by Tracy Reed
“Bye Winnie.” Hannah bent down and rubbed Winnie’s neck and kissed her. “Thank you for the flowers, Miss Kyla.”
“You’re welcome, Hannah.”
“Is everything okay?” Mrs. Banks asked.
“Yes.” She wiped her forehead and Mrs. Banks noticed her ring.
“Your ring is beautiful.”
“Oh, thank you.” She wanted desperately to tell her that she and Sean were engaged, but they had agreed to keep it a secret until they told their parents. “I’m gonna go, thank you.” She turned and walked down to her apartment.
She walked inside and Sean was in the kitchen making breakfast. Jordan and Zoë were sitting at the counter watching Sean comfortably dance around the kitchen. Winnie ran over, sniffed Simon and started barking.
“Calm down you two,” Sean called out. The two little dogs got quiet and trotted off to the corner and hopped into Winnie’s bed. Simon and Winnie snuggled up to each other and closed their eyes.
Zoë looked at Jordan and then at Kyla and Sean. “So, are we going to talk about what happened last night?”
Sean looked at Kyla and then back at Jordan and Zoë. “What do you want to know?”
“How you two ended up on the sofa…in matching pajamas? How that ring got on her finger? And did anyone slip up last night?” Zoë asked. “No offense, girl, I like you and all, but we just want to make sure nothing happened that either of you is upset about. And where’s the coffee?”
“Pancakes anyone?” Sean asked.
“Sean Myles Prescott,” Jordan bounced back. “Boy, don’t let me come over there and knock you into next week. Did you two get married last night?”
“What!” Sean shouted.
Kyla placed cups and coffee on the counter, and everyone served themselves. “Baby, settle down. Does anyone want cream?” Kyla asked.
“All we want are answers,” Zoë replied.
Sean looked at Kyla. “Go ahead.” She took over the chef duties.
“Last night, or this morning, Ky came over. We talked and decided to get engaged.” Zoë started to open her mouth and Sean quickly jumped in. “No one slipped up last night. Occasionally, Ky stays over in the guest room.”
“What the—are you two insane?” Jordan asked. “Why would you do that?”
“Baby, calm down, let him explain,” Zoë patted his hand.
“We both have keys to each other’s apartment and sometimes, like the other day, Ky will pick Simon up for me. Or, if she has a meeting on that end of town, she hangs out there, or if we get home really late from dinner or something, she stays in the guest room.”
“Uh-huh,” Jordan retorted.
“It’s the same here,” Kyla jumped in. “My guest room, is pretty much Sean and Simon’s room. Go see for yourself, it’s the first door on the left.” Jordan and Zoë walked down the hall.
“I don’t believe it,” Jordan replied. He opened the closet and the dresser drawers taking inventory of everything.
Zoë checked out the bathroom. “Honey, look,” she held up a short glass with a toothbrush.
“Put that back and let’s go.” They went back into the kitchen.
“Any more questions?’ Sean asked.
Zoë looked at Jordan and then back at Sean and Kyla. “I think you’re both nuts.”
“It’s like aversion therapy,” Kyla responded, as she placed the plate of pancakes on the table and walked back. “He’s only used the room twice and there’s a lock. Sundays, after church and brunch, we come back and hang out. Sean keeps a change of clothes and a suit here.”
“I thought you said he’s only used it twice?” Zoë asked.
“I’ve only slept over twice.”
“The pajamas?” Jordan asked.
“Ky bought ‘em. They’re safe.” Jordan and Zoë laughed. “If we didn’t think we could handle this arrangement we wouldn’t have agreed to it. Besides, when I was hurt she stayed at my place for two weeks and nothing happened.”
“That’s because you could barely move. You’re ambulatory now. I think you’re playing with fire. Now you’re engaged and going away together. I don’t think this is wise, little brother.”
“We’ve got it all worked out. We’ll be in separate bungalows, far away from each other.”
“Uh-huh, Kyla, are you fine with that arrangement?” Zoë asked.
“Yes. They offered us a two bedroom bungalow, but we turned it down and are splitting the difference on the other one.”
Zoë looked at Jordan and he grabbed her hand. “Honey, Sean’s a big boy. We have to trust he and Kyla know what they’re doing. Isn’t that what you said to me, yesterday?”
“Yeah, I know, but…”
“So when’s the wedding?” Jordan asked.
“Breakfast is ready,” Kyla announced.
Kyla walked over to the dining table and placed the rest of the food on the table. Everyone sat down, held hands and Sean started praying. “Father we thank you for this meal and the hands that prepared it. We thank you for this time of fellowship with family and look forward to many more meals together as a family. We pray this food will go forth and nourish and strengthen our bodies. In Jesus name, we pray, Amen. Let’s eat.”
“I know you both have questions, but we promise if at any time, things start to get out of control, we’ll run the other way,” Kyla announced.
“Big bro, you can trust me. I know what I’m doing. Mike and DeeDee have been counseling us and—”
“That’s right, he’s here.” Jordan relaxed for the first time since this conversation started. He remembered how helpful Mike was in getting Sean to go to AA. “Pass the bacon. So when’s the wedding? I need to make sure my schedule is clear, because we are going to do this up right. Shoot, my little bro is getting married.” Sean looked at Kyla. “What…what…Sean?”
“We’re going to elope when we’re ready,” Sean replied.
“What?” Jordan’s disappointment was obvious.
“Calm down baby.” Zoë looked at her husband smiling. “It’s their wedding and if they want to elope, that’s their business.”
“No, come on,” Jordan pleaded. “You gotta do it big, man. I’ve been waiting a long time for this.”
“Excuse me?” Kyla jumped in.
“Forgive my husband. He’s that rare man that likes weddings. We had the whole dog and pony show.”
“I’m sorry man, but it’s what Ky wants.” Kyla reached over and grabbed Sean’s hand.
“We’ll probably have a nice reception a couple of months after we get married,” Kyla chimed in.
“It won’t be the same.”
“Stop it Jordan,” Zoë patted his leg.
“I wanted to throw my brother a bachelor party and make the toast and all that stuff.”
“Are you kidding me?” Zoë laughed.
“No, I’ve been waiting a long time for this.”
“Jordan,” Kyla looked at Sean, “you can still do all that before the reception, right baby?”
“What?” Sean looked startled.
“Jordan can throw you a tasteful bachelor party before our reception,” Kyla announced.
“And I’ll handle the bachelorette party,” Zoë raised her glass. “Heeeyyyy.”
“I don’t like the sound of that,” Jordan replied.
“Look, I’m finally getting a sister-in-law and we are gonna do this thing up right. Girl, I’ll handle everything. That is, unless your sister wants to?”
“Oh my God, what have we done?” Kyla laughed.
“Jordan, Zoë, please don’t say anything to Mom and Dad. They’re coming to town Friday and we’re going to tell them then.”
“Have you met them, Kyla?” Zoë asked.
“Once.”
“And?”
“It was interesting. Chris had told them some things about me and…”
“Girl, they have learned to take what Chris says with half a grain of salt. Continue to be yourself and everything will be fine.” Zoë stood u
p and walked over and hugged her. “Welcome to the family. Let me see the ring.” She lifted Kyla’s hand. “Sean, you did good. See mine.” She held her left hand up revealing the four carat sparkler.
“It’s beautiful, Zoë.”
“I know. See these?” She brushed her hair behind her ears to show off the two-carat diamond studs in her ears. “These were for our first anniversary and,” pointing to the five colored sapphire bangles on her right wrist. “He gave me these for our fifth anniversary.”
“Those are beautiful,” Kyla replied.
“Picking beautiful jewelry is just one of the many things the guys have in common.”
“Woman, sit down.” Jordan got up and walked over and hugged her. “Kyla, I am so happy Sean found you.” He stepped to the side and looked at Sean. “Man, I am so proud of you, and now you’re getting married.” Sean stood up and Jordan hugged him.
“Thank you for not giving up on me,” Sean whispered.
“Never did and never will.”
Chapter 66
CHRIS SPENT THE NIGHT STARING at the ceiling and when he couldn’t bear the silence anymore, he went into the living room and tried to pray. Finally, around five in the morning he went for a run. Not the smartest thing to do, but he needed to get rid of some of the anger stored in his spirit.
When Trina woke up, Chris wasn’t lying next to her. She got up and looked in Tyler’s room, but Chris wasn’t there. She searched the apartment looking for Chris, but he was nowhere to be found. She felt uneasy in her spirit about his absence from their home. Six- thirty…that was the magic time. If Chris hadn’t materialized by then, she was calling the police.
Chris knew that early Saturday morning was her alone time on the weekend. Not to be selfish, but she looked forward to this time every week. Like most working mothers, it was difficult to find quiet time. During the week, she was able to get a little quiet time while Tyler was napping in the afternoon, but she really looked forward to Saturday mornings. Chris and Tyler usually slept until nine, giving her plenty of time alone, which she filled with reading her Bible, praying, and an extra long workout.
This morning however, her schedule was off because she was concerned about where her husband was. She poured a cup of coffee and started praying. The past few months, Chris had been acting and saying things that were more bizarre than normal. His constant rants about Sean and Kyla were working on her nerves. Although she was concerned about where he was, she welcomed the quiet. “Forgive me God. I love my husband and I pray he’s safe, but thank you for this quiet and peaceful Saturday morning. Lord, I’m not sure what’s going on with my husband. I pray You show me how to approach him about what’s troubling him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
She sat quietly drinking coffee and reading when the sound of the front door opening and closing captured her attention. She poured another cup of coffee and placed the cup in front of the empty chair where Chris usually sat. She placed a plate of muffins and juice on the table and waited for him to come into the kitchen.
He came in breathing hard and plopped down onto his favorite seat at the table. Alvin barked and walked over and brushed Chris’ leg.
“Hey, boy.” He patted the dog’s head and took a sip of coffee. Trina stood staring at Chris waiting for him to speak. He took another sip of coffee and picked up a muffin and started eating.
“Good morning to you, too.” Silence. Trina sat down with her arms crossed in front of her. “Have I done something that I’m not aware of? You’ve been acting stranger than normal since you saw Jordan last week.” He looked at her and she felt a chill run up her body. “Fine. Unless you talk to me, I can’t apologize or explain or whatever it is you think I need to do.”
She stood up and started to walk away. “Is it true that Sean is considering marrying that woman?”
“Kyla…her name is Kyla, not that woman and for the record, she’s one of my best friends.”
“Oh great,” he sighed. “Is it true that he’s thinking about marrying her?”
“Yes.”
“When were you going to tell me?”
“When and if it happened…is that what this is about? Why didn’t you just ask me?”
“I assumed it was just something between friends.”
She scratched her head. “Oh my God, you’re insane. He’s your friend, your godbrother. I wouldn’t even know Sean if it weren’t for you.”
“Then why didn’t he say something to me?”
“I don’t know, ask Sean. You know ever since Sean started seeing Kyla, you’ve been acting like a jealous lover. Is that it? Are you harboring some sort of feelings for Sean?”
He jumped up and got in her face. “How could you say something like that?”
“Because every time I mention Sean and Kyla, you get all weird. A couple of weeks ago when you came home and Kyla was here playing with Tyler, you were ruder than normal…snatching Tyler out of her arms. That hurt her feelings.”
“Oh well.” He eased back into his seat.
“Is that all you can say?” She looked at him, waiting for an answer. “Since Sean got with her, he’s offered on several occasions to babysit so we can have some time alone, and you won’t take him up on his offer.”
“I’m not having my son participate in some fake family game so Sean can see if that woman is mother material. It’s clear she isn’t.”
“What?”
“That kind of woman could never be a wife, let alone a mother. She’s only good for one thing.”
“Oh my God, I don’t believe you. How could you say something like that? She’s a nice woman, and she’s made a huge difference in Sean’s life.”
“I’ll bet she has.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I don’t care what anyone says, I know they’re sleeping together.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Are you going to sit there and tell me I’m wrong?” he barked.
“Yes, because you are. What makes you think they’re sleeping together?”
“Look at her. I see how they carry on in church.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Holding hands, sitting all close to each other. And look at how she dresses. She’s supposed to be a Christian, but she prances around church in those tight dresses. And, you saw her a couple of weeks ago with that short skirt on, standing up supposedly praising God. Please, she was trying to be seen. She’s got everyone fooled into thinking she’s changed. I know better. She’s the same person she was. She’s just running a new game and when she’s finished with Sean, we’ll be left to pick up the pieces.”
“Oh my God, you’re an idiot.” She couldn’t believe the absurdities coming out of his mouth.
“Excuse me?”
“I said you’re an idiot. There’s nothing indecent about the way they behave in church or the way she dresses. They’ve both changed, and for the better.”
“How is it I’m the only one that can see he’s headed for trouble?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Do you have a crush on her, is that it? Because I can understand if you’re attracted to her, but don’t let it go any further.”
“How could you even say something like that?”
“Because you’re sounding like a jealous lover.”
“That’s insane.”
“I’m just trying to figure out what’s going on here. I mean that’s the only thing that makes sense. You don’t want to sit with them in church, you don’t want to go out with them, you pitch a fit if they want to come over. What else am I supposed to think?”
“Women like that are very dangerous. Sean has been doing so well, and to see him slip up again all because a pretty woman is paying him a little attention…”
“I don’t believe you are still bringing up what happened with Francesca. That was a long time ago. Sean isn’t the same person he was then, and Kyla isn’t Francesca.”
“She isn’t, huh? Jus
t wait and see.”
“This is why he called me for help,” she confessed.
“What are you talking about?”
“Sean called me a few weeks ago and invited me to lunch, and then we went ring shopping.
“What!”
She let out a deep sigh. “He called me a couple of weeks ago. We had lunch and I helped him pick out a ring.”
“Zoë was right. He’s proposing?”
“If he hasn’t already.”
“I don’t believe it.” He turned and shook his head.
“Why don’t you like her? She’s perfect for him. They have a lot in common and I believe this is the happiest I’ve seen him in years.”
“You would think that,” he blurted out.
She hesitated before responding. “Now I know what this is about.” She shook her head. “Huh, I can’t believe I didn’t see it earlier. This has nothing to do with Sean and Kyla. This is about you and me.”
He turned to face her. “What are you talking about?”
“I thought we were past this, but you’re still having a problem with what happened when we were apart.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
She sat back down and poured herself a cup of coffee. “Thank you Holy Spirit, for bringing that back to my remembrance.” She broke off a piece of muffin, popped it into her mouth, smiling as she chewed. She swallowed and continued smiling.
“What?”
“I can’t take back what happened. You broke up with me, remember? I believe you said we weren’t on the same page, and it was best we go our separate ways. It wasn’t like I went out looking for someone else the day after we broke up. I was alone almost a year before I met Jamal. And, as you know, it was a few months before we slept together.”
“It wasn’t sleeping.”
“You’re right. It was hot, wild, freaky sex. Does that make you feel better?” He turned his head. “Look at me, Chris.” She grabbed his arm. “We did things that you could never imagine.”
“Stop it.”
“No, not until you admit you’re jealous.”