Chapter 6

Kyla had been busy typing the second half of a story.  Her mind was racing partly due to the excitement in the chapter, but also from the phone conversation earlier in the day.

“Kyla, why did you ever have to get involved with that jerk?” she asked herself out loud.  “You knew what you were getting into, and you still did it.  Now you just have to suffer.  Well, at least you only are obligated to finish this book, and then you can find a new editor and publisher.” she continued, to no one in particular.

After stewing over it for hours, she glanced at her watch and noticed that Nick hadn’t come home yet.  “Damn him, I wish he was here, the one night I need him to help me sort things out, and he is off goofing at a basketball game.” she finished and then shut down her computer.

Kyla wasn’t really angry at Nick, but he was the easy way out.  She had become accustomed to taking it out on him, because he would always be there and support her, no matter what.  Nick never left her side when there were problems, in fact, he always told her to talk things out with him before yelling at the publishers or Jack.

She sat there on their bed, getting more and more angry by the minute.  She was always known to let things bottle up inside, and then explode unexpectantly.

*** *** ***

Nick and Brian came bounding in the front door just after midnight.  Their team had won, and the events of the evening left them exhausted.

“Frick, why don’t you stay here tonight.  That way you don’t have to drive home so late.  I don’t think Trinnie will mind.” Nick offered.

“I don’t want to impose…honest.” Brian replied, not wanting to take up Nick’s space.

“Dude…come on man, it’s not like I don’t have like…a mansion, and stuff.  Gee…maybe we could squeeze you in the bathtub with a blankie and pillow.  No, wait…I don’t have any spare pillows…you’re gonna have to use the loofa sponge as one!” Nick joked.

Brian stood there trying not to laugh at his best friend.  “You know Nick, I have no idea how Kyla puts up with you.” he said as Kyla stepped in the room.

“Nickolas, where the hell have you been?  I have been waiting for 3 hours for you.” she said, upset.

“Kyla, we went to the ball game.  Didn’t you see Nick on television tonight?  We got to sing the National Anthem.” Brian said, hoping to calm her down.

“Oh…I see.  You two were off playing while I was locked up in my room, having to dish out chapters for my book.” she blurted, now very angry.

“Honey, we didn’t mean anything by it.  We thought you needed some time alone to work, not have me hovering over you all the time.” he said honestly.

“Yeah, well, maybe I DIDN’T want to be working on the book.  You didn’t even invite me.” she said as she huffed and stormed upstairs.

Nick and Brian just looked at each other, unsure of what had just happened.  “Dude, maybe I should just go home.” Brian quickly said.

“Oh no you don’t…while you’re here, she won’t kill me.” he said, more serious than not.

*** *** ***

After Nick got Brian some blankets and some clothes to change into, he walked upstairs to talk to Kyla.

“Honey, what in the world is wrong?” he asked softly.

“What is wrong?  Let me tell you what is wrong!” she blurted out.

“Trinnie, we have a guest…can we keep it down a bit?” he hissed.

“NO…I don’t care who hears this.  I have a fucking editor on my back about how shitty my book is turning out, the publishers want results in less than a week, I have to have SOMETHING to turn into them by Monday when I go to New York, and YOU are out living it up on the town!” she growled.

“Trinnie…that is NOT fair.  I have tried to be understanding.  The last few days have been unbearable around you.  Why are you so angry at me?  Isn’t it JACK that you should be mad at?” he hollered.

Brian sat downstairs on the couch, listening to the whole argument.  He felt so bad for being there.  Nick loved Kyla with all his heart, and would do anything for her.  Why was she so full of anger lately?  He finally laid down, trying not to listen.  He placed the pillow over his head, hoping to block out the noise, and get a decent night’s sleep.

“Dammit Trinnie, I have tried to be here to you.  I have bent over backwards to help you, to give you a nice place to work in private, and I get yelled at?” he said, obviously hurt.

Kyla soon felt a wave of guilt rush over her.  “Nick, I am sorry.  I shouldn’t…” she said, being cut off.

“That’s right, you shouldn’t have.  I think this was all a mistake.” he said, walking out of the room, and downstairs to the back patio.

“Frack, are you okay man?” Brian whispered as Nick walked by.

“Yeah, I just want to be alone right now.” he answered, and then walked out to sit next to the pool.

*** *** ***

Kyla came running down the steps with tears in her eyes.  “Where is he Brian?” she asked softly.

“Kyla, is everything all right?  You have not been yourself this past few days, and I just heard you arguing with Nick.  What is going on?” he inquired.

Kyla turned to walk away, embarrassed that Brian had heard the argument.  It wasn’t until she felt Brian’s hand on her shoulder that she stopped dead in her tracks.  “What do you want Brian?”

“You need to tell Nick what is going on.  You don’t have to explain to me, but you do need to explain to your fiance.  He loves you very much Kyla, even if you can’t see it.” he said.  “Tell Nick I am leaving, and I will call him in the morning.” he said, and then left the house quietly.

Kyla was stunned as she walked out of the house and saw Nick dangling his legs in the pool.   His tear stained face was hidden in the shadows of the tropical plants that hung over him.  Emotions were running through him, and his whole body felt weak from the energy he exerted.

“Nick, can we talk?” Kyla asked as she walked up behind him.

“There is nothing to talk about.” he said quietly.

“I think there is and I am going to sit here and talk to you until we work this out.” she said, hoping he wouldn’t get up and walk away.

Nick sat there in silence.  The waves crashed along the base of the wall that ran along the backside of his property.  The moonlight reflected off the crystal water in the pool.

“Kyla,” he started, using her first name rather than Trinnie, “we should really think things through.  I have to start back on tour soon, and you need to get that book done.  I hate the fact that Jack calls here every night and badgers you.  I hate the fact that he makes you so angry that you have no other way to deal with it than take it out on me.  I don’t mind being here to ‘sponge’ on, but think about it, I am not a rag doll you can beat to death emotionally with your anger.” he said, attempting to get up.

“Nickolas, I know I have been hard to deal with lately, but I promise, after this trip to New York, I will have everything all worked out.  Trust me, it’s not the book that is the problem, it’s Jack.  And, as soon as I turn in the finished project, and the publishers clear it, then I will fire him, and find a new editor.” she promised.

“Do you mean that?” he asked sadly.

“Yes, I do.  That will mean we can concentrate on ‘us’ for a while, and start talking about the wedding.  You have six weeks on tour, and then we can come back for a while, get our life straightened out, and then live happily ever after.” she smiled.

“You know Trinnie, that only happens in fairytales.” he replied.

“Yeah, and who better to write that story for us, than a song writer and his fiance, the fairytale writer.” she giggled.

Nick thought about it and burst into laughter.  “You always have a way with words Trinnie, no pun intended.  And you seem to always capture my heart with your passion for life.” he said, kissing her gently.

Kyla felt the tension between them dissolve and the warm feelings they always had emerge again.  It wasn’t until Nick asked a chilling question, that those feelings suddenly washed away.

“Trinnie, I heard the conversation between you and Jack this afternoon.  Why would he be jealous of me?” he asked, as her face turned pale, and she sunk down to the ground.