Chapter 367

Natalie felt something was wrong.

"Nath, are you okay?" Skylar handed her a bottle of water.

Natalie took it and, after a few sips, calmed down, though her eyes remained slightly red. Skylar was concerned.

"I'm fine," Natalie said, appearing dazed. "I just feel…complicated. I can't explain it." An indescribable panic welled up inside her.

Skylar comforted her softly, "I'm here, Nath."

Natalie hugged her. "Skye, I didn't mean to be so fussy, but…" She felt strangely unfamiliar with Jeremy.

"I understand," Skylar said, gently patting Natalie's back.

Natalie received a call and was stunned to see the caller ID.

"It's Jeremy," she said.

"I'll get out of the car and wait for you. Have a good chat," Skylar offered.

After Skylar left, Natalie took a deep breath, composed herself, and answered the call. "Hello, honey."

Jeremy's gentle voice responded, "Do you have anything else with Skylar? If not, I'll come right out. Let's go home. I'm sorry I've been busy and ignored your feelings. Let's talk at home."

Natalie's eyes reddened. "Okay."

After hanging up, she got out of the car. "Sorry, Skye, I can't make the barbecue. Let's reschedule. Jeremy wants me to wait here."

Skylar smiled. "Okay. I hope we can still get together soon. Go talk to Mr. Hughes properly. Communication is key. Let me know if you need anything."

She got into her car. Given the couple's apparent difficulties, she didn't want to intrude.

Before Skylar drove away, Natalie signaled her to stop.

Skylar lowered her window, questioning.

"Skye, could you stay a bit longer? I can ask Jeremy to introduce you to Joe. I could tell you were interested; you were staring at him." Natalie couldn't bear the thought of Skylar, such a beautiful woman, being single.

Skylar chuckled. "I know him. He's my husband. We're very familiar."

Natalie's mouth twitched. "Don't joke. I have a feeling Joe was looking at you too. Maybe you're his type."

"I don't know if I'm his type, but he seems to like me in bed," Skylar said, dropping a bombshell when Natalie remained unconvinced.

Natalie still didn't believe her. "Nah, stop kidding!"

Skylar was amused. "What would make you believe me?"

"I won't believe it unless I catch you two in bed," Natalie declared, convinced she knew the truth and that Skylar couldn't deceive her. She believed Skylar was too smart to be easily fooled. She would believe it if it were another man, but not Joe.

Skylar spotted Jeremy leaving the restaurant. "You'd better figure out how to tell Mr. Hughes you need to leave early."

Natalie saw Jeremy and replied, "I'll talk to him. Drive safely. Let me know when you get home."