Skylar’s words stung more than she intended, and as she turned toward the stairs, she couldn’t shake the feeling of disappointment. She had only tried to be kind, to offer a little comfort, and yet it seemed like Joe had misinterpreted her actions.
Joe watched her retreating figure, a sharp pang of regret slicing through him. He didn’t want to hurt her, especially after everything she’d done for him. But his own walls—built from years of dealing with complicated feelings and people—had made it difficult for him to trust simple gestures. His pride and skepticism often clouded his judgment.
He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling a long breath. He’d been on edge tonight, dealing with the chaos of work and his family, not to mention the lingering headache from the alcohol. But Skylar had only tried to help, and instead of accepting it, he’d pushed her away.
After a moment’s hesitation, he stood up and walked toward the stairs. He wasn’t going to let this tension linger between them.
“Skylar,” he called softly as he reached the base of the stairs. “Wait.”
Skylar paused, her back still turned, but she didn’t respond immediately. She didn’t want to deal with him right now, but part of her—an ever-present part that always cared too much—was still listening.
“I’m sorry,” Joe said, his voice more measured this time. “I didn’t mean to make you feel like you were overstepping. I’ve… been a little on edge.”
She hesitated, still not facing him. She wanted to stay angry, to preserve her pride, but a part of her understood that Joe wasn’t the type to apologize easily.
“I know you didn’t mean it,” she said quietly. “But you’ve got to stop second-guessing everything. I was just trying to help. You don’t always have to be so distant.”
Joe took a few steps closer, his voice softening. “I know. It’s just… sometimes, I forget how to let people in. It’s not your fault. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
Skylar finally turned to face him, her expression a mix of frustration and understanding. “I’m just tired of everyone assuming the worst of me. I’m not trying to manipulate you or anyone else. I’m not like that.”
Joe gave a small nod, his eyes searching hers as if he was trying to make sense of everything. “I get that. I’ll try to do better. It’s just… hard sometimes.”
Skylar exhaled slowly, nodding in return. “I know. But you don’t have to be so hard on yourself or on others. Let me help sometimes, okay?”
Joe met her gaze for a long moment before he finally spoke again. “Okay. I’ll try.”
A silent understanding passed between them. It wasn’t the perfect resolution, but it was a start—a moment where both of them realized they could do better, both for themselves and for each other.
Skylar’s lips curled into a small, genuine smile. “I’ll leave you to your thoughts now. Goodnight, Joe.”
“Goodnight, Skylar,” Joe replied, watching her ascend the stairs. He stood there for a moment longer, the weight of the evening settling in. But for the first time in a while, he felt like he wasn’t facing it all alone.
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