CHAPTER 141

Geneveive Tessa Robert

 

I completed the last piece of paperwork on my desk and gave myself a pat on the back. It had been a long day, with several clients popping in with difficult requests. I turned down most of them and stuck with ones whose job requests required streamlined processes.

 

I glanced at the wall clock. It was almost nine o’clock. Thankfully, the kids were still with my parents, enjoying the new year’s celebration before school resumed, so there was no one waiting for me at home. I reviewed the last email on my laptop and switched it off. 

A note captured my attention. ‘Day four apology: Never say never. I took it, read it again, and kept it in my drawer. Kyle had sent the note with a basket of chocolate packs and Chinese food, which were sitting in my stomach now. He had resumed his lunch surprise packages, and strangely, I loved them.

My relationship with Kyle was a hot and cold one. I had finally told him how I felt, and instead of me not keeping him expectant, I told him, ‘Never say never!’ 

 

Who says that to someone you have already sworn not to have anything to do with? Only Tessa Roberts could say that. 

One thing that was worthy of note in our relationship was that I had no feelings for him, and I had agreed to just be friends because of the children.

 

My phone pinged. I glanced at it, grateful for the momentary distraction from my confused thoughts. I smiled when I opened the message.

 

Vera: Hey, are you up for a girl hangout tomorrow? Bills are on me!

 

Me: I am in, but we will do it at your house. No clubs until the doctor clears you.

 

Vera: Fine, but my cousins, Joan and Jill, will be joining us. I hope you don’t mind.

Me: Of course, I don’t mind. See you tomorrow!

 

Joan and Jill? I had met them on a few occasions. They weren’t twins but behaved like one. They also gossiped a lot but gave good advice if they were in the mood. I had nothing against them, though, but they always competed for Vera’s attention, which always made it hard for me to interact properly with her.

 

It was going to be a long girl hangout!

The changing of the weather didn’t dissipate my fears. It was already ten o'clock, and the Uber app had no one coming to my location. I knew I should have listened to my instinct and driven to work today, but no, I didn't, and look at where that got me now.

I was alone on Broadway Street in Bristol, about to be beaten by the rain, and there was no one I could call to pick me up. My parent's estate was over three hours from here; James was in Nashville, and Vera was at home, not allowed to drive. My company’s chauffeur wasn’t expected to resume until next week. I was definitely stuck.

 

Something cold touched me. The rain had started. No! I stared at my company’s building and cursed under my breath. The security guard had left immediately, so I stepped out. I didn’t even have the company’s double-barreled door keys with me.

 

Fate was definitely playing jokes on me.

There was one other person I could call, but I didn’t want to. Kyle King. His house was about forty minutes away, and I knew he would call as soon as he knew I was alone and unprotected.

 

The rain started drizzling. I rushed to seek shelter underneath a bakery’s building and dialled Kyle’s number. I had no choice at the moment.

 

He picked up instantly; I had a feeling he had been waiting for my call all day. ‘Hi, Tessa. How’re you doing?’

 

I smiled, watching the street. There were a few people running in the rain, but they didn’t look friendly. I dragged my coat tighter around my body. ‘Hi, Kyle. I am fine. I am sorry for calling you at this hour, but I need your help on something.’

 

The quiver in my voice might have alerted him that something was wrong because his reply held a lot of concern. ‘Did something happen to you, Tessa? Is it the kids? Do I need to call the emergency number?’

 

‘No, please. The kids are good. I am stuck at my workplace—I mean, the street. It was raining heavily, and no Uber was available to pick me up.’

 

He groaned. ‘Oh, dear. I am not home at the moment. I travelled to Nashville after dropping the basket. I sent you a text when you didn’t pick up my calls. What about James?’

 

I swallowed. If I hadn’t ignored his calls, I would have known he was out of town and wouldn’t be helping me. ‘I had a busy day, Kyle. I was planning on returning your calls later. I am sorry. James is in Nashville at the moment. He can’t help.’

‘This is bad. Let me call Xavier. He’s around, but I don’t know if he will be home to pick you up. Let’s pray he is. This is bad.’ He replied, cutting off the call. 

 

I sighed, accepting my fate. I would just have to wait until the rain stops before I can order a ride. I was certain they would be available by that time. 

 

Kyle’s name popped up on my screen. I picked it up immediately. ‘He’s home. Thank God. I have sent him your address, and he will be there in forty minutes. Would you be able to wait?’

I replied, relief dancing in my stomach. ‘Yes, I will be able to wait. It’s raining heavily already, so I am not in a hurry.’

 

He chuckled, worry still written in his voice. ‘Stay in a safe place, alright? Also, once Xavier picks you up, text me.’

‘I will. Thank you so much, Kyle. I am grateful.’

 

‘It’s nothing, Tessa. I really wish I was around. I would have rushed under the rain just to protect you and get you home safely.’

 

I smiled. ‘Thank you, Kyle. I know you would have.’

 

‘Alright, keep me updated. I have to go. Business calls, please.’

‘Bye and thank you once again.’ I said, hanging up.

My ex-husband had come to my rescue, and no, I wasn’t focusing on his help but on how his voice made the butterflies flutter in my stomach.

 

I couldn’t stop myself.