‘Hello,’ Rebecca, groggily answered.
‘Did you no know that Morgan was sick?’ I snapped.
‘I knew she didn’t feel well last night. Why?’
‘Did you give her anything? She’s sick. Do you think maybe you could go take care of her?’
‘Yes, sir. I’m on my way right this second.’
I hung up, watching the camera views as Rebecca made her way upstairs. She helped Morgan up, started a bath, and left her to soak while she went back downstairs. Rebecca made a tray with a glass of sprite, saltine crackers, and a medicine cup full of pink stuff.
Feeling better about Rebecca being with her, I showered and dressed for what I hoped was our last meeting.
Skyler entered the bathroom and wrapped her arms around my waist from behind. ‘Are you sneaking out on me?’
I smiled a weak smile through the mirror. ‘I’ve got to get going.’
‘How long are you in town for? Should I wait here for you? Maybe we can catch a show later.’
‘I can’t, Sky, I’m heading home as soon as this meeting is over. I’ve been gone for nine days now. There are things I have to get back to.’
‘Like a wife?’
I didn’t answer.
‘You’re different, Drew.’
Turning to her, I tilted my head. ‘How so?’
‘I don’t know. You’re not into me like you once were.’
‘Skyler, you left me, remember? Besides, we haven’t been around each other for a few years now. How do you expect me to be with you?’
‘I guess I want you to still want me. Do you still want me, Drew?’ Skyler asked, coming to the tips of her toes with her lips close to mine.
‘I don’t have time to want anything right now. Callaway has pretty much passed the buck to me. I have a lot on my plate right now.’
‘You still need love. I know you,’ she accused, softly kissing my lips between words.”
Ahhh, how fucking sweet.
Drew continued, “I snickered. Love? No. I didn’t need that shit. ‘I’m good in the love department.’
‘Sex? Do you have sex with her, Drew?’
‘Yes,’ I honestly told her. She dropped her hands and took a step back.
‘You’re in love with her,’ she accused with a dramatic expression like it had just dawned on her.
What? No. That wasn’t it. I wasn’t in love with Morgan. No way. That was absurd. ‘No, Skyler. I’m not in love with Morgan. You left. A man has needs.’
‘I can name five girls that would do you in a heartbeat. I don’t think that is what it is—at all.’
‘It is. I told you. I’m busy. She’s convenient.’
Taking a step back to me, Skyler wrapped her arms around my neck with a sly grin. ‘This is your lucky day. You see, the thing is, I’m sort of available now for your convenience. I will be back in Vegas in a few days. Maybe we can pick up where we left off and so you don’t have to settle for that piece of trash anymore.’ Skyler offered herself to me.”
I’ll give you trash, you little home wrecker.
“I moved her arms from around my neck and tightened my tie. Morgan was far from being trash. She could give Skyler a run for her money any day of the week, all day long. Maybe not when she first came, but now, wow. The dance lessons served her well, she could turn every head in a room, and she often did. She didn’t have the fake mundane laugh that Skyler had. Morgan’s laugh was genuine and made my days brighter. I turned my laptop on to see her doing trivial things so many times when I was away, hoping to catch her laughing at something silly, which she did often. Skyler didn’t know her. She had no right.”
“You felt that way then, Drew?” I had to ask. I was shocked. I still hated Drew then, well, most of the time anyway. I guess there were moments, but not many.
“I did, Morgan,” Drew admitted, getting back to his story. “Skyler asked me with a frown, ‘What? You don’t like that idea?’
‘I’ve got to go, Sky. Call me,’ I cowardly said, kissing her on the cheek.
I answered a call from Callaway in the cab. He wanted to know if I had this deal in the bag or if he needed to come and take care of it, like he could do any more than I was already doing.
‘When will you be back? The Martinez’s are having a party for their daughter tonight. I want you and Morgan there.’
‘I am hoping to be out of here by noon, but I’m not going to any party. Morgan’s sick.’
‘What do you mean she’s sick? Does she need a doctor?’
‘She says she doesn’t. She insists that it’s just a bug. I will give her until tomorrow. If she’s still sick, I’ll take her to the doctor.’