by Tiara Bosh
Ben laughed.
“I had to one up what Ben said!” Alex argued, then grinned. “So where are the rest?”
“By the bar,” Kayla said. “I should join them in a bit.”
“Come on, we’ll say hi to them,” Alex said. He took her arm as the three of them headed to where her colleagues were. Alex and Ben easily chatted with everyone else.
The two men had to excuse themselves after a while as the program was about to start.
They have just sat down on their seats when they saw Alex make his way to the podium.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for being here,” he started. “Please don’t think that all we want from you is your money -- ” People burst out laughing then. Alex flashed his crooked smile that looked so charming. “— but we honestly believe that everyone in this room share our vision. As some of you already know, twenty-six years ago I was adopted by a lovely couple named Robert and Helen Stone.”
This declaration surprised Kayla as she never knew he was adopted. She and Alex never got to talk about his earlier years. She also recognized that the foundation was named after his adoptive parents.
“They were volunteers in a soup kitchen,” Alex continued. “They gave me as normal as a life can be. I went to school and played sports. But they taught me the importance of sharing and paying it forward. Although they have both passed away, I am greatly blessed to have the means to continue with their legacy.”
Everyone clapped for him and the foundation.
“Thank you,” he said. “Since the inception of the foundation three years ago, we have sent twenty-four kids to school, and we have built homes for ten families. This year, we have started our biggest project to date. With the help of the architectural firm Flanders and Associates --” he gestured to our table, and beamed “— we are building an affordable housing development to house one hundred families.”
Another round of applause.
“May I present Stone Homes,” he said. The lights dimmed as they showed the walk-through made by the office. Jenny, Brandon and Kayla have worked with the animators to revise the original one to reflect the final design.
People clapped again after that as the lights were turned back on.
“The first of the four buildings will be completed by next year,” he continued. “The rest will be completed in another two years, if our projections are correct. So that means we do need you to bring out your checkbooks.”
Laughter broke out.
“Thank you in advance for all your help. This is our little way of bringing a brighter future for these families. Dinner is ready. Do enjoy the night. Thank you.”
The room thundered in applause as Alex made his way down the stage.
They all enjoyed a meal prepared by a celebrity chef from the Food Network. After dinner, Michael Buble went up the stage to serenade everyone. People started standing up to dance. From their table, it was Bobby and Cynthia who first headed to the dance floor.
Over the years, Kayla very much enjoyed watching Bobby and Cynthia during company functions. They loved to dance and remained to be very sweet to each other – a truly inspiring couple.
Brandon and Sara shortly followed, standing up to make a beeline for the dance floor.
“Come dance with us, Kayla,” Jenny called, standing up as Michael sang a fast song.
Kayla didn’t dance. But she thought Jenny and Ryan wouldn’t want to leave her alone. She didn’t want the two of them to miss out on dancing – Jenny loved to dance. She wouldn’t have been a cheerleader if she didn’t. Kayla wasn’t sure about Ryan though, she thought grinning.
“You guys go ahead,” she urged, composing a fib in her before she continued speaking. “I have to look for Henry.”
Ryan and Jenny bought it and headed to the dance floor. Kayla was making her way to the bar when someone called out to her.
She turned around and felt light-headed when she saw who it was.
“Kayla, nice to see you,” Deirdre greeted, leaning forward to hug her. Kayla barely had the chance to raise her arms before Deirdre stepped back. Kayla turned to face Barry. Barry also gave her a very awkward hug. Kayla wondered why he didn’t see them earlier.
“It’s awesome your firm is working with the foundation,” Deirdre exclaimed excitedly. Tonight she was dressed in a strapless red dress that of course looked great in her.
“Yes, it’s a wonderful project,” Kayla replied, her hold on her bag tightening. “And I’m glad both of you support it too.”
“I met Henry Chapell playing golf,” Barry explained. “That’s how I learned about the foundation.” Barry was a successful finance manager, and it wasn’t a big surprise to Kayla he was in an event like this. Kayla noticed that although Barry was still attractive, he had aged a bit since she last saw him over a year ago. The nine-year difference between him and Deirdre was starting to show.
“That’s great,” Kayla murmured, she started fiddling with her bracelet again.
“So you are coming to our wedding right?” Deirde asked. Kayla noticed Barry nudge Deirdre. Her cousin was never good with tact.
To be honest, Kayla avoided thinking about the wedding since the day Deirdre dropped by her office. She took home the invitation to place on her console but she never got to look at it again.
Kayla was about to speak and confirm her attendance, when she noticed Deirdre’s eyes widen and her mouth drop open.
“Kayla,” she heard behind her. She felt a hand on the small of her back, and she just knew.
She looked up at her right as Alex stepped beside her. She has never been more thankful for his presence.
“Alex, have you met Barry Flynn and Deirdre Hawkins? Deirdre is my cousin, and Barry is one of your donors. She and Barry are – umm -- getting married next month.”
Alex shook both their hands while keeping his left hand round her waist. Kayla saw Deirdre was apparently star-struck. Kayla also got the slight satisfaction to see Barry looking a bit uncomfortable.
Alex turned to her. “Kayla, was this the wedding you told me about? The one we were going to?”
If she thought it wasn’t possible for Deirdre’s jaw to drop lower, she was wrong. Deirdre was in shock. Barry also seemed quite surprised. It was a good thing Kayla was quick to recover from her own shock.
“Yes, it’s the one at the Hamptons,” Kayla pretended to remind, instinctively playing along.
“Right,” Alex continued with his charade. He turned to Barry and Deirdre. “Good thing I met you both tonight so you wouldn’t think I was crashing your wedding.”
Barry and Deirdre laughed – Deirdre’s laugh was a bit over-the-top. “Any friend of Kayla’s is a friend of ours,” she said.
“Good, good,” Alex said. “Congratulations to the two of you and see you then. Anyways I’m sorry but I have to steal Kayla away. I need her to meet some people.”
“Of course,” Barry said. “Nice to meet you again.”
Alex then maneuvered Kayla to walk away, towards the other side of the room. Kayla forced herself not to look back.
“I don’t know if I should thank or strangle you,” Kayla muttered. She was slightly shaking from the encounter with Deirdre and Barry. Why did it still affect her after two years?
“Hey I just sensed you were in a situation then I came up with an adlib,” Alex explained. “You played along so I assume my guess was right?”
“Fine, maybe you saved me a bit there,” Kayla conceded. “And I thought I was the one who was supposed to save you from rich matrons. How did you know I was in a situation by the way?”
“You have this habit of tightening your knuckles or playing with your bracelet when you’re uncomfortable,” he said. “I saw it when you entered the ballroom earlier and when you were talking to your cousin over there. I’m pretty sure the night we bumped into each other you were also holding on to your bag.”
“You noticed that?” she asked. She did have that habit of holding on to something if she was n
ervous or worried.
Amazing.
“I’m an actor. We kind of study every small movement of the body,” he replied simply.
“I think I have new-found respect for your profession,” Kayla teased.
“So before tonight you thought I was just horsing around?” he shot back, but it was obvious he knew she was just joking. “So what’s the story?” he pried, as they stopped walking.
“It doesn’t matter,” Kayla brushed off quickly.
“It seems like it does,” Alex said confidently. “You seemed bothered enough not to notice we’re already on the dance floor.”
Kayla quickly looked around to see he was right. She didn’t even notice he led her there. He must have remembered that time they met when she told him she didn’t dance.
“Care to dance?” he dared to ask. Michael started singing his version of an old slow song. Alex raised his arms.
Although she got slightly annoyed for being manipulated, Kayla considered his invitation. He was her host. And he was kind enough to save her from that bit of a situation.
She nodded, placing her hand on his shoulder, then the other taking hold of his hand. They started swaying to the music.
“So what’s the story?” he repeated. “If I’m going to the wedding with you, I need to know what I’m dealing with, right?”
Kayla’s head shot up. Was this guy insane? “I appreciate you saving me up there. That was more than enough. Even if I show up to the wedding alone and just make some excuse that you had to go for some movie, at least Barry and Deirdre know you were supposed to be there.”
“What did they do to you, Kayla?” Alex asked gently, and Kayla knew he really wanted to know.
Kayla collected her thoughts and managed her emotions.
“Barry and I dated for almost three years,” Kayla began. “If the relationship’s that long you would think the next step was marriage. But he meets my younger, prettier, more exciting cousin. Then I was doomed.”
Alex tightened his hold on Kayla. He steered her to the portion of the dance floor that was less crowded. Kayla appreciated his thoughtfulness.
“I wasn’t really that insecure of a person,” Kayla continued in a soft voice. She never really told anyone about this. But she suddenly wanted to tell him about it. “Even during my geeky high school and college days I knew where I was in the social hierarchy.” She laughed, though it came out a bit dry. “But common friends started telling me that they noticed something whenever Barry and Deirdre talked. I trusted Barry. So I didn’t really pay attention to what they were saying. I was so stupid. It was only until Barry admitted to me what has been going on for four months.”
“Fuck,” Alex exclaimed. “And you’re not stupid. Barry’s the stupid one to choose her over you. And she is definitely not prettier than you.”
“I dated Barry for three years, and we never talked about marriage. They’ve just been together for a couple of years and they’re getting married!” Kayla exclaimed, the realization sinking it.
“Then good thing you were spared from marrying him,” Alex said consolingly.
“They were the only family I had,” she continued. She was surprised at herself as the words spilled out. Even Jenny didn’t know what happened and what Kayla has been suffering from since. “My aunt, my uncle, my cousins, my nephew, my niece – I miss them so much.”
With the hurt she felt from what Deirdre and Barry did to her, Kayla distanced herself from her relatives. She has spoken to her aunt over the phone a few times, and her aunt has been very apologetic for her daughter’s wrong. Kayla knew it was also hard for her aunt and her uncle since they’ve treated her like their own. But Kayla couldn’t fathom how important people in her lives like Deirdre and Barry could hurt her that way.
Barry and Deirdre have repeatedly asked for her forgiveness. She has already told them she’s forgiven them, but she still had a hard time forgetting.
“I’m sorry you had to go through that, Kayla,” Alex said huskily. “I wish I’ve been there for you sooner. You’ve been holding this for so long.”
Kayla couldn’t reply. Her thoughts agreed with him though. He could have been the rock she needed for the past years.
She just leaned forward until her forehead was almost on Alex’s shoulder, where her hand was resting. She was grateful for the comfort he was offering.
“I’m pretty sure my scenes would be done by then,” Alex said. “I’ll double check with Ben and my director. But if I don’t have anything I promise I will be there with you.”
“Thank you,” Kayla said, and for once she just wanted to lean on to someone for help.
Chapter 16
Chad was waiting for her as she walked to The Met the following afternoon. He was dressed casually in a white collared cotton shirt, khaki shorts and boat shoes. He had with him an old-fashioned picnic basket and a blanket.
“Hi,” he greeted cheerfully. There was a moment of awkwardness as it took him a second to decide before leaning down to kiss her on her cheek. “You look great.”
“Thanks,” she said shyly. She also dressed down in a floral button-down blouse, cut-offs, and ankle boots. “You actually own a picnic basket?”
“The deli sells them,” he admitted sheepishly. “Come on, let’s walk.”
Chad starts walking towards the park. Kayla followed suit.
“How was the charity event?” he asked as they made their way.
“It was interesting,” she said. “It was a fund-raising event for the housing development we are working on.”
“Were they able to meet their target?” Chad asked.
Kayla nodded. “I was told the results were fantastic. Based on their ballpark, they made millions last night. It should about cover the development.” She briefly chatted with Ben towards the end of the event and he was ecstatic with the outcome.
“Wow,” Chad exclaimed.
“I’m sure you’ve been to a number of these events,” Kayla said, trying to ignore the “wow”. “It’s the first one I’ve been to.”
“I’ve only been to a few,” he said. “My dad supports several organizations.”
Chad brought her mid-park by the Belvedere Castle. It was quiet enough and had great views of the castle and portions of the city skyline. It was a nice summer day for a picnic.
“It’s beautiful here,” Kayla said.
“You haven’t been to this part of the park?”
Kayla shook her head. “Haven’t had much chance to go out as often as I used to. Going to site is just about it.” She used to enjoy the outdoors when she was still studying. But with the hectic life as a professional, her schedule hasn’t allowed her to go out that often. And with the limited free time she had, she would just stay in to rest.
Chad laughed. “I know what you mean. I only go out too when my friends drag me along.”
He laid the blanket on a shaded spot. He motioned for Kayla to sit before getting seated himself. Kayla was grateful he brought a thick blanket that provided enough cushion over the hard ground. She also remembered she hasn’t been to a picnic since her college years.
He opened the picnic basket and started bringing out plastic containers of food. “Before you ask, no, unfortunately I didn’t prepare any of these. I got them from several places.”
Kayla laughed. “I wasn’t going to ask, I swear. And since you already mentioned you already got the basket from the deli, I already kind of expected they’re all store-bought.”
“Smart girl,” he teased.
Kayla watched as he laid out the different food he bought for them. He had sandwiches, slices of cheese, crackers, fruits, and chocolates. He also brought out a bottle of wine and a couple glasses. Even if he just purchased everything, Kayla was pretty impressed with the amount of thought he put into it.
“Hope you’re hungry,” Chad said as he poured wine into their glasses.
Kayla shyly reached for a piece of cheese, and started eating. She had brunch, and that was hours
ago. She wanted to eat before having some wine.
“Is your whole family here in New York?”
“Yup, my sister’s a resident at Lenox Hill. My dad is my boss.” Kayla laughed. “My mom takes care of my dad.”
“At least you can always run to her if you want some home-cooked meals,” Kayla said.
“That I do at least once a week,” he admitted with a grin. “Is your family in New York?”
With what happened the previous night still fresh, Kayla was slightly taken aback by the question. But she was quick to recover. “I have family in New Jersey,” she said vaguely. She took a sip of wine then grabbed a piece of sandwich. She checked to see it was salmon and dill. He had good taste.
“Close enough,” he said.
“Yeah.”
Her phone started ringing right then. She scampered for her phone to check who it was. Seeing it was Alex, she tried to quickly decide if she should take it. But she remembered he was still her client.
“Excuse me, I have to take this,” she said to Chad then answered her phone.
“Hi,” she answered.
“Kayla, Ben just told me,” he said without preamble. His voice was filled with awe. “He told me about the check you wrote for the foundation. Thank you.”
“Oh, well, I wanted to help,” she said simply, suddenly getting shy. Kayla and the rest of her team only stayed for another hour after she and Alex danced the previous night. Alex also became busy entertaining other guests.
They did say their goodbyes, and Alex kissed all the girls’ cheeks. Kayla couldn’t help but grin as she remembered Jenny’s dazed look after being kissed by Alex.
Alex didn’t know that during that hour, Kayla wrote a check for five thousand dollars. Of course she knew her contribution wasn’t as huge as their other donors’. Her salary was enough for her lifestyle and some savings; she’s never donated such a large amount. But she sincerely wanted to help their cause, and she didn’t regret parting with that large amount of money at all. She truly believed in their vision. And being part of it was very rewarding already.