What Skylar Needs

by Lanee Lane

Oh crap, it had to be something major if she used ‘911’. Jade came rushing into Melanie's office just as she was about to reply.

  "What do you think's going on?"

  "I'm not really sure, but it must be something serious," Melanie replied.

  "I hope she's ok. Should we try to get out of here early?"

  "I'm going to text her now and see what she says."

  Mel: Claud, is everything ok?

  Claudia: No! I've been laid off.

  Melanie looked at Jade who was reading the same text message.

  "We need to get out of here as soon as we can."

  Jade nodded her head. "Agreed."

  The earliest Melanie and Jade could leave work was five. They went to the grocery store to get the essentials: pizza and chocolate. The trio met at Claudia's house, so she'd be in the comfort of her own home when she passed out.

  Claudia opened her door with a glass already in hand. She'd had a head start on drowning her sorrows.

  "Hey, ladies," her words were already beginning to slur.

  Jade and Melanie looked at each other. Things may have been worse than they thought. Melanie wasn't sure why she was surprised since Claudia had all day to start. The girls made their way into the kitchen to cook the pizza and start snacking on the rest.

  "I already have the wine open. Help yourself, ladies. I've been helping myself all day because I had nothing better to do."

  Claudia burst into a fit of giggles. Her giggles turned into sobs. She plopped down on one of the stools lining her counter. She put her head on the table and shook it back and forth; the cries not letting up.

  Melanie moved over to her best friend and put her arm around her shoulder.

  "I can't believe it really happened. There'd been talk of it, but that still doesn't prepare you for it."

  Melanie rubbed soothing circles on Claudia's back trying to comfort her.

  "How am I going to pay rent and my bills?"

  "Claud, you were outgrowing your position there anyway. You've been talking about finding something different or trying to grow your photography. I know it sucks, but this might be the push you needed. You know that you can stay with me if you need to, but I don't think it will come to that. We'll help you find something new. I'll ask around to see if anyone I know knows of any openings. It's going to work out."

  "Yeah, Mel's right. It's the perfect time for you to focus on your photography," Jade added.

  "If you want to take pictures for my blog, I'll be glad to give you a shout out and put links to your portfolio. We can make this happen," Melanie said.

  Claudia wiped her eyes with a napkin. She heaved in a few deep breaths.

  "You guys are right. I have wanted to focus on my photography. Worst case scenario, I'll go stay with my parents for a while."

  "You have us and your parents. We're in your corner."

  She sniffled a few more times before nodding her head in agreement.

  The trio feasted on pizza and snacks while talking about their goals, dreams, and life in general. They started planning ideas to get Claudia's name out there as a reputable photographer. She was truly talented and, with the right marketing and word of mouth, her business could grow in no time. The night started as a crisis, but turned into an introspective girls’ night.

  "Mel, how is your sexy neighbor? Or should I say boyfriend now?" Claudia wasn't too drunk to talk about Melanie's love life.

  "He's good. We're good. It's still weird to call him my boyfriend. I think of us as dating."

  "What's the difference?" Jade asked.

  "Nothing, I suppose. Dating just sounds less official; not so serious."

  "Girl, you better call that man your boyfriend. I don't know what kind of BS thoughts you have in that crazy head of yours, but he only has eyes for you these days." Even under the influence, Claudia was blunt and insightful.

  "Whatever the case may be, we're taking it slow. I don't want to jump into anything too fast."

  Claudia looked over at Melanie. "That's your way of saying you aren't giving up the P. If you don't let that man devour your body, you are insane."

  "It's clear that alcohol doesn't give you any more discretion than normal," Melanie rolled her eyes at Claudia. It was in vain because Claudia was back to chugging wine. "I just need more time to be sure that he is going to be serious about us and will be faithful. I don't need any more jerks. I'm tired of dating all the wrong guys."

  "I see the way he is with you, and I say he's all in. Don't cut yourself off from something that could be great," Claudia said.

  Melanie couldn't stop the silly grin that crept onto her lips.

  "Fine, he's my boyfriend. Gaaaahh, I would have never guessed that he and I would be a thing, but somehow it happened. I can't say that I'm mad about it either. Even though he knows how to push my buttons, he can also be sweet. Not to mention he is pretty sexy."

  “That a girl!" Claudia was definitely three sheets to the wind. Her words were loud and running together.

  Jade and Melanie waited for Claudia to pass out. It didn't take long. They cleaned up the kitchen and left a bottle of water and some aspirin beside her bed. She'd need it in the morning.

  When Melanie got home, the first thing she thought of was Skylar. She hadn't seen him all day. She'd gotten pretty used to seeing him on a regular basis with his impromptu visits. In a split decision, she hit the button for his floor. He wasn't the only one that could drop by unannounced.

  Melanie smiled as the doors opened to his floor. The familiar feeling of butterflies flying around in her stomach was undeniable. She reminded herself that this was just Skylar, her pesky neighbor. It calmed her nerves to think of him like that opposed to thinking of him as her smoking hot boyfriend that she wanted to tear her clothes off for and let him have his way with.

  Her nerves calmed down and she knocked on his door. At first, she didn't hear anything. She should have texted him first. So much for spontaneity. Just as she was about to turn back to the elevator, there were footsteps and the door opened.

  Relief flooded her. The door opened a crack and Melanie's heart dropped. Candace's face was staring back at her. She was wearing one of Skylar's shirts and no pants.

  So many thoughts were invading Melanie's mind, starting with ‘What the hell?’

  "Oh, Melanie. Funny to see you here."

  Huh, funny to see her there? Was this chick joking?

  "I could say the same for you."

  Candace let out a laugh that sounded remnant of a hyena.

  "Skylar and I just got done having a little fun. I knew he wouldn't be able to stay away long. He's in the shower now. Did you need him for something?"

  Mel could hear the faint sound of water running in the background. Her heart didn't want to believe it. Not after he promised he wanted to give them a try. Something felt wrong, but she didn't want to stick around any longer.

  Her heart felt like it was being squeezed in her chest. The prickle of tears stung her eyes. She refused to cry in front of the fake bimbo. She willed her tears to hold off a few more minutes until she was in the privacy of her own apartment.

  "No, I don't need any of your sloppy seconds. I hope you enjoyed the ride because he's never going to commit to you. You're just an easy lay when he's bored. But hey, who am I to judge? Some women are ok with being a revolving door."

  Candace's smirk dropped. That gave Melanie a momentary sense of satisfaction. Melanie turned around and headed for the stairs not waiting for a response.

  The next morning, Mel woke up earlier than normal. She hadn't really slept much to begin with. Constant tossing and turning kept her up half the night. It didn't add up. Sometime during the night, she decided that she was long overdue to visit her father. Every time they talked, he asked when she was going to visit.

  She needed time to clear her head and to think about things with her and Skylar. A trip to her dad's house was long overdue. Sometimes a girl just needed her dad. She scrolled through her phone and booked a
flight for the next day. She texted her boss to let her know that she was going to be out of town for a few days. She knew she wouldn't mind because Melanie never took time off.

  She called her dad to tell him her flight information so he could pick her up. There was a text message from Skylar from the wee hours of the morning. Only a few hours after she'd found Candace in his apartment.

  Skylar: I missed seeing you today. I hope you have sweet dreams; of me, of course.

  There was a kissy heart emoji and one with a huge grin.

  Even after last night, she couldn't help the chuckle that escaped. Leave it to Skylar to say something so big-headed. Melanie didn't reply to the message. She decided she wouldn't contact him until she touched down in Texas.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Melanie checked her phone as soon as she woke the next morning. There weren't any more text messages from Skylar. She shouldn't be surprised since it was only six. Her flight didn't leave until eleven, but she wanted to get to the airport early. That left less time to run into Skylar.

  To help her wake up, she took a warm shower. She stood under the stream of hot water letting it massage her skin. Her thoughts were lost in what happened. She felt angry, sad, and stupid.The tears would follow if she dwelled on the sadness..

  Fresh out of the shower and dressed in yoga pants and a v-neck t-shirt, she grabbed the suitcase she had packed. She texted Claudia and Jade to tell them she was going to be out of town and ask if they could check on her apartment. The didn’t know about Candace yet. She was too embarrassed that she'd been played. Claudia didn’t need the extra stress anyway. She had enough to worry about.

  Melanie didn't bother to make coffee or breakfast. Airport breakfast would do for the day. She pulled up the Uber app on her phone and scheduled a ride. Both Claudia and Jade had offered to drive her, but she didn't want them to question why she was leaving so much earlier than her flight. There was an Uber not too far from her house, so she locked up her apartment and headed outside to wait.

  Melanie's head was down scrolling through apps on her phone when her Uber pulled up. She was putting the phone back into her purse when she heard her name.

  Oh no.

  She knew whose voice it was before she looked up. Skylar was jogging toward her wearing a pair of running shorts and no shirt. His hair was damp from sweat and he looked as sexy as ever.

  She'd forgotten that the man rarely slept in and ran every day. Jumping into the car to make a run for it wasn't a choice, so she stood there as he approached.

  "Hey, if this isn't a good morning surprise," he smiled as he leaned in to kiss her.

  Melanie backed away to avoid the kiss. Skylar's smile dropped and his eyebrows furrowed.

  "What's wrong?"

  When he noticed the car she was standing next to, he asked, "Where are you going?"

  "I'm going to see my dad."

  "Oookayy, why didn't you mention it before? Were you going to say bye?"

  "It was a last-minute decision."

  His face went from confusion to concern.

  "Is everything ok? Is your dad ok? Do you need me to go with you?"

  Melanie's heart melted at the tenderness in his voice. This was the Skylar that she knew and was falling for.

  "Everything's fine. I just need a break."

  "A break from what?"

  “Everything."

  "Talk to me, Mel. What's going on?"

  He tried to reach out and touch her, but she flinched.

  "You could ask Candace if you really don't know what's wrong."

  "Candace? What does she have to do with anything?"

  Maybe he really wasn't there last night. Had Candace gotten into his apartment without him knowing? Melanie felt so confused.

  "Don't mess with me, Skylar. I don't like liars. Do you really not know what I'm talking about?"

  "I have no idea. I'm starting to get angry because whatever it is has obviously upset you, but you won't tell me what it is."

  The Uber driver rolled down his window. Melanie turned to see what he wanted.

  "Miss, do you still need a ride?"

  "Yes, I'm sorry I just need another minute."

  The driver rolled the window back up and she turned to face Skylar. The concern on his face broke her. A few stray tears trickled down her cheek. Before she got a chance, Skylar's hand reached out to wipe them away. He reached for her to pull her into his arms and she let him. She didn't stay there long before she pushed away. She straightened up and wiped any remaining wetness with the back of her hand.

  "I went to your apartment last night after I got home from Claudia's. I figured you always pop up at my place, so why not come and surprise you?" Skylar didn't say anything, just nodded his head and listened. "At first no one answered, so I figured you weren't home."

  Then he did interrupt.

  "I was at Brendon's last night. We had a poker night with some of the guys."

  "Interesting, because Candace answered your door wearing nothing but her panties and one of your shirts. She looked rumpled and said that you were in the shower. I could hear the shower in the background."

  Skylar's hands balled into fists at his side and he started to pace. His face was red and his lips turned into a deep scowl.

  "Why didn't you call or text me? Did my text last night not give you any sign that I wasn't thinking about any other woman, let alone being with another woman? You're all I ever think about, Mel."

  Melanie's gaze was on the ground.

  "I don't know. She shocked me by being in your place. How'd she get in if you didn't let her in? I was mad and upset. I have to admit I was skeptical, but I didn't know what to think."

  "I don't know how the hell she got into my apartment, but I'm sure as hell going to find out. You should have called me or tried to come back later when you thought I may be out of the shower. Instead, you’re running away."

  "I'm not running. I was going to talk to you once I got to Texas. I was thinking with my heart not my head. My feelings were hurt. You don't have the best track record with relationships, and I'm scared that you're going to ruin me. I just thought I needed some space and time to process things. I honestly need my dad right now."

  Skylar stepped closer to Melanie. He cupped her face in his hands tilting her head back to look at him.

  "You were trying to run, sweetheart, but I won't let you. I'll chase you and, believe me, I will catch you. I know I haven't been Mr. Relationship in the past, but you have to trust that I'm committed to us. People can change Mel, and you've helped change me."

  Skylar bent down and placed a tender kiss on her lips. He didn't deepen the kiss like Melanie secretly hoped he would. He kissed her on her nose and her forehead then pulled her into a hug.

  "I don't want you to go under these circumstances, but I understand if you need to visit your dad. Just know I'm not going anywhere. You should already know you can't get rid of me that easily. I'm going to get the bottom of this Candace thing and get rid of her once and for all."

  Skylar loaded her bag into the car. She slid into the back seat. He reached in and gave her one last kiss before shutting the door. He waved as she pulled off. Before they turned out of the complex, she looked out of the back window. Skylar was still standing there watching her.

  There were still doubts lurking in the back of her mind. She wanted to believe him, she did believe him, but she feared that Candace would be a constant interference in their relationship. She'd done a good job interfering up until that point. It was clear she would stop at nothing.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Skylar watched Melanie's Uber drive away. He cursed out loud at the whole situation. He'd found a girl that made him want to be better and Candace found a way to mess it up. He'd hoped that she had seriously backed off since he hadn't heard from her, but it was clear she had been scheming.

  If he didn't step in, Candace would never stop. She seemed to think that if she couldn't have him, no one would. She had a per
sonal vendetta against Melanie. Skylar scrolled through his contacts until he got to Brendon's number.

  "What up, bro?"

  "Nothing. Well, everything. I need your computer skills. I'll explain later."

  "Okay, should I be concerned?"

  "Nope, once you help me, all will be well."

  "Alright then, I'll be over tonight."

  Back in his apartment, Skylar started to brainstorm. He didn't want to play dirty, but Candace left him no choice. She forgot who she was messing with and how much she'd revealed about herself to him in private. Between him and Brendon, they could come up with a plan to get her to back off. He'd be nice enough to give her the option to walk away before he put her on blast to her parents. She wouldn't want them to know that their perfect little princess wasn't so perfect.

  * * *

  Melanie retrieved her bag from the baggage claim and headed outside to the pickup area to find her dad. It didn't take long to spot her old man. He was standing by a silver SUV. His once black hair was being taken over by gray. His large frame towered over Gwen who was nestled beside him. She always remembered her dad as being a big man. He always made her feel safe as a child. He still reminded her of the man that eased her fears as a child, but now he had slight wrinkles around his eyes and mouth.

  As soon as her dad spotted her, he released Gwen and moved toward her. Father and daughter met in the middle. Melanie released the handle of her suitcase so she could be pulled into her dad's embrace. His strong arms wrapped around her shoulders. An instant comfort fell over her that only her dad could provide.

  "I missed you so much," she mumbled into his shirt.

  "I missed you too, sweetheart. So much. I'm so happy you're here."

  Gwen came up beside her father and placed her hand on his arm.

  "Robert, stop hogging her. I need a hug too." It was still always funny for Melanie to hear her dad called Wallace. When her mother was alive, she called him Bobby.

  "Hey, Gwen, it's good to see you." Melanie moved from her father's embrace to Gwen's softer one.

  "Mel, we're so happy you're here. It's been too long, dear."

  The two women pulled apart.