“I know I have to prove myself.”
“Yes, you do, and saying what you think I want to hear, isn’t going to fix the problem unless you mean it.”
“But I do miss you.”
“I know you do, but…”
“And I trust you.”
She looked at him with a smirk. “I think somewhere in your mind you believe that, but your actions have proven otherwise.”
“Trina, how could you…,” he started to raise his voice and caught himself.
“That’s what I’m talking about. Your version of good enough, isn’t good enough. Your weak and feeble apologies aren’t good enough for me. This is why we need help.” She looked at her watch. “I have to go.”
“Trina,” he grabbed her wrist and then he quickly let go. “Just tell me what to do.”
“If you don’t know, then I can’t help you.”
“Are you still coming home?”
She turned and walked away.
Chapter 71
THE KNOCK ON THE DOOR wasn’t expected. Nor was the phone call from Chris asking if he could come over. Considering all the things he had been saying about her, Kyla wasn’t about to meet with him alone. Immediately after agreeing to meet with Chris, she called Sean and asked him to be there for the meeting.
She hesitated to open the door. She didn’t know why Chris didn’t like her. A few months ago, it really didn’t matter, but since she and Sean were engaged, it troubled her. Kyla knew Sean missed hanging out with his godbrother. He tried to repair the relationship, even though the break wasn’t his fault but, Chris refused to listen to anything he had to say. They were cordial to each other at church, but that was the extent of it.
Kyla opened the door and there was Chris, broken down, haggard, and lacking life. The absence of his family from his life was clearly visible. The light that once glowed in his eyes had been replaced by a hollow darkness. He tried to force a fake a smile, but the heaviness of his bad judgment and conduct outweighed his ability to pretend to be happy. “Hello Kyla.”
“Chris,” she stepped to the side as he walked inside. Winnie and Simon sat next to her feet, not moving.
He looked down at the two petite guard dogs. “Hey Winnie, hey Simon.” Both dogs growled as he spoke. Kyla closed the door leading the way into the living room with the two little dogs behind her. He looked straight ahead and saw Sean. “I was hoping you’d be here.”
“Have a seat.” Kyla extended her hand to the chair as she sat on the sofa next to Sean. Chris let out a sigh and sat down. Simon and Winnie sat at Kyla’s feet staring at Chris. The little guard dogs were quick to protect their mother.
“So, you wanted to talk.”
Chris cleared his throat. “Yes, I…Trina left me.” He waited for a reaction from Kyla, but there was none. “We met and she and Tyler will be home next week.” Still no response. “This is going to be more difficult than I thought. Kyla, I’m sorry for the way I’ve been treating you. It was wrong for me to say…I mean it’s none of my business what goes on between you and Sean.”
It sounded more like a back handed apology, instead of an admission of guilt for his behavior. Sort of like, I’m sorry I told everyone I know what you’ve been doing. And no matter what you two say, I know you’re living a lie and it’s just a matter of time until the truth comes out. And when it does, I’ll be the one saying I told you so.
“I’m sorry, I don’t understand what you’re trying to say,” Kyla retorted.
“I shouldn’t have told Aunt Belinda I suspected you and Sean were sleeping together.”
“Sex, Chris…you told her we were having sex, and that it was just a matter of time until I started drinking again,” Sean shouted.
Kyla patted Sean’s leg. “Calm down baby, let him finish. Go on.”
“I’m sorry about that. I spoke out of turn.”
“Out of—” Sean jumped in.
“Honey, calm down.” She continued patting his leg. “Chris, I don’t care what you think about me, but I do have a problem with your attacking Sean’s character. I’ll accept your poor apology, because I know that’s the best you are willing to do. However, while you’re here, you will respect Sean as the head of our family. I’m leaving it up to him to decide how we’ll deal with you. Now if you’ll excuse me,” she stood up. Sean quickly rose to his feet and looked at Chris. He stood up acknowledging the woman in the room. “I’m going to walk Winnie and Simon,” she kissed Sean and put her coat on. “Simon, Winnie, let’s go.” The little dogs ran to her and she hooked their leashes and left.
“She’s quite a woman,” Chris commented.