Promises of Forever

by Celya Bowers

  After parking, he waited around the lobby area for Kayleigh. He hoped she wasn’t like most females—late for everything. He glanced at his watch. He was early. He was definitely losing it.

  “Can I help you, sir?” A very young blonde woman asked.

  “No, just waiting on a friend.”

  She winked at him. “Lucky friend. Let me know if she doesn’t make it.”

  Finn laughed. “I’m sure she’ll be here.”

  The woman nodded and walked away.

  He shook his head.

  “You didn’t change your mind?” Kayleigh asked, walking up to him.

  She looked gorgeous. She was dressed in a pink V-neck top, which he approved of most definitely, and matching pink capri pants and low-heeled shoes. Her black hair hung loose and free. “No, I didn’t change my mind. I was just debating if I should wait at the bar for you, or if I should hang out here.” It was just a little lie, he reasoned.

  “Well, looks like I got here just in time.” She looked him up and down. “You look very nice. Like an ad in a magazine.”

  “I hope that’s good. You look beautiful.”

  “Thank you, Finn. Do you mind if we sit at the bar until curtain time?”

  “No, not at all.” Why hadn’t he suggested that? Maybe she had been busy all day and was now tired. Where was his brain? He led her to a table and helped her with her chair. “How was your day?”

  “Exhausting. My friend Harley and her husband came over to look at my kitchen faucet.”

  “Something wrong?” Finn asked, hoping it was something he knew how to fix.

  “No, not anymore. Ben, that’s my friend’s husband, put in a new faucet for me. He’s real handy.”

  “Oh, that’s good.” He signaled for the waitress. “Would you like something to drink?”

  Kayleigh nodded. “A glass of wine would be good.”

  The waiter approached the table. “May I help you?”

  “Two glasses of white wine.”

  “Yes sir.”

  Finn struggled to find something to talk about. “What’s your major?”

  “English.”

  “Why not something business-related?”

  “I don’t like business.”

  “But you work in the accounting department.”

  “I love reading literature. You know, like Shakespeare.”

  “Point taken.” Finn only read financial journals these days. “I don’t get to read for pleasure much. My mom is into romance novels and dad reads mysteries, you know, like Agatha Christie.”

  She smiled at him. “I guess we’re even on that one, since I don’t read many financial articles for pleasure.”

  “I get that a lot. So what do you do for relaxation when you’re not reading?”

  The waiter brought back their drinks and then left the table.

  Kayleigh took a sip, probably thinking of an answer. “Oh, I don’t usually have spare time.”

  “Let’s pretend you do,” Finn said.

  “Okay, if I did have free time, I’d probably go to more plays like this, and poetry readings, and go to more culture festivals.”

  Well, that was something. Finn just didn’t know what, since he didn’t really do any of the things she mentioned. “My sister loves festivals, too.”

  “Have you ever been to a poetry reading?” Kayleigh asked.

  “Can’t say I have. Sounds creative.” He took a large drink of his wine. Poetry? Was she serious?

  “It’s really neat. I’ve been a few times. Usually, Saturday nights are for the more serious poets. You know, not that my-man-did-me-wrong stuff, there’s more imagery, emotions, and thought in the poems.”

  She sounded so excited about it. He knew what he had to do. “I’m open to new things. I’d love to hear some poetry.”

  “Really? That’s good to know.”

  Finn knew he was already in way too deep.

  * * *

  “How about a bite to eat?” Finn asked as he escorted Kayleigh out of the darkened theater. “There’s a great Italian restaurant not far from here.”

  Kayleigh nodded. Finn had been the perfect gentleman and hadn’t made an advance toward her. She felt comfortable in his presence, so why not? “That sounds fine. I can follow you there.”

  He chuckled, but rattled off the directions to the restaurant before walking to his vehicle. Kayleigh went to her car.

  When she arrived, Finn was there waiting on her. “Our table isn’t ready yet.” He motioned to a chair in the lobby.

  She took a seat and he sat next to her. “How did you like the play?”

  “I thought it was great. I love Shakespeare. I wish I had that kind of talent. I’d love to be able to write.”

  “I bet you could if you really set your mind to it. I bet there’s not much you can’t do.”

  “Right now the only thing I want to do is to graduate from college.”

  He looked at her with those intense blue eyes. “Nothing else?”

  She thought about it, but no, nothing else topped her list at the moment. “No, nothing else. I’m just focused on getting an education right now.”

  “So, I take it pleasurable things take a backseat to your studies?”

  “Sometimes. I’m trying to balance the two.”

  Finn was about to respond, but the hostess called his name for their table. After they were seated, he resumed the conversation. “Well, that’s good to know. Maybe you can squeeze some free evenings in every now and then.”

  She studied him carefully. Was this very rich, very white man fishing around to see when she was available? Surely not; Finn probably had his choice of women. There was one way to test that theory. “Want to go to a poetry reading?”

  He coughed. “Excuse me?”

  She laughed, loving the fact she caught him off-guard. “I’m going to a poetry reading. Would you like to join me? You said you were into new experiences,” she reminded him.

  “Yes, I did say that. You know you’re not the only one with a tight schedule,” he said, smiling. “When are you going to this new experience?”

  She wanted to see those blue eyes light up with shock. “Tonight.”

  She got her wish. His eyes lit up. “You mean tonight?”

  “Yes.” She glanced at her watch. “They start about midnight.”

  “Midnight!”

  “Are you going to repeat every single word I say? Yes, the readings start about midnight. I’m not going to say this is going to be a long night. My friend Chandra is reading some of her poems tonight. She’s awesome.”

  Finn stared at her.

  “Don’t feel that you have to go, Finn. I was just extending an invitation.” He was too quiet, she thought. Finn was probably thinking of a way to get out of it gracefully.

  “It’s not that,” he said. “I was just thinking about your car.”

  “My car?” Now it was Kayleigh’s turned to be surprised. “What about my car? It’s perfectly safe.” She didn’t mention that she’d just bought it brand new, a few days ago.

  “I’m sure it is, but it’s going to be very late. I don’t think we should take two cars.”

  She knew it was a “man thang.” He felt like protecting her. Besides, that tone in his voice didn’t leave a lot of room for bartering the subject. “It’s really okay, Finn. I don’t live too far from the club.”

  He shook his head. “My dad would fly from Virginia and rip me a new one if I let you drive that late by yourself.”

  She laughed. “Okay, what do you propose?”

  The waiter came and took their drink orders, and handed them the menus. Kayleigh looked at the menu and noticed she was having trouble focusing, but thought it could have been the dim lighting in the cozy restaurant.

  “Kayleigh?”

  She snapped back to the present. “Sorry, Finn. What were you saying?”

  “I was saying we could either leave your car here or since you don’t live far from the club, we could drop your car off a
t your place on the way.”

  It sounded simple enough, she reasoned. He already had her address on all the paperwork she’d given him earlier when she was setting up her account. And Uncle Teddy thought he ruled the earth, so that had to mean something. “We can drop my car off.”

  He smiled triumphantly. “You know I just knew you were going to fight me on this. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I know if you’re Uncle Teddy’s friend, you have to be fairly trustworthy. Besides, my friends know I’m out with you. So if I don’t turn up tomorrow, they’ll be at the police station.”

  “Wow, has dating gotten that bad?”

  “No, but you never know. I like to think things through and plan for any eventuality.” She decided to change the subject. “What are you having?”

  “The pasta dishes here are great. I think I may need to carbo load since we’re going to the poetry reading. Everything here is good,” he promised.

  “I guess you come here a lot.” Probably with a skinny, tanned date, she imagined.

  “Yes. When I’m in the area.”

  The waiter returned with their drink orders and took the meal choices and left the table.

  Kayleigh picked up the conversation. “Do you live around here?”

  “Actually, I live in far South Arlington in the Bloomfield subdivision.”

  He didn’t have to explain it to her. The Bloomfield section of Arlington didn’t need an explanation. It was swanky, but it wasn’t where she thought a millionaire would live. Yes, the houses started at a half mil, but it wasn’t a mansion. “Those are nice homes.”

  “I got a real good deal on it a few years ago.”

  Kayleigh nodded, glancing around the room. What was she doing here with him? This man was so not her type. She noticed a couple staring at Finn. She leaned closer to him. “Do you know those people?”

  He looked up and smiled. “Yes, they’re clients of mine.”

  Kayleigh didn’t know what to think. Finn immediately rose and went to speak to the people staring at them, but didn’t invite her to come along. Should she be upset? This was only a casual date, she reminded herself, not an entrée to his world. With that thought she perked up and took a sip of her wine.

  “Kayleigh Hardy, meet Jonas and Clare Bailey, my favorite clients. Jonas and Clare, meet my date, Kayleigh,” Finn said proudly.

  Kayleigh extended her hand to the older gentleman. Jonas has a head full of silver hair and looked all of sixty. He took her hand and shook it in a tight, solid handshake. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Kayleigh. My, you’re beautiful. If I was a little younger, I’d give Finn a run for his money.”

  “Jonas?” Clare said, nudging her husband. “And what were planning to do with me?”

  He kissed his wife on the cheek. “You know it’s just talk. You’ve ruined me for all other women.”

  “Good answer,” Clare said. “We were going to invite you two to dine with us, but Finn tells us you’re going to a poetry reading later.”

  Kayleigh nodded. “You’re more than welcome to join us.” Although she couldn’t imagine those blue bloods at the Rhymin’ Shack, she still extended the invitation.

  “Oh, maybe another time, dear,” Clare said. “We’re too old to keep late hours, that’s for the young.”

  Kayleigh didn’t keep late hours herself, except for special occasions. “For me, it has to be a special occasion. My friend is speaking.”

  “I understand. Well Finn, we’ll see you Tuesday.”

  “Yes, bye Clare, Jonas.” The couple walked off and Finn turned his attention to Kayleigh.

  “They were my first clients when I opened my firm,” Finn said. “They’re also my neighbors.”

  “Oh,” Kayleigh said. Finn was a millionaire financial consultant, with other millionaires for his neighbors. She and Finn really were oil and water. What on earth did they have in common?

  CHAPTER 7

  The minute Kayleigh slid into the passenger seat of his truck, all Finn could think about was the fact that he wasn’t having sex and how badly he wanted to have it with Kayleigh. He was trying to be a gentleman, but it was hard when a beautiful woman with the soul of Ireland was sitting so close. He thought it was a good idea of driving together to the Rhymin’ Shack, but now in hindsight, he knew it had been a bad idea.

  “Your truck is nice,” Kayleigh said, rubbing her hands over the leather interior. “I didn’t figure you for a truck guy.” She glanced up at the sunroof. “Don’t see many trucks with sunroofs.”

  “Yeah, I know. I like to be able to look up at the sky when I’m driving. Why wouldn’t you take me for a truck guy? I also have a car. I use that mostly for business dinners, stuff like that.” He darted a glance in her direction as she gazed at the night sky. “I like your car. Did you just get it?”

  “Last week. Uncle Teddy told me I had to get a new car or he’d pick one out for me. I’d been thinking about one, and that was practical. It’s considered a mini-SUV. I like the space in it.”

  He nodded. They were driving on Interstate 20 heading into Fort Worth. “Which way do I go?”

  “Exit Hulen Street. The Rhymin’Shack is right across from the mall.” Her cell phone rang and she fished it out of her purse. “Hello, yes, Harley,” she said, looking at him. “We’re almost there. Save us some seats. I’ll explain later.” She placed the phone back in her purse.

  “I take it we’re sitting with your friends.” Finn didn’t mind spontaneous plans, but he did like to be included in those plans.

  “I hope you don’t mind. My friend Harley and her husband, Ben, and my friend Manny. You met him at the Irish festival, remember?”

  How could he forget? Manny was the enemy. “Yes, I remember him. I’m not breaking anything up, am I?”

  She laughed. “I told you, Manny and I are just friends.”

  He’d heard those words before, and always horrible events followed. “No history of more than friendship.” He exited on Hulen and followed her directions.

  Kayleigh sighed. “If you must know, Manny and I dated briefly a few years ago.”

  “Who broke it off?”

  “I did. We’re better as friends. He goes through women like a hot knife through butter. I’m sure he’ll have one of his girlfriends there tonight.”

  Well, that made Finn feel a little better. “Is there anyone else I should be concerned about?”

  “Are you asking me if there’s another man in my life?”

  “I was trying to be subtle.”

  “No, there’s not a man in the picture. Is there a woman in the picture?”

  “No. I’ve been on a kind of sabbatical from women for the last few months.” He noticed the building. “Looks like we’re here.” He parked the truck and helped her out. “Anything I need to know before we go inside?”

  “No, the only thing you need is an open mind.” She walked to the entrance.

  Finn watched as she entered the club. She didn’t wait for him. Yeah, he was going to need more than an open mind. Kayleigh wasn’t like any woman he’d ever dated. She was going to be a major challenge.

  * * *

  Kayleigh waved when she spotted her friends at a large round table in the middle of the club. She waited until Finn caught up with her. She’d been having second thoughts about inviting him. It was a very artsy place, and Finn Callahan didn’t have an artsy bone in his super-fine body.

  “Thanks for waiting,” he said, coming up next to her. “I was beginning to think you were embarrassed to be seen with me.”

  “No. Never that. After midnight, they charge ten bucks for admission and I just can’t see paying for something I can get for free.”

  “I won’t even began to tell you what’s wrong with that statement. Where are your friends?”

  “Over there.” She nodded at them.

  “Okay.” He grabbed her hand and they started walking toward the table.

  Kayleigh knew both Harley and Manny were watching their every move. She
saw the smug look on their faces when they reached the table. “Hello, everyone. This is Finn Callahan. He’s my—”

  “Date,” Finn finished for her.

  Kayleigh stared at Finn. What was he doing? “Yes, we went to see a play and out to dinner.”

  Harley extended her hand to him first. “I’m Harley and this is my husband, Ben.”

  Finn shook their hands. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  Manny stared at him. “Nice to see you again, Finn.”

  “Same here, Manny.” Finn noticed Manny didn’t have a date.

  The crowd started clapping, the signal that it was time to start. She’d noticed the vacant seats next to Harley. “We’d better sit down.” She led Finn to the seats and they sat down.

  “Have you been to anything like this?” Kayleigh asked.

  “Maybe a pub crawl in Ireland,” he said. “Want anything to drink?”

  “No, thank you.” She looked around the table at her friends, who were in turn watching her. She stuck her tongue out at Harley and mouthed the words, I’ll get you later.

  “Is that your friend?” Finn asked, picking up her hand again.

  Kayleigh’s breath caught every time he touched her. She could only imagine what would happen if he tried to kiss her. She’d probably go up in flames. “No, that’s the hostess, Brown Betty. She introduces the poets. Then when all the regulars finish, she sometimes opens the mic to the crowd.”

  “Anyone can get up there and speak?”

  Harley jumped in their conversation. “Sure, I’ve seen people propose marriage, tell someone they loved them or recite their favorite poem.”

  Finn’s blue eyes lit up with surprise. “Oh, I didn’t know you could recite a poem. It reminds me of Ireland.”

  Brown Betty began her usual welcome speech. “Welcome to the Rhymin’ Shack, a place to feed your soul. First up is our home girl, Chandra Williams.”

  “Now that’s our friend, Chandra.”

  “She must be really popular from the sound of the crowd.”

  Kayleigh nodded. “Yeah, she’s my favorite.”

  * * *

  Kayleigh hated to admit it, but this was the best date she’d been on in a long time. Finn was attentive, but not overly so.