Real Love

by Tracy Reed

  She opened the door and they walked inside the building. “I do.”

  They continued down the hall to the elevator. “I’m confused. So who is Mr. Matthews?”

  They got on the elevator and rode up to the third floor. “Pastor Matthews.”

  Kyla looked stunned. “Pastor Matthews?”

  “Yeah. How do you know him?” The elevator stopped. They exited and started down the hall.

  “I got a call last week, requesting a meeting.” They walked into the office and Kyla took note of her surroundings. She thought churches were supposed to be very opulent, not contemporary looking office spaces like this one. She stepped into Trina’s office and her heart started racing. Her head filled with thoughts about her current lifestyle and was sure God was going to strike her down any minute.

  “Have a seat. Pastor Matthews is just finishing up a counseling session and he’ll be right with you.”

  “Thank you.” She sat on the sofa across from Trina’s desk thinking how grateful she was this meeting wasn’t in the sanctuary. The mere thought of being that close to God’s home base would be a little nerve racking. “How long have you been working here?”

  “Three and a half years. I love it. I was an assistant in the HR Department, but when Pastor Mike, I mean Pastor Matthews came, he needed an assistant immediately and they transferred me over here.”

  “HR Department…is this a church or a business?” Kyla joked.

  “Both. God’s work is a business.”

  “Huh.”

  “We have an HR department, finance and media departments, book store, daycare, elementary school, credit union, administration and pretty much every department a large corporation would have. Sunday service is the icing on the cake.”

  “I never…”

  The door to the office opened and a young couple walked out. “Thank you pastor. We’ll see you next week.”

  “Be sure to set something up with Trina.” He directed them to the other end of the sofa and looked at Trina.

  “Pastor, this is Kyla James,” Trina introduced her.

  Pastor Matthews extended his hand to her. “Pleasure to meet you, Miss James. Come this way.”

  Kyla walked in front of him into his office, being careful to curtail the wiggle in her hips. She sat in the chair in front of his desk and noticed he didn’t close the door.

  “You come highly recommended,” he said, as he sat down behind his desk.

  “So, tell me who do I have to thank for this glowing recommendation?” She smiled.

  “Ralph Patrick.”

  “Excuse me?” Her smile disappeared.

  “Ralph Patrick…my brother-in-law. I’m sorry, you’re probably more familiar with my sister, Rhonda.”

  “I know who he is, but I had…I mean I had a good time working with Mrs. Patrick.”

  “Well, Ralph said the best way to work with you is to tell you what the budget is and that way my wife, DeeDee, won’t get crazy.” They laughed.

  “It has been my experience that wives want to impress their husbands, and sometimes they feel money shouldn’t hold them back from creating the perfect home.”

  “I believe the perfect home comes from the spirit of the people who inhabit it. And I know it can be achieved within a budget,” he countered.

  “I understand. So what do you want me to do?”

  “First, I want you to fix this office.” Kyla looked around at the peeling paint, faded carpet and worn furniture, thinking God is supposed to be the miracle worker, let Him handle this pathetic space. “I know it’s bleak. I don’t want the church paying for it, even though there’s a small stipend for remodeling. I’m going to pay for it myself.”

  “Okay.”

  “What do you think?”

  She stood up and walked around the small dark office. “Honestly, it’s pretty bad, but with some paint, a couple of window treatments, a new floor, furniture and accessories, it can be nice.”

  “Good.”

  “How good depends on the budget.”

  He handed her a small slip of paper and she tried to hide her smile. “Uhm, Pastor, it’s going to take a miracle to do everything this office needs for $12,000.”

  He started laughing. “Let me explain.” She sat down. “A friend of mine is giving me the furniture and accessories. So I believe that figure will be sufficient.”

  “Let me guess, is your friend by chance Sean Prescott?”

  “Yes. Do you know Sean?”

  “Yes. I do quite a bit of business with him and I remember him saying he attends church here.”

  “Small world. He and I go way back. He said once I was ready to do something with this…space, he’d donate the furniture and accessories.”

  “That will help a lot.”

  “That doesn’t sound too promising.”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to discourage you. But…let me ask you, what did you see for your…office?”

  “I want it to be comfortable and a place where people will feel relaxed. It should be a reflection of me and not some stereotype of what people think a minister is.”

  “And who is Pastor Matthews?”

  “Not as complicated and intimidating as people think.” They laughed. “Just kidding. I like what you did to Ralph’s office and I want something similar.”

  She nodded. “Okay, when can you go to Sean’s showroom?”

  He picked up his iPhone, looked at the screen and replied, “Next Tuesday at noon. Does that work for you?”

  “It’s fine for me. I’ll check with Sean and let you know.”

  “Good.” He stood up. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have about ten minutes to get over to the seniors’ Bible class.” She stood up and shook his hand. “Miss James, it was a pleasure meeting you and I look forward to working with you.”

  “Same here Pastor.”

  “Mike, call me Mike.”

  “Mike. I’m going to take some measurements before leaving.”

  “If you need anything, ask Trina.” He picked up his Bible and started toward the door. He turned around and continued. “I’m sorry. I forgot, I’ll have DeeDee call you.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out another slip of paper and handed it to her. “Here’s the budget for our apartment.” She looked at the paper. “Will that be enough?”

  “Mike, you are very thorough. Based on the number of rooms, it’s doable, but…”

  He looked at his watch. “Meet with my wife first and then we’ll talk.”

  “Okay.”

  “Good. I’ll see you next week. Thank you.” He walked out. Kyla reached into her bag and took out a pad, her measuring tape and camera.

  Trina walked in smiling. “So, you and Sean will be working together.”

  “It appears that way.” She continued taking measurements and noticed Trina’s hair. “Your hair looks good.”

  Smiling, Trina touched her hair. “Thank you. Calvin’s assistant did it.”

  “He did a great job.” She continued taking measurements. “Trina, please…”

  “Don’t worry. I’m not going to say anything to Sean.”

  “Thank you, but…”

  “Kyla, I don’t know what’s going on between you two. I know what I think is going on, but you don’t owe me an explanation.”

  “Excuse me?” She turned to face her.

  “Chris and I care about Sean and since he started seeing you…he’s changed.”

  Kyla walked around taking pictures. “Sean’s a nice guy, but we’re just friends.”

  “Friends?”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing. If you need anything else, call me and I’ll be glad to help you.” She walked back to her desk. Kyla finished her measurements, gathered her things and walked out to Trina’s desk. “Leaving?”

  “Yes. It was good seeing you again Trina.”

  Trina hugged her. “It was good seeing you too. I didn’t mean to imply you didn’t care about Sean. It’s just…” />
  “I know.”

  “He’s very special to us and…”

  “I understand, but like I said, we’re just friends.”

  “Maybe we can get together some time for coffee?”

  Kyla hesitated to answer, but remembered the power of the gatekeeper. Although she came highly recommended, she knew she needed to have Trina on her side. “Sure, I’d like that. Call me and we’ll set something up.”

  Maybe it was being in a church, but for Kyla this appointment felt like she’d just been to counseling against her will. Prior to this meeting she had decided not to see so much of Sean. Now, thanks to her new client, that wasn’t going to be possible.

  Kyla walked into the showroom doing her regular greeting. She walked around the showroom and Simon came out and stood at her feet barking. She picked him up.

  “Hey there, Simon. Where’s your daddy?” she asked as he licked her cheek. “That’s a lot further than your daddy’s gotten.”

  “And not because you haven’t tried.”

  She turned around and smiled. “Hey Sean.” She put Simon down.

  “What a surprise.” She kissed him on the cheek and her parfum traveled up his nose. “You changed your parfum.”

  She thought for a moment before answering. Opium was Eric’s favorite. “Yeah, I thought it was time for a change.” She smelled her wrist. “Do I smell bad?”

  He hesitated to answer, “No. It’s similar but nicer.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Do you want to get a coffee?” Sean asked.

  “Maybe later. I’m here on business.” They started walking around the showroom. “I have a new client. The budget isn’t that large, but he’s nice and it was a referral.”

  “You can do it. What’s the budget?”

  “It’s a two part job. His office and his apartment. He gave me $12,000 for the office.”

  “Whoa, that’s tight, but it depends on the space.”

  “Yeah.”

  “Let me know if I can help. I might have some samples I can let you have at a good price.”

  “Seems you’re already donating the furniture.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “My new client is Mike Matthews.”

  They stopped walking. “How do you know Mike?”

  “He said Ralph and Rhonda Patrick referred me.”

  “You, did their apartment?” he asked.

  “Yes.”

  “I should have recognized your style.”

  “And you didn’t have anything to do with my getting this job?”

  “No. He mentioned he wanted to do his office and I told him, I would give him some furniture, that’s all.”

  She nodded. “If that’s your story.”

  “It’s the truth.” He looked around and stepped closer. Looking into her eyes, his immediate reaction was to wrap her up in his arms and kiss her. He stepped back and cleared his throat. “Kyla, I wish I were the one who referred you.”

  “Why?”

  “Because that would be another thing I know your boyfriend hasn’t done for you,” he whispered.

  Chapter 39

  “HI KYLA. SEAN WANTED ME to call and reschedule your meeting with Pastor Matthews,” Ryder said.

  “Why?”

  “He’s not going to be in this week.”

  “Why not?”

  “He had a little accident and he’s home on bed rest.”

  “What happened? Is it serious?” she asked.

  “He was helping unload the truck and he stepped down wrong. He twisted his ankle and bruised his thigh. His ankle is almost as large as Simon,” he laughed. “The doctor said he’ll be fine. He just needs to stay off of it until the swelling goes down.”

  “I’ll call Pastor Matthews…”

  “Sean already did.”

  “Oh, okay. Let me know when he gets back in the office.”

  “Will do, bye.”

  “Bye.”

  She picked up her cell and pressed the programmed number. Ring, ring, ring, ring. Voicemail. “Sean, I just spoke with Ryder. If you don’t call me back immediately, I’m coming over there.” She ended the call and felt her heart racing. She looked at her watch and started cleaning up her desk. She allowed herself to wait ten more seconds before leaving her office and going over to Sean’s. She picked Winnie up and started to put her in her case, when the barking dog ring tone caught her attention. She pressed the button and answered the call. “What’s going on? Are you alright? Why didn’t you call me?”

  “Ky, calm down. Which question do you want me to answer first?” Sean asked.

  “What happened?”

  “I had a little accident but I’m fine.”

  “Why didn’t you call me?” Winnie barked. “That’s right girl, he’s in big trouble.”

  “It’s nothing major, just a twisted ankle.”

  “Ryder said your ankle is as big as Simon.”

  “Not quite.” He laughed.

  “Do you need anything? Where’s Simon?”

  “I’m fine. Chris and Trina set me up with some things and Ryder is picking Simon up from doggy daycare and bringing him home later this afternoon.”

  “Since when do you send Simon to daycare?”

  “Since he needed a bath and I was supposed to pick him up after work, but…”

  “You’re home alone?”

  “Me and my painkillers.”

  “Not funny.”

  “Ky, I’m fine. I’m going to take a nap and have Ryder bring me something to eat when he brings Simon home.”

  “Do you think that’s wise?”

  “What, dinner?”

  “Funny. No, Simon. Tell you what, I’ll keep Simon. That way you don’t have to worry about him and…”

  “You don’t have to do that.”

  “That’s what friends do. Give me the name of the daycare and then call and tell them I’m going to pick him up.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, and when you’re feeling better, I’ll bring Simon home. Maybe he can teach Winnie how to do that leash thing.” They both laughed.

  “Thanks.”

  “I’ll call you once I pick him up. Get some rest. Bye.”

  “Bye.”

  The black sedan pulled up in front of the Tribeca building and the driver got out to help the beautiful woman with the two little dogs. She walked toward the door and the doorman rushed over and opened the door, staring at her as she walked past him into the lobby.

  His eyes were glued to her backside as she positioned herself next to his desk. He let go of the door and walked over to greet her. She smiled and he was instantly under her spell.

  “Good evening Miss. How may I help you?” The chubby man in the forest green and gold uniform asked smiling from ear to ear.

  “My name is Kyla James and I’m here to see my boyfriend, Sean Prescott.” The driver walked in with four bags of groceries and a small black suitcase, and placed them next to Kyla’s foot.

  Stunned. In all the years Tommy has been tending the door at the Tribeca apartment building, no woman had ever come here to see the tenant in the eleventh floor loft, announcing herself in that manner. “Excuse me?”

  “I’m here to see Sean Prescott.” She repeated the name of the tenant and followed it with a smile and a tilt of her head.

  He picked up the phone and dialed the appropriate apartment. “Mr. Prescott, your girlfriend is here.”

  Not words Sean was accustomed to hearing. “My girlfriend? Tommy, are you sure you have the right apartment?”

  “Sir, she has Simon with her.”

  “Please describe her.”

  “Sir, I don’t think that would be appropriate.” The doorman turned so Kyla couldn’t hear him.

  “Tommy.”

  He looked over his shoulder and began speaking. “She’s average height, dark skin, dark shoulder length hair.” She turned with her back facing him. He cleared his throat and whispered. “And she’s very, volu
ptuous. Sir, this is your, girlfriend?” he asked.

  “Send her up. Thank you.”

  “Will do.” He hung up the phone, smiling and addressed Kyla. “I’m sorry about that Miss.” He picked up the grocery bags and placed them in the elevator and held the door open for her.

  “That’s okay.” He set the suitcase inside the elevator next to Simon. “Have a nice evening.”

  “Here Miss.” He handed her a key. “You’ll need this to access Mr. Prescott’s floor, unless of course you already have one.”

  “No, I don’t. Thank you.” She smiled as he showed her how to insert the key that unlocked the button to access Sean’s floor.

  “Good night, Miss James.”

  “Good night.”

  The elevator door closed and a few minutes later, the elevator stopped and the door opened to the eleventh floor loft and the dogs ran out. Kyla pressed the button to hold the door open and placed the grocery bags on the other side of the elevator in the living space. She picked up her suitcase, removed the elevator key, and pressed the button sending the elevator back down. She took her coat off, walked into the kitchen and placed the bags on the counter.

  “Hey boy.” Sean called out as Simon barked. “I missed you too.” Winnie barked and held her paws up begging for Sean’s attention. “Hey Winnie, where’s your mommy?”

  He continued toward the kitchen and stopped when he got to the counter. Eyeing the suitcase by the elevator, he sat on the stool waiting for Kyla to come back into the kitchen. The sound of petite feet tapping across the floor coming from the pantry into the kitchen stopped when she looked up.

  “Hey, what are you doing up?” She smiled.

  “My doorman called and said my girlfriend was downstairs.” He smiled.

  “I had to tell him something.”

  “Uh huh. What is all of this?” Pointing to the food on the counter.

  “Dinner. I forgot to ask you what you wanted, so I got the basics.”

  “And the suitcase?”

  “I’m here to take care of you.”

  “Ky, it’s just a twisted ankle and a bruised thigh.”

  “Which means, you should probably be in bed. What did the doctor say?”

  “Pain killers as needed and keep my foot and leg elevated for a few days and come see him at the end of the week.”