Lose Control (The Jewel Project #5)

18.2|| Other People

Kyle paced in front of the restaurant, feeling more nervous than ever. Which was really weird. It wasn't like he'd never been out eating with Kay before. Hell, they'd been millions of places together. But this was different. This time, it was more and not just because of all the pressure he felt, but because everything finally had a name. Estrangement.

He needed to call it like it was. Kay had moved out. As much as she claimed it wasn't true, she'd spent every night at Angie's place recently. His mother was right. He couldn't let her slip away, make up a new life in which he was just an afterthought. He needed to stop being selfish and afraid of commitment and do what had to be done.

With a sigh, he pulled the ring out of the front pocket of his shirt. Looking at it hurt on some level, as if he were forfeiting his sense of self. But that was mostly Sarah talking. He had no objective reason not to propose to Kay. He was even half convinced she expected it and part of why things were spiraling out of control was her hidden frustration. This would fix everything.

He shoved the ring in his back pocket. Nope, he couldn't do it. Expecting it to solve their problems was the worst reason to propose. Like having a kid to fix a marriage. Marriage. His parents were living proof that marriages fell apart even after five children.

But if he didn't do it and lost Kay because of it... He couldn't face that, now when he was sure that marrying Kay was what he wanted in the long run. To be with her forever, have kids with her, as many as possible, grow old together. And yet, that ring seemed to weigh a ton. 

You don't have to do it. It's not like she knows or expects anything. But he knew. Would it bring Kay home? Would it really make everything better? Was he really talking to himself?

"Hey, you okay?"

Kyle snapped out of his zone-out and stared at Kay who stood right in front of him. Her head was tilted questioningly and her silver chandelier earnings shone in light coming from inside the restaurant. She wore a satin light blue dress, long and form fitting and looked so beautiful. His breath caught in his throat.

"You came," he said stupidly.

"Of course I came." She eyed him up and down and her eyes seemed to sparkle. "Are you actually wearing a suit?"

"Um, yeah. To match your dress. You said dress up, didn't you?"

Her smile was so warm and honest and it seemed to fill him up with life and exhilaration. This was Kay. His Kay. Not the one of the past few weeks who wouldn't give him the time of day because she was always too busy. This was the Kay who adored him. And the ring was suddenly light enough to fly out of his pocket.

"Should we go inside?" she asked with a devious smile that proved she enjoyed the effect she had on him.

He immediately wrapped his arm around her shoulders and led her in, all the nervousness gone. Forget being worried. Everything would come naturally. It always did for them.

Kay stared around at the twenties-style decorations, at the dressed-up patrons, her smile filled with wonder. The live band played a jazzy piece and couples were already dancing. Kyle couldn't wait to join them, dance with her again. It had been too long.

Once they were settled at their small table in the corner, Kyle pulled his phone out and lay it face down on the table, honestly hoping she got the hint. Kay smiled and did the same and a weight seemed to lift off his shoulder.

"Whoever picks it up first pays for dinner," he said, and she nodded enthusiastically.

They immediately launched into conversation about their day and it was strangely pleasing to hear Kay complaining about work and shifts. She skirted around the subject of Angie and Kyle was actually grateful, because he'd had enough of that for a long while. He didn't broach his parents divorce either and filled her in on his latest adventures at work.