Page 41 of Finding Kyler
I press a hand to my stomach, rooted to the spot, watching the door swinging in and out after him. Conflicting emotions are running riot inside me as I snatch up my towel and stagger from the room like a drunk after a rowdy all-nighter.
Chapter Fifteen
After showering and dressing, and trying my best to shake all thoughts of Kyler from my head and my heart, I walk to the kitchen for breakfast. It’s empty. Guess everyone sleeps in on the weekend. I make a healthy fruit salad and eat it with some yogurt, before deciding to take a walk on the grounds.
As I step outside, Kyler shoots past me on a mountain bike, almost taking the knees out from under me. His feet cycle unbelievably fast. His focus and dedication is clearly keeping him in tiptop shape, I begrudgingly acknowledge. Still doesn’t excuse his behavior.
Less than an hour ago, he was all up in my personal space, and now he doesn’t care if he runsme over?
Jerk-face.
I flip my finger up at his retreating form even though he can’t see me—makes me feel heaps better, though.
Strips of buttery sunshine heat my bones as I stride across the lawn toward the woods. My book is tucked in the back pocket of my shorts, and I intend to find a comfy spot to read. Fresh, minty scents invade my nostrils as I make my way through the forest.
A sorrowful pang assaults me as memories of family walks in Djouce Woods soar to the front of my mind. Heartfelt misery twists my stomach into knots, and I bend over, clutching my torso as if I’m winded. Unimaginable pain rips through me, shredding vital organs in its wake. I sink to my knees, hugging my arms around my torso, desperately trying to hold myself together.
“Are you okay?” a soft lilting voice asks, and I stiffen. Glancing over my shoulder, I spy Lana looking at me with obvious concern etched across her face.
“You ran off on me,” I say, climbing to my feet. “At the party.”
Her cheeks flush red. “Yeah, sorry about that. I didn’t mean to be rude. I was a little upset over something.”
“Anything I can help with?”
She shakes her head. “I’m over it now, but thanks.”
I walk toward her and extend my hand, super grateful for her distraction. I was starting to fall into a hole that wouldn’t have been easy to get out of. “I’m Faye.”
“I know. My mom told me about you.” She looks down at the ground as her cheeks stain darker.
“Greta’s nice, although I don’t think she’s happy that I want to actuallyusethe kitchen.”
“You figured that out already, huh?”
“It’s no biggie.” I shrug. “I’ll work on her.”
She shifts awkwardly from foot to foot. “Do you have plans right now, or would you like to hang out? My parents are both working, so the house is empty.”
“I’ve no plans. That sounds great.”
I follow Lana as she guides us through the forest. “Mom is quite set in her ways, but she’s a big softie. She’s worked for the Kennedys for years, and the job means a lot to her. She likes to feel indispensable.”
“I can understand that, and it’s admirable that she’s so dedicated to her job. Trust me, she’s nothing to fear from me. I like to let off steam in the kitchen, that’s all. My mum was a fantastic cook, and I was essentially raised in front of a cooker.”
“You must miss her.”
“I do. So much.”
Lana steers me along the side of the bungalow and out around the back to a small well-worn decked area. Tasteful wicker furniture sits atop the raised area, facing out onto an impressive garden. Even though it’s not the biggest lawn—certainly not by Kennedy standards—it’s beautifully designed with flowers and shrubbery of every size and color. A large apple tree occupies prime position in the center of the garden, holding court like a majestic overlord.
“Wow, your garden is fab.”
Lana walks into the house via a side door as I plonk my ass into one of the comfy seats. She returns brandishing a jug with pink liquid and two glasses. “Would you like some lemonade?”
“Cool, thanks.”
She sets the lemonade down on the table resting between us and pours me a glass. “Dad maintains all the gardens for the Kennedys, but it’s more than a job to him. He’s the original green fingers.” She smiles and her whole face transforms. A fleck of amber glistens in her hazel eyes, and the smattering of freckles dotting her nose and cheeks sparkle like tiny little stars are embedded in her skin.
