CHAPTER 17

Kyle King

`Mom, you know the company hasn't been too well, and this project we`re able to apply for is going to consume the little resources we have. I can't risk the company's future just because of an engagement party. I can`t.` I said, raising my voice a little.

Ava chuckled, `Then I will sing like a bird, and the world will know how lowly you can be!`

I snapped immediately, `You would do nothing, Ava. We planned everything together, and I remember you took a certain percentage to take Mom for a spa session. So, if you sing, we will go down together, alright?`

She jumped up instantly, glaring coldly at me. `If not for your mom and the love I have for you, I would have walked out of your life earlier today. Just be grateful; I am still here, okay?`

I chuckled. Why was she changing the topic? She should be defending her threat. I decided to push her a little.

`So, are you backing down on your threat and agreeing to the engagement plans? Or you want to sponsor it because of the love you have for me?`

`You wish. I am just being a good girlfriend by reminding you about the reason I am still with you, so that you will know I am worthy of the elaborate party. Or don`t you want me anymore?`She folded her hands, pouting her lips.

Right. She had to play with the puppy's innocent eyes and lips; I couldn`t resist. I had to give in. It was a test of my love for her, and of course, I wanted her in my life.

`So, don`t you want her anymore, Kyle?` Mom asked, taking a pork slice. She had been quiet after I challenged her order, which was quite odd. 

`If you don't want her, I will send a message to her family, and you will return the CEO title to me, son. Let's see how you and your lifestyle will survive.`

Another threat. Another warning gaze. Now, I know why she kept quiet.

I raised my hands in defeat and said, `Alright, I gave up. The engagement party will be held according to Ava`s terms and conditions. I will take care of the decorations and anything that is needed.`

Ava hugged me, kissing me. `You`re the best man a lady can ever wish for me. Thank you for fulfilling one of my dreams. I can now go ahead with ordering my dress.`

Mom smiled, typing into her phone, `And I just made an appointment for our spa session and the make-up artist. This engagement party would be the talk of the town, and soon, people would forget about Tessa and the company's issue.

I watched them exchange phones as they talked about the dresses that would fit Ava`s curves and the hairstyle that would fit her face. They were so happy and excited, but me? I couldn't explain my feelings. Xavier would be upset when I informed him that I had decided to work with Ava's suggestions.

I wasn't bothered anyway. I am Kyle King. One of the biggest CEOs in Nashville, and this engagement party was going to be my comeback to the limelight and not stupid gossip.

My phone buzzed. `It was Xavier. I had almost forgotten about the meeting.

I stood up, taking another pork slice. `I have to go, ladies. I have a meeting with Xavier and the team members. Ava, I need you to follow me.`

She grumbled, folding her hands in protest, `You can do the meeting without me, babe. I am a bit exhausted, and I have a meeting planned for tomorrow morning. I can't show up looking tired, please.`

Of course. She would do anything to avoid leaving the comfort of the house, the food, and gossiping with mom. 

I smiled. `It's alright. There`s no problem. I will give feedback once I return. Enjoy yourself.`

The First Lodge Clubhouse was the greatest hangout hub in Nashville. Every service, meal, and drink you could think of were top-notch. I always wanted to own a share of the hub, but mom didn't approve. She was one of those people who believed hangout hubs, bars, and the like were places for sinners. She wasn't even a religious person, but it wasn't my place to judge her.

The old woman would rather do a birthday party like it was in the eighties than do it according to modern style. I was grateful Ava was a woman of her standing, and mom loved her; if not, our engagement party would be pathetic. It wouldn`t even stand against Tessa`s own.

I walked into the hub after showing my invite, which cost me close to $30,000 to get. Xavier was seated alone while the team members were missing.

I coughed, announcing my arrival: `Hello, bro. I am sorry for coming late. Mom and Ava took my time. Where are the others? Did they leave?`

`I don`t know, Kyle. They have been waiting for more than two hours for their CEO, who always claims he's the most punctual person in the room. What the heck, Kyle? If you knew six o`clock wouldn't work for you, why did you not say so earlier at the office?` he snapped, drawing attention to us. 

I slid into a space near him. `I already apologized,bro. I would call if I knew they were going to take time. It just happened, and I promise, this will be the last time.`

He shook his head and said, `You were a better man when Tessawa was with you. I don't even recognise you now. Ava just came in and used some jazz on you, and now you`re so blinded by love that you can't even stand up to your mom or her. Really, Kyle?`

His words hit hard, but I took them the wrong way. It wasn't his role to judge me for anything or compare Ava with Tessa.  

I sneered, facing him sternly, `I`ve told you, Tessa`s chapter is closed, and Ava is the new Mrs. King and the one I love with my whole heart. Don`t you dare push me, please. Don`t you dare, Xavier!`

He stared at me for minutes, and I could hear his harsh breathing. I knew he was trying to control himself, and I prayed he would because I wasn't ready to fight with my best friend in public because of a minor issue.

`The team members have gone home. Where are the ideas you brought? he asked, changing the topic.

I could feel the anger in his voice, but I decided not to push it. `Alright, that's fine; I will send the updates to them on the Slack channel, and of the ideas, I have one that I feel will work.`

He didn't say anything, so I continued, `The Roberts family has been known to build projects in technology, telecommunication, marketing, and hospitality but not in transportation. Years ago, they started a transportation project, but the company they partnered with didn`t align with their goals, so they stopped. I feel if we can jump in on the project, it will favour us, and we will have a chance.`

He picked up the document I dropped earlier and read through it. `Alright, I will send it to the team, and we will get back to you on Saturday with a proposal. I will go now.`

Wait, what? The Xavier I knew would have argued about my plan and dropped some jabs before correcting one or two things and dropping his own opinions. This was bad. 

I pushed still. `Don`t you have something to add? A suggestion, opinion, or correction?`

He drummed his fingers, twisting his lips, saying, `I don't have anything, Kyle. It's your company, and you`re the CEO; anything you say, we will follow.`

`But Xavier, your money is here too, and your opinion matters. I know there might be loopholes in this project; that's why I'm sharing it with you first.`

`Like I said earlier, I don't have anything to say. If the team does, they will send you a message, Kyle. Goodnight,` he replied, walking away before I could recover from the shock.

What did I just do?

No. I wasn't going to blame myself for what just happened. If he wanted to be cold, then so be it. We were adults here and should know by now that some boundaries were never to be crossed. Gosh! I didn't even tell him about the engagement party, which was in three days. 

I wasn't sure I should even tell him now, but heck! Xavier had just been childish. By the time I took him to the beach and brought in his favorite girlfriends, he would be less angry at me. 

He was a player, after all.