****
Dallas opened her eyes slowly to the irritating sounds of a bird chirping just outside the window. God, please make it stop. Her body ached, and her head throbbed. The last thing she needed was a chipper bird singing at the top of its lungs. I’d give up a month’s salary to have something to throw at that damn window.
A hint of daylight filtered in through the blinds, alerting her that it was morning. It had been three days since she’d left the hospital, and though she felt better, she was anxious to get back to feeling like her old self. She didn’t know what she would’ve done without Tyler and Skylar catering to her every need - especially Skylar. Thanks to her, Dallas and Tyler rarely had a moment alone, which was fine with Dallas. She wanted nothing more than to stay clear of the one man who’d been the reoccurring star of her nightly dreams.
Dallas struggled to get off of the bed, grunting with every move thanks to sore ribs and a stupid cast on her leg. It wasn’t until she reached for her crutches that she screamed out in pain. She grabbed her side willing herself not to cry. The sting from her ribs shot through the rest of her body causing her to collapse back onto the bed. Okay, don’t cry. Don’t cry.
The bedroom door swung opened, and her body jolted in surprise, causing more pain.
“Girl, are you okay?” Skylar rushed in, pulling the belt on her long satin robe tighter.
Tyler’s twin looked wide awake considering that was still fairly early; and in spite of her tousled hair, and disheveled appearance. Dallas still marveled at how Skylar’s oval-shaped face with cocoa-brown skin, dark intense eyes and full lips were identical to Tyler’s.
“What’s going on? I heard you scream.”
Dallas held her side and tried to bare the discomfort. She was glad to see Skylar, but right now she needed to get to the bathroom. “I moved too quickly and my body reminded me that I’m not healed yet. I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“No problem. I wasn’t asleep. What can I do to help?” “Can you hand me my crutches? I need to get to the bathroom, like now.”
“Mother Nature calls, huh?” Skylar grabbed the crutches and helped Dallas to the bathroom, closing the door behind her. “I’m going down to the kitchen. Do you want anything?”
“No thanks.”
“Okay, be right back.”
A short while later Dallas exited the bathroom, surprised to see a tray of breakfast items at the foot of the bed. “Skylar, you didn’t have to do this.”
“Yes I did. I was starving.” She smirked and bit into a slice of toast smeared with grape jelly. “There’s enough here for both of us. I’m sure you’re hungry since you slept most of the day yesterday.” “No, I’m okay. A little thirsty, but I ... don’t feel like eating.” Winded from moving around, Dallas realized her breathing wasn’t back to normal. This whole laid up and barely able to move around mess was driving her nuts.
Skylar helped her onto the bed and handed her a glass of orange juice. With her hands on her hips, she stood back and smiled. “Even under these circumstances, it’s really good to see you again.”
“Yeah, you too. I’ve missed our talks and our laughs. Are you still crazy?”
Skylar laughed out loud. “Only when I have to be.” She winked and moved the breakfast tray closer to Dallas. “Maybe you should eat something, especially since that bossy brother of mine will be in here soon and wonder why you haven’t eaten.” Dallas knew she spoke the truth. Tyler practically force fed her at the hospital, telling her that it was the only way she’d regain some of her strength. “So where is that brother of yours?”