Page 40 of The Only Seconds that Matter
“You never suspected?”Skyler asked.
“No.”
“You’re kind of an idiot.”
Victor nodded, mouth dry.“Yeah, I guess.”
“That’s why I think asking Johnny about this is worth a try.I can’t say if he likes you as a friend or more, but I do know that he likes you, which isn’t nothing.You can’t just pretend you don’t have needs for the rest of your life.Have you even had sex since leaving California?”
“That’s none of your business.”
“Really?You’re speaking to the girl you borrowed tampons from throughout high school.I know your business pretty well.”
“No, I haven’t had sex.It’s not a big deal.”
“It is a big deal.”
“I could get it if I wanted.I’d have to drive down to Tulsa.I just happen to be discerning.”
“Right.But—”
“There’s Johnny,” Victor said as he noticed a tall figure dressed in black heading their way.
Skyler waved, and when Johnny was within hearing distance, she said, “Hello there, pardner.”
“What’s goin’ on out here, some kinda tailgaitin’?”he asked with a slight slur.He’d drank more than them both, but he was clearly coherent enough to walk straight.
“I needed some air and Skyler found me out here,” Victor replied.
“Woulda been nice to know, cuz I been lookin’ everywhere.”
“Sorry about that.I didn’t mean to make anyone worry.”
“You ain’t sick or nothin’, are ya?”
“No, I feel fine.Just sweat through my nice shirt.”Victor lifted an arm and tugged at the fabric.“Too hot in there.”
“You wanna do any more dancin’ or you think you’re done for the night?”
Victor hated to be the party pooper, so he pushed off his truck.“I’m down with a little more, if you want.”
“Alright then.”Johnny placed a hand on his hip and offered the crook of his arm to Skyler.“Ma’am.”
Skyler laughed and took his arm, but not before giving Victor a meaningful look, as if sayingsorry.Victor offered a fragile smile in return.He didn’t want to ruin anyone’s fun, and he knew Skyler’s intentions were pure.It hurt to see, but that was no one’s problem but his own.
CHAPTER 12
Ten years ago, Victor might have cried when seeing Skyler off.These days it took more than that to make him weep, but it still hurt to give her a strong hug good-bye.She made him promise to stay in touch as often as possible, and she thanked him for hosting her.
“Tell Johnny I appreciate the good time out,” she said.“And I hope you figure out whatever it is between you.”
“Yeah,” Victor replied non-committedly.With a sigh, Skyler gave him another embrace.
“I love you, you know.”She patted his cheek lightly before throwing her driver’s side door open and climbing up into the truck.“Promise me you’ll call more often.”
“I’ll do my best,” Victor replied.
“You better.”She gave him a pointed look before starting the truck’s engine and rolling down the driveway, trailer in tow.
