  “Hey, Skylar. You’re still coming over tonight right?” Kristen calls out as she spies me in the hallway.

  “Umm, yeah I can’t wait,” I reply, pushing my hair back behind my ear. “What do you need me to bring?’

  “Nothing. Just yourself. I’ve already got everything prepped and just need to throw it together tonight. The guys will play poker somewhere else, so we won’t have to worry about them crashing the party. I’ll text you the address. It’s easy to find.”

  “Okay.”

  “Great! I’ll see you tonight. Our schedule is packed today. Lots of baby well checks. My favorite appointments. I’ll catch you later. Bye.” She hurries down the hall as one of the medical assistants flips the flag beside the door showing the patient is ready.

  The day flies by and my last patient for the day is a little hell-raiser who doesn’t want to cooperate. After trying all the tricks in my arsenal to get her to cooperate, I give up and take her back out to the waiting room to her mother who isn’t anywhere in the room. Sylvia, our receptionist, spies me looking for her and motions me over.

  “She left as soon as you took her daughter back,” she whispers as to not draw attention from the other parents.

  “Would you mind calling her and letting her know we finished early? We’re not getting anywhere today.”

  “Sure thing, Skylar.”

  “Thanks, Sylvia. Just buzz me and I’ll bring her back out. I’ll just have to figure out what to do in the meantime.”

  Taking the girl back to my office with me, I have her sit at the table.

  She jumps out of the chair like a jack in the box running toward the toys.

  “Darcy, no playing with the toys today. You didn’t do what I asked you to do.”

  “I Pay!” she screams at me.

  ‘No, not today. You need to sit back down.”

  “NO!” she cries before she throws wooden blocks across the room. I duck as one sails by my head landing with a thud against the wall.

  “Darcy, that is enough. You need to sit down right now.” I try to keep my tone calm, but she knocks over the big plastic play kitchen over on to the floor.

  “Pay! Pay! Pay!” she shrieks over and over until I cover my ears to keep them from bleeding.

  “Sit down,” I order, voice stern but the little demon is unphased. I watch frozen in horror as she destroys the room, toys, and books flying in all directions. Something breaks my stupor when the hard-edged toy clips my cheek. Reaching up, sticky wetness covers my fingers and I pull them back to see the blood coating them.

  “What in the world is going on in here?!” Dr. Atwell bellows when he opens the door. His eyes open wide in disbelief as he sees the destruction. When he sees the blood dripping down my cheek, he eyes darken before turning to the child.

  “You will stop right this minute, Darcy!” His voice booms throughout the small room as she stops dead in her tracks. Her blue eyes fill with tears as she looks up at him.

  “Wan pay," she wails, dropping to the floor, huge tears overflowing her lower lashes.

  “Clean up this mess, Darcy, while I speak with Miss Skylar,” he orders before uprighting the heavy kitchen playset.

  “Do I even want to know?” he inquires as we walk closer to the door.

  “We ended our session early since she wasn’t cooperating today. I took her out to her mother, but she left. Syl is calling her to come and get her while I brought her back here since she can’t stay in the waiting room by herself. I had her sit at the table, but she wanted to play. I wouldn’t reward her for not doing the work today and told her she couldn’t. The next thing I know she’s yelling and throwing toys.”

  “Looks like one got you good,” he says as he moves his large hand up to my face inspecting the cut. I wince when he fingers get close. “You don’t need stitches, but an ice pack wouldn’t hurt. You’re gonna have one hell of a bruise.”

  The intercom buzzes through the room as Sylvia lets me know Darcy’s mother has returned.

  “Thank god,” I breathe out.

  “Let me handle this.” He turns to Darcy who was sulking on the floor as she put the toys back in the box. “Skylar, why don’t you take the rest of the day off. She was your last scheduled patient, yes?” At my nod, he looks at the girl. “Darcy, it’s time to go see your mother.” He reaches down and takes the girl's hand and leads her out of the room.

  I swear the little girl smirks at me before she leaves the room.

  What the fuck?

  4

  Skylar

  As I peruse the Mexican food aisle at the grocery store, I’m absorbed in my mission to find something to take tonight when my buggy stops with a jarring clang of metal.

  “Oh my gosh,” I blurt looking up at the driver of the other cart, the words lock in my throat at the gorgeous man looking down at me. “I’m so sorry.”

  “No harm done,” his deep voice rumbles out before his eyes drop to the dark-haired toddler strapped into the seat as he hammers his hands on the handle. “We’re made of tougher stuff than that. Right, Colby?” He smiles down at the little boy and the dimple that appears is enough to make me swoon. When he looks back to my face, his eyes narrow. “Are you okay?”

  “Umm, yeah I’m fine.” He moves his hand to his face, finger running over the area under his eye and I realize he’s referring to the cut on my face. Which by now is bruising. Great. “Oh, that? A hazard of my job I suppose.”

  His brown gaze burns into me, forcing me to look down. I pull the buggy b
ack and wheel it around in the opposite direction. “Sorry again. Have a wonderful day.” I hurry away, not sure why the intensity of his stare unnerved me so much. Abandoning my shopping, I rush out to my car. I put the key in the ignition and glance out of the window. Two pairs of identical brown eyes are staring back at me from the storefront. Gazes locked, my heart pounds. I throw the car into reverse and pull out of my spot, earning a honk and an angry glare from a man in a truck. Miles down the road I still feel the heat of his gaze.

  I pull my Mini into the long drive where Kristen lives, the large home looming in the waning daylight.

  “Jesus, she lives here?” I whisper throwing my car into park. I walk up the cobblestoned path between the house and garage as a petite, older woman walks out of the side door.

  “Hello, dear. Are you Skylar?” she politely asks.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “No, ma’am. I’m Vi, Kristen’s mother-in-law.” She reaches and out clasping my hand pulling me along behind her. “It’s wonderful to meet you, dear. The girls are around back, sitting by the pool. Go back there and join them. If y’all need anything let me know,” she states with a kind smile.

  “Thank you.”

  As the door closes behind her, I continue toward the sound of splashing water. A tall, voluptuous redhead is lying on a lounger, while a dark-haired mermaid dives off the board with a small splash.

  “Skylar,” Kristen calls as she comes through the sliding glass door of another building carrying a tray with a pitcher of margaritas and glasses. “I’m glad you made it. Mallory, Camryn, this is Skylar. The new speech pathologist at work.”

  The tall redhead stands from her chair and saunters over, dark glasses perched on top of her head.

  “Skylar, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Camryn, just to clarify. That’s Mallory waving like a mad woman in the water.” I turn to see her in the deep end waving and I return the gesture.

  “Kris, pour me some up girl! It’s been too long,” Camryn begs. “I’m breastfeeding, and it’s been months since I had one of Kristen’s famous margaritas. They are the best thing you’ll ever taste,” she says with a wink.

  “You’ll be drunk after one, Cam.” Laughter comes from behind us as Mallory joins the group wrapping a towel around her middle.

  “That’ll be okay too. Vi is watching Delaney for us tonight and Isaac promised he’d take care of her after we got home. He told me to let loose tonight.”

  “He's hoping to get laid,” Mallory chuckles.

  “There’s a good possibility,” Camryn replies with a smile.

  “Amen to that,” Kristen clinks glasses with Camryn before handing it over. “Drink up and relax.”

  “Skylar, tell us about yourself. Are you from around here?” Mallory asks before sitting on a metal chair.

  “I was raised about a hundred miles northeast of here.”

  “Where did you go to school?” Camryn inquires.

  “Texas Christian University. You both went to Texas Woman’s University with Kristen, right?” I take a drink of the icy mixture and the tequila burns as it goes down my throat. But damn its good.

  “That’s where we met.”

  “It’s amazing that you’ve remained friends after school. I’m a little envious.”

  “Why is that?” Kristen questions.

  “I guess I focused on school instead of making friends.”

  “No boyfriends or anything?” Mallory asks from her perch.

  “I had a boyfriend toward the end of school, but we broke up before graduation.”

  “Oh, that sucks. Finals and emotional upheaval? Not a good combo,” Mallory groans out.

  “It was after finals. It was before we walked the stage.”

  “Have you dated since then?” Camryn probes.

  “Not really. I’ve gone on a few dates before moving here but they didn’t work out."

  “No chemistry?” Kristen pipes up.

  “I think it was more that I wasn’t ready. I knew the place I was working wasn’t where I wanted to be and didn’t want to put down any roots. If you know what I mean.”

  “Well, I hope you’re happy where you are because we’re lucky to have you on our team.” Kristen gives me a one-armed hug before sitting beside me.

  “It feels like family there,” I whisper into my nearly empty glass.

  “How about some food? I think these two may have the same amount of tolerance.” Kristen laughs. I glance over at Camryn seeing that she’s relaxed with a goofy grin on her face, her glass half full.

  Kristen and Mallory go into the house and bring back platters, Mounds of grilled meat, onions, and pepper perfume the air. My stomach rumbles and Camryn snorts out a laugh. Within seconds it’s contagious and we’re all giggling about nothing.

  The food is fabulous, and the company is even better. By the end of the meal, I feel like I’ve known these girls forever. Any awkward moments I was worried about are washed away by good tequila and laughter.

  “Sky, where are you living?” Mallory asks, placing her empty plate on the table.

  “I live in a duplex off Washington Drive.”

  “Washington Drive? Why does that sound familiar?” Kristen ponders.

  “My neighbor said he’s your husband’s cousin? I think? Too much tequila,” I groan out.

  ‘That’s right. Ian lives there. Or is it Zane?”

  “Zane. That tall hunk of man,” I sigh out.

  “Uh oh, do I detect a little crush going on?” Mallory wags her eyebrows.

  “No, he’s too young. And way into the ladies. I had to sleep on my couch on the weekends for all the noise coming from his bedroom. But he sure is pretty,” I murmur.

  “I haven’t met a Calloway man yet that wasn’t yummy.” Mallory sighs out in appreciation

  “Hey now,” Kristen teases.

  “You know Derek is hot. And so is Adam.” She winks over at Camryn.

  “I will agree that Adam is good looking, but he has nothing on Isaac,” Camryn counters.

  “Who’s Adam?” My eyes bounce back and forth between the three trying to keep up with the conversation.

  “He’s the oldest of the Calloway brothers. Camryn dated him for a couple of years,” Kristen replies.

  “Okaayy.”

  “We broke up and I ended up with Isaac,” Camryn clarifies.

  “Not without a lot of resistance,” Kristen mumbles.

  “Hey now. Leave me alone. It all worked out,” Camryn huffs out.

  “I guess I’m missing something.”

  “Long story short,” Camryn begins. “Adam and I broke up. I hooked up with Isaac for a one-night stand. Or so I thought. He had other plans. He wanted a relationship and I was wary.” She stops to take a breath and down the rest of her margarita. “Isaac was a manwhore, to the extreme. I didn’t take him seriously. He pursued. I resisted. Until I got drunk one night and jumped him. Got knocked up and avoided him like the plague because I was scared. It all came to a head when we went to Bora Bora for Kristen’s wedding.”

  “She blurted out she was pregnant and that he was a dipshit in the middle of the reception,” Mallory laughs out.

  ‘Yes. Anyway, he didn’t run off and leave me like I thought he would. I finally admitted what I felt for him and we’ve been together ever since.”

  “Aww, that’s sweet. Your own happy ever after.”

  “It takes work, but I like to think so. We’ve all had our issues when it comes to love.” She nods at the other girls.

  “Oh yeah,” Mallory agrees.

  “Amen to that,” Kristen chimes in.

  “Preaching to the choir,” I mumble.

  “Sounds like there’s a story there,” Mallory quips with a smile. And what must be my deer in the headlights look, she backtracks. “Not one you have to tell.”

  “Maybe later. It’s not a meet and get to know you kinda tale.”

  “None of our stories are pretty but you tell us when you’re ready. I think we’ll be seeing a lot
more of you.” Mallory smiles at me. “Plus, it’s nice to have someone close to my height.” She laughs.

  “Does that mean you like me?” I smirk.

  “Damn right we do,” Camryn adds. “But it looks like our time is up. The boys are crashing the party.” Following her stare toward the back of the main house, I see three men are making their way toward us. A tall blonde sidles up next to Camryn before laying a panty melting kiss on her lips. I need to fan myself with the amount of heat these two are putting off.

  “Of course, we’re crashing. I’m missing my girls,” he murmurs, eyes locked on her face.

  “We may have been missing you just a little bit,” she quips holding her thumb and finger about an inch apart before bursting out in laughter. “Kidding. I’m sure baby girl is in there pining for her daddy as we speak,” she soothes.

  “And did you miss me too, big guy?” Mallory asks the guy built like a tank that has his arms wrapped around her from behind, dwarfing the petite woman.

  “Always,” he deep voice grumbles.

  “Before you all get lovey-dovey, meet Skylar.” Kristen gestures in my direction. “She started working at the clinic with me a couple of months ago. Skylar, the blonde guy is Isaac. The one wrapped around Mallory is Jason. And this big lug is my husband, Derek.” She pats one of the hands he places on her shoulders.

  “Nice to meet you,” I murmur.

  “Good to meet you, Skylar,” Derek replies. “Kris has been excited to have you come over for girls’ night.”

  Jason reaches his big mitt across the table and I put my hand in his. Gentler than I would have expected, he clasps my fingers without crushing them.

  “Nice to meet you.”

  “Hey Mallory, you won’t have to feel alone anymore. Y’all have added another munchkin to the group,” Isaac teases while she throws a chip at his head. “Just kidding. Glad to meet you, Skylar. The terrible threesome has become a quartet.”

  Camryn looks up at Isaac before asking, “Where’s Brett? Did he not come tonight?”

  “No, he was a no-show. Brian said he had something important going on and couldn’t get away,” he replies.