Real Love

by Tracy Reed

  She stood silent for a moment before resting her gaze on Kyla. DeeDee squinted her eyes, leaning forward trying to get a better look. She blinked her eyes, clearing the fog and focused on the beautiful woman sitting at the end of the last row trying not to be noticed. Kyla shifted in her seat and met her gaze along with a smile.

  “This isn’t what I had planned for today. Okay, let’s turn to Jeremiah twenty-nine eleven. How many have your new Bible? Hold them up and let me see.” DeeDee looked at Kyla and saw the covered book in her hand and smiled.

  “Good. Let’s read together. We’ll need to start at verse ten. This is God’s Word on the subject: As soon as Babylon’s seventy years are up and not a day before, I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. Now let’s go to Jeremiah one verse five and read together. Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations—that’s what I had in mind for you. Pretty powerful words. Now close your eyes and reflect for a moment.” The silence was deafening.

  Kyla closed her eyes thinking about her relationship with Eric and the other men in her life, and she was filled with sadness and questions. How could God have destined that for her? If that was what God thought about her, she didn’t want anything to do with Him.

  “Now keep your eyes closed. If you liked what you saw, raise your hand.” DeeDee surveyed the room and there were no hands up. “Now if you were ashamed of what you saw raise your hand?” Kyla slowly raised her hand. “Good, put your hands down.” Kyla felt a little better knowing she wasn’t the only one whose hand was up. “Look at me. What you saw was not what God intended for you. He planned something better, but you decided you didn’t want what He had. However, it’s not too late to get everything you deserve. All you have to do is make a decision. Most of you in here are struggling with sex. And the devil has tried to keep you a prisoner by telling you that that’s all you have to offer, but it’s a lie. You are so much more and you deserve better than the life you’ve been living. Before I forget, let me give you your homework now. I want you to read first Peter chapter one verses thirteen to second chapter verse three and email me your thoughts.” Kyla jotted down her homework and placed the slip of paper inside her Bible. “As I was saying, if you don’t make the decision to change and step into the plan God has for you, you will never be in control.” Kyla shifted in her seat. That was the third time she had heard that statement today. She sat up a little higher and listened intently as DeeDee spoke.

  Kyla had set the alarm on her phone so she could leave class and be standing out in the foyer when Trina came down stairs. Her phone started vibrating and she closed her Bible and placed it into her bag and walked out into the lobby where she bumped into Trina.

  “Kyla…what…,” Trina stood with her mouth open staring at the woman her friend was falling for. She tried not to notice the Bible that fell out of her bag and plopped open onto the floor. She handed the Bible back to Kyla.

  “Thanks.” Kyla smiled and placed the Bible back into her bag. “So what’s good around here?”

  “There’s a cafe around the corner. They have the best soup in the city.”

  “Sounds great.”

  They walked down the street, trading small talk. Once inside the cafe they ordered and over dessert, Trina finally asked, “Why did you want to meet?”

  Kyla patted the side of her mouth with the white napkin and took a deep breath before answering. “I…I…”

  “Thank you for taking care of Sean. I didn’t know how I was going to manage Chris and Tyler, work, and Sean. Every day I take care of three men, and adding a fourth and a dog…who I love dearly, was looking like a scary task.” They laughed.

  “You don’t have to thank me.”

  “And I want to apologize for my husband’s behavior.”

  “No need. I know Chris doesn’t like me and thinks I’m a bad influence on Sean.”

  “That’s not true.”

  “Really?”

  “He just doesn’t think it’s wise for you and Sean to be spending so much time together.”

  “If we’re going to attempt to be friends, we need to be honest with each other.”

  “Okay, Chris thinks Sean would be better off with someone…”

  Kyla held up her hand. “A little more virtuous.”

  “I think you’re the best thing to happen to Sean in quite a while. And I think he’s a good influence on you as well.”

  “Unfortunately, I don’t agree with you.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Sean is a wonderful man and Chris is right. He should be with someone whose past isn’t so tainted.”

  “Sean’s no saint.”

  “I know. He told me about the alcohol and Francesca.” She hesitated before continuing. “Sean is…he’s…”

  Trina looked at Kyla and saw in her eyes what she’d been seeing in Sean’s when he talked about her. “Enough about the men.”

  “Okay.”

  “How did you like Bible class?”

  “I was wondering how long it was going to take you to get around to that.”

  “Well…”

  “It was interesting.”

  “Was it your first time?”

  Kyla shifted in her seat. “No, it was my second.”

  “Really? How…”

  “I was early last week for my meeting, so I slipped in and listened and was intrigued.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “I know what you’re thinking. Just because I attended a couple of Bible classes and read a few Bible verses, doesn’t—”

  “You read some verses?” she asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Nothing. Does Sean know?”

  “What, that I went to Bible class? No. And let’s keep it that way.”

  “Okay.” She held her hands up. “You know you can’t keep it a secret.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because Pastor Mike and Sean are friends, because you and Sean are scheduled to meet with him next week and more importantly, men talk more than women. So if you want to keep your secret a secret, you’re going to have to talk to Pastor Mike.”

  “Oh crap.” She closed her eyes and tilted her head. “All I wanted was a little space to think and now…”

  “Think?” Trina questioned her statement.

  “Before Sean got hurt, I gave my boyfriend an ultimatum. Me or his wife.”

  “What?”

  She let out a sigh. “He promised I’d always be number one and I’m not. I don’t like playing second fiddle.”

  “What did he say?” Trina asked.

  “I haven’t heard from him.”

  “Oh.”

  “That’s not exactly true. He has left the same voicemail every day since we last saw each other. I miss you and I’m trying to work it out. Lying sack of…I’m sorry.”

  Trina looked at Kyla trying to figure out what she was thinking. The few times they talked, Kyla hadn’t revealed too much of herself. However, from her conversations with Sean, she knew he would be delighted to know about the changes going on with Kyla.

  Chapter 45

  KYLA STOOD STARING AT THE large bouquet of red roses and white phalaenopsis orchids, reading the accompanying note, and wondering how to respond. The flowers were as beautiful as the note. She reread the note to herself, “Thank you again for looking after me and Simon. Please indulge me one last act as my girlfriend and have dinner with me on Friday.”

  She and Sean had had dinner on several occasions and most recently in his loft. But a Friday night dinner invitation accompanied by flowers, wasn’t friends hanging out…it was a date. She swallowed hard trying to figure out how to respond. She wanted to pick up the phone and call Sean with her
answer, but she couldn’t. A yes would mean she was open to where this could lead. A no could mean the end of a great friendship.

  She picked up the phone and began dialing. “Hi, Trina.”

  “Hi Kyla. I know you’re probably calling about the sketch. I told DeeDee and Pastor Mike…”

  “Trina.”

  “Personally, I like…”

  “Trina!”

  “What?”

  “Sean invited me to dinner.”

  “What did you say?”

  “I haven’t answered yet.”

  “Why not?”

  “I’m not sure what to say.”

  Trina got up from her desk and closed the door. “What do you mean, you say yes.”

  “You didn’t say anything to him about our conversation, did you?”

  “No. I haven’t spoken to Sean in a couple of days. What’s the problem? It’s only dinner. Just hang up and tell him yes.”

  “He’s not here.”

  “I thought you said Sean invited you to dinner?”

  “He sent flowers with a hand written invitation to dinner Friday night.”

  “Oh.” Trina’s loud sigh echoed in Kyla’s head.

  “Exactly. This isn’t dinner between friends. It’s a date.”

  “Is that such a bad thing?” Trying to lighten the tone.

  “Right now, with me on the fence about my boyfriend, yes, it is.” Kyla knew a romantic dinner with her pretend boyfriend was a risky thing.

  “I say, call him or even better send him a note accepting. What’s the worst that could happen, you have a good time?”

  “Trina, I thought you were on my side?”

  “I am. I’m also on Sean’s, and I don’t see anything wrong with two friends having dinner.”

  “Trina, hang up.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  “I don’t know.”

  She pressed the button ending the call and kept staring at the writing on the light grey note card. She played every possible scenario in her head, and kicked around every reason why she shouldn’t have dinner with Sean. And, none of her reasons was good enough to keep her from going. Then she kicked around all the reasons why she should and there was only one good one, because he asked her.

  She sat down and penned her reply. She put the small red envelope inside a manila envelope and had it delivered to Sean. An hour later, her phone rang with the familiar barking dog ring tone.

  “Hello.”

  “When I didn’t hear from you I thought you were figuring out how to tell me you had plans with…”

  “No, the only plans I have are dinner with you. Where do you want to meet?”

  “I’ll pick you up around seven?”

  “I’ll be ready. Bye.”

  “Bye.”

  She pressed the button ending the call, wondering what she had just done.

  Kyla’s stomach was in knots. She stood in front of her closet wondering what to wear. It had been a while since she’d been out as someone’s girlfriend. She reached for the black Leger, but the teal Gucci dress was screaming to go out. She answered the Gucci screams and slipped it on, along with her favorite gold Saint Laurent Tribute sandals and leopard print shawl. Simple and chic considering she had no idea where she was going.

  The neighbor’s little girl liked Winnie and volunteered to puppy sit for the evening. She walked Winnie next door and came back and finished getting dressed. Her nerves were on edge as she paced back and forth. Tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap stop and repeat. The sound of the five inch stilettos tapping across the walnut floor was missing the accompaniment of Winnie’s little taps and barks.

  The phone rang, breaking the rhythm of the taps. She walked over and picked up the phone. “Hello, Jerome.”

  “Your date is here.”

  “Excuse me?”

  Jerome repeated his announcement. “Kyla James, your date is here.”

  “I’ll be right down.”

  She picked up her bag, turned off the lights, closed the door and took the short ride down to the lobby. She exited the elevator searching for Sean, but there was only Jerome.

  “Wow. I assume by the car and driver, someone has a hot date.” Jerome was never short on words.

  “Excuse me?”

  The feisty doorman pointed to the black sedan and driver parked in front of her building waiting with the door open.

  “There must be a mistake.”

  “I’m shocked too. You’ve lived here quite a while and it’s about time I saw you go on a date. Now hurry up before he changes his mind.” She started out the door to the car.

  “Miss James?” the driver asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Mr. Prescott has instructed me to drive you to dinner this evening.”

  “Thank you.” She smiled and got into the car. The short distance to the restaurant seemed longer with her stomach growing more unstable. Less than ten minutes later, the car pulled up to the curb and stopped. Kyla took a deep breath and looked out the window, searching for Sean, but he wasn’t there. The driver got out and walked around to open the door.

  The door opened and a familiar voice greeted her.

  “I’ll take it from here Charlie.” She looked up smiling as she extended her hand.

  “Hi.” She climbed out of the car and stood on the sidewalk staring at her handsome dinner companion.

  “Wow, you look amazing.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Thanks Charlie. I’ll text you when we’re ready.” Charlie nodded and got back into the car. “Mademoiselle,” Sean took her hand in his and they walked up the steps into the restaurant.

  The Four Seasons Restaurant is one of the most romantic restaurants in the city. Sean had reserved a table in the Pool Room, known for romantic dinners and weddings. Kyla knew this wasn’t just dinner between friends, but the start of something much more.

  After dinner they sat talking and enjoying coffee, like their normal weekly routine. He ordered the vanilla mousse with hazelnut chocolates and she stole bites.

  She put the spoon down and took a sip of coffee. Sean remembered the first time they met for coffee and her offer for him to kiss her. “Why did you pick this restaurant?” she asked.

  He looked around at the other couples enjoying their meals, hoping for an answer to her question that wouldn’t reveal what he really wanted to tell her. “I have always wanted to come here, but I didn’t have anyone I thought would appreciate it.”

  “What about Francesca?”

  “It’s not her style. She would have thought this was too stuffy.” They laughed.

  “I think it’s beautiful.”

  “Have you ever been here?” he asked.

  “My parents brought us here for their twentieth wedding anniversary.”

  “Really and here I thought I was exposing you to something new.” He placed his cup down and her eyes were fixed on his lips.

  “You are. It’s different when you’re on a date.”

  “About that…”

  “I understand.”

  “I wanted you to know how much I appreciate what you and Winnie did for me and Simon.”

  “That’s what friends do.”

  “No, they don’t.” She cleared her throat. She was beginning to get a little uncomfortable. “I like spending time with you, but it’s getting harder not to want more.”

  She reached across and grabbed his hand. This was the perfect time to tell him about Eric. She looked at him and felt the words forming. “I like spending time with you Sean, but…”

  “I know.” He signaled for the server to bring the check. He put his credit card inside the leather envelope and waited for the server to return with the receipt. He signed the receipt and stood up. “Ready?” He pulled her chair out and watched as she stood up. He took her hand and they walked out onto the busy street.

  “You forgot to text the driver.”

  “Are you ready to go home?”

  “No.”

 
“Let’s walk a little.”

  “I see your ankle is doing better.”

  “Yes, the doctor said another week and I won’t even have the limp.”

  “Good. Where are we going?”

  “We’re almost there.” They walked down the street, around the corner and into a dark brick building, and then rode up to the top floor. The elevator opened to a rooftop garden with trees, twinkle lights, candles and oversized chairs. Sean walked up to the desk and gave his name. “Ky,” he called and she walked up. He took her hand and they followed the hostess.

  “Your server will be right over.”

  She looked around stunned at the beautiful hidden treasure overlooking the city. “Where are we?”

  “Shhh. Sit back and relax.” She eased back into her seat close to Sean. A few minutes later, a jazz ensemble walked out and everyone clapped.

  “Is that Ryder?”

  “Yes. Shhh.”

  The ensemble began playing and Kyla couldn’t believe her ears. The music was soulful, warm and inviting. She felt herself relaxing as the music took over her mind and spirit, leaving her free of worries and decisions about the future. She scooted closer to Sean and rested her head on his shoulder. He took her hand in his and she felt at peace. Sean watched as she tapped her feet to the sultry sounds of Ryder’s playing.

  A couple of hours later, the band finished to a round of applause. Ryder walked over to greet them.

  “I’m so glad you made it.” They hugged.

  “I told you, whenever I’m available I’ll be here to listen to you play.”

  “Thanks Boss. Kyla…I didn’t know you…” Ryder looked at Sean smiling. “I knew it.”

  “Knew what?” Sean asked.

  “That you two were seeing each other.”

  Sean looked at Kyla smiling. “Not exactly.”

  “But you’re here…together…you know what, never mind.”

  “Where’s Stephanie?” Sean asked.

  Ryder looked around. “She was…” His statement was interrupted by the hands of a petite blond woman with a pixie haircut, green eyes and a bright smile, wrapping her arms around his waist and kissing his cheek. “Hey babe.” He turned his head to the left and smiled.