Unveiling The Sky Read Online Free PDF Page A

my first bartending gig. I spent the last few months traveling and drinking… a lot. I guess I just picked up a lot of stuff.” He nodded again before picking up the last relatively full drink and tossing it back. “So was that a legit offer?” I asked as I waved my hand in the direction Mickey went.
    “Yeah, absolutely. Since this month just started and I’ve already paid the rent, you won’t owe me anything till the fifth of next month. It’s seven fifty a month, utilities and shit included.”
    “That shouldn’t be a problem.”
    He nodded and looked toward the clock on the wall. “I get off at four. Do you need help moving your stuff?”
    Shaking my head, I said, “I don’t have much. I just have a few things I need to pack up from my ex’s place, but other than that, most of my stuff is in my car.”
    “All right, sounds good.” Derek grabbed a napkin and scribbled down some information before handing it over. “Here’s my phone number and the address. You can stop by anytime after five.”
    I looked down at it before shoving it in my pocket. “Okay, thanks again.”
    “No problem,” he said as a phone beeped. Derek pulled it from his pocket before scowling as he typed out a text. After he set the phone on the table, he grabbed the back of his neck and closed his eyes.
    My eyebrows pulled together. “Everything okay, man?”
    His head snapped up like he’d forgotten I was there.
    “Oh, yeah. Everything’s fine.” He waved off my question as he schooled his expression. “My sister’s mad at me. Apparently, I don’t treat her boyfriend with enough respect.” He rolled his eyes before pausing to look at me. “You got a sister?”
    I nodded as he stepped out from behind the bar.
    “Is anyone ever gonna be good enough for her?”
    Smiling, I answered, “No.”
    “See? It’s a big brother’s job to hate the boyfriend,” he said with a grin as he held out his arms. “And we just happen to be great brothers. You’ll have to make sure and tell my sister that when you meet her.” My smile slipped as he started walking toward the kitchen. “It was good to meet you, Gabe. I’ll see you later tonight?”
    Wordlessly, I nodded. He didn’t seem to notice my fallen mood as the door swung shut behind him.  
    We just happen to be great brothers…
    Derek’s words continued to run through my mind, and a year ago, I would have wholeheartedly agreed. I’d been a great older brother. But now… I couldn’t help but wonder if that title still applied.

    …

    I was quickly packing up the last of my things, hoping to avoid a run-in with Miranda, when I heard her walk through the front door.
    “Gabe?” she called out softly.
    “Yeah?”
    She heaved out a long, relieved sigh before speaking. “I was so happy to see your car outside. After your dad told me you were home, I knew this would be one of the first places—” She stopped suddenly as she rounded the corner. “What—what are you doing?” she choked out.
    “Packing?” I turned to give her a look like she was crazy but stopped cold when I saw the tears in her eyes. “Hey, what’s wrong?”
    “You’re le-leaving?” She hiccupped.
    I dropped the arm I’d extended her way and stared at her in confusion before responding. “You do remember the conversation we had before I left, right? We broke up.”
    “No, you broke up with me . Don’t make this sound mutual just to make yourself feel better.”
    I drew in a deep breath. “Miranda, we both knew this thing was over,” I said gently. “It had been for a while.”
    “Actually, no, I didn’t know that. I thought you just needed some time.”
    “I was pretty clear about where things stood when I left.” Despite my growing frustration, I kept my voice soft and sincere.
    “I know, but I just thought that was the grief talking. And, well, I kept speaking to your dad, and he made it seem like…” She trailed off and started wiping at her fallen tears.
    “Miranda, you know you