Joe stood at the edge of the strawberry patch, his sharp gaze fixed on Skylar, who was focused on picking the ripe berries. The soft rustling of leaves and the cool evening air contrasted with the tension that had lingered between them since earlier.
“Why are you here?” Skylar asked without looking up, her voice steady but carrying a hint of exhaustion. She had hoped to find some peace in the simple task of picking strawberries, but her mind still lingered on the unpleasant conversation with Sadie.
Joe hesitated, his usual composure faltering just a little. “I wanted to talk to you,” he said, stepping closer. “But I didn’t expect you to be here.”
Skylar sighed and set her basket down, wiping her hands on her jeans. “You’re looking for a reason to confront me, aren’t you? Go ahead, get it over with. I’m not in the mood for games.”
Joe ran a hand through his hair, his expression unreadable. “I don’t want to fight with you, Skylar. But you’re pushing me away. Why do you keep doing that?”
Skylar turned to face him fully, her posture tense. “Maybe because you don’t really care. Or maybe you think I owe you something because you’re giving me a place to stay. But I don’t owe anyone anything.”
Joe’s brow furrowed at her words, his eyes narrowing slightly. “You’re not just a guest here. You’re part of this family, whether you like it or not.”
Skylar laughed, but it wasn’t a happy sound. “Family? I don’t remember signing up for this, Joe. I didn’t ask for your charity, and I certainly didn’t ask for you to be my… husband, even if it’s just for show.”
The silence between them grew thick, and for a moment, Joe said nothing. Then, with a resigned sigh, he stepped closer, his tone softer but still firm. “I get it, Skylar. You’re hurt, and you’re angry. But don’t let that destroy the only people who are trying to help you.”
Skylar stared at him for a moment, the weight of his words settling on her shoulders. She wanted to say something sharp, something to push him away again, but for some reason, she couldn’t find the words. Instead, she simply nodded.
Joe seemed to sense her hesitation, his gaze softening just slightly. “Look, I’m not asking you to trust me right now. But when you’re ready, I’ll be here. And so will Gloria. She needs you, whether you want to admit it or not.”
Skylar didn’t respond immediately. She picked up her basket of strawberries, her fingers tightening around the handle. “I don’t need your pity, Joe. Just… just go. I need some space.”
Without another word, she turned back to the rows of strawberries, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She wasn’t sure whether she was more frustrated with Joe or with herself for letting him get under her skin.
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