“Yes. Shhh.”
The ensemble began playing and Kyla couldn’t believe her ears. The music was soulful, warm and inviting. She felt herself relaxing as the music took over her mind and spirit, leaving her free of worries and decisions about the future. She scooted closer to Sean and rested her head on his shoulder. He took her hand in his and she felt at peace. Sean watched as she tapped her feet to the sultry sounds of Ryder’s playing.
A couple of hours later, the band finished to a round of applause. Ryder walked over to greet them.
“I’m so glad you made it.” They hugged.
“I told you, whenever I’m available I’ll be here to listen to you play.”
“Thanks Boss. Kyla…I didn’t know you…” Ryder looked at Sean smiling. “I knew it.”
“Knew what?” Sean asked.
“That you two were seeing each other.”
Sean looked at Kyla smiling. “Not exactly.”
“But you’re here…together…you know what, never mind.”
“Where’s Stephanie?” Sean asked.
Ryder looked around. “She was…” His statement was interrupted by the hands of a petite blond woman with a pixie haircut, green eyes and a bright smile, wrapping her arms around his waist and kissing his cheek. “Hey babe.” He turned his head to the left and smiled.
She stepped to the side and hugged Sean. “Hi Sean.”
“Hi Stephanie.” He clasped Kyla’s hand. “This is Kyla.”
Kyla leaned forward and shook her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Same here. Wasn’t he wonderful? I told him once we get married, he has to promise to play for me at least once a week.” She looked at Ryder smiling.
“Married?” Sean asked. “Is there something I should know?”
Stephanie held her left hand out revealing the antique diamond solitaire. “It’s beautiful.” Sean said as he kissed her on the cheek. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” Stephanie was beaming.
“Congratulations,” Kyla chimed in and hugged Ryder.
“Ryder is a blessed man,” Sean replied.
“I know.” Stephanie smiled. Kyla looked at Sean and thought how fortunate she was to have him as a friend.
Chapter 46
KYLA WALKED INTO THE SHOWROOM and greeted everyone as usual. She knocked on the grey iron door, waiting for approval to enter.
“Come in,” called out the familiar deep voice. She pushed the door open and was greeted by Simon licking her feet.
“Hey there boy, I see you’re still getting further with me than your daddy.” She closed the door and rubbed his head.
“Maybe I told him to do that.” Sean turned around and smiled. “Hey Ky, what’s going on?”
“I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d pop in to say hi.”
He walked over and hugged her. “Where’s my girlfriend?”
“Excuse me?”