Real Love

by Tracy Reed

  She stepped to the side and hugged Sean. “Hi Sean.”

  “Hi Stephanie.” He clasped Kyla’s hand. “This is Kyla.”

  Kyla leaned forward and shook her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Same here. Wasn’t he wonderful? I told him once we get married, he has to promise to play for me at least once a week.” She looked at Ryder smiling.

  “Married?” Sean asked. “Is there something I should know?”

  Stephanie held her left hand out revealing the antique diamond solitaire. “It’s beautiful.” Sean said as he kissed her on the cheek. “Congratulations.”

  “Thank you.” Stephanie was beaming.

  “Congratulations,” Kyla chimed in and hugged Ryder.

  “Ryder is a blessed man,” Sean replied.

  “I know.” Stephanie smiled. Kyla looked at Sean and thought how fortunate she was to have him as a friend.

  Chapter 46

  KYLA WALKED INTO THE SHOWROOM and greeted everyone as usual. She knocked on the grey iron door, waiting for approval to enter.

  “Come in,” called out the familiar deep voice. She pushed the door open and was greeted by Simon licking her feet.

  “Hey there boy, I see you’re still getting further with me than your daddy.” She closed the door and rubbed his head.

  “Maybe I told him to do that.” Sean turned around and smiled. “Hey Ky, what’s going on?”

  “I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d pop in to say hi.”

  He walked over and hugged her. “Where’s my girlfriend?”

  “Excuse me?”

  “Winnie?”

  She thought Sean was talking about her. “I’m headed up to Cummings and Bradley and they aren’t as open as you are about pets, so I left her with Antonio.”

  “Next time leave her here and she and Simon can play.”

  “Are you sure she won’t be in the way?”

  “No, it’ll be fine.”

  “Okay, thanks.”

  “So what did you get?”

  “What?”

  “The bag.”

  “Oh, here.” She handed him the white paper bag. “I thought you might be hungry. I stopped by the cafe and got you a little something.”

  “How did you know I was going to be stuck inside today?” He smiled looking inside the bag. “Lamb stew, my favorite, thanks.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “So what’s going on?”

  She sat down and crossed her legs. “Nothing, just work.”

  He put a spoonful of stew into his mouth and swallowed. “Man this is good.”

  “What about you?”

  “Not a lot.”

  “Do you want to go to dinner Friday?”

  “Can’t?”

  “Why not, got a hot date?”

  “Yeah, I do.”

  “Oh.” Her heart sank to the bottom of her stomach. Friday and Saturday dates are huge or at least that’s what she thought. Maybe her date last week with Sean wasn’t as big a deal as she thought. Maybe it really was just two friends. “So who’s the lucky lady?”

  “It’s a blind date.”

  “Why are you going on a blind date?”

  “Because my brother wants peace at home.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “My sister-in-law has convinced my brother I need to settle down. So she arranged for me to take out her college roommate’s sister.”

  “Are you kidding me?” She forced a smile, but inside she was upset Sean was dating…even if it was just a favor.

  “No. And I know if I don’t go, she’ll just keep nagging my brother and he’ll keep nagging me. So the best thing to do is just go.”

  “So where are you taking her?”

  “She’s new to the city, so I’ll probably take her to a tourist trap.”

  “Sean.”

  “I really don’t want to go.”

  “But that’s not nice. You should take her somewhere nice.”

  “Okay, where do you suggest I take her?”

  She picked a piece off his baguette and ate it. “Fig & Olive. It’s nice and she won’t get the wrong impression. Or take her bowling.”

  “Bowling?” he laughed at her suggestion.

  “Yeah, take her to Lucky Strike. It’s casual and fun. Take Chris and Trina and make it a double date. That way you’re not under pressure to entertain her.”

  “That could be fun. Thanks.” He put a spoonful of stew in his mouth. “What are you doing this weekend?”

  “Maybe the movies or visit my parents.”

  “No plans with the boyfriend?”

  “Uhm…that’s over.”

  “What?”

  “It’s over.”

  “Since when?”

  “Technically, about a month.”

  “And you didn’t tell me?”

  “You weren’t feeling well and…”

  “That’s why you were able to spend so much time with me. I thought maybe he was out of town.”

  “Nope.”

  “What happened?”

  “I told him to make a decision.”

  “And he chose her?”

  “I would assume so, since I haven’t heard from him. That’s not true. He’s been leaving me messages or the same message every day. I miss you and I’m trying to work something out.” She looked at her watch and stood up. “I have to get upstairs.” She picked up her bag and started toward the door. Sean walked over and stood in front of her.

  He reached for her hand. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, it’s not like I was in love with him.”

  “You weren’t?” he questioned her response.

  “No.”

  “Then why did you want him to make a choice?”

  She hesitated before answering. “I guess I wanted to know where I stood,” she confessed, shrugging her shoulders.

  He stepped closer and lifted her chin. Staring into her eyes, he saw the hurt she was trying to hide. He wanted desperately to find this man and hurt him for hurting her. Sean wanted her to see she deserved more, but he didn’t want her to feel the pain associated with the revelation.

  “Hey, how about we go for coffee when you finish upstairs?”

  “Sean I don’t want you feeling sorry for me,” she sighed. “I’m fine.”

  “Okay, then is that offer still good for dinner Friday night?”

  “You have a date.”

  “I’ll change it.”

  “No, that poor girl has probably spent all week getting ready. I would feel bad if you cancelled on her at the last minute, just to be with me. I’m fine.”

  He let go of her hand and wrapped his arms around her and whispered, “If you change your mind, call me and I’ll come over.”

  She inhaled his neck and the smell of his cologne was overwhelming and calming. It reminded her why she wanted to change. She wanted a man like Sean, one who wasn’t afraid to be honest, who was gentle and strong and compassionate. She felt tears gathering in her eyes. She couldn’t cry, not in front of him. She knew if he saw any tears, he wouldn’t let her out of his office. She pulled back and forced a smile.

  “I promise to call you if I need you, okay.”

  “Okay.”

  “Now I have to go.”

  She walked out of the showroom and popped into the ladies room and into the first available stall and stood silent. Sean was right, if she wasn’t in love with Eric, then why did she want him to make a choice. She didn’t have an answer.

  The ringing telephone broke Kyla’s concentration. She was lost in her book and Winnie was enjoying the story. The two of them were relaxed on the sofa. She had a glass of mineral water and a bowl of popcorn and Winnie was working on some gourmet doggie treats. She jumped up and answered the phone.

  “Hello.”

  “Miss James, Winnie’s boyfriend is here.”

  “Send him up. Thank you.”

  “Okay girl, seems you have a date and I’ll be chaperoning. What can I throw
on right quick?” She walked into the bedroom and stood in front of the mirror. Skip it. It is what it is. I wasn’t expecting company. She brushed her teeth and put on a pale lip gloss and a little parfum.

  Knock, knock. She walked over to the front door with Winnie following. She looked out the peephole and a dark eye was staring back. She smiled and opened the door and Simon barked.

  “Hi Simon.” He trotted in with Sean following.

  “I know you said you were fine, but seems Simon and Winnie made plans.”

  “Really?” She closed the door and lead the way to the living room. “Funny, Winnie didn’t say anything to me.”

  “Huh.”

  “What’s that?” she asked pointing to the bag.

  “Apparently it was Simon’s turn to bring dinner.”

  “Uh-huh, what did Simon bring?”

  They walked into the kitchen and began unloading the bag. “I think he said this was Winnie’s favorite, Salmon with corn.”

  “Uh-huh. I told you…”

  “And I said, I didn’t come over to check on you, but to chaperone Simon and Winnie’s date.”

  “Uh-huh, okay, what else did you bring?”

  He reached inside the bag and pulled out a pint of chocolate hazelnut gelato and a pint of vanilla cream gelato. She started laughing. “I asked the girls in my office how they handled a breakup and I got a few different answers…strip clubs, getting drunk, picking up guys or burning his stuff. None of those was an option, so I got gelato and,” he reached inside the bag and pulled out a small box. “Sugar cookie straws.” She covered her mouth with her hands hiding her smile. “Which one do you want?”

  “I’ll take the vanilla cream.”

  He handed her the gelato and she got the spoons. “Come on let’s sit out here and chaperone.” He placed the food in the dog bowl and placed it on the mat while he and Kyla sat on the sofa.

  “This is good. Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome.” She looked at him smiling. “What?”

  “I know what you’re doing.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “You think you can soften me up with some gelato and I’ll tell you what happened and cry my eyes out, but I’m fine.”

  “Ky, that’s not possible. You were with that man over five years and I don’t care what you say, I know you have feelings for him. Every time you were with him you left a little piece of yourself. You may not love him, but there’s a connection.”

  “That’s what you think?”

  “That’s what I know.”

  She dropped her head staring into her gelato. Sean was right, she was still connected to Eric and the only way to break the connection was to see him. “I don’t…”

  “Have you spoken to him?”

  “No.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I know what he’s going to say. I need more time, I miss you, let’s meet and talk. Talk…that’s a joke. He wants to meet hoping his charming smile will get me into bed.” Not looking up, she stabbed the gelato with her spoon. “I deserve better. Why can’t he see that?” She wiped the tear rolling down her face.

  He placed both cartons on the table. “Come here.” He leaned forward and pulled her to his chest and wrapped his arms around her. “Shhh…” She wrapped her arms around him and the tears came harder.

  Chapter 47

  KYLA STOOD STARING AT HER reflection in the mirror. She was embarrassed that she had let Sean see her vulnerable side. She couldn’t help feeling disappointed in herself that she was upset at Eric’s behavior. Almost six years, and he needed time to make a decision. Liar. All he had to do was keep his word. All he had to say was, “I’ve been waiting on you to make up your mind.” He should have said, “I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you.” Then she would have said, “That’s not what I want.”

  She didn’t like that Eric beat her to the punch. How dare he have the upper hand.

  She washed her face and stood in the shower letting the hot water pound her body. Then the voice, “It’s better this way. You deserve better. You deserve the one I have for you.” She turned the water off, wrapped the towel around herself and brushed her teeth. Winnie trotted in and barked. Good morning pretty girl. Give me a couple of minutes and we’ll go. Winnie barked again.

  She got dressed, picked up her phone and the familiar barking dog ring tone surprised her. She pressed the button to answer and he beat her to the punch.

  “Good morning, how are you feeling?”

  “I’m fine.” Winnie barked again. “Okay, pretty girl. Sean, can I call you back in a couple of minutes?”

  “Sure.” He ended the call.

  “Okay, pretty girl, let’s go.” She put her phone in her pocket, picked up her keys, locked the door and rode down to the first floor. She walked around the corner and into the lobby. Winnie barked and Kyla looked up to see what caught her attention.

  “Good morning again.” Sean smiled followed by a loud bark from Simon.

  “What are you two doing here?” Kyla asked.

  “We’re headed to Westchester.”

  “Really?” She started walking and he joined her.

  “Yeah, seems Simon and Miss Nadine made plans to hang out today.”

  “You didn’t call my mother?”

  “Of course not. I thought I’d tag along with you to your parents’ place.”

  “What about your date?”

  “She cancelled on me.”

  “Really?”

  He held up his hand. “Scout’s honor. She said she was only going out with me because her sister asked her. Turns out she has a boyfriend. I already called Ryder and gave everyone the day off…with pay. Simon and I gassed up the car and we’re ready to go.”

  She walked out to the curb and looked inside the black Range Rover. “You’re serious?”

  “Of course. I even brought bagels.”

  She shook her head. “I have to walk Winnie.”

  “We’ll join you.”

  “So she cancelled on you?”

  “Yeah, can you believe it? I didn’t even get a chance to show her how charming I can be.” Patting his chest.

  “You are so full of…” Winnie stopped walking and her actions completed Kyla’s thought. “See, Winnie even knows you’re full of it.” They laughed.

  “Winnie, I thought you were on my side.” Sean bent down and picked up Winnie’s little gift.

  They turned around and headed back to Kyla’s building and stopped next to Sean’s car. Kyla put her face against the window. “What, no coffee?”

  “I thought we’d grab some on the way out.”

  “Is that a suitcase?”

  “I wanted to be prepared in case Miss Nadine invites me and Simon to stay.” He smiled.

  “Really?” She smiled. “Okay. Let me pack?”

  “Pack?”

  “Yes, I was going to pack when I got home. Get the bagels.”

  “Okay.” He clicked the alarm. “Do you mind, I kinda have my hands full.” She opened the door and reached inside for the bag.

  “I’ll make coffee upstairs.”

  They rode upstairs and Sean fed the dogs while Kyla packed. He sat at the kitchen counter eating when he heard a phone ringing. He reached inside his pocket and pulled out his phone and looked at the screen. It wasn’t his. “Ky,” he called out, “your phone is ringing.” He walked over to the table and glanced at the screen “Liar.” He called again, “Ky, phone.”

  She walked into the kitchen and picked up the phone and looked at the screen. The phone rang again and she looked at Sean. She pressed the ignore call button. “I don’t need to answer that call.” She went back to her bedroom.

  The phone rang again. He looked at the screen. It was the same name. “Ky,” he called out. She came back and picked up the phone. “If you don’t answer it, whoever it is will just keep calling.”

  She pressed the answer call and speaker buttons and turned her back to Se
an. “Hello,” she said coldly.

  “Did you get my messages?” Eric asked.

  “Yes, I got all sixty-two of them.”

  “Well?”

  “What do you want?” her tone grew colder.

  Eric had been waiting several weeks to talk to Kyla. Listening to her voice on voicemail was a painful reminder of her absence from his life. Instead of the sultry purring that always excited him, his ears were being treated to cold short questions.

  “I need to see you.”

  “Why?” Another short question.

  “Why?”

  “Yes. Why do you want to see me?” Another sharp short question.

  “I miss you.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “And we need to talk.”

  “Whatever you have to say, you can say over the phone.”

  “What’s wrong with you?”

  “You.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “How long have we been together?” she asked.

  “Almost six years.”

  “Exactly.”

  “I don’t understand,” he repeated himself.

  Sean stood up to leave the room and she motioned for him to sit down. “Was it all a lie?”

  “What?”

  “You said all I had to do was tell you when I was ready to get married and you’d make it happen.”

  “Kyla it’s complicated.”

  “It shouldn’t be. You said everything was in place…the divorce papers and the settlement check. All you needed was for me to be ready and now that I am, it’s complicated.” Silence. “Tell me something Eric,” that was the first time she’d said his name in front of Sean. “All those times you proposed, did you mean it or was that just another trick to make me think I was in control?”

  He was silent. He knew she wanted an answer, but the truth was, it was easier finding a wife than a girlfriend that would do what he wanted when he wanted without question. He had spent the first couple of years of their relationship training Kyla to be the perfect mistress. Her not wanting to get married made things even easier. When he met Olivia, he thought she would be the perfect mistress, but she made it clear it was marriage or nothing. After the first couple of months into their relationship and she wouldn’t sleep with him, he knew he had to find someone who would. The night he met Kyla, Olivia was supposed to be his date, but she backed out at the last minute, because of a commitment at church. So he went alone and met Kyla.