The Divorce

35

"I don't quite follow."

Kyle was rubbing his eyes as he stared at me, or what he could see of me on the the facetime. 

He was trying so hard not to fall asleep.

"Which part?" I asked him. I was a little relieved to have told him everything but at the same time I was confused by his reaction. A mere...'okay.' 

"All of it. You're basically acting like your boss's ex wife for money? It better be good money. You already told me this in the text."

"I'll give you half," I joked, "I know but I wanted to tell you in person..you know I didn't tell you everything n that text."

"I want it all if he kissed you."

"Once!"

"I'm aware Rory, you told me fifteen times it was once, and an accident and you didn't kiss him back. I am very well educated that you shared a kiss now."

"Sorry..."

"You should be, but to be honest Rory you should be more sorry about making poor choices than apologising to me."

That hurt, but he was right.

"I do need the money Kyle. Maybe if we get a lot, you could you know...find a casual job and you don't need to work so hard."

"Rory...I won't be giving up my career here. You know that. You agreed to that when we first started dating. I thought we both didn't need to be around each other all the time," Kyle ran a hand over his face.

"I know," I replied.

"Have you changed your mind?"

"No...I was just thinking maybe it would be nice to holiday and spend a little bit of time together."

"Is that YOU talking or someone else? You hate to holiday..."

That is also true. Maybe it was Fern talking through me, putting ideas in my head making me question things. 

Kyle looked tired as he laid on his bed, I could hear the chatter in the backgrounds even if he was wearing a headset. 

"I'm sorry if I upset you. I did try telling you earlier I just-,"

"I know Rory, I remember the other phone calls. The one maybe when you were high on painkillers after the tooth thing...you know your boss called me afterwards."

"He did? What did he say?" I asked, I didn't realise they had spoken.

"Not much, but he did say that he was asking a lot of you and to respect your words when you tell me what's happening. I have to admit, that's why I'm okay about this. Hearing some stuff from him softens the blow. But...'m still not happy about it you know."

"About the kiss?"

"Well, I know that was out of your control but yes. In a way I wish you didn't put yourself in that situation in the first place. I trust you but I can't lie, it still hurts. Actually maybe I'm more confused about why that was needed but I don't know all the details, and frankly, I don't want to know. I'm placing my trust in you but just do me one favour, will you?"

"What is it?" I asked, cautiously almost.

"If things escalate, or this happens again. Please break up with me. I'd rather not know. Once you're back and I'm back maybe we will talk about this but not now, and not here..."

"Kyle...it won't. I really don't like Gabriel like that and he despises women, he would never touch me inapp-,"

"I know. I met the robot of a man. Trust me, I'm not threatened by him but no one man will be okay with his girlfriend kissing another man, no matter how much money she's getting."

"Even a billion dollars,"

A small smile littered Kyle's face, "Fine, we'll talk at a billion dollars but right now its a no from me. So promise me, if you start to get even a hint of emotion, you'll do be right by breaking up with me."

"I promise."

"Good, now I love you but I really need to get some sleep. We have a three a.m. exercise for the newbies and it's already one."

"I know, I love you," I said at a blank screen. Kyle had already hung up after the last word, perhaps there was someone there watching.

I sighed throwing my phone onto the pillow and laying on my back. I was relieved to finally have told him, but not the relief I was expecting. I still felt guilty, and about lying to that horrible grandmother of his.

No matter how much someone sucked, surely they didn't deserve someone to lie to them.

I rolled out of bed, peaking through the curtain and sure enough Gabriel was still there, scrolling on his iPad. I slowly opened the door and saw his finger pause on the screen, so he did notice my presence again. 

"Yes?" He asked when I made no move to speak.

"Just wanted to confirm...we have nothing on this morning?"

"Not until dinner."

Great, another dinner to sit through. Hopefully this time I won't get stuck practically naked in the corridors. 

"Can I go do some exploring?"

"Exploring?" Gabriel slightly turned his face, "For what?"

"Maybe some souvenirs? I might get Kyle something."

"Sure," Gabriel said almost immediately, and then stood up, "I'll come with you."

With me? Surely he had more important things to do. 

"You don't know your way around here, or have access to the drivers, so I'll naturally have to show you around."

"That's okay, I can ask Fern if you're too busy-,"

"Nonsense. I'll come. Let me get changed."

"Where should we meet?"  I asked but it was too late, as always Gabriel was already walking past the balcony and into his room.

I headed back indoors to grab a few essentials, a tote, a hat and some sunscreen and slipped into more appropriate walking shoes. Well, even if I didn't want Gabriel coming with me, I could at least make the most of this situation and use him as my tour guide. 

Maybe for once, he could be my  not so little assistant.