by Lynn, Sandi
“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.
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 l
iving 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.”
“She’s not going to bang on it, Kyle.”
“Not a good idea, Caden. I don’t need any complaints.”
“Okay. Just thought I’d ask first.” I smirked.
After we finished dinner and before dessert, I glanced over at Stella.
“Did you see what’s sitting over there?” I pointed.
“A piano.” She grinned. “I saw it already.”
“How would you like to play something for the people in the restaurant?”
“Caden, I don’t think—”
“It’s okay, Mommy. I want to play it. Please.”
Brielle looked at me and shrugged her shoulders.
“Are you sure Kyle won’t mind?” Brielle asked.
“Nah. He won’t mind at all.”
I took Stella’s hand and led her over to the piano.
“What do you want to play?” I asked her as she took a seat on the bench.
“I think I’ll play Mozart.”
“Good idea.” I smiled at her.
The restaurant was noisy with people holding conversations and laughter. The moment Stella placed her fingers on the piano keys and began to play, everyone went silent. I stood there, next to the piano, with my arms folded and a smile on my face.
“What the fuck!” Kyle exclaimed as he walked up from behind.
“I told you she wouldn’t bang the keys.”
“My God, Caden. She’s brilliant.”
“I know she is.” I grinned. “She has a gift. Mom would have loved her.”
“Yeah. She would have. She’s better than us.”
“Please. We don’t even come close to her.”
“True.”
As soon as Stella finished the song, everyone in the restaurant started to clap. Clapping that went on for what seemed like forever. She stood up from the bench and bowed. I took her hand and led her back to the table.
“You were amazing, sunshine.” Brielle smiled as she hugged her.
“Thanks, Mommy. Can we have dessert now?”
“You can have all the dessert you want.” I patted her head.
31
Caden
It was late and way past Stella’s bedtime according to Brielle. When we stepped into the apartment, she told Stella to go and get ready for bed.
“Thank you for tonight.” She smiled. “I had a really good time and I know Stella did too.”
“You’re welcome.” I took hold of her hand.
“I’m ready, Mommy!” Stella came running into the living room. “Can Caden tuck me in?”
“Sure. I think I can do that. I’ve never tucked a tiny human in bed before, so you may have to show me how.”
“It’s not rocket science.” She giggled.
“Are you sure it’s not rocket science?” I scooped her up and she giggled all the way to her room.
I tucked her in bed and tapped her on the nose.
“Good night, tiny human.” I smiled.
“Good night, Caden. Maybe you can come over again and we can play the piano.”
“I’d like that.”
I turned off the light and pulled the door, only leaving it open a crack. Walking into the kitchen, I found Brielle putting dishes away.
“I better get going.”
She put the last dish away, turned, and looked at me.
“You can stay,” she softly spoke.
I walked over to her and pushed a strand of her hair behind her ear.
“As much as I want to, I can’t.”
“Why?” She looked up at me with her beautiful bl
ue eyes.
“I just can’t.”
I traced her lips with my finger before leaning in and softly kissing them.
“I’ll be in touch,” I spoke as the back of my hand swept across her cheek.
Turning around, I walked to the door and left. The ache in my heart was fierce, but I couldn’t stay with her. Not yet. There was something I had to do first.
Two days later
I stopped at the florist and picked up some flowers. Climbing out of the limo, I held them in my hand as I walked across the lush green grass, glancing at the gravestones of beloved ones who had passed away. If I was ever going to free myself, I needed to do this. I remembered exactly where it was, even though the last time I’d been here was eight years ago. I bent down and set the flowers on her grave.
“Hi, Cassandra. I know it’s been a long time and I’m sorry about that. I just couldn’t bring myself to come back here. I’ve done nothing but carry around this massive amount of guilt. The kind of guilt that held me a prisoner of my own life. I should have been the one who died that night, not you, and I’m so sorry.” Tears sprang to my eyes. “I’m sorry for everything and I accept full responsibility for what happened. I came here today because I need to forgive myself. If I don’t, I can’t move on with my life.”
I stayed for a while and continued to talk. Dr. Carlyle was right. Talking to her was the first step towards healing, something I should have done years ago. After I left the cemetery, I pulled my phone from my pocket and dialed Brielle. The second step towards healing was to tell her about my past.
“Hello.”
“Hi. It’s me.”
“Hi. How are you?”
“I’m good. Listen, is there any way you can get a babysitter for Stella tonight and come over to the penthouse. I need to talk to you.”
“It’s already covered. My mom and her boyfriend are taking her to the movies tonight.”
“Great. Can you come over around six? I’m planning on leaving the office early today.”
“Six will be fine. I’ll see you then.”
“Looking forward to it. Enjoy the rest of your day, Brielle.”
“You too, Caden.”
Brielle
I set down my phone and held my coffee cup between my hands as Sasha sat across from me.