Chapter 33

West meets Ford, Bash, Rhys, and Clyde for a bowling night while counting down Skylar’s return from a week in LA. He wrestles with fears about being enough for her career-driven life, yet knows he would take any time with her. The game turns momentous when Rhys abruptly reveals he is getting married—to Tabitha—surprising everyone and signaling he plans to stay in town. They still lose at bowling, though not as badly as usual.

Returning to his empty house, West feels the sting of loneliness but keeps his promise to care for Skylar’s parrot, Cherry. He feeds the horses with Cherry riding along, finding unexpected comfort in the routine and the bird’s profane companionship.

Later, West watches a clip of Skylar glowing on a morning show, his love and ache intensifying. Skylar calls, confirming she’ll come straight to him when she lands the next day. At her teasing, West opens an email of intimate photos she took, and they begin a mutual, explicit phone session that channels their longing and solidifies their connection despite distance.

Afterward, they talk in bed until they drift off, the call still active through the night. West wakes to the lingering call screen, comforted by their closeness and the promise of Skylar’s return the following day.