The Promise Pact (Promise to Love Book 1) (20 page)

He was a destroyed man and the worst part was that it was a self-inflicted wound.
She only wanted me to be a father and a husband.
He shouted in his mind, trying to reconcile the situation, but he didn’t know how to.
I’m doing what’s best for them, so why does it hurt so badly?

He caught a glimpse of his reflection in the glass and realized he needed to go home and change. He had spent the entire night in the office, and a shower was long overdue. He called his driver to pull around back, he wasn’t in the mood for casual conversations with anyone. He headed down the back stairwell. Once in his car, he grabbed his cellphone and dialed Kyle but the phone went straight to voicemail.

“Kyle where are you?” he shouted, causing the driver to swerve a bit. He needed to find out how everything was going with Kaya and Anne. Kyle was his lifeline to his former life. It was the only thing that kept him going throughout the day.

When he finally got upstairs to his condo, he walked into the den and stared out at Central Park’s 843 acres of land. The park was beautiful this time of year. Most of the leaves had fallen, giving him a better view of the first public landscaped park in the United States. He allowed his heart to imagine a life with Kaya and children, walking in the park, visiting the zoo, eating ice-cream and kissing Kaya sweetly as she cared for their children. But it was only a dream in reality, they would all despise him, despise the money and everything that came with his opulent lifestyle.

Max slumped into the chair near the window, and placed his hands on the table. That’s when he saw the letter again, the letter from Ms. Roy. He reached out and pulled it near him and ripped it open. His hands were shaking as he read.

My Dearest Max,

If you are reading this, I am sure you are having doubts about what to do, or else you wouldn’t have opened this letter. My dear boy, you have always feared the unknown, but we all do. Life is about challenges and how we overcome those moments of difficulty. It seems like your entire life has been filled with questions and fears. Why? Why do you keep holding back on life? Why do you keep questioning your past? Money can’t make you happy, I think that’s the one thing you’ve always known, so go out and find out what makes you truly happy. I think we both know what that is! Your parents weren’t there for you but it doesn’t mean you can’t be there for someone else.

Kaya is your heart. It just took a while for you to find out where it was. Now that you have it don’t let it go, it’s the rarest gift of all. The garden was just the path you needed to travel to get there. Now go, make a life for yourself and let go of your fears. She needs you just as much as you need her.

I’ll be watching over you, like I always have.

Love Always,

Ms. Roy

He crumpled the letter up into a small ball and tossed it across the room. What the hell did she know? She was dead. Did she have any advice on raising two children? He slammed his hand on the table. Why in the hell did she keep sending letters that didn’t bring anything but harm and frustration into his life? But more importantly, why was he so afraid to simply
love
?

CHAPTER NINETEEN

The air was crisp but not cold. It was going to be a perfect day to be outdoors. The sun was shining brightly not a raindrop was forecasted, nothing was going to spoil their outing. Kyle bent his neck back and quickly absorbed the southern rays, he loved the peacefulness of the south, no blaring cab sounds, shouting vendors, just simple living. He had gone to great lengths to plan their perfect day, a day that he hoped Angela would not soon forget. When they arrived at the Charleston Carriage Tour Company Angela gasped in excitement.

“Kyle, this is great. I’ve wanted to take a tour of the city since Kaya arrived in Charleston but with the garden, I hadn’t had the opportunity.” Her excitement warmed his heart.

“Can I pet the horse Uncle Kyle?” Anne begged.

“Yes of course,” he stated whisking her into his arms. The moment the horse shifted his body she started to cry. Both Angela and Kyle laughed hysterically.

When it was time to board the buggy, Kyle gently reached out his massive hand to help Angela onboard. Much to his surprise, she accepted his touch and sat comfortably. When she was settled on the rickety seat, he placed Anne tightly next to them and wrapped his two favorite girls tightly in a new wool blanket. Finally, he placed his arms around them both, to keep them safe on board. Angela shifted a bit… his magnetic touch was too much to bear.

Kyle smiled, he wasn’t going to let an awkward touch ruin their day.

The carriage ride was fantastic.

They toured Rainbow Row and drank in the majestic thirteen colorful historic houses. Anne told the driver it was where all the princess lived, including Kaya, when she wasn’t living at the beach house. The driver didn’t even ask any additional questions, afraid she would talk his ears off for the rest of the trip.

When they arrived at the Battery, Kyle purchased lemonades and pretzels, which they munched on while listening to the tour guide provide unusual facts about the old city. Angela was excited to visit their next stop, The Market, one of the most well-known attractions in Charleston. The Market was bustling with vendors and tourists alike when their buggy came up the north end of King Street. Kyle instructed their private tour guide to park the buggy for an hour while they toured and grabbed lunch.

As soon as they arrived, Kyle placed Anne on his defined shoulders while Angela stuck close to his side. “Look at me Auntie Angie, I’m flying like a bird,” she shouted, tossing her arms way out, causing spectators to laugh at her funny comment.

Dozens of Gullah ladies were spotted at the Market, feverishly sewing together sweet grass straw baskets. The baskets were more breathtaking than the ones Kyle once saw at the Smithsonian. After he had admired and praised the women for their craftsmanship, he purchased two large oval shaped baskets for his own personal art collection in New York.

For lunch, they ate a southern classic, shrimp and grits, while Anne demolished chicken fingers and fries. Surprisingly, they both laughed about old times, always making sure to protect themselves by not revealing too much. From a distance Angela could feel the presence of someone, someone lurking from afar. She quickly brushed it off as paranoia.

After lunch, the temperature had somehow dropped fifteen degrees and Kyle was concerned. Anne’s cough and runny nose had gotten better but he didn’t want to leave anything to chance. Plus, Max would have had his neck, if one strand on the tots head had been harmed. He informed the tour operator that they needed a private car instead.

Life had been good to Kyle. When they were in college, Angela could remember how they would pinch pennies for food. Now here he was a millionaire arranging private car transportation. She then recalled her interview with Kyle and how he revealed how poor he was as a child. How he and his brothers had to beg for food on the streets. Time had changed them both, but still not enough.

When the car pulled up fifteen minutes later, Angela felt a sudden, bright flash in her eyes that she assumed to be the reflection of an oncoming vehicle. She blinked a few times, readjusted her eyes then sat comfortably in the car. Kyle strapped in Anne and they were off to their next surprise location.

When they finally arrived at the Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, Anne saluted the soldiers and marched around the grounds, pretending to be a solider. How could one little girl come change all of their lives for the better so much she thought. As her mind drifted to Kaya she glanced at the clock, and realized it was getting late and that they should be heading back soon.

“This was fun today,” she told him in a nervous voice.

“It was. I appreciate you trusting me enough to come out.” He replied then breathed deeply and spoke again, “For years, it’s just been me and my brothers. I’ve enjoyed reconnecting with Kaya and especially with
you
!” He proclaimed with longing in his eyes.

The awkward conversation was brought to an end when Anne ran towards them, “What’s next Uncle Kyle?”

“We are going to Hampton Park for hot chocolate,” Kyle told her as she leapt with delight.

“Hampton Park sounds great but then we really need to head back to the beach,” Angela stated looking down at her watch for the second time. Kyle could tell she was getting a little worried.

Kyle answered saying, “I agree Angie, there’s just something I would like you both to see. I promise, we’ll get back before it’s too dark.” Then he motioned them towards the car.

***

Hampton Park would be their last stop for the day, but Angela could see why Kyle had saved the best for last. It wasn’t that the park was filled with major attractions or swarming with vendors, or even that it had a massive zoo where children could pet animals. No it was a quaint park, where nature came to life. Angela gasped in delight at the old, white, rickety bridge overlooking the duck pond and quickly grabbed the wool blanket Kyle had purchased. She spread it on the ground while he fetched three hot mugs of cocoa. The moment Anne hit the blanket she began to rub her eyes frantically. The day had been a busy one and she was exhausted. Minutes later, she was nestled on Angela’s lap sound asleep.

Angela sat there in the grass enjoying the last part of their day when another glaring light caught her eyes. It was identical to the one from earlier. She squinted then blinked twice and it was gone. She looked around but was distracted when Kyle approached.

“Oh no, she’s sleeping,” he said, handing Angela a cup of warm chocolate.

“Let her sleep. I don’t want to chase ducks and sing nursery rhymes anymore today,” they both laughed as he squatted down next to her.

“This was fun today. I can’t remember the last time I actually enjoyed the company of a woman,” he uttered in an unguarded tone. Kyle then removed his scarf and wrapped it around her neck, his masculine scent was exhilarating. “Just relax,” he whispered gently. Angela reluctantly submitted and rested her head on his strong shoulder as they quietly sipped the hot drink and enjoyed each other’s company.

Sitting so incredibly close to Kyle, a million thoughts raced through Angela’s mind. But the one thought that kept reoccurring was maybe Kaya was right, it was time to
forgive
.

Without thinking, she turned toward Kyle, and leaned in. His heart dropped.

She inched in closer.

Then closer.

“Kyle,” she whispered.

“Yes, Angie.”

“I think…” Angela’s words were immediately cut short by the glaring bright lights that suddenly invaded their space. Tabloid reporters swarmed over them shouting questions and screaming their names. The sudden noise startled Anne awake. She shrieked then nestled her head into Angela’s chest. The scene was right out of a horrible movie. Angela wasn’t accustomed to this type of reporting, it was invasive and cruel.

“Ms. Bridgeport, are you and Mr. Parker involved in a romantic affair? Were you both already involved in a steamy affair when you interviewed him on News 14 or did it happen afterwards? Was the interview a hoax or a sexual favor? Is that your love child? Did you know that Mr. Parker is dating model Gretchen Coy, how do you feel about that?” The questions and accusations were flying left and right, at a thousand miles per hour. Bright lights and obtrusive camera lens flashed in their faces, causing Anne to whimper in her arms.

Kyle pushed them back and helped Angela to her feet. He grabbed the blanket off the ground and covered their faces from the angry mob.

“Please let us be. I barely know Ms. Bridgeport. I was here on business and ran into her so we decided to have a quick outing today with her niece. There hasn’t ever been anything serious between the two of us.” He shouted.

Angela was mortified.
“I barely know Ms. Bridgeport…There hasn’t ever been anything serious between the two of us…”
The words crushed her, tore her apart. She was done trusting and opening her heart to him. He was a snake. A cowardly fucking bastard who only cared about himself. At that moment she vowed never to trust him again.

Angela pushed him forcefully away, back into the mob of reporters. Then she hopped into the car and slammed the door, but not before looking into his eyes. “Hardly know? Hardly know? I hate you Kyle Parker! I don’t care if you walk or crawl home. I never want to see you again.” She then ordered the driver to speed away. Then Anne cried and so did Angela, they cried in unison, as they headed back to the beach house.

***

Kaya was stirring outside of the house when they arrived. The salacious story was all over the internet causing quite a buzz. Anne had cried herself to sleep in the car. She was exhausted from fear and worrying about her Uncle Kyle.

Kaya hugged them both tightly then motioned for them all to enter the house. Once inside, Angela placed Anne on Kaya’s bed and closed the bedroom door behind them.

Then Angela broke down.

“It was simply horrible Kaya. How could he do this to me? The questions from all those tabloid rag reporters were obtrusive and speculative, I felt like some dirty gold-digger.” She sobbed.

“I’m sure Kyle had his reasons for saying what he did. Of course, I can’t begin to explain why but maybe you should give him the opportunity to explain,” Kaya rationalized.

“Kaya, I don’t want to see or hear a word from him again in life! You know the old saying, when someone shows you who they are believe them. He’s shown me time and time again he’s a selfish bastard!” Angela screamed with fiery red eyes.

Kaya felt defeated. There wasn’t anything else Kaya could say to ease her friend’s pain. They were two restless souls that kept losing in love. They cried together for a while and then finally slumped down on the old worn couch and stared out at the dark sky. They couldn’t see the blue ocean, but they could hear the roaring of the waves. With each crash, they felt themselves being suffocated in the tides, the tides of their lives.