We got to the car and buckled up. “Was that even a business meeting?” I asked, confused, “It was just like lunch between friends.”
“Ah.” He looked to me, “Most of my job is about keeping people happy and keeping them onside, so I keep him happy, and he comes to me with his business. He’s usually really whiny, and I knew you’d win him over.”
“Him … whiny? He was all charm.”
“Because of you.” Kyle nodded, “He liked you, and it worked to my advantage, I touched base with him and didn’t have to deal with any of his tantrums.”
“He doesn’t seem high maintenance.”
“Well they all are.” He rubbed the back of his head with his hand as he navigated the busy traffic, “All artists are bloody prima donnas.”
“Really?” I laughed
“Yep.”
“So you used me to distract him? That was a gamble don’t you think?” I raised an eyebrow.
“How so?”
“Well I’m hardly everyone’s type.”
“I think you underestimate how amazing you look in faded jeans and trainers, if he saw you dressed up, that bloody cap would have blown off.”
I laughed heartily, “Kyle. You always know how to make me laugh.”
“And you still haven’t realised how gorgeous you are.” My breath caught on his words, choking the laughter, and I looked to his serious face.
“Thanks.” I nodded and looked out of the window.
“Soph?” I looked to him, “Did I say something wrong?”
“No.” I shook my head and gave him a reassuring smile. “The problem is you’re the only one who ever says it right.” He nodded because he knew what I was saying. We both wanted what could never be. Kyle made me feel like the only girl in every room, wherever he took me and with whomever it was. I trusted him, trusted that he’d never make me feel uncomfortable or that if he said a lunch out with a client would be fun, that it would be. No one else seemed to have this gift. He just had the knack to make every day feel like Christmas, or was that because I just wanted to be wherever he was? Was he like this with everyone or was he just like this with me?
I spent the afternoon with Geraldine trying to find a dress for that night, although it was obvious that she wasn’t much into fashion or dresses. She waited outside most of the shops making calls on her mobile. I eventually found something at the third shop; it was a small boutique shop run by a scatty woman who wore lots of eyeliner and had thick black hair falling all over her face. The dress was a one-off made by a little known designer and was perfect for what I wanted, maybe a little pricey, but I deserved it. It was gold with a sweetheart neck, cut to the mid-thigh and hugged my curves. It had diamante scattered all over the bodice in a pattern that tapered off towards the skirt. I also purchased some matching shoes and a handbag, to save Geraldine’s sanity more than anything, as I didn’t think she could handle scouring another shop for something better.
“All done?” She smiled thinly as we left.
“Yep.” I nodded as we made our way to her car.
As we drove back to the studio she seemed restless, and the silence became uncomfortable, “Is something wrong?” I asked as we stopped at some traffic lights. She shook her head, but there was that tight smile again. “If there is just say it,” I snapped.
“It’s just Kyle, um I … he seems happy and relaxed and …”
“What?”
“I just hope you like him for more than his money, because he seems different with you and …”
“Let’s get this straight,” I began, “I have my own money, and Kyle did not pay for this dress, right?”
She began to drive again as the lights changed but didn’t speak.
“And Kyle and I have known each other for a very long time, longer than you two have known each other Okay? And if he’s happy to see me great, but there is nothing going on between the two of us … not that it’s any of your business.”
“You’re right.” She sniffed, “It’s none of my business.” She shook her head. “But I’m not sure he knows that there is nothing going on between you. He’s like a teenager in love.”
I laughed heartily and looked over to her. “He knows, we both know.”
She nodded again. “I worry about him, that’s all.”
“You mean you worry about him being distracted?”
“No, I’ve never seen him like this, and I think if I ever changed this much for someone, then to lose them would be heartbreaking.”
“Change?” I scoffed. “This is how he always is.”
“Maybe to you.” She sighed. “But to be honest he’s usually a moody pain in the arse.”
“Really?” I couldn’t believe it, but I suppose he did used to be like that at home as a teenager but only around his dad, and that was for obvious reasons. “I suppose I’ve seen him moody.”
She nodded. “Well, don’t tell him I spoke to you, but it’s nice to see him like this, how long are you sticking around?”
“Oh, I’m only here for the summer, I’ve got to get back to work and my life.”
She nodded grimly, “So I better prepare myself.” I laughed assuming she was joking, but she eyed me warily. Kyle was closest to her here in London it seemed, and she didn’t know him like I did, it seemed strange, but I suppose I had no idea about the man he had become. I assumed that he made everyone’s life fun, not just mine, although, I only knew the Kyle from ten years ago, and I was thrilled to have him back. This woman mustn’t know that I am his step-sister, or else she wouldn’t have assumed we were together. If she had never heard of me, his family, or his life in Lytham, then who had? Why was Kyle’s life here so secluded? It must be the business he was in or the hectic lifestyle. No one had gotten close to him, and it was such a shame as he had so much to give. I turned away from Geraldine for the rest of the journey and tried to focus on the excitement I had felt before for the night ahead. I focused on getting dressed up, attending the club opening, and being the centre of Kyle’s attention once again. It was addictive living in his spotlight, and I didn’t want to be reminded by Geraldine about when I was giving that up just yet.
We arrived back at the studio a little while later, Geraldine made her way to her desk, and I poked my head in Kyle’s office. He was on the phone and held a finger up to me, to indicate one minute. I leant on the door-post and watched him.
“Of course Jeff, any time, bring him down and I’ll see what I can do.” He threw his head back and laughed, how could Geraldine say that he was moody? He was the king of “everything to everybody,” and he could charm the birds out of the trees. It was his job to be always switched on and ready for action. “Okay see you tonight, yes, thanks, bye.” He hung up and stood.
“So did you get something?”
“Yep.” I grinned, “I’ve never bought so many new clothes in such a short space of time before.”
“Well let me see.” He motioned to the bags I held.
“No.” I shook my head, “The big reveal will be at approximately seven pm tonight.”
“Wow, can’t wait.” He powered his computer down and then set his desk straight, putting a few things away. “We’re going, Geraldine,” he shouted as we walked through her office.
“Okay,” she grunted, “I’ll stay a little later, I didn’t get much done today.” I didn’t miss the subtle blame as she looked at us over her glasses.
“Thanks for taking me,” I said politely. I could have gone alone, but she did insist on taking me, and so I may as well be grateful.
“You’re welcome.” Her eyes snapped back to her computer. “See you bright and early tomorrow,” she said soberly to Kyle.
“Well maybe not so early.” He rolled his eyes to me, and we walked towards the door.
When we got home I jumped straight in the shower, and Kyle prepared something for us to eat in between getting ready, insisting that we line our stomachs. I showered and washed my hair and came into the open plan living area wearing cott
on shorts, a vest and my wet hair down my back in order to paint my nails.
“What are we having?” I asked as I headed to the sofa, getting out some sparkly polish for my toes.
“Mexican chicken and couscous.”
“Impressive,” I said with a smile, turning to see him hard at work in the kitchen.
“It’s just packet stuff,”
“Oh, don’t ruin the magic.” I laughed, getting cotton wool positioned between my toes to start applying the polish. Kyle approached with a full glass of wine for me and watched with interest.
“What are you doing?”
“You know. Separating the toes, so I can paint them, and not get any on the other toes.”
“Wow, that’s an actual process?”
“Don’t tell me you’ve never seen a girl do this before?” I asked.
He held his hands up. “This is all new to me.”
“Have you never had a girlfriend long enough to see her pamper routine?” I teased.
“I usually see them already pampered.” He laughed. “But I’m glad to finally get some inside info on the process.” I watched him walk away and felt warm inside that I was the girl who was allowed into Kyle’s life, even if it would always be platonic, now.
“Thanks for the wine, you better get in the shower,” I said.
“Ah it only takes me half an hour.” He grinned.
I raised my eyebrows. “Well I can’t rush perfection.” His eyes roamed my attire, and I watched him holding back a smile.
“You look pretty perfect like that.”
“You are such a perv.” I laughed, shaking the polish. “How long until dinner? Have I got time for the first coat?”
“Wow. It takes more than one coat, like the painting of the Forth Bridge?”
“What’s that?”
“A bridge in Scotland, it’s so big that once they finish painting it they’ve got to start all over again.”
“Full of useless facts.” I nodded.
“Interesting information … I think you’ll find.” He teased, “Ten minutes until dinner, is that long enough for the first coat?”
“Sure is.”
After dinner I applied the second coat and went to blow dry my hair then curl it into soft curls with my curling tongues. I sat in Kyle’s spare room that had become my own private sanctuary, with a glass of wine on the dressing table, curling my hair in the mirror and thought about how far I had come. I played music through my iPhone that made me feel happy, and I realised that I was. I was happy. Almost three weeks ago I was lying in my childhood bed, moping over Simon who was totally not worth all those tears. Simon came along when I was ready to settle down, and he fit the bill, but he never blew me away even though I loved him. I loved him because he gave me what I wanted, a boyfriend, stability, a future, but he never gave me an inkling of the excitement that Kyle did. I had spent so long trying to find someone that I didn’t remember how it felt to find someone amazing. Kyle was reminding me of that.
Simon and I had a great life, great friends, and a lovely home, but if we had been stranded on a desert island together I probably would have died of boredom, whereas every moment with Kyle felt like only the two of us were there. He made me laugh, loved the things I did and the things we disagreed on didn’t seem to matter. He was the epitome of what I thought every woman wanted, and so I always assumed that he was too good for me, or that someone better would come along for him.
However, after today, I wondered if Kyle was only this person for me. I pushed the thoughts away as we had one large obstacle that started the year our parents got married and could never be vanquished. I could never be in a relationship with Kyle, especially now everyone from school knew everyone else’s business because of Facebook. Our town was small enough without the added intrusion of social media. We could never be together because it would be too weird, especially after all this time. People would think we were desperate. Also we had both grown up, both met new people, and started new lives, the passion could never be there like two hormonal teenagers who could be caught at any time.
True, he still took my breath away, but we had crossed the line to friends and so that ship must have sailed surely.
I finished my hair and then started on my make up. I was running out of time as we had to be ready for seven-thirty. We were meeting some of Kyle’s friends for cocktails before the opening, which started at nine, and so, according to Kyle, that meant ten. I finished my make up, applying some dazzle to my eyes and some individual false lashes to thicken them. I found a matching underwear set that was pale enough for my dress, with a strapless bra and applied some shimmer moisturiser to my whole body. I checked myself in the mirror and was impressed, even if I did say so myself. The breakup had helped me drop a few pounds, and although my bra wasn’t as filled out as it used to be, my waist looked better, and I felt confident wearing this dress, even after eating dinner.
I shimmied into it and then my new shoes, grabbing my bag and putting my bank card, some cash, and lipstick into it. The final thing was a spray of perfume and a dusting of hair spray to keep my curls in place. It was like the icing on the cake, and I smiled at my reflection, I couldn’t believe that three weeks ago I struggled to get dressed, and now I was excited to be going out and relishing in getting ready. Coming here was the best decision I had ever made, I would deal with the consequences later, but for now all I wanted was to have an amazing night on Kyle’s arm, and I hoped to take his breath away when I walked out of this door tonight.
I stepped outside, taking my wine glass with me, and Kyle sat on the sofa watching the television, nursing a beer. “Hi,” I said, making my way to him.
He jumped up, “We’re going to be …” He looked me up and down and grinned. “Wow,” he said, “Just … wow.” He stepped towards me.
I smiled awkwardly, despite getting the reaction I was hoping for. “It’s Okay?”
“Oh yes.” He stood in front me, “I’ll be spending all night keeping every man in the room away from you, and my friends won’t believe their eyes tonight.”
“I’m sure they’ve seen you with much prettier girls than me.” I finished my wine.
“No.” He shook his head. “No they haven’t,” he said simply. “Now come on, we better get going. I’ll call a cab.”
We made our way downstairs and stood for a few minutes, before the taxi made its way around the corner. “You look great, too,” I said. Kyle wore a dark suit with fitted trousers and a jacket, over a matching waistcoat and a charcoal shirt. He looked to die for, and I was very impressed. He took my hand and kissed it, then gave it a squeeze.
“You’re mine tonight, Soph, just for tonight, all mine.”
I nodded, “Who else’s would I be?”
He smiled to me; it wasn’t one of his famous grins as his eyes were still sad. He knew who else’s I could be and whose I had been, but looking into his eyes tonight that seemed like light-years ago, and I wondered why on earth this could never work? It was hard to see the obstacles when everything seemed so simple. Why would it matter what got in our way when it was so easy to be like this? I had spent the last ten years searching for happiness, and it seemed that I had it in my sights all along. The problem was that he would always be my step-brother, and despite that not being an issue here, away from everyone, it would always be there, and our parents would never understand. Ten years ago maybe, we could have tried, but we had left it too long. To explain everything now would just be torturous.
We arrived at the bar where Kyle’s friends were, there were four couples, all the wives were dressed in designer dresses and dripping in jewellery. The men seemed a little arrogant and the women seemed false, but these were my first impressions. I thought I had better make an effort. After I was seated, Kyle motioned to the bar, “Glass of champers?” he asked.
I nodded. “Great, thanks.”
“Hi,” the woman next to me began. She was platinum blonde, very tanned, and wore a tight silver bandage dres
s, showing off her perfect gym toned figure. “I’m Tanya.” I took her outstretched hand. “This is Marla, Jane, Jennie, and Fran.” She motioned to the women around the table who nodded or waved politely. “I was so excited to meet one of Kyle’s lady friends.” She leaned in conspiratorially. “We so rarely get to meet anyone that he’s seeing.”
“Oh really?” I asked, looking to the bar to see how long Kyle would be.
“He’s not very open you see.”
“Tanya,” a man behind her said. He placed a hand around Tanya for me to shake. “Mike,” he said, “I’m sorry … my wife lives for gossip, and I’m afraid Kyle doesn’t give her much.”
“Oh quiet, Mike.” She laughed lightly.
“So have you two been seeing each other long?”
“Um,” I shook my head, “we’ve known each other for years, we went to school together and …”
“How sweet …” she interrupted, “and after all these years you finally found each other?”
“Um …” I began.
“Something like that,” Kyle said, reappearing with the drinks and placing mine in front of me. “I’ve been trying to convince her to take a chance on me for years.” His serious eyes met mine as he took a sip of his bottled beer.
“Oh that’s lovely,” Tanya looked between us, “you two look amazing together, all smiles and sexy eye contact, like love’s young dream.”
I didn’t correct her and neither did Kyle, he just held my stare and took the seat next to me. I turned to my drink and picked it up for a hit of alcohol. “You take my breath away,” he whispered in my ear, “that has never changed.”
I turned to him and felt tears well in my eyes. “You too,” I said quietly. He might not have heard over the noise, but he saw what I said and gave me a regretful smile. He leaned in and kissed the top of my head.
Fifteen – Just forgive
Old Times
After our initial cinema trip things did change at home. Kyle and I became friends. My mum definitely noticed, but she didn’t mention it, perhaps in order not to deter us. She must have assumed that Kyle was taking pity on me due to my broken arm, and so she didn’t bat an eyelid when we went places together and spoke to each other at dinner. Kyle had rarely eaten with us all before, unless summoned by Mick, but he seemed to be home a lot more. I was five weeks into my summer holidays and two weeks into having my cast on, and things were good.
Just Between Us Page 15