Real Love

by Tracy Reed

  “Hello, Belinda.” She took the liberty and made it known what she would be calling her.

  “Hello Kyla.” She stepped to the side, waited for Kyla to close the door and followed her into the living room.

  Belinda watched as Kyla led the way, and from the wiggle in her hips, she knew exactly what attracted Sean to this woman.

  “Please, sit down.” Kyla extended her hand toward the sofa, but she chose the chair instead. “I’m sorry, I’m a little early. If you want me to come back, I can.”

  “That won’t be necessary.” Kyla sat down and crossed her legs. “If you don’t mind waiting lunch should be ready in a few minutes.”

  “Lunch?”

  “I thought you might want something a little more substantial.”

  “Thank you.”

  Somewhere between Kyla clearing the entree dishes and the first bite of dessert, the silent bell rang, starting the next round.

  “Kyla, my son is attracted to a certain type of woman.” Kyla put her spoon down and braced herself. “He has always been attracted to women that seem to need help.”

  “Let me stop you.”

  “No, let me finish.” Kyla silently counted to ten and calmed down. “You, my dear, are the holy grail of that type…beautiful, troubled, with a questionable past.” Belinda looked at her, waiting for her to jump in again. “I’m not sure what to think about this proposed marriage.”

  “Proposed marriage? I don’t know what you’ve heard, but Sean and I are getting married.”

  “That’s what you said at dinner, but I don’t see it.”

  “Why, because I’m not a virgin?”

  “No, I mean that’s one of the reasons, but I think you’re an enabler not a helpmate.”

  “I see.” Kyla wiped the sides of her mouth and hands and walked over to the door. “I think you should leave.”

  Belinda didn’t move. “Kyla, sit down.”

  They were at a standstill. Kyla wouldn’t sit down and Belinda wouldn’t get up. The barking dog ring tone on Kyla’s phone broke the standoff. It was Sean calling. She closed the door and walked into her bedroom, closed the door and answered the call.

  “Hello.”

  “What’s wrong?” Her tense tone tipped him off to a possible problem.

  She walked into her bathroom so Belinda couldn’t hear the conversation. “We made it through lunch, but dessert isn’t going so well.”

  “Do you want me to come save you?”

  She remembered the words that sent her into her bedroom, “You’re an enabler not a helpmate.” She needed to prove she could do this. The past few months, every time she came up against something tough, Sean was there with a strong shoulder for her to cry on and to help her. Today, she needed to prove she was a helpmate and not an enabler.

  “No baby, I got this. You stick to the plan and I’ll see you later. I love you.”

  “I love you.”

  They hung up at the same time.

  “Okay God, You told me to trust You. I need You to give me the right words to say and to not embarrass You or Sean. It’s taken me a while to realize who I am, but I know this relationship is a gift from You and I need to make Sean’s mother see that. Let’s do this. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

  She freshened up and walked out to join Belinda. She sat down and took another sip of coffee.

  “The women in my family all have one thing in common, married boyfriends. That’s not exactly true, my mother is the only one who didn’t want that life, but I did. It looked glamorous, a relationship without the possibility of commitment and great sex. When I met Sean I had just started seeing someone. We were together almost six years before Sean and I started seeing each other outside of work. The first time I really talked to Sean, it was amazing.” She smiled. “He ruined me for any other man. His passion and commitment to his faith was obvious. I think it was his strength that I was attracted to. That and his beautiful lips and hands. When I was making love with my ex, I was picturing Sean. And when I was with Sean, I didn’t give my ex any thought.”

  “I don’t want to hear any more.” Belinda was obviously uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was going.

  “I know you’ve heard some rather unflattering things about me, but here it is from my mouth. I’ve had five serious relationships. My high school boyfriend, one of my college professors, a blind gentleman…he had magic hands and lips…hmmm and another guy, who…let’s just say he couldn’t keep up, and the one I dumped for Sean.”

  “Were they all married?”

  “Not the high school boy.” She took another sip of coffee. “They all, except for the last one, taught me how to love a man. Specifically, they taught me how to make love to a man.”

  “I see and my son? What has he taught you?”

  She smiled and hummed. “Sean has made love to me in a way no one else has.” She watched Belinda’s face tighten up. “He showed me how to love myself. When he did that, I opened my heart and was able to love God. It was awesome. I finally understood what Sean meant, and it was a high like no other. For the first time in my life, I was in love and sex wasn’t involved. Everyone thinks Sean and I aren’t capable of being around each other without his taking a drink or my seducing him. I think it’s pretty sad that the people who say they love him, don’t trust him.”

  “That’s not true.”

  “Yes, it is. Why did you want to meet with me?” Belinda didn’t answer. “Let me tell you. You wanted to know if what you’d been told about me was true. You thought if you came here early, you’d catch me in bed with someone, or even better, in bed with Sean. Or my home would be a mess, or while I was preparing lunch, you’d what…look around to see if any of Sean’s things are here? Let me help you. Sean and I aren’t having sex. If you look in the guest room, you will find his bathrobe because he stops here in between meetings to freshen up. Or sometimes on Sundays after church, we come back here and he changes clothes which explains the suit, shirt, jeans and sweater hanging up in the closet along with sweaters, and a bed for Simon. When you go to his place, you’ll find similar things of mine and Winnie’s in the guest room.”

  “I see.”

  “I’m not proud of my past, but that’s where it is, the past. Sean has helped me see that I am a much better person than the one I was pretending to be.”

  She patted the sides of her mouth. “Are you finished?”

  “I’m in love with your son and despite what anyone says, we’re getting married and doing it our way.” She repeated the pledge she and Sean made to each other.

  “Now, may I speak?” Kyla nodded. “Chris—”

  “I knew it. Look, I don’t know what his problem is.”

  “That makes two of us. He’s nothing like his mother. She and I have been friends since we were little girls, but her son is an idiot. Contrary to what my sons think, I have my own mind. Chris came to me because he thought I’d be more receptive to his comments than my husband considering…your rather obvious attributes. My sons come by their taste in women naturally.” She stood up so Kyla could see her figure.

  “I see.”

  Their bodies were rather similar…voluptuous with curves in pretty much the same places.

  “So, he thought I would be more objective. My husband and I like you. We think you’re good for Sean. Not like that girl he was engaged to, she truly was an enabler.”

  “Then why be such a—”

  “Protective mother,” Belinda jumped in.

  “Yes,” Kyla smiled.

  “I wanted to see where your head and spirit were.” She took a sip from her glass. “I see what Sean sees in you. Zoë was right, I haven’t seen him this happy in quite a while. Is he still going to his meetings?”

  “Yes, and I attend a support group for my problem. We also meet regularly with Mike and DeeDee Matthews. They’ve been good friends.”

  She nodded. “Good. You two seem to be on track. About this business trip, I don’t think it’s a wise move.”r />
  “Why?”

  “Mother’s intuition. Give it some thought. I know it’s work, but I think you two might be asking for trouble. You’ve come too far to mess up.” She took a sip from her coffee cup.

  “I’ll give it some thought.”

  “Good. Once you two get married and settled, I’ll send for Zoë, and we girls will go on a spa vacation and leave the men at home. What do you say?”

  “Sign me up.” They both laughed.

  “So tell me about that mac and cheese.”

  “The base is my mother’s recipe and I added truffle oil and pancetta for a little extra flavor.”

  “Really? You can cook, you’ve got great taste, you’re smart, talented, beautiful inside and out, have a quick wit, a wicked sense of humor and most importantly, you love God and my son. Seems my son got it right this time.”

  “Thank you.” She stood up and started to clear the table.

  “Here, let me help.” They walked into the kitchen and as Kyla loaded the dishwasher, Belinda told her stories about Sean and Jordan as children, each one funnier than the last.

  Sean opened the door and the laughter was music to his ears. He quietly closed the door and took the dogs off their leashes. He walked into the kitchen smiling.

  “What’s going on here?” He kissed Kyla first and then his mother.

  “Your mother was telling me about the time you and Jordan got your heads stuck in the banister.”

  “Mom, you didn’t.”

  “I thought she would like it. Kyla you should have seem them. They wanted to see who could stand there the longest without having to go to the bathroom. When the nanny found them, she called my husband and me. We came home immediately and there they were, running in place. Turns out they had both eaten a couple of popsicles before coming up with this brilliant challenge. There they were, standing side by side with their little heads poking through the rails.” Belinda’s laughter was contagious. “We let them stay like that for a little while before cutting them loose. I’ll have to get you a picture.”

  “Please do,” Kyla leaned against Sean’s shoulder laughing hard.

  “Ha, ha,” Sean tried not to laugh.

  “Who won?” Kyla asked.

  “I can’t remember. We were laughing so hard, I don’t remember who got out first.”

  Kyla’s phone rang. “Excuse me.” Sean stared at her as she walked away.

  “I like her,” Belinda confessed.

  “I love her.”

  “I know.” She looked at her watch. “It’s getting late. Your father probably thinks I’ve defected back to the city.” She stood up and called out, “Kyla.”

  “Yes.” She came back into the kitchen and placed her phone on the counter.

  “I’m leaving. I had a good time and we will have to do this again. Now, you two are coming for Thanksgiving, right?”

  “Mom, we haven’t decided what we’re doing.”

  She kissed him on the cheek. “No pressure. I have to get used to taking a back seat to your wife.” She smiled and winked at Kyla.

  “Belinda, we’ll let you know.” She rubbed Sean’s back. “Oh, here.” She reached inside the refrigerator and pulled out a small bag. “The heating instructions are on the top. Enjoy.” She handed her the bag.

  “Is this mac and cheese?” she asked.

  “Yes and the rest of the pound cake.”

  “Thank you.” She hugged her. “I’ll see you two later. Bye.”

  “Babe, I’m gonna walk Mom downstairs, I’ll be right back.”

  Kyla waited until she heard the door close before leaning against the counter and letting out a cleansing breath. “Thank you God. As always, You have my back. Thank you for nice in-laws. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

  She walked over to the sofa, slipped her boots off, and stretched out on the sofa. She tossed her head back and closed her eyes. She was replaying the day and meditating on Belinda’s comment about her and Sean’s trip.

  Sean walked in quietly and kissed her. She slowly opened her eyes looking up, smiling.

  “Hey.”

  He walked around and sat at the end of the sofa and placed her feet in his lap, rubbing them.

  “Ohhh, that feels good.” She lifted her head and looked at him, smiling. “That’s why I’m marrying you…magic hands,” she chuckled.

  “And here I thought it was because you liked my lips.”

  “It’s a toss up. They’re both magical.”

  “Mom said she’ll understand if we don’t make it for Thanksgiving, but Christmas is a must.”

  “So what do you want to do?”

  “Think about it…so how did it go?”

  “Like a roller coaster ride.” She looked at Sean and hesitated before expounding. “I told her everything.”

  “Everything?”

  “Everything.”

  “And?”

  “She was impressed with my honesty and said you and I are good for each other. I told her we weren’t having sex, contrary to what anyone says, and that’s when she said she doesn’t pay Chris much attention.”

  “Baby, you didn’t?”

  “I told her you keep a change of clothes here for meetings or for after church. I didn’t tell her that you occasionally sleep over.”

  “Thank you.”

  “She asked if you were still going to your meetings and I said yes and that I’m getting help for my problem. She was very happy to know we’ve been meeting with Mike and DeeDee regularly.”

  “I guess this means, we’re getting married.”

  She pulled her feet back and leaned over and kissed him. “I guess so. How about some mac and cheese?”

  “I thought you’d never ask.”

  Chapter 69

  THE RINGING PHONE SHOCKED KYLA. It was eleven o’clock and Sean had already made his evening call. Her heart started pounding. The caller ID said unknown. She never answered unknown calls, especially unknown calls at this time of night. The phone stopped ringing and shortly thereafter, the message alert beeped. She played the voicemail and smiled at the sound of the familiar voice.

  Kyla jotted down the number and immediately dialed and waited for the voice on the other end. “Is this my new sister-in-law calling me back? Screening your calls?” Zoë was full of energy.

  “Hi Zoë.” Kyla felt herself smiling.

  In the past few months, her life had completely changed. She no longer hung out with her old girlfriends. They were still playing the married man game and she had gladly retired. Now her best friends were a pastor’s wife, a church secretary, the wife of a prominent heart surgeon and her dog Winnie. Not exactly how she started out the year, but a good way to end it. Oh yeah, and she had a man. Not just any man, but a fiancé…a fine, Christian man who loved her.

  “How did it go?” Zoë asked.

  “Well.”

  “Well…details please. I put Jordan and Jordy down for the night and I want details.” She laughed.

  “What did you do to Jordan?”

  “Let’s just say, I performed my motherly and wifely duties and now they are both asleep, and I’m here enjoying a cup of coffee.”

  Sean told Kyla the reason she and Zoë got along was because they were so much alike. They shared a wicked sense of humor and great self-esteem. Kyla agreed with the self-esteem, but thought Zoë had her beat in the wicked sense of humor category.

  “Miss Belinda showed up an hour and a half early, just like you said. Sean was here helping me and I quickly got him out of here.”

  “I knew it.”

  Kyla gave Zoë a replay of her meeting with Belinda, and then they traded stories back and forth about their meetings with the female head of the Prescott Family.

  “You should have seen the look on her face when I told her about all the men I’d been with.”

  “Did her eyes pop out?”

  “No, but when I described how Sean had made love to me, she almost fell to the floor.”

  “What! Have you been hold
ing out on me?”

  “Listen. I told her he had made love to me like no other man, when he showed me how to love myself. Girl, all the color drained from her face.” They both laughed.

  “I can’t believe you said that. Oh my God, what I wouldn’t have given to see the look on her face. Then what?”

  “We were fine. She said once Sean and I are married, she wants all us girls to go on a spa vacation. She said Chris is an idiot and not to pay him any attention. Speaking of which, have you spoken to Trina lately?”

  “No. What’s up? Is she pregnant again? I know they’ve been trying.”

  “No. She left him.”

  “What! I need more coffee.” Zoë didn’t drink alcohol, but she was a coffee junkie. Stressful conversations required strong, black coffee. “Wait a minute. Okay, you said Trina left Chris, when, why?”

  “A couple of weeks ago and I’m not sure why. She called Sean and asked him to check on Chris because she hadn’t heard from him in a couple of days.”

  “Is he all right?”

  “Sean said physically, he’s fine. Mentally and emotionally, he’s not sure. He tried talking to him, but he wasn’t receptive.”

  “Chris is an idiot. Where’s Trina?”

  “She and Tyler are staying with her parents.”

  “I’ll call her and let you know what I find out. Welcome to the family, girl.”

  As soon as Jordan left, Zoë put Jordy down for his nap and called Trina. She waited impatiently as the phone rang. Trina finally picked up on the third ring.

  “You left Chris?” she didn’t wait for her to say hello.

  “Zoë?”

  “I’m sorry, yeah, but I’ve been waiting all night to talk to you. Kyla told me last night. What happened? Are you all right? Do you need anything?” she was firing questions like a machine gun.

  “Zoë!” she shouted over her rapid, high pitched voice.

  “Oh, girl, I’m sorry.”