Real Love

by Tracy Reed

  “Come on.” She helped him up. “Let’s get you into bed…alone.” They both laughed and started walking toward the bedroom with the dogs running behind them.

  “Ky…”

  “Tell me Sean, how were you going to take care of Simon?”

  “I was going to ask Chris and Trina to keep him.”

  “Why didn’t you call me?”

  “I didn’t want to…”

  They walked into the bedroom and she helped him get into bed. “Relax.” He leaned back against the headboard.

  “I don’t want you to think I…”

  She stood up and looked at him shaking her head. “Sean, I’m your friend and this is what friends do. They help each other and if they’re ill, they take care of them. You’re my friend.”

  He reached for her hand. “I know.”

  “What do you want for dinner?”

  “Whatcha got?”

  She stood with her arms crossed smiling. “We have mac and cheese, baked chicken, lasagna, grilled vegetables, fruit salad, sliced roast beef if you want a sandwich, lamb stew, chili with cornbread. And if you behave, gelato. So what sounds good?”

  “Chili.”

  “One bowl of chili with cornbread coming up.” She started walking and he grabbed her hand.

  “Thanks.” He smiled.

  “You’re welcome.”

  Chapter 40

  SEAN WASN’T USED TO BEING waited on and Kyla wasn’t used to taking care of someone other than herself. The past couple of days staying at Sean’s had been fun. They spent their time talking, playing cards, Scrabble, Monopoly and watching movies.

  Feeling a lot better this morning, Sean got up, brushed his teeth, washed his face and climbed back into bed. He knew if Kyla caught him out of bed she’d have his head. He leaned against the headboard reading his Bible and praying. An hour later, he heard the toilet flushing and the shower running.

  He sat quietly waiting for Kyla and the dogs. A little later he heard soft footsteps and the patter of little taps coming toward his room. He sat up straighter and waited to greet his pseudo family.

  Alternating barks lead the way to greet him, followed by petite furry faces trying to hop up onto the bed.

  “Hey, there boy.” He smiled as he reached over and helped Simon and Winnie onto the bed with both of them trying to lick his face. “Hey there Winnie. Where’s your mommy?” he asked, as the cute, dark, fur ball answered with a couple of barks.

  “Simon and Winnie, be quiet. Daddy’s, I mean Sean’s trying to rest,” she said walking into the room. “I’m sorry Sean, I don’t know why they’re so hyper this morning.”

  “That’s okay,” he said rubbing Simon’s belly.

  “How’s the patient feeling this morning?”

  “Better.”

  “Good.” She stood in the doorway and crossed her arms. “I’m going to take Simon and Winnie downstairs and be back in about twenty minutes. Will you be okay by yourself?”

  “Yes. I’ll get up and make breakfast.” He began to get up and she rushed to his bedside.

  “No. You stay in bed and when I get back,” she gently pushed him back against the headboard. “I’ll make breakfast.”

  “But, I’m tired of sitting in bed,” he protested like a child.

  “Men. You are the biggest babies. Fine, when I get back, I’ll help you get up and you can sit on the sofa and we’ll watch a movie. Will that make you happy?” She pretended to sound upset. She’d been enjoying her role as a nurse and he loved teasing her.

  “Yes.”

  “Then it’s settled. Come on Winnie and Simon.” Kyla picked up both little dogs and placed them on the floor. “We’ll be right back and maybe we’ll pick up some bagels while we’re out.

  “Okay.”

  “Read your Bible while we’re gone.” She turned and started walking.

  “Yes ma’am.” He agreed to her suggestion, not letting on that he had already had his morning reading and prayer time earlier. He waited until he heard the elevator door close before reaching for his iPad to check his emails. A few minutes later the elevator dinged and the door opened followed by footsteps. He called out, “That was quick. I guess you decided against the bagels?”

  The footsteps got louder as they approached the bedroom. He listened for the sound of tiny pats across the floor, but there were none. Maybe Kyla was carrying the dogs. The steps continued and then stopped. He looked at the doorway.

  “What are you talking about?” Chris asked.

  “Oh, hey, I thought…never mind. Tommy didn’t tell me you were here.”

  “You forgot you gave me and Trina a key when we brought you home the other day.”

  “That’s right.”

  “Were you expecting someone else?”

  “Help me up.” Chris walked over and helped Sean out of bed. “Thanks.”

  “Are you supposed to be on your feet?”

  “Not really, but I’m tired of sitting in the bed.”

  They walked into the living room and Chris helped him ease down onto the sofa. He put a pillow on the coffee table and placed Sean’s foot on it. Chris sat in the chair across from him looking around and noticed the large black Chanel handbag sitting on the coffee table. “Sean, who’s been staying here with you and where’s Simon?”

  “A friend?”

  Chris stood up shaking his head. “Sean, are you insane?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Brother, where’s the wisdom?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Unless there’s something about you I don’t know, I suspect that Chanel bag and the suitcase I saw in the guest room belong to your friend. Is that why you told Trina you didn’t need us to come over and help you?” Sean shifted on the sofa. “And, seeing you aren’t looking me in the eye, I’m pretty sure the friend is Kyla.” Chris looked at his godbrother, waiting for him to deny or confirm his statement. “Are you insane? Where’s the wisdom? You can’t be locked up here with that woman.”

  “Which question do you want me to answer?”

  “All of them.”

  He sighed. “No, I’m not insane. Yes, I’m using wisdom, and yes Kyla is staying here.”

  “And I see you have decided to become a fool, too. What’s that scripture in Proverbs, the companion to fools will be destroyed.”

  “Not funny.”

  “It’s not meant to be. Wisdom would dictate that as vulnerable as you are, you should stay away from her. That woman is fruit of the poisonous tree. One bite and you’re a goner. I don’t think you really see what’s going on.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “If you don’t know, then you deserve to have whatever happens, happen.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry, man. I know how much you want someone in your life, but you can’t fall for this woman. She’s trouble.”

  Sean listened as his friend went on and on about Kyla. He knew this wasn’t the best time to tell him he’d already fallen for her.

  “Sean, you know I love you like a brother. That’s why I can say this, you’re playing with fire. I suppose she came over here under the guise that she would help you out.”

  “Yes.”

  “Please. I know women like her. I’ve dated women like her. They have one thing on their mind and she knows it’s just a matter of time before you give in.”

  “That’s what you think of me? That I’m so weak and lonesome that I can be seduced by a few acts of kindness?”

  “No, I’m saying that woman could seduce a dead man out of his grave. I don’t think you’re strong enough to resist her. And she’s sleeping in the guest room?”

  “Of course.”

  “I thought she was supposed to be helping you. What if you need something in the middle of the night?” He picked up a baby monitor and waved it in his face. “Clever.” He turned and walked toward the window staring out to the busy Tribeca Street. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

  “I do.”<
br />
  The elevator dinged and the door opened. Simon and Winnie ran out and over to the sofa and sat in front of Sean.

  Kyla looked up and saw Sean sitting on the sofa. “You just couldn’t wait. I told you when I got back, I’d help you get up.” Chris stepped into her view. “Oh, hi Chris.”

  “Kyla.”

  “If I’d known you were coming, I would have made breakfast,” she replied.

  “I won’t be here long. I’ve been calling Sean and he’s been insisting he didn’t need any help. I told Trina I was coming over this morning despite his insistence that he was fine. To my surprise, I see you…have everything under control.”

  “I picked Simon up for him and told Sean I would stay and help out,” Kyla informed him.

  “Uh huh.” Chris looked at both of them and then at his watch. “I need to get to work. I’ll call you later.” He placed the key on the counter and turned toward the elevator. He looked at Kyla not smiling. “Kyla.”

  “It was good seeing you again Chris. Tell Trina I said hello.” He ignored her comment and stood silently waiting for the elevator. He stepped inside the elevator staring at the back wall as the door closed.

  “Okay, I’ll fix you and Simon something to eat and then Winnie and I will be on our way.”

  “Where are you ladies going?”

  “Sean, I’m not stupid, I can see Chris has a problem with me, and I don’t want our friendship causing problems for you with your family.”

  “Did I ask you to leave?”

  She continued into the kitchen and began pulling food out of the refrigerator. “No, but Sean, I know how important your family is to you and…” She walked into the pantry and Sean picked up his crutches and hobbled into the kitchen. Kyla walked back into the kitchen and Sean was standing at the counter. “What are you doing up?”

  “You’re my friend and I don’t want you to leave.” He blocked her path. He wanted to kiss her, but knew if he did, she would definitely leave. “Please don’t make me beg.”

  She smiled and shook her head. “Sean, I…”

  “Kyla, I know what Chris thinks but I also know what…I like having you and Winnie here.” He cringed. “Please help me to the sofa.”

  “I’m sorry.” She placed the plates on the counter and wrapped her arm around his waist. “Lean on me.” She guided him back to the sofa and helped him ease down. “Where are your pills?” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bottle. “I’ll get you some water.” She turned and he grabbed her hand.

  “Ky, thanks.”

  “That’s what friends are for.”

  Chapter 41

  CHRIS EXITED SEAN’S BUILDING AND reached into his pocket for his phone. He pressed Trina’s number, waiting impatiently for her to answer.

  “Hi Baby.” Usually the soft, cheery sound of his wife’s voice calmed him, but not now. Chris was still in shock at what he had witnessed at Sean’s place.

  “You won’t believe what I just saw.”

  “Is Sean okay?” Trina asked.

  “Physically, he’s fine.”

  “What does that mean?”

  He walked down the street trying not to raise his voice. “Do you know why he didn’t want us around…Kyla’s there.”

  “Really?”

  “He’s over there playing house. Honey you should see them. They look like a little family. She’s cooking and caring for him and Simon like she’s his wife or something.” He waited for a response. “Did you hear what I said?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then why don’t you sound upset?”

  “Baby, Pastor Mike will be here any minute and there are people in my office. I can’t get into this with you right now. Can we talk about this later?”

  “Why are you so calm? What aren’t you telling me? He didn’t do something insane like marry her?”

  “No. I can’t talk about this right now.”

  “Oh my God, he’s…”

  “Honey, I have to go. Meet me for lunch and we’ll talk.” She waited for a response. “Honey…”

  “Fine, I’ll see you at one. Bye.”

  “I love you, bye.”

  Trina looked at her watch. The morning had been packed with counseling appointments and this was the first spare moment she had. Pastor Mike was still in his counseling session and the next couple hadn’t arrived yet. She had about fifteen minutes, just enough time to take care of some personal business. She picked up her phone and pressed the number for the call she needed to make. The phone rang two times before the deep voice answered, “Hello.”

  “Hey Sean can you talk?” she asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Chris called me and he is all worked up, something about you and Kyla playing house? I told him I’d meet him for lunch so he could tell me all about his visit this morning.”

  “Ky, it’s Trina,” he started laughing. “Chris called her.”

  Kyla smiled. “I’m going to get a newspaper.” She picked up the leashes and called out, “Simon, Winnie.” The two dogs came running to her and she locked their leashes on to their collars and pressed the button for the elevator. The elevator opened and Kyla and the dogs entered. “We’ll be back in about twenty minutes.”

  The door closed and he continued talking. “Trina, I don’t know what’s wrong with Chris.”

  “He’s concerned about you.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “I know, that’s why I didn’t tell him we already talked.”

  “Thank you.”

  “How are things going with you and Kyla?”

  “Fine.”

  “Chris said you looked like a family.” She was hoping for a reply to her statement, but nothing. “Sean, is everything okay?”

  “Yeah. Kyla just threw me off guard. I wasn’t expecting her to be…I just knew she’d bring up…”

  “Has she tried anything?”

  “No. She won’t let me do anything and she’s taking good care of me and Simon.”

  “Isn’t that what you wanted? I gotta tell you when you said she was staying over, I was more happy than concerned.”

  “Why?”

  “The next couple of weeks are very busy for me. Pastor has a full counseling schedule and I really wasn’t going to be able to come over to look after you and take care of Chris and the baby.”

  “Trina, I didn’t expect you to come over.”

  “No, but you’re family, and like Kyla, I was concerned about you over there by yourself. I think this is a great lesson in love.”

  “Love? Who said anything about love?”

  “You men, you always go to the extreme. Not romantic love, friendship love knucklehead. You don’t see how valuable this lesson is. You’re giving Kyla the opportunity to see how important a good friendship is and what it means to be a friend. She needs this right now. She’s been searching for something and here you have the opportunity to minister friendship to her. And although you’ll never admit it, you needed this lesson too.”

  “Me?”

  “Yes, you’ve been so busy trying to avoid your feelings for Kyla…”

  “What feelings?”

  “The ones that caused you to defend her this morning to Chris.”

  “It’s not like that.”

  “Sean, it’s okay to admit you like her, she’s a nice woman.”

  “Who’s involved with someone else. And even if she weren’t, we aren’t on the same page. I can’t give her what she wants. And let’s not forget, I’m committed to God and she’s…”

  “That’s just temporary.”

  “I told her not to change for me.”

  “And when she does, it won’t be for you, but because of you.”

  “That’s the same thing.”

  Sigh. “You are starting to sound like Chris. The only man a woman will change for is God, and I hate to break it to you, you ain’t Him.” They laughed. He knew Kyla was changing. He saw it in her eyes a few weeks ago.

  “I don’t want her to do somethi
ng she doesn’t want to do.”

  “Like looking after a man she’s not involved with and his dog. Sean, sometimes my husband can be an idiot and because he wants the best for you, he has a tendency to say things he shouldn’t. I’ll talk to Chris.”

  “That won’t be necessary.”

  “Yes, it is. I know my husband and he was probably rude.”

  “Well…”

  “I was going to suggest dinner, but I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

  “I agree. I don’t want Kyla feeling uncomfortable.”

  “You don’t?”

  He sensed the change in her voice. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “I’m here if you want to talk.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Tell Kyla that Pastor Mike approved the sketch, but he has a few questions. Ask her where she wants me to send it, your place or her office? And tell her he wants to meet with her next week.”

  “Will do.”

  “I’ll check on you later.”

  “Thanks.”

  Chapter 42

  WE’RE BACK,” CALLED OUT THE soft voice followed by the sound of little footsteps tapping against the chocolate birch floor. Kyla looked at the sofa and Sean wasn’t there. She walked down to his bedroom to see if he had hobbled back to bed. The bed was empty. She looked to the left, saw the door to the bathroom ajar and one of Sean’s crutches lying on the floor. “Sean, are you okay?” she called out. Silence and then the sound of the toilet flushing followed by heavy tapping. “Sean?” she called out again.

  “Come in.”

  “Are you decent?” She smiled.

  “Yes.” She handed him the crutch. “Thanks.” He turned the water on and washed his hands.

  “I saw the crutch and…what are you doing?”

  “I had to go to the bathroom.”

  “Why didn’t you wait for me to get back?”

  He smiled. “Ky, I can go to the bathroom by myself.” He wiped his hands, grabbed his crutches and headed out of the bathroom. She and the dogs followed behind him to the kitchen. He sat down and leaned his crutches against the counter.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.