CHAPTER 84

Kyle King

Sleeping every night became a tedious event. It felt like I didn’t know my body anymore, and my mind seemed like a battlefield where I was losing the war. 

I was pathetic, and Xavier knew I was, which is why I am currently staring at a lady dancing around a pole and men shouting like it was payday. 

I glanced at my bourbon and took a long sip, enjoying the slow burn. I needed that. Ever since my last meeting with Tessa, I haven’t been the same. Everyone in the workshop suddenly knew about my fertility issues and how I mistreated Tessa. I was suddenly the monster in the group of friends I had managed to make. To make matters worse, Mayor. Kim’s grant offer was withdrawn. He suddenly found me ‘uncivilised and brutal.’ I wanted to hate Tessa for everything that had happened to me, but I couldn’t. I knew I deserved it. 

My phone buzzed again. It was Avaline. She had been calling constantly for three weeks to yell and demand I return to Nashville. She wasn’t pleased that I had cancelled my ticket and remained in California. I couldn’t tell her why I had decided to stay because I didn’t have the energy for her nagging. I sent her a text asking if she had seen the fertility doctor and gotten the result of her latest test. She replied instantly, ‘The test results are positive, and that means you have to get yourself here so that we can start making babies.’

I read the messages a couple of times before dropping my phone. Good news, finally, but why did my heart still feel hollow? I knew the answer. Tessa was the only woman I wanted a child with, not anyone else. This was the truth, and I finally accepted it to myself after four years of steeliness. It was too late, though. She was happily married to Kanebi, and they seemed like the perfect couple. Funny how we were never like that except during the two years of our marriage.

A hand touched my shoulder, and looking up, it was Xavier. I sighed. His idea of fun had been a stupid one. I told him that much. 

‘Here to take me to another brilliant party, Xavier?’ I asked, staring blankly at the lady climbing the pole. She had taken off her gown due to the request of the hungry men at the front. Once upon a time, I would have been among those men, but Tessa happened, and I changed. She was an incredible person, but sadly, I never told her.

Xavier clicked his fingers and said, ‘Hey, pal! Are you still here? Why are you behaving like a wounded tiger who forgot his way home?’

I hissed, focusing on my empty glass. ‘You shouldn’t have brought me here when you knew you had other urgent business to take care of. FYI, I'm still pissed and angry, so your plan didn’t work!’

He smiled. ‘Indeed, Kyle. I feel my plan worked, but you’re such a big worry and it's hard to accept the truth. Let go of Tessa and watch how you will heal from whatever is troubling your heart. You know, it’s a little bit late for you and her to get together. Right?’

‘I know it’s a little bit late, but I must see her before she leaves. Her forgiveness is all that matters and what I yearn for at the moment.’

‘Of course, Kyle. You should have listened to me years ago, but no. You pushed her towards another man, and now he’s enjoying being the father of your kids. I am sorry, man, but I think you should move on. There’s no space for you in Tessa’s lies anymore.’

I grunted, ‘Thanks for the beautiful reminder, Xavier. Also, I told you already that they aren’t my kids. I was still infertile even after she left.’

He laughed, ‘But the doctor said you got better during the fourth year of your marriage. Think outside the box, Kyle. She couldn’t have gotten married and pregnant immediately; you guys went your separate ways. It’s not possible.’

I yawned, getting up. ‘I feel you should trash that idea and move on. All I want is for her to forgive me, and I will get out of her air immediately.’

‘She is leaving tomorrow. You can try your luck again, and I pray on your behalf that it works.’

I nodded, ignoring his goofy smile. I might be stupid for chasing after something that might never be mine, but I couldn’t shake that positive feeling. Also, somewhere in my mind, Xavier’s logic was alive. If truly the twins were my kids, then I had a chance in her life after all, and I could say good-bye to Avaline for good. 

Tessa was worth fighting for. I finally admitted it to myself as I stood up to leave the bar. 

The awful drive to Tessa’s home finally came to an end. I sighed, looking at my stained coffee shirt, and almost swore for the taxi driver. He had tried to play smart with the cops, and one stupid move made me spill coffee on my shirt. He was apologetic and offered to take me to the laundry store, but I declined. The shirt cost almost seven thousand dollars, and I couldn't trust the taxi driver anymore. 

Standing with a bouquet of roses, I wondered if I wasn’t stupid for showing up with the stench of ginger-glazed coffee. Returning home to change wasn’t an option, and besides, my perfume had reduced the stench a bit. My suit also helped in covering the stain, so maybe she wouldn't notice.

I hit the doorbell immediately. Three weeks of seeing her in places with Kanebi had taught me a valuable lesson. Patience. If I hadn’t been hasty, I should be at Kanebi’s place and probably laughing with the kids. I wish.

The door made a click, and a disgruntled James stared at me. Okay, this wasn’t the face I was expecting to see.