by Sandi Lynn
“I get that. I just wish you would have told me about her from the start.”
“Why, Caden? What would it have mattered? I was keeping my personal and business life separate. I always have to protect Stella.”
“I came here to apologize to you for the things I said. I can’t put my mind to rest until I do. So, I’m sorry.”
His apology was sincere. It was probably the most sincere thing he’d ever said to me.
“Okay. I accept your apology.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it, Brielle. You have a really nice place here. Why didn’t you tell me you also had a piano?”
“How could I? You’d want me to play something and I can’t play. Then you’d be questioning me as to why I had a piano.” I smirked.
“True.” He chuckled. “Listen, I should get going. I just stopped by to apologize to you.”
As much as I wanted him to leave, I didn’t. I wanted to feel his lips against mine again and his strong arms wrapped around me. But I wasn’t sure if things could ever be the same again.
“Thanks for stopping by.” I softly smiled.
“No problem. I’ll see you around sometime.”
He walked to the door and placed his hand on the handle.
“You told Stella you’d play the piano for her again. I wouldn’t want her to be disappointed,” I spoke.
He turned his head and our eyes met.
“Sure. Maybe some time I can. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
“Thanks. You too.”
The moment the door shut, I felt a sickness in the pit of my belly. It had been a month since I’d heard from or seen him and I thought I was getting over it, but then, seeing him here brought the heartache all over again.
Caden
I climbed into the limo and took in a deep breath. I felt more alive in this moment than I had in a month. She accepted my apology, which was good, but would she truly ever want to possibly see me again after the way I treated her? Shit. I pulled out the card of a therapist that Kyle had given me. It was the same one he saw when he was going through some shit with the company and wanted out all those years ago. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to talk to him just one time. Nobody would ever have to know. Instead of going to his office, Dr. Carlyle agreed to come to my penthouse for a session. He only agreed after I told him I’d triple his fee if he did. Everyone has a price.
Later that evening at seven p.m. sharp, the elevator door opened, and Dr. Carlyle stepped out.
“You must be Caden,” he spoke as he extended his hand.
“Thank you for agreeing to meet me here, Dr. Carlyle. I appreciate it.”
“No problem. Who am I to turn down a triple fee an hour?” he smirked.
“Can I pour you a drink?”
“No.” He put up his hand. “Water will be fine.”
I poured him a glass of sparkling water and then poured myself a double scotch. I was going to need it.
I took a seat on the couch as he sat in the wingback chair across from me. I told him everything about Cassandra and that night and then I proceeded to tell him about Brielle.
“You took the first step with Brielle in apologizing. That was very good, Caden. But I’m going to be totally honest with you, until you forgive yourself for the accident and Cassandra’s death, you will never be able to move forward with anyone.”
“How can I forgive myself? It was my fault. If I hadn’t been driving so fast in that storm out of anger, it never would have happened, and Cassandra would be alive today.”
“You don’t know that for sure. Forgiving yourself is crucial, Caden.” He looked at his watch. “Our time is up. I want to see you at least three times a week until you get a handle on this. How is tomorrow night? Same time?”
“Sure. Tomorrow is fine.”
After he left, I poured myself another drink, took it out to the terrace, and leaned over the rail. Talking to Dr. Carlyle wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. In fact, I felt a little lighter. I couldn’t stop thinking about Brielle and how I wanted to see her again. But I needed to take baby steps to gain her trust back. Plus, I still needed more therapy.
Chapter 29
Two Weeks Later
Brielle
I thought after Caden apologized, I would hear from him again. But I hadn’t. I picked up my phone dozens of times and stared at his name in my contacts trying to work up the nerve to message him. But I couldn’t. If he wanted to talk or see me again, he would have reached out. Maybe his apology was only for him, to make himself feel better. As I was cooking dinner for me and Stella, my phone rang and Caden’s name appeared. Instantly, my belly started to twist, and my heart started racing.
“Hello.”
“Brielle, it’s Caden. Are you home by any chance?”
“Yes. I’m home. Why?”
“Is Stella with you?”
“Yeah. She’s here too.”
“I was wondering if I could drop by for a bit. I owe her a song on the piano. I mean, if you’re not busy or anything.”
“No. I’m just cooking dinner. I’m sure Stella would love for you to come over and play for her. She’s been asking about you.”
“I don’t want to interrupt your dinner.”
“You’re more than welcome to join us. I’m making chicken parmesan.”
“I really don’t want to intrude. I can come another time.”
“You wouldn’t be intruding, Caden.”
“Mommy, is that Caden on phone?” Stella asked with excitement. “Is he going to come over to play the piano with me?”
“Yes, Stella, he is.”
“Yay!” She jumped up and down.
“See, Mr. Chamberlain, now you don’t have a choice. You wouldn’t want to disappoint a six-year-old tiny human, would you?”
“No. I wouldn’t,” he chuckled. “I’ll be there shortly.”
I ended the call with a smile and set my phone down. Walking over to the cabinet, I took down an extra plate and set it at the table.
Caden
Was using her child as an excuse to see her wrong? Probably. But it all came down to baby steps. I’d made a lot of progress with Dr. Carlyle over the past two weeks. More progress than I ever thought would be possible. The car pulled up to her building and I climbed out and took the elevator up to her apartment. After knocking on the door, Stella opened it and startled me when she grabbed my hand.
“Welcome back to our home.” She grinned.
I stepped inside and Stella led me to the kitchen.
“Hi.” Brielle smiled.
“Hi.” The corners of my mouth curved upwards.
“Dinner will be ready in a minute. I hope you’re hungry.”
“I am. It smells delicious.”
“Come on, Caden, let’s go play the piano.”
“Stella, it’s time to eat. You two can play after dinner.”
“Aw, Mom!” she whined.
“Your mom is right, you know. We can’t play good music on empty stomachs.” I smiled down at her.
“We can’t?”
“No. We can’t.”
“Okay.” She grinned.
“Is there anything I can do to help you?” I asked Brielle.
“You can pour us a glass of wine if you don’t mind.” She smiled at me.
“Of course. I can do that.”
She handed me two glasses and I poured the wine in each of them. Walking over to the table, I set one down in front of Stella.
“I can’t drink wine.” She giggled. “I’m not old enough.”
“Really? I thought you were at least twenty-two.” I winked. “My apologies, Madame.”
She continued to giggle as Brielle set the food on the table. We took our seats and began eating.
“I’m going to a new school in the fall,” Stella said.
“You are? What’s wrong with your old school?” I asked.
“I’m too smart for it. I’m going to the Speyer School for the gifted children.”
I looked
at Brielle with an arch in my brow.
“Well, you will certainly get a good education there.”
“I know and I can’t wait.” She giggled.
“I can see you get your intelligence from your mother.”
“I do. She said that my dad was extremely unintelligent with the brain of a snail.”
I let out a laugh as I looked at Brielle.
“Stella, you’re not supposed to tell people I said that.”
“Sorry, Mommy.”
We made small talk while we ate and I couldn’t stop thinking about how right it all felt.
“That was really good, Brielle. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She smiled.
“Mommy, can we go play the piano now? Please?” Stella begged.
“I’m going to help your mom clean up first and then I’ll play something for you. But why don’t you go play and I’ll listen as I’m helping to clean up,” I spoke as I got up from my seat.
“You don’t have to help me, Caden. I got this.”
“You cooked, so I can help clean up.”
As we were clearing the table and taking the dishes to the sink, Stella went over to the piano and began to play “Fur Elise” perfectly. So perfectly that it sent chills down my spine.
“How long has she been playing the piano?” I asked Brielle.
“About two months.”
“Who’s her teacher?”
“Nobody. She teaches herself.”
“And she’s never had a lesson in her life?”
“No. She didn’t want lessons. She insisted on teaching herself. She’s really good, isn’t she?” She grinned.
“Yes. She is. Have you ever had her IQ tested?”
“Her previous school tested her.”
“And?” I asked with an arch in my brow.
“150.”
“What?” My jaw dropped. “She’s practically a genius.”
“I know. All I want is for her to have a normal life.”
“Sorry to tell you this, sweetheart, but life for her will never be normal.”
When she finished playing “Fur Elise,” she moved on to a new classical piece, one I didn’t recognize. I helped Brielle clean up the dishes and then walked over to the piano and took a seat next to Stella.
“What piece is this?” I asked her.
“A piece I wrote myself.”
“Excuse me? You wrote this?”
“Yes. Do you like it?”
“Where’s the music sheet?”
“In my head.” She smiled.
She finished the song and moved over.
“Your turn.”
I stretched out my fingers and began to play a piece by Bach. Stella sat there and watched my fingers while bobbing her head up and down. Before I knew it, she placed her fingers on the keys next to mine and started to play with me. I glanced over at her and smiled.
“That was fun. Mommy, did you hear us?”
“Of course I did, sunshine. You both were incredible. Now I think it’s time for bed.”
“Do I have to?” she whined.
“Yes. You’ve had a long day.”
“Okay.” She pouted. “Is it okay if I say good night to you after I get in my pajamas?” she spoke to me.
“Of course.”
I got up from the piano and walked over to the couch where Brielle was sitting.
“She’s an incredible kid.”
“Thanks. You don’t like the tiny humans. Remember?” She smirked.
“True. But I think I might like your tiny human.” I smiled.
Chapter 30
Brielle
“Can I get you another glass of wine?” I asked him.
“You stay here. I’ll get it.”
Seeing him play the piano with Stella warmed my heart and turned me on. He walked over with the bottle of wine, refilled my glass, and poured some into his.
“I’m surprised you’re home this evening. I thought maybe you’d be with a client.”
“I gave up the business. I’m not doing that anymore.”
“You’re not?” he asked with surprise. “Why?”
“It was time. Especially with Stella getting older.”
“Good idea.” A smile crossed his lips. “Have you decided what else you want to do?”
“I was thinking about starting a real freelance marketing business.”
“I think that’s a great idea. You’re smart and a good business woman. You’ve already built one successful business on your own, so this should be a piece of cake.”
“You think so?”
“I know so.”
“I’m ready for bed!” Stella exclaimed as she ran over to us.
“Say goodnight to Caden and get in bed. I’ll be there to tuck you in.”
“Good night, Caden.” She wrapped her small arms around his neck.
“Good night, tiny human.” He grinned at her. “Sleep well.”
“I will.” She giggled. “I hope we can play the piano together again soon.”
“Definitely.” He gave her a wink.
As soon as I tucked Stella into bed for the night, I walked back out to the living room and sat down next to Caden.
“I’ve been thinking. I would like to take you and Stella to dinner tomorrow night at Kyle’s restaurant. What do you say?”
“I think Stella would love that.” I smiled.
“And how about you?” he asked.
“I’d love it too.”
“Good. Then I’ll pick you both up at six thirty. I should get going. I have an early meeting in the morning.”
“Oh, okay.”
We both got up from the couch and I walked him to the door. Our eyes locked on each other’s as he brought the back of his hand up to my cheek and softly stroked it.
“Thank you again for dinner.”
“You’re welcome.”
His touch made me tremble. A feeling I’d never once forgotten.
“Enjoy the rest of your evening,” he spoke as he opened the door.
“You too, Caden.”
He walked out, shutting the door behind him. I slowly closed my eyes for a moment as a smile crossed my lips.
Caden
I was on cloud nine after I left her place. The chemistry between us was still there and stronger than ever and I knew she felt it just as strongly as I did. I pulled out my phone and dialed Kyle.
“Hey, bro. What’s up?”
“I need to make a reservation for three for tomorrow night at seven.”
“For three? Who are the other two people besides yourself?”
“Brielle and her daughter Stella.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes. Is that a problem?”
“No. Not at all. It actually makes me very happy to hear you say that. You’re down for three for tomorrow night, and you all will be getting the special VIP treatment. I’m happy for you, Caden. I’m truly happy.”
“Thanks, Kyle, but it’s just dinner.”
“Baby steps, bro. Baby steps. And hopefully the first of many.”
I smiled as I ended the call.
After I left the office, I headed home, changed my clothes, and headed to her apartment. After knocking on the door, it slowly opened, and Stella stood there in her pink dress and bright blue eyes staring up at me.
“Good evening, Madame.” I bowed to her. “Are you ready for dinner?”
“Yes.” She giggled. “Come in. Mommy’s almost ready.”
“She’s not ready yet?”
She signaled with her finger for me to come down to her, so I knelt down, and she whispered in my ear.
“She wants to make sure she looks perfect.”
“Is that so?” I whispered back.
“Yes.” She nodded her head. “But I don’t think I was supposed to tell you that.”
“It’ll be our little secret. And for the record, I think she always looks perfect.” I winked.
“What are you two whispering about?”
Brielle smiled as she walked into the room.
“Nothing. Wow. You look—”
“Perfect, Mommy.”
“What she said.” I smiled.
“Thank you both very much. I’m starving, so we better get going.”
When we arrived at the restaurant, we were immediately seated at a table and I told the hostess to tell my brother that we had arrived. A few moments later, he walked over to our table.
“Brielle, it’s good to see you again. You look stunning.” He leaned in and lightly kissed her cheek.
“Thank you, Kyle. It’s good to see you as well.”
“Bro.” He smiled as he shook my hand.
“Kyle, I’d like you to meet Stella, Brielle’s daughter. Stella, this is my brother, Kyle.”
“What a lovely young lady.” He grinned as he extended his hand to her. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Stella.”
“It’s nice to meet you too.” She placed her small hand in his. “You look like Caden.”
“But I am way more handsome.” He winked at her.
“In your dreams.” I rolled my eyes.
He sent over a bottle of his finest champagne and a fizzy strawberry drink for Stella. After we placed our order, I excused myself and walked into the kitchen.
“She’s a beautiful little girl,” Kyle spoke.
“Yeah. She’s pretty great. Listen, after dinner, is it okay if Stella plays the piano?”
“What?” His brows furrowed. “We have a full house tonight. I’m not sure my customers want to eat their dinner while listening to a six-year-old bang on the piano.”