CHAPTER 115

Kyle King

I whistled my way through the shopping mall, helping an old lady pick a nice hat and allowing two women and a man to jump the queue. Xavier cast a curious gaze at me for the umptenth time before collecting our grocery basket and warning the fourth person who was about to jump the queue. 

I nodded throughout his complaints about my nonchalant attitude and said nothing when he compared me to a smiling donkey. He couldn’t understand how I felt. Tessa had finally given me a chance to take her on a small date. It didn’t mean anything, but I counted it as progress. 

I let Xavier drive my new car while I smiled and reread the text message Tessa had sent a few days ago. We had scheduled the date for tonight, and I had agreed to an in-house setting. She wanted to see where I stayed and avoid the public eye. I could understand. If some pressmen see us, there will be headlines flying tomorrow about the divorced Kyle King trying to win the heart of his ex-wife. I certainly didn’t need that publicity, nor did I.

Xavi stopped to pick up a package that came from Nashville. He rattled about the slowness of logistics companies in the United Kingdom and how things were faster in the States. I agreed and picked up the pack of chips I had picked up during our shopping spree. 

I was planning on preparing home-made food instead of ordering from one of the exquisite restaurants in town. Tessa had always loved my cooking because I rarely did it and I was a perfectionist. I knew the exact course to prepare, but I needed Xavier out of the house. He still didn’t know about Tessa’s latest update. I wanted to surprise him with the gist later.

‘Xavi, aren’t you attending that mask ball party?’ I asked indifferently.

He looked over his shoulder and said, ‘I think I will attend it. Some of our friends from Nashville will be here, including ex-girlfriends. It won’t hurt to speak with one or two of them.’

I chuckled. Xavi would never change. ‘You and this lifestyle. Tell me, brother, when are you going to settle down? You're getting old, and this game doesn’t suit you anymore.’

He hissed, ‘Don’t preach to me, Kyle. I already told you that I would settle down when I am  ready. Are you attending? It’s been awhile since you attended an official party.’

I shook my head. ‘I have a late meeting, and I need to prepare for it. The team wants to work with a new client, but they want my insights to know if it’s worth our time.’

‘Hmm. I thought your mom was handling that aspect. New client onboarding? Did you guys fight again?’

Xavier and his smartness. I couldn’t let him suspect my motive tonight.

‘No, we didn’t fight. She’s not in Nashville at the moment. You know how she travels anytime she gets an invitation from any of her numerous friends.’

He stopped the car in front of our apartment. ‘We are home. Kyle, I hope you aren't trying to get rid of me. I haven’t seen you say no to a cool party, even when you have meetings.

I smiled, stepping out of the car. ‘There’s always a first time for everything.’

‘First time for everything. You care to explain why we bought a lot of groceries? Are you planning on cooking for your best friend for lunch?’ He winked, taking the paper bags out of the trunk.

‘Nah, I just missed some home-made meals, that’s all. But don’t worry; if all goes well, I might keep your portion.’

He scoffed but said nothing. I helped with the paper bags while silently thanking the heavens for helping me keep my secret from my inquisitive friend.

The rest of the day was eventful. Xavier left earlier than I expected. He had an appointment to keep with a client. I suspected it was a woman because of his boyish smile and outfit. For the first time since I knew Xavier and his crazy escapades, I wasn't angry at him. I needed the space to cook and not answer his questions. 

I looked at the dinner choice: chicken parmesan with tomato sauce, melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and dessert: ice cream sandwich cake. I downloaded a lot of YouTube videos because my cooking skills were rusty and I wanted to ensure everything was perfect for Tessa.

A few hours later, I smiled at the table and the nice set-up. I had outdone myself, and I hoped she would be pleased with what I had accomplished. I glanced at the clock and almost cursed. It was almost six o’clock. How long have I been cooking? I quickly dumped the apron on the kitchen table and dashed to my room. I needed to look my best and not smell like homemade food.

I rummaged through my closet and picked up a white shirt and black chinos. It wasn’t too much for the date, but moderate. My phone buzzed. Tessa.

‘I am here. Where are you?’

I smiled, texting fast, ‘I will be with you in a few minutes.’

I checked my outfit again and sprayed a new brand of perfume. I had finally changed the brand Tessa had introduced me to six years ago. I was constantly reminded of everything about her just by that scent, so I decided to change it, but her memories still remained.

Sometimes, you can’t wish away your pain.

I checked the table one more time, added a final touch to the setting, and walked to the door. She was here, finally.

‘Hello, Kyle King. You look good. How are you doing?’ Tessa asked, stepping inside.

I took her coat as she surveyed the apartment. ‘Thank you. You look gorgeous, too. I am doing fine; I hope you are too.’

She nodded, smiling a bit. ‘I am alright. Thank you for the compliment. So, what are we having?’

I swallowed. Well, she wasn’t here for small talk.  I led her to the table and served her small portions of everything. She said nothing all through the dinner, and I suddenly felt stupid for thinking she would be pleased to be with me.