Chapter 10

Gael

It takes a while, but finally we buy the soft drinks and go back to the group.

“I can't believe it, how Kaleo has the guts to go up to her.”

I don't know who the boy is, but Bryan doesn't seem to have a good relationship with him. I look where our group is and two boys are coming towards them, both are redheads, however, one is taller and with a stronger physique.

“Who are those guys?”

“The shorter one is Rayka's ex-boyfriend, the relationship ended after she discovered his betrayal, Andrew said he would end his race if he got close to his daughter again, and I will be happy to do him that please.” Bryan speaks up, tightening his stride.

I will never understand why people stay in a relationship and cheat, if you don't like it anymore, the best thing to do is to break up and each one move on with their lives. And how can anyone in their right mind betray a person like Rayka, who even though I only met today, I could already see that she is a strong, intelligent, and charismatic woman, besides being beautiful.

Despite the implication, Bryan has affection for Rayka, and his gesture shows it, however, a fight in public will not be a good idea. Even from a distance, I can see that Rayka is tense, apparently the conversation is not being friendly.

As I get closer, I can hear what Kaleo is saying.

“If you weren't so proud, we'd still be together, but because of your stubbornness, you're alone, holding candle for your friends.”

“Stay with you to continue being a cuckold? No thanks, I'd rather stay single.”

“There's no such thing as being a cuckold and you know very well, we can be together and be happy, all you need for that is to stop being selfish.”

I don't know the whole story, but I can see that he wanted to be with her still, and he won't like to see that Rayka is over him and is with someone else. This will be the best punishment for him at this moment, I will show this bastard that he is not the only man in the world.

“Don't do anything, I have a better idea.” I say quietly to Bryan.

I hand the cans that are with me to Bryan, so that I have my hands free. I approach Rayka from behind, put a hand on her waist and turn until I'm between her and her ex, I bring my face close to her neck so that it looks like I'm giving her a kiss and so I can speak just for her to hear.

“I'm here to help you, just smile and ignore him, your silence will be worth more than any words.”

My intention was just to pretend, but seeing how she shivered with our proximity, I can't resist giving her a kiss at the base of her neck, I go up feeling her perfume and deposit another kiss near her ear.

I pull away before I cross the line, but I keep my hand on her waist.

As soon as I stand facing the boys, I notice that the ex is glaring at me and measuring me up and down.

“Excuse me, who are you?” I asks.

“Why do you want to know?” Kaleo replies.

“Out of politeness, after all you are not part of our group.”

Kaleo tries to approach, but the boy next to him holds him back.

“Come on Kaleo, I am Kaneki.” He introduces himself. “I work for Mr. Powell, and this is my brother Kaleo.”

“Right.” I say and look at the clock. “Guys it's past 6pm, I think we better go.”

“Before I go, I want to show you something, come with me Gael, guys meet me at the exit.” Rayka speaks and turns around pulling me by the hand.

Without knowing what she intends, I let her guide me, she doesn't stop or say anything until we arrive at Oil Derrick, a tower like those of oil extraction.

Just the two of us enter the elevator, which is made of canvas, so that you can go up enjoying the view, as well as feeling the wind. But my focus is all on Rayka and not on the landscape, I lean against one of the walls and she leans against my side.

“Thank you for what you did, it's the second time today you've offered me support.”

“It was no big deal; I saw that you were tense, and I thought it was a better solution than letting Bryan hit the boy.” I say remembering his reaction. “I just hope I didn't cross the line, and if I did, I apologize.”

“You didn't pass, and in fact your method was even better.” She speaks with a smile, and I think about redoing that. “Wait, Bryan wanted to hit him?”

“Yes, he did.” Although I'm not a gossip, I can't pretend I don't know the story. “He told me that you were boyfriend and girlfriend and broke up because of a betrayal.”

“That's right, I didn't expect that seeing Kaleo again after so many years would be so difficult.”

Does she still like him after all this time? After all she was betrayed, but that doesn't mean the end of a love. And if that's the case, even though she has piqued my interest, I'd rather not even try to invest in something more.

“Do you still like him?”

“No, I don't.” She lowers her head so that I can no longer see her face.

I don't know what she's thinking or feeling, but I can't see her like this and not offer my support. I come closer to her and hug her, she takes off her hat and lays her head on my chest, we stay the rest of the way in silence. The elevator stops at the top of the tower, and we go out to the observation deck, Rayka goes to the guardrail, and I accompany her, from up here the whole park looks small.

“When I was little, my father brought me up here and told me that I could have the whole world if I wanted it, as long as I had the courage to fight for it. And today I didn't even have the courage to face my ex.”

She's feeling weak for not being able to stand up to that brat, and apparently that's a feeling she doesn't like.

“Know that I do not think you are weak, because what I saw down there was a mature woman dealing with a kid.” I speak and she does not answer. “And you don't have to talk about it if you don't want to.”

“Thank you, you supported me even without knowing the whole story and that's why I don't mind telling you.” I'm happy with your trust in me. “Kaleo and I dated in high school, and I thought the long-distance dating would work out during college, that is until the day I saw a video on the internet of him kissing another girl. And when I called to confront him, his response was that I was already used to relationships like that and there was no reason to fight.”

Is she one of those liberal women who like open dating or attending swing groups?

“What do you mean you were already used to it? - I ask to understand.”

“It's just that my parents have an open marriage, but just because they're happy that way doesn't mean I want that for myself. I want someone who just wants to be with me.” She turns her face and looks at me. “Do you understand?”

It can't have been easy growing up like that, and yet she has her own way of being, not letting herself be led by her parents' choice.

“I do understand, and you're not wrong, for me a relationship has to be just for two.”