“Are you sayin’ you wanna fuckin’ marry me?” The thought of James wanting to make a commitment to me and raise children together sparks a kind of hope I’ve never felt before. An embarrassingly goofy smile spreads across my face.
“It’s what I hope for someday soon. If you’ll have me, that is.” James cups my jaw, his thumb caressing my bottom lip. “Kyle, the last six months have been the best months of my life, all because of you. You know how much I love you. But, darling, you do need to stop swearing so often, and, as I’ve told you before, you need to pronounce your words correctly.”
“Of course. I’m sorry, I forgot. I was just excited.” I’ve been trying really hard not to sound like a kid from the Pines, because the last thing I want to do is embarrass James in front of his friends and family. I’m getting better, but I still slip up sometimes.
“It’s fine darling, just remember you’re a lawyer’s partner now and you move in different circles. Now, go ahead and try on the suit.” James winks. “I’ll be there to help you in a minute.”
A few minutes later we’re making out in the changeroom. Thirty minutes later I walk out of the store with my brand-new Tom Ford suit.
Later that day, I call my sister to let her know I can’t make it on Saturday but can swing by on Sunday instead. We fight and she tells me not to bother if I’ve forgotten what it means to be a Davies.
She kind of hits the nail on the head because I don’t want to be a Davies anymore. I’m so done with being poor. Visiting my family home is nothing but a reminder of how fucked up my childhood was, and, with Bren gone, there’s nothing left for me in the Pines. My future is in front of me, with James. A man who wants to marry me and start a family. A man who has wealth, and class, and treats me like I’m someone. It’s an easy decision—I attend the gala.
Chapter 10
Kyle
Now
I’ve already been seated at the corner booth for ten minutes when six o’clock ticks by. Dressed in slim-fit jeans, a sheer, skin-tight black shirt, and my favourite leather jacket, I must admit that I’m looking a little slutty. Intentionally. Because afterBren’s had a beer or two, I fully intend on taking off my jacket. What’s the point of going to the gym every day if I don’t get to show off my body once in a while?
I glance hopefully towards the door but don’t expect Bren to arrive on time. To calm my nerves, I pull out my phone and scroll Instagram, in need of a distraction.
“Bar stool too good for you these days?”
Bren’s voice startles me, my head snapping up. His eyes sparkle with mischief, his lips curling into an easy smile. He’s in snug denim jeans—I want to get a look at his ass—and a white T-shirt that hugs his biceps and showcases his tatts.
“Hey Bren.” I’m not sure if I should stand or remain seated. What I’d really like to do is pull him into a kiss. “Thanks for doing this. Please…take a seat.” I motion to the other side of the booth. “They have burgers, chicken parma, tacos—your typical pub food. I thought you might be hungry after work.”
Bren slides in, placing his phone on the table. “Yeah, sure, why not? Let’s eat. I’m fuckin’ starvin’.”
“Okay, I’ll go order and grab us some beers. You wanna look at a menu?”
“Nah, just get me whatever you’re havin’.”
I nod, shuffling out of the booth. “Okay, back in minute.” Once I’m standing at the bar I take a sidewards glance at Bren; he looks as nervous as I feel.
When I return to the booth with two beers, Bren reaches for his wallet.
“How much do I owe you, man?”
I wave my hand, dismissing it. “Fuck off, Bren. It’s just burgers and beers.”
There’s an uncomfortable silence and I realise I don’t know how or where to start this conversation. My palms and armpits are embarrassingly sweaty and let’s not mention my erraticheartbeat. “Um…I guess I should start by apologising for the other night. I don’t know what the hell I was thinking.”
Bren takes a few generous mouthfuls of beer before responding. “Are you takin’ your meds?”
Well fuck, I wasn’t expecting that. I drop my eyes down to the table. “Yeah, I’m taking my meds.” It’s a hit to my pride but I force myself to straighten up and meet his gaze again. “I’ve been stable for years. I’ve got a good doctor that I see regularly, and she adjusts my meds if needed.” Truthfully, I’ve been struggling to fall asleep—too wired and too many racing thoughts—but I’m certain it’s just the shock of seeing Bren and nothing more.
“Good to hear you’ve got it under control.” Bren shifts uncomfortably. “Look, Kyle, I know you said you wanted to apologise, but honestly, you don’t need to. It was a lifetime ago and we were just two messed up kids. We both fucked up more times than I can count, and life turned out pretty good anyway. You married some rich guy, got the family you always wanted, and against all odds I got my shit together too. I love my business, and I’m happily married to a great—”
The server appears with our order, and I use the time to collect my thoughts. Once she’s out of earshot, I lean forward, needing Bren to understand how serious I am. “Bren, I get where you’re coming from, but it’s important for me to say I’m sorry. I’ve thought about you a lot over the years. There’s been so many times I wanted to contact you, but I didn’t think you’d see me after what I did. And, considering how you’ve reacted, I guess I was right. But I amsosorry, Bren. If I could go back in time and do it differently, I would.”
I study Bren’s face, but I can’t get a read on him. When we were younger, I always knew what was going on inside his head without him saying a word, so this is unnerving. Bren stalls, taking a bite from his burger and chewing slowly.
At least we’re not yelling at each other, and Bren doesn’t look like he’s about to do a runner, either.
“Kyle, there’s no need to drag it all up. I forgive you, alright. Get on with your life and don’t give it another thought. It’s all good, man. Let’s enjoy our food and drinks. Tell me about James and your family or somethin’.”
