by Mary Smith
She hugged Cabel again. “You’re a great man, just apologize. She’ll understand.”
Cabel knew his daughter was smarter than him.
Chapter Eight
“I’m hoping you understand what I did and why I did it?”
Caryn put her hand on Oliver’s knee. “I’m not mad. You told Cabel the truth. I should have told him a long time ago.”
“I’m glad you’re not upset, which brings up—”
“All right.” She nodded, stopping him mid-sentence. “I will go to the family dinner and tell them.”
She couldn’t believe his smile, his elation, his joy. It was clear on his face. However, he didn’t announce it because the doorbell rang. Not imagining who it would be, shock was her only emotion when Cabel stood on the other side.
“Hey,” he greeted her shyly.
They’ve not spoken in over two months, and their last words were in anger.
“Hi,” she managed to say, at a loss for words.
“Cabel.” Oliver came up behind her.
“Hello, Oliver.” He nodded at him. “I’m sorry to interrupt. I should have called.”
“I’m just leaving.” He kissed her forehead. “I’m certain you two have a lot to discuss.” He shook Cabel’s hand before leaving them both at the doorway.
“Um…would you like to come in?” She stepped to the side, not sure if he just wanted to come in made her a bit nervous.
“Thanks.” He walked in and made his way to the couch and stretched out his leg in front of him.
“How’s the leg?” she asked, sitting down at the other end of the couch.
“Fine.”
Instantly, she glared at him.
“Throbbing and slightly painful,” he told her honestly.
“You should be resting. Here.” She grabbed a pillow and laid it down. “Put your leg up.”
“Thank you.”
Slightly surprised he didn’t argue, she said, “Oliver said he saw you today.”
He stared at her for a few seconds before saying, “Oliver told me.”
“He told me,” Caryn added.
“You should have.”
Caryn slightly hung her head. “I didn’t want anyone to know and when you assumed we were dating, I never corrected you. I should have and it was wrong of me not to. Once it began to snowball, I had no clue how to tell you.”
“I promise not to tell anyone.” He vowed.
She waved her hand. “It’s fine. Oliver is planning to take me to a family dinner to tell Taden, Nova, and Janan.”
“Wow.” Cabel seemed shocked. “Are you ready for it? You were their therapist.”
“My fear is they’ll think I’m trying to go after the teams, but I’m not. I have no desire to get involved in any of Oliver’s businesses,” she said honestly.
They sat in silence for—what seemed like a full minute—before Cabel spoke. “I need to apologize to you. I said many hurtful things and I meant none of them.”
Caryn remained silent but moved to sit on her oak coffee table to be closer to him. “The night you came over, I planned to tell you everything. I’ve replayed our conversation over and over in my head and still can’t figure out where I went wrong.”
Cabel reached for her hand and she easily gave it to him. “You didn’t do anything wrong. The problem is me. I have…strong feelings for you. They’ve been there since the day we met. My frustration came because I thought I was part of some sort of love triangle. I wanted you. I wanted you all to myself.”
Tears began to burn behind her eyes. “I have very strong feelings for you too, and it scares me.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m still grieving for my mother. Oliver is now in my life, and all my emotions are confusing me. I question myself on a daily basis if I love you or am I clinging to you out of my grief and not wanting to be alone?”
He rubbed the pad of his thumb gently over her knuckles. “You’re a smart woman. Do you truly believe you’re just clinging to me for no other purpose than grief?”
Caryn studied their interlocked hands. Her skin tone was paler than his perfect beige skin. Her freshly manicured nails were a contrast to his short uneven ones. However, his rough skin brought her a sense of calm. They were different in many ways, but since the day she left the hospital, she felt true heartbreak.
“No. No, I don’t believe I care for you out of grief.”
“Then may I make a statement and question?”
Caryn nodded.
“I want us to date. Our feelings between each other mean more than friendship, and I believe that was what we were doing before. Both of us are trying to protect our hearts. Will you please go out with me?”
The hurt and pain her heart had felt all those weeks without him, simply washed away with his simple question. Happiness filled her. Her mother had said ever since she was a small child, she wanted Caryn to be happy. And Cabel made her happy. He had been the only one who ever made her feel this way.
She moved to sit on the edge of the couch, cupped his face, and brought her lips to his. She could almost see the fireworks behind her eyes. Opening her mouth wider, Cabel moaned and pulled her onto his lap.
“I’m hoping that means yes,” he joked as their lips broke apart.
Caryn giggled. “It means yes. Also, it means, I’m sorry and please give me a second chance.”
“You know I will.” He kissed her again. “Thank you for forgiving me.”
Laying her head on his chest, she listened to the calming rhythm of his heartbeat. Closing her eyes, a smile crossed her face. His arms were wrapped around her tightly, and he kept kissing the top of her head.
Reluctantly, she moved off his lap, knowing he had to be in pain. He lightly kissed her lips. “I know you need to get home. You look tired.”
He nodded. “I know Oliver asked you to meet his family, but I would really like you to formally meet mine.”
“I would like to meet them. Maybe this weekend.”
He kissed her again. “Okay.”
“Are you going to take Oliver’s job offer?” She didn’t want to be nosy, but when Oliver told her his plan, she was very pleased to think Cabel would still be part of the Bears.
“I’m thinking about it. He gave me until Friday to answer him. What do you think?” He brushed a strand of hair from her cheek, tucking it behind her ear.
“I don’t know what the job entails. However, I know you and I think you’ll be spectacular at it.”
Caryn stared at her cell phone for several minutes. She knew Oliver wanted to have a family dinner but not this soon. Then again, he probably rushed for fear of her changing her mind.
Oliver: Dinner @ 6 @ Nova’s
Her nerves began to get the best of her. This would be the grand reveal. She knew the Long’s and how outstanding they were, but this was a much different spin. She would be invading their world and not just as their therapist. Taden and Oliver had been friends for over thirty years. Oliver was the godfather to Janan, Nova and Nova’s daughter, Klara. Those three girls were set to inherit Oliver’s empire.
“Caryn, Bas is here,” Toni announced over the intercom.
“Send him in.” She put her phone away and grabbed her recorder.
“Hey, Caryn.” Bas strolled in.
She noticed he started putting more weight on. When he had left The New Outlook, he’d lost a lot of weight, and she worried he would relapse. He still had a lot going on personally that he dealt with on a daily basis.
“Hi, Bas.” She gave him a quick embrace. She didn’t hug all her patients, but Bas was special to her. “How are you?”
“Tired but good.”
They made their way to her sitting area. He took a place on the couch, and she sat on the chair.
“Why are you tired?” she questioned.
“Finished practice and worked out with my brothers,” he explained.
“How’s it going with Beck and Bax?” Bas was one of a set of triplets, and
their relationship had been rocky in the past.
“Better. We are communicating without yelling and trying to do dinners as often as we can. Our schedules don’t always connect.”
“Understandable, but how’s it really going?” she questioned him again.
“I don’t feel like they’re judging me all the time. I think our relationship is building trust again. I may have said before I don’t care for them, but I do. I want this to work.”
Caryn smiled. Pride filled her knowing how far he had come. “And Erin?”
“She’s perfect.” He beamed.
She laughed. “I’m happy to hear it. How are you two enjoying each other?”
“Great!” he exclaimed. “It’s different since she’s moved out of the building, but she still comes over and cooks.”
“Are you discussing the future?”
He shook his head. “We’re enjoying each other. That’s all.”
“Still have the ring?” Bas had told her he had purchased an engagement ring the day after he left rehab.
“I do. I keep it in my closet.”
“The same place you kept the gun?”
He nodded. “Yes. When I’m ready, I’ll give it to her. But like we discussed, I’m not going to rush into anything.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” She knew it was time to ask the big question. “Thought about drinking?”
“Yes,” he answered honestly. “The other night when we lost the game, I got off the plane and almost summoned an Uber to go to the liquor store.”
Caryn tried to keep her expression neutral. He had mentioned numerous times in their sessions about drinking again. “What did you do instead?”
“I had Vance give me a ride. He and I did the yoga you suggested, but please don’t tell anyone I’m doing yoga with other teammates.”
She laughed. “I don’t speak to anyone about our sessions. However, how did you feel after the yoga?”
“Okay. The craving was still there but not as strong,” he confessed.
They continued the session and Caryn felt Bas was still moving forward in his recovery. She hoped the success would continue. Nothing caused her more pain than seeing one of her clients have a setback. It made her feel like she failed them.
As Bas’ session finished, he stopped short of the door. “Would it be all right if I asked you something personal?”
“Sure.”
“Are you and Cabel still broken up?”
Caryn was taken aback. “Why do you ask?”
“I saw him yesterday and he was shit. I know it’s because of you and him. Not to mention, you didn’t seem well lately either.”
She nodded. “Actually, I don’t comment on my personal relationships, but I’ll make an exception. He and I talked last night, and things are looking up.”
“You both deserve happiness. I never met two greater people.” Bas hugged her.
It took a lot of convincing but finally, Caryn made Oliver understand she wanted to drive herself. She truly didn’t know how tonight would go, and she didn’t want to feel trapped at Novas.
As she pulled into the driveway her hands shook. Gripping the steering wheel, she tried to calm her racing heart and erratic breathing. It almost felt like a panic attack. Fishing through her purse, she hurriedly found her phone to call Cabel.
“Hello.”
“I’m a wreck,” she blurted out.
“Hey, hey, what is it?” His tone was filled with concern.
“I’m much more nervous than I thought.”
“Listen to me, Caryn. They already love you. It’ll be a shock at first, but it’ll be fine. I promise.”
Caryn took a deep breath. “I don’t know, Cabel.”
“You don’t have to know because I do. I’m telling you, it’ll be bad at first and then fine.”
She groaned, “You’ve said fine twice.”
Chuckling, he said, “I know.”
“I hate that word.” She gritted her teeth.
“I also know that, but are you calmer?”
It took her a second to realize she had calmed a bit, even though he kept saying her forbidden word.
“I’m right, aren’t I?” he asked sounding cocky.
Caryn rolled her eyes at his silly question. “Yes, you’re right.”
“Yes.” He cheered, and it made her laugh. “Now, go in there and knock their socks off. However, if you need me, I’m here.”
“Thank you. I’ll keep you updated.” She ended the call, got out of the car, and headed toward the door.
“Hi, Caryn,” Nova said as she opened the door. “Uncle Oliver said you were coming.”
“Hello.” She heard the shakiness in her voice.
“Come on in. Janan made dinner tonight. Which means she ordered pizza.”
She gave a small laugh as she walked into the house. Klara’s laughter filled the house. Following Nova toward the kitchen, Caryn tried to remember to breathe as they all came into view. Janan set out four large pizzas along the bar. Taden sat at the table with Hamilton, the captain of the Bears and Janan’s husband. Teo, the Bears backup goalie and Nova’s boyfriend sat with Klara on his lap playing with a couple of toys.
“Caryn.” Taden smiled, stood up, and came over to her. “How are you?” He gave her a hug.
“I’m well and you?”
“Outstanding. Oliver seemed excited to have you over tonight. Come sit down.”
Everyone greeted her kindly and small talk went around the table. She relaxed a bit, almost forgetting why she was there…until Oliver strolled in, and it all came back to her. Everyone greeted him with hugs. Klara squealed for him until he picked her up into his arms. She hugged his thick neck.
He sat down next to her, giving her a smile. Janan and Nova sat down as Hamilton brought the pizza over. Taden brought over plates and drinks.
“Help yourself,” Nova announced.
Caryn waited for everyone to get their pieces before reaching for one of her own. She couldn’t eat it. Not even one bite. She took a sip of her water.
“Not that I’m not enjoying all the company, but what’s the real deal for Caryn being here?” Janan asked. “Are we back in family therapy?”
“No.” Oliver chuckled. “I have an announcement.”
She clearly saw the looks going around the table. They must have thought the same as everyone else—they were lovers.
“I know you all are wondering why I invited Caryn here today…well, it’s because I have a story to tell.”
The room grew quiet minus Klara’s mumbling over her bits of pizza.
“Thirty-two years ago, I moved to Manchester when I purchased the Bears. I had my business connections, but of course no real friends. I worked on growing my ventures even more. Late one night, I went to a diner to grab some food and saw the most beautiful woman I ever saw in my life. She sat in nurse scrubs in a corner booth. I walked right over to her, sat down, and was in love by the time she left.”
Caryn studied Nova, Janan, and Taden’s faces. They were filled with confusion. Oliver had told her this story already, but she enjoyed learning how her parents met. Obviously, her mother never told her.
“Luckily, my charms worked on her, and she agreed to go out with me. It was the happiest time in my life. We spent every moment together we could.” Oliver’s smile began to fade. “But my job kept me from her more and more. One day she came to my office and told me if I loved her, I had to spend time with her.” He hung his head. “I told her my businesses were the most important thing in my life.”
The crack in his voice brought a tear to her eyes. Her mother had told her that much.
“About a year ago, I received a letter that Samantha had died and left me something. It gave me a date and time to meet and I went. When I arrived, I was greeted by a very picture perfect replica of Samantha. Big red hair and same eyes.” He glanced over at Caryn.
“Oh God,” Taden whispered. Looking at him, she knew he had figured it out. “Seriously?”
<
br /> “What?” Janan and Nova asked in unison.
“What did she leave in her will?” Janan demanded.
“Me,” Caryn blurted out. “When Mom died she left me a letter telling me who my father was and I contacted Oliver telling him so.”
The room went silent and jaws dropped as they all stared at her.
“I thought you two were fucking,” Janan exclaimed as Nova hit her arm. “You’ve known all this time.”
“I didn’t want everyone to know,” Caryn began to explain. “I wanted Oliver and me to get to know each other before going public.”
“I…I…” Nova stammered over her words. “I guess…congratulations?”
Before anyone said anything else, Janan jumped up and ran out of the kitchen with Hamilton chasing after her.
“I think Klara needs to be clean up.” Now, Nova got up, picked up her daughter, and quickly raced out of the room, with Teo following.
Caryn felt horrible thinking how she cleared out a room in a matter of a few seconds.
“It’ll be okay.” Taden tried to reassure her. “You know our deepest, darkest secrets, and I’m sure that worries them.”
She nodded, knowing he was telling the truth. She helped them through a lot dealing with Sharon, Taden’s dead wife, Janan’s mother, and Nova’s aunt.
“Excuse me,” she told Oliver and Taden as she stood up and went to find the girls. Since they weren’t in the living room, she headed down the hall, figuring the bedrooms were located there. Hearing faint talking, she decided not to eavesdrop and lightly knocked on the door.
Hamilton opened it, and Caryn realized they all had congregated to Klara’s room. The room looked happy and inviting minus the glares she received.
“May we talk?” Caryn politely asked.
“Come in.” Hamilton pulled the door open wider.
Klara played in the corner with Teo sitting beside her. Nova sat in a rocking chair while looking at the floor. Janan stood in the corner with her arms crossed.
“I understand you all are feeling a lot of emotions,” she began. “I felt the same. I had barely begun to grieve for my mother when I was given her letter. Contacting Oliver had to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”