Chapter 5

It had been three weeks since the engagement, and still Nick felt uneasy.   For some reason, things weren’t going as planned.  Kyla was bogged down with deadlines, and he was trying desperately to keep his mind from swirling like a whirlwind.

Kyla has been up in her room working on the finishing touches for her latest book.   She had promised the script over three weeks ago, but because she and Nick had taken some time for themselves, her editors were practically knocking down her door for her finished copy.

Kyla heard the phone ring from her office.  “Nick sweetie…can you get that?” she hollered.

Nick picked up the phone, dreading hearing the other end.  He knew it was Kyla’s boss, and they weren’t happy with her.  “Hello?”

“Mr. Carter, this is Jack.  I know that Kyla is there…now put her on the phone.” he demanded.

“Look, Jack, she is busy and doesn’t want to be disturbed.” he said sternly.

“Dammit Nick, put her on the phone.” he yelled.

Nick slammed the phone down on the counter.  “Kyla hon, the dickhead is on the phone for you.  Do you want to speak to him or should I just hang up on him?” he hollered, making sure that Jack could hear him.

Kyla wandered downstairs to the phone.  “Nick, hon, did he hear that? she whispered.

Nick just nodded his head and walked out to the back yard.

“Hello?” she said.

“Kyla, I don’t know who you think you are going to marry…but I will tell you one thing.   Nick is an asshole.  He keeps you from your work, he treats me like shit, and I think he is totally wrong for you anyway.  What do you really see in that loser?”  Jack asked of Kyla.

“Jack, I don’t need to justify my life to you.  You are only my editor, remember…I can get a new one.  And, one more thing…do you really just hate Nick, or are you jealous?” she added and then hung up on him.

Nick walked into the room, overhearing part of the conversation.  “Kyla, why would he be jealous of me?” he asked curiously.

“No reason…he is just being a jerk.  Don’t be worried.  I think that he is just mad because I haven’t turned over the book yet…and he wants it published before the end of summer.” she said, not wanting to tell him the real reason.

“Oh, well, why don’t you get it done and get it turned in?” Nick asked.

“Because, I needed to take time for myself and for you.  That is more important right now.” she said with a smile.

“Yes, but Trinnie honey, you need your career.  It is very important to you.  Now look, I know that you really need to do this.  Me and the guys have some promotional stuff coming up, so you can have some time to yourself.” Nick offered.

“Well, I do have to go to New York for about a week.  That way I can get things cleared up.  When do you leave?” she asked.

“I leave in two days.  We are going to California for a few days…then to New York.  Maybe we can meet there.” he said.

“Sounds great…I will be up there next week.  So, we will talk about it once you find out which day you will be there.” she said and then went back to her work.

Nick called up Brian to see if he wanted to go to the basketball game, and then gave Kyla a hug and kiss and then left.   He would be gone the entire evening, leaving her plenty of time to work on the book.

*** *** ***

“You know Brian, I just don’t get it.  Jack really hates me.  I don’t know what I ever did.” Nick told Brian while they waited for the game to start.

“Well, you know…she is preoccupied with things…and being the editor…maybe he is catching hell for her lack of work.  Who knows.” he answered.

“Yeah, but today on the phone, she asked him if he really hated me or if he was just jealous.  Do you think that means anything?  I mean, why would HE be jealous of me?” he questioned.

“Well, maybe…umm…I don’t know.  You don’t think she had a thing with him a while back ago, do you?” Brian replied.

“Come on Brian…she never mentioned anything.  I think he is just a dickhead…that’s all.” Nick scoffed.

“Yeah, well, you ought to ask what the conversation was about.  You have a right to know…just talk to her.” Brian said as they were approached by a few security guards.

“Sirs, will you both come with me, please?” the officer asked.

“Umm, yeah, but what is the problem?” Nick asked.

“You are being asked to sing the National Anthem for the game.  Unfortunately, the young girl who was supposed to sing had to cancel at the last second…and when the owners daughter saw you two sitting in the stands, she begged her father to ask you.” he said as they were escorted to the offices.

After a few minutes, the owner convinced the two of them to sing, and with a few preparations, they were singing their hearts out to a sold out crowd.

Little did Kyla know, the her fiance was on television, singing his heart out.  Her mind was not on Nick, but rather her book and her career, despite what she told Nick.