“Yes.”
“Then it’s settled. Come on Winnie and Simon.” Kyla picked up both little dogs and placed them on the floor. “We’ll be right back and maybe we’ll pick up some bagels while we’re out.
“Okay.”
“Read your Bible while we’re gone.” She turned and started walking.
“Yes ma’am.” He agreed to her suggestion, not letting on that he had already had his morning reading and prayer time earlier. He waited until he heard the elevator door close before reaching for his iPad to check his emails. A few minutes later the elevator dinged and the door opened followed by footsteps. He called out, “That was quick. I guess you decided against the bagels?”
The footsteps got louder as they approached the bedroom. He listened for the sound of tiny pats across the floor, but there were none. Maybe Kyla was carrying the dogs. The steps continued and then stopped. He looked at the doorway.
“What are you talking about?” Chris asked.
“Oh, hey, I thought…never mind. Tommy didn’t tell me you were here.”
“You forgot you gave me and Trina a key when we brought you home the other day.”
“That’s right.”
“Were you expecting someone else?”
“Help me up.” Chris walked over and helped Sean out of bed. “Thanks.”
“Are you supposed to be on your feet?”
“Not really, but I’m tired of sitting in the bed.”
They walked into the living room and Chris helped him ease down onto the sofa. He put a pillow on the coffee table and placed Sean’s foot on it. Chris sat in the chair across from him looking around and noticed the large black Chanel handbag sitting on the coffee table. “Sean, who’s been staying here with you and where’s Simon?”
“A friend?”
Chris stood up shaking his head. “Sean, are you insane?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Brother, where’s the wisdom?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Unless there’s something about you I don’t know, I suspect that Chanel bag and the suitcase I saw in the guest room belong to your friend. Is that why you told Trina you didn’t need us to come over and help you?” Sean shifted on the sofa. “And, seeing you aren’t looking me in the eye, I’m pretty sure the friend is Kyla.” Chris looked at his godbrother, waiting for him to deny or confirm his statement. “Are you insane? Where’s the wisdom? You can’t be locked up here with that woman.”
“Which question do you want me to answer?”
“All of them.”
He sighed. “No, I’m not insane. Yes, I’m using wisdom, and yes Kyla is staying here.”
“And I see you have decided to become a fool, too. What’s that scripture in Proverbs, the companion to fools will be destroyed.”
“Not funny.”
“It’s not meant to be. Wisdom would dictate that as vulnerable as you are, you should stay away from her. That woman is fruit of the poisonous tree. One bite and you’re a goner. I don’t think you really see what’s going on.”
“What are you talking about?”
“If you don’t know, then you deserve to have whatever happens, happen.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry, man. I know how much you want someone in your life, but you can’t fall for this woman. She’s trouble.”
Sean listened as his friend went on and on about Kyla. He knew this wasn’t the best time to tell him he’d already fallen for her.