Kyle King
When I walked in, Romina cleared the table. My mom and Ava hadn't bothered to wait for me. This has been going on for two weeks since I decided to halt my marriage decision. I felt I was seeing someone, and three times I caught her showing up at places where I held meetings with clients. Mom wasn't helping. She had started bringing up topics about children and how starting to make plans about them early helped. She had even gone ahead to show up with flyers on how to make babies as a couple when I was having a serious meeting with Xavier.
When I complained about her behavior, she reminded me about the wasted years with Tessa and warned me not to waste Ava. According to the family, or so she claimed, Ava was or is fertile, and the earlier I get on her, the better for the family generation.
I was mortified. What kind of mother walks into her son's sexual life like it was some talk show?
I picked an apple and nodded at Romina. ‘Where are they?’
Romina looked up, then focused on the plates she was crossing. ‘They left a few minutes ago. Miss. Ava said you shouldn’t forget the dinner she set for you guys at seven o’clock.’
I nodded again. ‘Thank you. If Xavier shows up, tell him to meet me in the library. I want no disturbance, okay?’
‘Okay, sir. Would you like me to prepare lunch for you?’
‘No, don’t bother. I ate something before leaving the office, Romina. Thank you.’ I replied, taking another apple and climbing the stairs.
I have decided to tell Xavier about Uncle David`s help since he has been seeing Uncle David around. Also, I missed my best friend, a part-time business associate and adviser. He would also help me deal with this doubt I had about Ava and the thoughts of Tessa, which have refused to leave since the day I met her at the courthouse. Her red hair. Her fuller face. She looked more beautiful than when she was here and was happier. I guess I had been the one sucking the daylight from her.
Tessa. Honestly, I thought I would see her when James came from Arizona to finalize the court settlement. I wanted to apologize for everything. Damn my ego. I had realized I had done wrong by her.
I picked up my phone and typed a text message expressing the need to see her. I read through the content again and retyped the message. I read again. I retyped and deleted everything. This wasn't a wise decision. Tessa was the past, and Ava is the present. I shouldn’t complicate matters. Would Tessa want to see me, though? I could still remember the hate in her eyes when she saw me at the courthouse and her last words.
No. I shouldn’t do this. She wasn’t worth it.
I brought out documents for the robotics project Uncle David had suggested for the company. It was a project for kids. A summer school for ages, he had said. We needed donations, and for that, we had to create bullet points to sell to our shareholders, Uncle David's friends, and prospective clients and companies. This was the main reason I needed Xavier. He was good with tech projects, while I was good with business projects and giving orders.
The project was quite simple. We needed sponsors for food, drinks, and computers. We had teachers and robotic developers to supervise. The King`s team was in charge of that.
However, I wasn't in charge of the finances. After what happened with the Roberts`, Uncle David decided to place the administrative officer in charge. I agreed. I didn't want any drama or fights with Uncle David over the money.
The door creaked open. Xavier walked in with a boyish smile. ‘What’s up, brother?’
I smiled, drawing him in for a hug. `I have missed you. What have you been up to?`
He chuckled. 'I have been avoiding your drama, and if not for that invite to the office, now, here, I will still be avoiding you.’
‘I know my apologies won’t make sense, but still, I am sorry for not listening to you. I should have tread carefully and not let the frivolities of life control my decisions.`
`Of course. You shouldn't stop apologizing anytime you fail to listen to me. I am your friend, but I can't force you to take my advice all the time. It's your choice to take it or leave it.`
I smiled. ‘I should learn to start taking your advice then. It has proven to be the best so far, and I must admit, you are really good at this advice thing. You should take a job as a therapist or guidance counselor. You will do well; trust me, pal.`
He laughed. `No, those professions aren’t for me. I prefer being the techie guy. It keeps me happy, and the money is good. Anyway, I hope you have settled the Roberts finally?’
‘Yes, a week ago. We signed all documents and ensured everything was settled, including the figures. Honestly, I thought about Nashville State Prison several times before the settlement. How will I end up with a tag as a jailbird? I'm glad it’s all over.’
‘Of course,’ he said, ‘I am sure you haven’t learned your lesson, right?’
I nodded. ‘Yeah, definitely. I am not going through that phase ever again. I have something to tell you, though.’
He sat up. ‘About the help from Uncle David? Go on; I am listening.’
I was amazed. How did he know about that? I pushed the question to him.
‘It’s an easy guess that only your best friend would get. I knew he was the only one you could turn to, except for your mom and her siblings. Besides, I saw him at your place when I came last time.’
I nodded. ‘You’re right, bro. Honestly, there was no one I could turn to. Ava refused to allow me to sell the car, and my mom refused to allow me to sell the house, so I had to meet with Uncle David. He was happy to help, but he asked for something in return.’
‘I am listening, Kyle, and I hope you made the right decision.’
I cleared my throat and told him everything. Thankfully, he was all ears, so he listened to everything.
‘Okay. I won’t judge you. That was the best decision you could make. I hope it doesn’t end in chaos,’ he said.
Kyle KingWould it end the chaos? I know it won`t. Uncle David was a family relative who wouldn’t take advantage of me, especially at my lowest point. He wouldn’t dare.‘It won’t end in chaos. I know it won't,’ I repeated. He is family, and I am certain he won’t try anything that will make my mom start a war against him. He fears her and her family.’ He smiled. ‘Of course. Who won’t fear your mom? She is as cold as ice and holds grudges like it’s a game. I always try my best to avoid her, and I hope your uncle does the same. You didn’t tell her about the deal, right?’ I shook my head negatively, ‘No, I didn’t. That would be stupid of me, wouldn’t it? Besides, you know she won’t approve. She hates Uncle Dave so much, like he’s the devil’s advocate.’ He laughed. ‘Your uncle was a terror during the heydays of the company’s battle of the heads. Enough of the company’s talk, though. How’s Ava? I'm surprised she’s still here.’ I breathed lightly. Thank heavens for the change of topic.
Geneveive Tessa RobertI took the last suitcase downstairs, ignoring James`s order not to stress myself. I wasn't going to sit down and watch them do everything for me. I was pregnant, not indisposed. I should be allowed to do certain activities, but no, my family disagreed. I shouldn’t be stressing the twins. I was showing a nice bump already, and the teases from James made me favor long flowing gowns over the designer dresses mom had bought at exorbitant prices. I couldn’t blame her. She wanted her daughter to look beautiful even when pregnant. ‘I told you to sit in the car while I help with the luggage, sis.’ James said, collecting the suitcase from me.I protested, ‘I just wanted to help and not sit down and do nothing. It’s been two weeks sitting at home and just going shopping and visiting family friends. If not for the interior design plans and Vera, I would have been bored to death.’He paused, smiling at me. ‘And I am glad our parents ensured you did nothing. You can’t expec
Kyle KingThe months went by rocket-fast. Between being buried with the robotics project for kids and getting to all the places Ava wanted me to be, I barely had time to follow up with other events in my personal life, like checking up on my mom and hanging out with Xavier.I also thought less of Tessa and more of the profits I was making since Uncle David sprinkled his blessings on the company. I had to say that the last three months since the Roberts case have been great. Tonight, we were visiting Katherine, who was in the hospital. She had gone into early labor, and the first grandchild of the King’s family came through—Carlos.Mum couldn’t stop talking about how cute Carlos was over the phone, and before her phone battery died, she had sent over a thousand photos of little Carlos and Katherine. I was happy for my elder sister but kind of sore because mom didn’t give up on reminding me about my stagnant relationship with Ava. I didn’t want to argue with her, so, like a good son, I
Kyle KingXavier picked up the account statement again, read through it, and threw it on the table. ‘You should confront her, Kyle. It’s wrong. How can she just take it to throw a party? Who does that?’I shook my head in disbelief. I couldn’t believe what the account statement said. Within the two days that Uncle David reported the withdrawal, Ava had spent close to two hundred thousand dollars on a party, her vehicle maintenance, a spa, and a lot of expensive shopping. He had been stupid enough to give her the company’s card and details for safekeeping.He had called her immediately. Christine brought in the account statement, but her line was switched off. I sent a text to mom, hoping Ava was around her, and she replied. Ava was in France for a fashion show. Unbelievable! How could she leave Nashville without telling me and after what she did?‘Xavier, I am trying to keep my cool. If I don’t return that money, Uncle David will start a war, and I don’t want that right now.’He breat
Kyle King‘I told you marrying Ava is the best decision ever, and no one is pressuring me.’ I said, checking if they were still in the kitchen. I didn’t want Ava to walk in while we were having this conversation. It won’t be funny.‘Yeah, you have said so a million times, and yet, I have a feeling you are trying to convince yourself and not me or anyone else you have been telling. I hope you’re making the right decision because I won’t be here to listen to your sad tales later.’ He replied, getting up.I sighed. I was tired of having this conversation with Xavier, but he is supposed to be my best man for the wedding, and I didn’t want to fight him now.‘I have already told you that she’s right for me, and I am really happy about this decision. I need you to accept that, Xavier.’He settled down and said, ‘Fine, I accept your decision, and I hope you acce
Kyle KingRather than waiting for my mom to arrive at the office for the meeting with Uncle David, II decided to drive over to her house and have the conversation. I also chose that option because I didn’t suspect that there was a reunion party within the King’s family. It will draw the press’s attention, and I didn’t want to start answering questions.Uncle David arrived shortly. He was wearing his signature perfume, Calvin Klein, his ever-smooth black suit, and designer shoes. He looked like a hot Hollywood sugar daddy. Maybe he wanted to impress my mom.‘Hello son. Sorry, I came late. An emergency meeting came up before I left the office, and I had to attend it. It was really important. Where’s your mom?’ He said it in one breath, sitting down.I smiled. ‘She’s in the kitchen, supervising the meals. She believes you are here to apologize and ask for forgiveness. I hope you are here for tha
Geneveive Tessa Robert The United Kingdom was everything I dreamt of. The estate where we resided was quiet and peaceful, with friendly neighbors. I remember when Hope and Nicjolas came to the world, and mom announced it to the neighbors. The love, gifts, and lovely messages that flowed in were so much that I broke down crying. It was massive, and I was grateful for everything. Also, my return from the hospital was greeted with a surprise party, and loads of gifts flowed in. I had to send most to the foster homes around and donate to orphanage homes too. I didn’t want to lavish the kids with too many gifts that they wouldn’t be able to play with at the end of the day. I smiled, looking at my mom as she carried Hope. She was a replica of Kyle, while Nicholas looked more like me and James. Strange, but beautiful. James called Nicholas his twin and bought him his first car. I was crazy about him then, but now it doesn’t matter since Nicholas wasn’t go
Kyle KingThe well-trimmed beard around his hollow face and blond hair rolled back from shaped eyebrows. His smile didn’t hide his hollow face or do justice to his appearance. He walked towards me with a tablet. ‘Mr. Xavier is on the other side of the room. Please, come this way.’I don’t understand why Xavier decided to leave our favorite bars and restaurants and book a spot in this expensive classic restaurant. I didn’t get it at all. I followed the waiter, who seemed to be popular among the customers. Every second, he stopped to say a quick hello or inform one of them to leave a review. I hated things like this, but I followed them still. Nobody really paid attention to me, though, and I got why Xavier had chosen this place. They were the kind of people his mother hung out with. The high-profile people in society paid no attention to him, and after a while, he got used to the stops and pauses of the waiter’s greetings.Th