The Love You Give

by Sheena Binkley

  “Thanks, I will.” We stared at each other for a little while before I suddenly got out of the car. I needed to leave. “See you.”

  Cane nodded and backed out of the parking lot. I headed inside, needing to talk to my bestie right now. I went to the door and put my key card in. I opened the door to see Brooke and Cory on the bed. I stared at the two, not understanding this scene that was playing out in front of me.

  “What the hell is going on?”

  The two quickly moved away from each other as I got closer to them.

  “I said what the hell is going on?!” I screamed.

  “It’s not what you think, Kia,” Cory said. He tried to come to me and I backed away.

  “Then, why are you here in my hotel room with my best friend?!”

  “Because I asked for him to come,” Brooke said.

  I tilted my head, wondering if I should have told Cane to wait because I was about two seconds from killing my ex-best friend.

  “Seriously, Kia, you got this all wrong. There’s nothing going on with Brooke and me,” Cory assured me.

  “Then explain this, because it sure looks like there is,” I said while pointing at the two.

  “Because Cory hasn’t been honest with you. He needs to tell you the truth,” Brooke said.

  I gave a confused look, wondering what was really going on. “Okay, someone needs to explain what is going on because I’m past frustrated.”

  “Explain, Cory, or I will,” Brooke fumed.

  Brooke gave Cory a look reading, “try me,” and Cory sighed.

  “Can I please talk to Kia alone?”

  “You might as well say whatever you have to say in front of Brooke. There’s no point in keeping secrets now.”

  Cory took a deep breath before walking over to me. “What Brooke’s saying is true. I haven’t really been honest with you. There’s something that has been going on with me recently.”

  I closed my eyes, realizing what he was going to say. “You have been cheating on me, haven’t you?”

  Cory didn’t answer, which made me even more pissed. “Have you?!”

  “Oh, like you haven’t been?”

  “No, I haven’t! It was a damn lie, Cory, but I should have!”

  “So, you’re not with the guy I met?”

  “I just said I wasn’t, Cory. Do you want me to paint a damn picture for you?!”

  “Who are you cheating on me with?”

  Cory seemed hesitate to say anything, which had me fuming. “Tell me now, Cory!”

  “It was Amanda, okay!”

  I looked at him, completely stunned by this bit of news. “Your co-worker. I mean, I had a feeling it had to be someone at work because of the late nights working on the project, but she supposed to be happily married with kids!”

  “It just happened, Kia.”

  “Oh, it just happened. So, what was the reason for you wanting to get married when you were cheating on me?!”

  “I wanted to, Kia, but things had changed with you after your mom passed. It’s like you stopped living.”

  “So, that’s why you decided to cheat with a married woman!”

  “No, it’s not an excuse, but you weren’t making me happy anymore.”

  I glanced over at Brooke, who looked guilty as hell. I sighed. “You knew about this and you didn’t tell me?”

  “I knew about it by accident. I saw the two at Starbucks-”

  “How long ago?”

  “Does it matter?”

  “How long ago, Brooke?!”

  “Six months ago.”

  I looked around the room, completely flabbergasted by the two. With Cory, I expected this because I had my suspicions, but Brooke was supposed to be my best friend. She’s like a sister to me, so she should have told me.

  “All of those talks we had about me trying to rekindle something with Cory, you just let me talk like nothing was wrong, when you knew he was cheating on me.” I said to Brooke. She down at the white comforter in tears.

  “So, it had to have been since the Manfield project that this was going on, wasn’t it?” I asked Cory.

  He nodded. “It was before then.”

  “Wow. I’m just, wow.”

  “But, evidently you wanted out too since you lied to me about that guy.”

  “Because I knew you were lying to me. I was just trying to free you from the relationship. If you wanted out, you should have said something.”

  “Just like you, Kia. You haven’t been happy with me or this relationship, so don’t get upset with me when you wanted the same thing.”

  “You both need to leave, now.”

  “Kia…” Brooke started.

  “Please, Brooke, just pack up your stuff and go back to Houston.” I went up to Cory and stared into his brown eyes, meaning what I was about to say. “And you also need to go back, and please do not contact me. Don’t even think about me because we are done. Go be with your married bitch.”

  Not wanting to look at them even further, I went to the bathroom and slammed the door. I slid down onto the floor, completely shocked and saddened about what I’d heard. I pulled out my phone, going to my contacts and scrolling down to Cane’s number. I stared at it, wondering if I should call him, but instead of dialing, I threw my phone on the floor.

  At least now I didn’t have to lie about the plan I had with Cane.

  16.

  Cane

  Since the club was closed on Sundays, I had some time to rest and prepare myself for the workday on Monday. Since I was an executive now, Cecile threw this big project on me to complete and I hadn’t found an assistant yet. I had to do my own research and presentation. I didn’t have a problem doing that, but with the club and this job, I didn’t know how much time I had to do both. At least with an assistant, my time was cut in half, so all I had to do was prepare for the presentation.

  Why don’t you just find an assistant?

  Easier said than done.

  I tried to text Kia to see what she was up to, but I didn’t get a response. She’s probably spending time with Brooke, so I continued working; but, when Karla called asking if I’d heard from Kia because she hadn’t after calling and texting her about coming in early tomorrow for inventory, I realized something was up. So, I decided to take a break and go to her hotel room.

  After flying to her hotel, I quickly got out and went inside. Instead of the elevator, I took the stairs, going to the third floor and heading to her room. I knocked on the door, realizing she wasn’t answering, so I started banging on it. I tried calling her, but it went straight to voicemail.

  “What the hell is going on?” I asked. I wish I had Brooke’s number so I could call her, but I’d just kept trying.

  A thought came to my mind, wondering if Cory did find Kia’s room. He could have abducted her or killed her.

  I was about to go to the front desk to get someone to open the door when it flew open. Kia gave me a heated glance before going to the bed, leaving the door open for me to come in.

  “Is everything okay?” I slowly asked while entering.

  Kia sat down and ignored me as she started watching TV.

  “Kia…”

  “What do you want, Cane?”

  “Karla called saying you weren’t answering your phone. She was concerned. I tried calling you as well.”

  “This is my day off, so you all shouldn’t be calling me.”

  I looked taken aback as I gave a crazed look. “Well, excuse us for being concerned. What is your damn problem?”

  “I just want to be left alone.”

  “I don’t think you should be right now. Did something happen when you came back earlier?”

  “What didn’t happened?” she mumbled.

  “Did Brooke leave?”

  “I asked her to.”

  “Did something hap-”

  “Seriously, Cane, can you just go, please?”

  “I’m trying to find out what the hell’s wrong with you because you clearly seem out of
it.”

  Kia looked to the ceiling before staring at me. “My suspicions were right. Cory has been cheating on me. With his damn co-worker.”

  I sighed. “Damn,.

  “But, here’s the kicker. Brooke knew about it and didn’t tell me.”

  “Wow, that’s messed up.”

  “Now you know why I’m pissed, so you can go.”

  “I don’t think you should be alone right now.”

  “Why? I mean, I got what I wanted. I can definitely live a single life now.”

  “You can, but it doesn’t change the fact that he cheated.”

  “That’s not even the upsetting part. It was the fact that he never came to me to say he wasn’t happy.”

  “Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?”

  Kia stared at me and I took a deep breath. “You never told Cory how you felt either, so honestly you’re both to blame for what happened. You weren’t ready to get married and he probably just wanted someone who understood him.”

  “Wait, what?”

  “I’m not taking up for him, but you both have to realize the parts you’d played in this relationship. Not all of it is his fault, so don’t play like you’re the victim here.”

  “I’m not, but...”

  “But what?”

  Kia was speechless after I’d said that. She stared at the window and shook her head.

  “All I’m saying is that you were looking for a way out as well. Yes, how things went between you two were shitty, but at least it’s over now. You both can move on with your lives.”

  “It’s not that simple.”

  “How is it not? You’re both free to do whatever you want. There’s no guilt now.”

  “I know, but…”

  “But what? It’s time to live your life again.”

  “Which I plan on doing.”

  “So, I guess you plan on staying here for awhile.”

  Kia nodded. “If you’re worried about me quitting-”

  “I’m not even thinking about that. But, I was asking because you’ll eventually want to find a place here.”

  “I don’t know…”

  “Well, if you do, then you probably want to make some extra cash. I mean, I’m sure I pay you well at the club, but you’ll want more.”

  “Where is this going, Cane?”

  “I think I know what I want from you.”

  “The plan is null and void now.”

  “Maybe for you, but not for me.”

  Kia gave a curious glance as I continued. “I had to fire my assistant recently and, with the club taking majority of my time at night, I need help with a huge project my boss just threw at me. So, I was wondering if you could help me. I’ll pay you good money if you agree.”

  Kia shrugged. “I’ll do it. It’s not like I have anything else going.”

  “It’s for a medical company and, since you have medical experience in your past life, I figured it would be up your alley.”

  “Yeah, that’s cool. I’ll be glad to do it. Honestly, I thought you were going to say something a bit more naughtier than being your work assistant.”

  “Why you thought that? Unless you wanted me to. Like I said before, it’ll happen at the right time.”

  I went over to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. She stared at me, completely caught off guard by my gesture.

  “What was that for?”

  “I can be subtle sometimes. But, make sure you come by my place tomorrow night so we can get started on the project.”

  “Why can’t I come to your office?”

  “I just don’t want any office gossip.”

  “Too many women coming up there making a scene?”

  “It’s not even like that. I just don’t want my personal business mixing with my professional.”

  “Understandable. But, lucky you, I also majored in Business Administration, so you got the best of both worlds.”

  “I’m definitely lucky then,” I said. I glanced at Kia, giving her a sexy smile and she blushed. “But, there is something else I’d like you to do.”

  “What’s that?”

  I leaned closer to her, smelling the scent that had me hooked since I’d met her. She was beautiful, and I would move in while she was vulnerable, but I was not. If we’re going to be together, I needed to have her when she’s at her best and not when she’s weak. I didn’t deal with weak women.

  “You can come over to have dinner with me. And I promise, I won’t be cooking breakfast for dinner.”

  Kia grinned. “Sounds good.”

  I got up and touched her shoulder. “I’m going to let you get some rest. But, are you good for the rest of the day?”

  She nodded. “I’m good. Thank you for coming by. I guess you really do have nice qualities when you want to.”

  “I always have good qualities. Just don’t get on my bad side.”

  “Duly noted.”

  “But, I’ll see you tomorrow, okay.”

  She smiled and I went to the door. I turned around as Kia went to close the door. I stood outside, wondering how tomorrow would be. Now that she’s fully single, it’s game on.

  17.

  Cane

  I went back home and got some rest; it was the beginning of a new week and the start of the grueling presentation I had to master. Since Cecile wasn’t coming back to work until the new year, I was able to prepare without any distractions because she would have definitely been one with her nitpicking and suggestions when they were orders. As for her daughter, she never made do with her promise to destroy me. I guess she decided to do her and live on her mommy’s money because I’m sure she hadn’t found another job.

  I was staring at my computer screen wondering if I should work from home, when there was a light knock on the door. I told whoever to come in as Elle walked in.

  “Hey. What are you doing here?” I asked. I went to her and gave her a hug.

  “Just wanted to see you. No one has heard from you since that huge blow up at Aaron’s.”

  “I just needed some time, that’s all.”

  Elle sat down in the seat across from my desk and sighed. “I know that was a shock what Marcia did. And Aaron didn’t even do anything to stop it.”

  “Because Aaron is pussy whipped.”

  “I wouldn’t say that.”

  “He is and you know it, Elle. Ever since he met her.”

  “I know you don’t like Marcia.”

  “Like isn’t even the word.”

  “But, she’s still your sister-in-law. You have to at least respect her.”

  “I guess so.”

  “Cane…”

  “If I don’t have to see her, then I’m cool. But, why are you here? You never came to my job alone.”

  Elle sighed. “It’s because of your mother.”

  “You mean Melissa, because she’s not my mother.”

  “Your dad and I were talking and we really think it’s not a good idea for you to host Christmas at your house. You might feel uncomfortable about everything.”

  “Uncomfortable how? If that’s what everyone agreed on, then whatever. As for Melissa, I hardly doubt it if she shows up anyway. That’s what she’s good at. Disappearing.”

  “You know I’ll never say anything bad about your mother, so I’m not going to comment on her past nor her present. Just know that no matter what you decide about Christmas, your dad and I support you 100%.”

  “Thanks, Elle. You know you were always the mother that Melissa never was, right?”

  Elle sighed. “I’m glad you feel that way, and I love you like you’re my son, but you still have a mother, Cane. No matter what happened in the past, you should try and find some way to heal in the present. That’s the only way you’ll be okay in the future.”

  She got up and gave me a sincere smile. She looked around my office and shook her head. “Where is your Christmas spirit? The holiday is almost here and you don’t even have a tree.”

  “So? You know how I am this time of year.”<
br />
  “I’ll talk to you later, but promise me that you’ll at least get a tree here or at home because I know you don’t have one.”

  “I do have one. Sort of.”

  Actually, I didn’t because I hadn’t thought about it. Christmas was in three weeks, so I still had plenty of time.

  Once Elle left, I sat back at my desk and continued to look at the computer screen. If I didn’t get this presentation going, I’d be getting a demotion and I didn’t need that right now. I took a deep breath and clicked on the computer to go online. It was time I concentrated on work.

  ***

  After three hours of trying to work, I decided to call it a day and go home. There wasn’t a point for me to be there if I couldn’t concentrate, so hopefully I could get something done when Kia arrived.

  Who am I kidding? I wouldn’t be able to do it then either.

  Although I was trying hard not to think about her, it’s getting harder not to. Especially now since she’s single. That’s why I wanted her to work on this project with me. I figured that was the only way she’d be around me. For some reason, she really was a hard person to crack, but I did love a challenge, so I’d break her down eventually.

  Once I settled in, I didn’t even want to cook, so I ordered take-out from Stein’s Bristo and waited until Kia arrived. She texted me saying she was on her way, so she should be there soon.

  I was throwing some things into my room when the doorbell rang. Hoping it was the delivery guy, I went to the door to open it to see Kia standing outside.

  “That was quick. You just texted me.”

  “I was literally down the street when I texted you. Why you didn’t want me to come so soon?”

  “Cane Brooks?”

  We looked over to see the delivery guy standing beside Kia with two large bags. Kia smiled, as I grabbed the tip from the entry table and handed it to the guy.

  “Now I see why. Were you trying to play off Stein’s as your own?”

  “Whatever. Come inside.”

  She smiled as I brought the bags inside and closed the door. “I didn’t feel like cooking, but I can cook.”

  “If you say so.”

  “You’ll know if you get to hang around here more.”

  “I’m sure.”

  “I hope you’re hungry because I’m eating now before we start working on this project.”