Mom smacks Dad on the shoulder, a look of shock across her face. “John! You promised.”
My parents have been married for almost thirty years and I’ve always admired their relationship. They’ve had hard times, sure, but they always manage to smile, laugh, and tease one another. It’s easy to see that they love each other, but more amazing is that they still like being in each other’s company—they aren’t like those grumpy life-long partners that constantly bicker at one another.
The four of us sit and catch-up, sipping on our drinks as we wait for the rest of my family to show up. It feels so good to be surrounded by people who love and care for me and it makes me realize how much I’ve missed this with everything going on between work and Kyle.
Before long, Tanner and Kate arrive, sporting the same warm glow as my parents. Damn, I need to get a spray tan done, this winter weather is making me shades lighter than their warm complexions.
Or I could convince Kyle to take me on a Caribbean Cruise.Now that’s an idea…
Tanner and Kate got engaged on their Christmas cruise, and Kate happily extends her hand to show me the gorgeous oval diamond ring, surrounded by a glimmering halo on a platinum band. I do the obligatory “oohs” and “awws” as the light catches on the diamond, a cascade of light refracting off of the large center gem.
There’s an unexpected pang of jealousy that twinges in my chest when I look at her ring. Kate and Tanner have been together for a couple years and it’s clear they deeply love one another. I just hope that Kyle and I are able to get to that point.
We’re soon joined by Everly and her new beau, Holden. She radiates happiness as he guides her through the tables, his hand caressing her hip. They’ve been together since his dramatic appearance on New Year’s Eve and he only has eyes for her. My little sister deserves the world, and I think Holden’s determined enough to give it to her. He traveled back to Chicago just to be here for dinner and to meet our parents.
Introductions are made around the table and we all settle in as the conversation picks up. Dad, of course, orders deep dish pizzas for the table. Just like the guys, I order a beer, while my mom and sister sip their water. Neither one of them has a taste for beer, but who can deny the pizza and beer combo?
Our table is full of laughter—probably annoying other patrons, but we don’t care. Our family is big and loud and that’s how we like it.
I enjoy the night so much, I almost don’t notice that Kyle never shows up.
Almost.
Chapter 1
Melissa
The chill February wind swirls around me as I head into the bar Kyle wants to meet at. It’s been several days since I last saw him, and hopefully being around him will help ease some of my stress. Work has been insane lately and the thought of being able to spend time with him fills me with happiness.
The rooftop bar glistens with twinkle lights hanging from the exposed wood beams on the ceiling. This bar is known for its highly curated wine and beer, which is why Kyle chose it. He enjoys drinking all kinds of beer and actively seeks out places that offer brands he’s never had. Taking off my coat and revealing the tasteful black dress underneath, I scan the bar area looking for my boyfriend.
There he is.
Finally spotting him where he’s sitting at the bar when a small crowd of people leave and head to a table. I’m struck by how handsome he is. Kyle’s sandy blond hair is cut in a fashionable style occasionally causing strands to fall across his forehead which I find sexy. He’s still wearing his business coat as he sips on his most likely imported beer. It’s a little strange that he still has his coat on, but we are at a rooftop bar during winter after all.
Shaking off the thought, I bounce my way over on my sensible heels, sneaking up behind him, throwing my arms around his shoulders, and kissing his neck. “Hey, baby.”
Kyle jumps slightly before registering that it’s me, but he quickly composes himself, turning to greet me with a slight smile on his face.
“I didn’t know you were here yet,” he says with a detached tone. It sounds like something is bothering him, or maybe he’s tired. Whatever it is, something’s different. Trying not to read too much into it, attributing it to a long day of work, I act like it doesn’t bother me.
Sliding onto the stool next to him as he takes another swig of his drink, I gently rest my palm on his shoulder. “I wanted to surprise you. Did it work?” I shoot him a quick wink before flagging down the bartender and ordering a white wine.
He remains silent at my comment, continuing to stare ahead toward the bar, his drink now half-empty. A gnawing pit starts to pull at my gut. Something’s definitely not right. Has something happened today?
The bartender places my glass in front of me and I lift it to my mouth, taking a large gulp of the sweet wine. I’m about to ask him what is going on, when he stands, offering his hand out to me. “Come with me.”
Grinning up at him, I grab my things and link our hands together as he helps me off the stool. This is more like the Kyle I thought I was going to get tonight, always with a surprise up his sleeve.
He leads us through the bar toward the edge of the rooftop where the crowd is thinner so we can have a more private conversation. He leans against a wood pillar, slowly blowing out a breath of air. Something has changed. What was once flirtatious anticipation has turned into a ball of cement in my stomach.
Swallowing hard, I ask, “Is everything ok? What’s going on, Kyle?” Kyle glances around the bar, running his hand through his hair. “Did something happen?” My brain is already coming up with possibilities. He could have lost his job or something. Oh my god, is he sick? My body floods with worry as my mind makes up all these scenarios.
“Everything’s fine, Mel.” he spits, sounding exasperated. Finally, he makes eye contact with me, his brown eyes swimming with an emotion I can’t quite place. He takes another deep breath as if he’s preparing himself for what he is about to say. “The truth is…” he rakes his free hand through his hair, “I’m breaking up with you.”
My head jerks back like I’ve been slapped. This is the last thing I expected this evening when he asked if I wanted to meet up. I was looking forward to spending time with him, not having my heart wrenched from my chest.
Kyle ignores my shocked expression. “This just isn’t working. We’re both busy and don’t have the time for one another.”
