Chapter 868

Skylar retrieved some beers from the refrigerator, taking the opportunity to wash some fruit as well. The table held an assortment of beef jerky flavors. As she opened a package, the aroma of barbecue beef jerky filled the air. She'd been so busy lately she hadn't had time for such treats. She remembered Instagram posts about this popular Jipsburg City shop, touted as the best. Tonight, she finally had a chance to sample it.

By the time she finished preparing, Joe came downstairs after showering. They sat quietly together, watching television and enjoying the peppered beef jerky. Joe ate little, not a fan of the peppered flavor, but he drank beer and ate some fruit. Skylar, however, had a hearty appetite, nearly devouring half the jerky herself without realizing it.

She glanced at Joe. He seemed unusually relaxed, friendly even. Their quiet companionship felt…normal. Words were unnecessary; a warmth shone in their eyes as they looked at each other. Skylar wondered if the beer was affecting her perception of Joe.

"Skylar," Joe said suddenly.

"Hmm?" she murmured, her eyes slightly glazed from the alcohol.

Joe leaned in and kissed her. Afterward, he said, "No divorce. Is that okay?"

Skylar wondered if she'd misheard. "You…" she stammered, stunned. She considered whether he was serious or acting impulsively. Just as she was about to question his decision, her phone rang.

She answered with a distracted, "Hello."

"Skylar, this is Aiken. Can you come to Apollo Hospital? Only you might be able to calm Simona down and make her listen." Aiken's voice was urgent, laced with helplessness. Skylar knew Aiken; though infrequent, their interactions always found him calm and composed. Clearly, only someone like Simona could unsettle him.

"What happened to Simona?" she asked, sensing the gravity of the situation.

"Simona… has been bullied," Aiken said, his voice thick with pain and distress. Though striving for control, the sound of Skylar's voice broke through his composure.

Skylar's expression changed; she jumped up. "I'm heading there now!"

After hanging up, she turned to Joe. "Simona's been bullied. I don't know if it's what I fear, but I need to get to the hospital immediately." Simona was young, just beginning to build her future; nothing could jeopardize that.

Joe's expression hardened. "Aiken's sister?" The situation involved Aiken; Skylar clearly had a special connection with him.

"Yes, Aiken's sister. I need a cab," Skylar said, regretting the beer.

Joe pressed his lips together, then called Lucas. "Lucas should arrive in about twenty minutes," he said.

"Okay," Skylar breathed, relieved.

While waiting for Lucas, she changed into more appropriate clothing and drank a glass of milk to mitigate the alcohol's effects. When Lucas arrived, Joe and Skylar went outside.

"It's late; it's unsafe for you to go alone," Joe said.

Skylar glanced at Lucas, a former serviceman with exceptional skills, employed by Joe. With such capable transport, safety seemed assured.