by Tracy Reed
“No.” He continued laughing. “Give me the one in your bag.” He held his hand out.
“What makes you think I have a book in my bag?”
“Please.” She reached inside her bag and pulled out a small book covered in velvet leopard print fabric. “And you have the nerve to have it covered in designer upholstery fabric.” He opened the cover and read the title. “The Chocolate Dream…oh Miss Kyla.”
“Give me that.” They laughed as she snatched the book out of his hand and put it back into her bag. “Now you know one of my secrets.”
“One of? How many do you have?”
“A lot. Now you need to share one of yours with me.”
“No, I don’t.” He sipped his coffee thinking what he could tell her. She reached across for another piece of his cookie. “Okay, don’t laugh.”
“Is it that bad?”
“I have a dog.”
“That’s not funny, unless it’s one of those little dogs that…” She looked at him trying not to laugh. “Please don’t tell me you have one of those little fluff balls with legs?” He reached inside his pocket, pulled out his phone, turned it on and handed it to her. She immediately started laughing. “Are you sure this isn’t a large rat?”
“Give me that.”
“I’m sorry, but you are this giant of a man and that thing looks like it’ll fit in your pocket.” She laughed harder.
“Thank you very much. He’s a rescue.” He put his phone back in his pocket. “Simon and I are very close. Are we even now?”
“Not even.”
“Simon is offended.”
“I’m sorry. One last thing, I think my book weighs more than your dog.”
“Funny. Are you finished?”
“Yes.” She took a sip from her cup and looked at her watch.
“Do you need to get back?”
“I’ve got a little time.”
“How’s work going?”
“Busy. I picked up a couple of new clients who have houses out in the Hamptons. So it looks like I’ll be spending quite a bit of time out there.”
“Nice.”
“I’ll say. One of my clients has offered me a house for a month this summer as a bonus if I come in on time and under budget.”
“Nice.”
“Yeah, you should come. We could hang out and Simon could meet the other giant rats spending the summer at the beach.” She started laughing.
“Are you finished?”
“Yes.” She looked at her watch again. “I gotta go.” She stood up and he helped her with her coat. She left a ten dollar bill on the table and he followed her out to the sidewalk continuing their conversation. “This was fun.”
“It was.”
“We should do it again.”
“Yeah and maybe next time, I’ll get to eat my cookie.” He smiled.
“Sorry.”
He looked at her smiling back at him thinking how tempting it would be to kiss her. “Are you going back to the office?”
“No, I have to meet a client.”
“Let me get you a taxi.”
“It’s close. I have to walk off your cookie.”
“I’ll have everything sent over in the morning.”
“Okay, thanks.” They stopped at the corner. “I’m going that way.” She pointed to her left.
“And I’m going back to work. Thanks again for the coffee.”
She reached up and whispered, “Still thinking about kissing me?” She kissed him on the cheek, smiled and crossed the street. He watched her walk down the street until she was out of sight before turning and heading back to his office.
“God, she’s trouble…please show me how to handle this new friendship. I like her, but I don’t want to do anything not in line with Your plan for me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Chapter 28
AFTER A FEW WEEKS OF listening to Sean go on and on about this mystery woman, Chris’s concerns grew. All he knew was her first name, Kyla, and that she was an interior designer. And that Sean seemed more infatuated than in the past. He hadn’t heard him talk about a woman like this in quite a while. Chris put his amateur sleuth skills to work and searched the internet for more information.
He typed interior designers named Kyla in New York and up popped the address for Kyla’s company, James and Company. He clicked the link and once the site came up, he hit the “About Us” link and his mouth dropped open. He sat staring at the screen, shaking his head. There was no denying it, Kyla was a beautiful woman. She looked like most of the women Sean had dated. He couldn’t tell how tall she was, but if she was anything like the women of Sean’s past, she was average height. It was clear to see she was voluptuous with dark, shoulder length hair and a bright smile. She looked like trouble for any man. All Chris saw was Sean calling him in distress because he’d slipped up again. He needed to act quickly before this woman got her hooks into his godbrother.
Trina walked in, eased up behind him and kissed him on the neck. Chris let out a sigh.
“What’s wrong?” He shook his head. “I know better.” She walked around and sat next to him on the sofa.
“I was doing a little research on this woman Sean has been talking about.” He covered his eyes shaking his head.
“How bad is it?” He opened his laptop and waited for the screen to light up. “Is this her?” He nodded. “Wow!”
“That’s what I said.”
“This is the woman Sean’s been seeing?” Trina asked.
As most interior designers do, Kyla had her picture on her website. Some women over a certain age think it’s frivolous to be concerned with their appearance, but not Kyla. She was proud of her looks.
“He says they’re friends,” Chris confessed.
“With this woman?” Trina sat up and leaned closer to the computer screen.
“Yeah.”
“That’s not possible.”
“That’s what I said.” He hit the button to enlarge the screen. “Maybe she doesn’t look like this in person.”
“Are you kiddin’ me?”
“This photo has probably been retouched several times.”
“Honey, I love you and I know you’re just being nice because I’m here, but I’m telling you, this woman looks like that. True, there’s a little retouching, but those curves are real. Wow! What are you gonna do?”
“I don’t know.”
She looked at the picture shaking her head. “I have to give him credit, he has good taste in women. I mean outwardly.”
“That’s what I said. I think this one is going to be hard for him to let go.”
“You think? If I were a Christian man, I’d consider laying my faith down for a shot at her. I wonder who does her highlights.”
“Honey!”
“What? That is one amazing color job.”
“We’re supposed to be helping our friend.”
“What do you want to do?”
“I don’t know.”
“Maybe we should invite them to dinner?”
“Are you kidding?”
“Before we go getting all worked up, we need to get to know her. And that way I can get the name of her colorist.”
“Funny.”
“Seriously, we’re probably reading more into this than there is.”
“You think?”
“I’ll call him and set something up for next week.”
“Why next week?” Chris asked.
“Because I’ll need about a week to get ready.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Just in case she does look like this in person, I need a new dress and I have to get my hair done.”
“Look who’s judging now.”
“Just trying to keep up.” They both laughed.
Chapter 29
TRINA WAS SAVORING EVERY MOMENT of her time with Chris before meeting up with Sean and Kyla. It felt nice walking down the street holding hands. She squeezed his hand a little tighter. “It’s a beautiful evening
.”
“Yes, it is.” He caught her looking at him smiling. “What?”
“Nothing…it’s okay if you stare at her.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I won’t be upset.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Kyla. I’m not stupid. All men stare at beautiful women.” He let out a sigh. “Just like all women stare at fine men.”
“What!” He stopped in his tracks.
“Come on baby, they’re probably inside.” She pulled him and he didn’t move.
“Trina, you’re the only woman for me.”
“I know that. Just like you’re the only man for me.”
“Then why would you say something like that?”
“Because it’s true. I know you love me but I also know you’re not dead.” They walked into the restaurant and sat down. Trina continued to clarify herself. “I don’t want you to feel guilty if you get a little excited. As long as you know where you belong at the end of the evening.”
“I’m sorry, I’m trying to understand but…”
She adjusted her napkin. “Sometimes looking at something you think you might want, will help you appreciate what you have. When I see a man I think is very handsome, I say, to myself, sure he looks good with his shirt off, but is he willing to stay up with a crying, irritated baby? Will he take the garbage out, walk the dog? Or will he pray with me and for me? Probably not. Those are things you do that make you finer than any man I will ever see.” She gently kissed him on the lips. A voice interrupted them and they pulled apart smiling.
“Should I come back in a few minutes?” Sean stood smiling at the couple.
“Oh man, uhm…” Chris wiped his mouth.
“Hey Miss Trina, I see you finally got this guy to bring you out on a week night,” Sean joked as he walked over and hugged her.
“I know, I can’t believe it either. And without the baby.” She countered with a joke of her own.
“Ha, ha,” Chris retorted.
“Hey bro.” Sean hugged his godbrother. Chris looked around. It appeared that Sean was alone. “What happened, did you get stood up?”
They sat down. “No, Kyla is running a little late. She’s been working on a big project and the client is a little high strung.”
“Oh,” Chris replied.
“So, why did you invite us to dinner?”
“Like we said, we wanted to meet this woman you’ve been talking about,” Trina answered.
“Uh-huh, is that all?” Sean asked.
“Man, look,” Chris jumped in. “I’m not gonna lie, we’re a little concerned about your friendship with…Kyla. We remember…”
He stopped talking when Sean’s eyes got glassy as he watched Kyla walk toward the table, absorbing all the air in the room, replacing it with her scent. Her curvy hips swaying from side to side captured the attention of quite a few men in the restaurant.
She approached the table smiling. “Hi, I’m sorry, I’m late.”
“I just got here myself.” Sean pulled the chair out and waited for her to sit down. He sat next to her and greeted her with a bright smile.
“Thank you.” Kyla replied placing her napkin on her lap.
“Do you want something to drink?” Sean asked, holding his breath waiting for her answer. They talked about dinner and he asked her to be on her best behavior. Although he found her frankness refreshing, Chris and Trina might not be so receptive. He also asked her not to order any alcohol. She told him when she’d had a stressful day she liked to unwind with a couple glasses of champagne or wine.
She looked at Sean, smiling. “Mineral water will be fine. Thank you.” He filled her glass from the bottle on the table. She took a couple sips and let out a sigh. “This project has been a little challenging. Thank God, I’m almost finished.”
“That means you’ll be taking me to dinner soon,” Sean whispered.
“That’s still debatable.” She smiled.
Trina kicked Chris under the table each time Sean and Kyla said or did something resembling a romantic couple. By the time the entrees came, Chris’ calf was sore. Trina noticed every little thing Sean and Kyla did, looking for clues to the truth about their relationship. When Kyla began eating off Sean’s plate…a classic couple’s move, she figured she had her answer.
Dessert and coffee was prime grilling time. Trina wasn’t sure about Kyla as a girlfriend for Sean, but thought she’d be a good friend for herself. She leaned over and asked Kyla, “Who does your hair? I love the color.”
“Thank you. Calvin Tish. He only takes referrals, would you like me to get you an appointment?” she asked.
“Thanks, that would be great. Is he expensive?” she cringed in anticipation of her answer.
“Depends on what you want him to do. Don’t worry, he always does a consultation first.” She reached into her bag and wrote his name and number on the back of a business card and handed it to Trina.
“Thanks. Chris would have a fit if he knew my hair costs as much as the Con Ed bill,” they laughed.
“What’s so funny?” Sean asked.
“Just a little girl talk,” Kyla replied. She looked at her watch. “It’s getting late and I have to head out to the Hamptons in the morning.” Sean stood and helped her up. “Thank you for dinner.” She shook Chris and Trina’s hands. “And I’ll be sure to tell Calvin to expect a call from you.”
“Thank you,” Trina smiled.
“It was our pleasure,” Chris replied.
“I’m gonna take Kyla home. I’ll talk to you later.” He hugged both of them and followed Kyla out to the sidewalk.
They slowly walked south on East Fifty-Second Street. The air was crisp but it felt good while walking. They were as close as they could be without touching each other.
“So, did I pass?”
“I’m sorry about that…they’re just concerned about me.”
“That’s a good thing.”
“I know, but…”
“I wish I had friends like that.”
“I know they mean well, but…uhm…uhm…” He looked at her and forgot what he wanted to say. “They think I need looking after.”
“Do you?”
He looked ahead and spotted a gelato shop. “Do you want a gelato?”
“No.”
After spending time with Kyla, Sean understood that when it came to food, if she said no, she really meant yes. They walked inside eyeing all the brightly colored delicious treats in the cool case.
“This is one of my favorites,” Sean confessed.
“I can’t believe you’re still hungry. We just ate.”
“I’ll take two scoops of chocolate hazelnut, please. Thank you.” He placed his order and watched as she bit her lip. “You sure you don’t want one?”
“No, I’m fine, but you can’t eat gelato without a couple of those sugar cookie straws.”
“Really,” he nodded. “I can.”
“Will that be all sir?” the server asked.
“Yes.” He handed him a ten dollar bill and the server handed him a small bag. “Thanks, keep the change.”
“Thank you.” She turned around, smiling as they walked out to the sidewalk and sat down. “This is good.” He continued eating and teasing her with each spoonful. She looked at him smiling. “So you’re headed to the Hamptons in the morning?”
“Yes.” She looked at him eating and her eyes grew wide. He reached into his pocket, pulled out a small bag and placed it on the table. “What’s that?”
“Open it.” She opened the bag and pulled out the cookies and a spoon.
“I thought you didn’t eat cookies with your gelato?”
“That’s not what I said.”
“Are you being funny?”
“Me?” A sneaking smile covered his face.
“This is so good.” She bit the cookie and let out a sigh followed by a smile. “Wanna taste?”
He was very tempted, but the little voice inside his spirit sa
id, “You don’t wanna do that.” Although the lustful man inside did, the voice was right.
“No, I got the cookies for you.” Maybe Chris and Trina were right. Maybe he and Kyla were more than friends and if they were, this is the moment where he’d kiss her.
“I need to ask you a church question.”
He braced himself for her question. “What?”
“You said you are committed to God, and my boyfriend says he goes to church. Is there a difference?”
He hesitated to answer her question. He was never quite sure what her motives were when she asked these questions. Hoping this was a legitimate question about God, he answered, “Yes.”
“What?”
“Some people go to church because that’s how they were raised. Some go because they feel it’s the right thing to do. They get an emotional charge, but by the following morning it’s gone. Some people follow the parts of God’s word that they like. Then there are people like me, who are committed to God and living for Him. I know He loves me, I love Him and I trust Him. God is in me, even when I’m not at church.”
“The sex thing?”
“What about it?”
“What are the rules?”
He laughed at her naivety. “It’s not illegal, it’s just that God has ordained it for marriage.”
“But with me and my boyfriend, he says he goes to church but he’s sleeping with me.”
“Is he committed to God or is he just going to church?”
“He says he goes to church.”
“Remember I told you how I felt when I slipped up?” She nodded. “If he had a relationship with God, he would feel like that every time you two are together.” She remembered how Eric proudly announced the church and God were fine with what they were doing. “Let me ask you something?”
“What?”
“How do you feel after you’ve been with him?”
It was his turn to catch her off guard. She shifted in her seat, clearing her throat. “I haven’t really given it much thought. I like it and he’s pretty good at it. But when it’s over, I go on with my life.”
“So it’s really not satisfying? Did I catch you off guard?”
“Yes. I guess we’re even.” She cleared her throat and answered. “It’s nice and sometimes even more than pleasurable.”
