Chapter 20
“HI. I just got home,” Kyrie said with a sigh the moment his face appeared on the camera.
Chaya wished she could touch his face, hoping it would make him feel better and put a smile on his lips.
It should not be new to Chaya. Her relationship with Tyler was as good as a long-distance relationship because he was always away for his shoots. But with Kyrie, absence really made the heart grow fonder.
“How’s work?”
“Fine as usual. Have you had dinner yet?”
“Oh, I had an early dinner. I think I’m going to stay up all night.”
“Hmm.”
Chaya giggled as he pursed his lips and arched his thick eyebrow.
“Next week, we’re turning a month. So...” Kyrie wiggled his eyebrows.“How do you want to celebrate?”
“Why do I have this feeling that you’ll fly over here anytime soon?” she asked.
Kyrie chuckled. “I’m glad you know that.”
Chaya grinned and lifted a finger. “Hang on. I’m going to send you something.” She uploaded her ticket details and sent them to him via chat.
“No way,” he said in disbelief a few minutes later.
Chaya laughed. “See you soon? I just want a boring pizza and iced coffee date with you.”
“I’ll fetch you at the airport,” he said, ecstatic.
“Only if you’re not busy.”
“Chaya, you’re my girlfriend,” he said matter-of-factly.
“And I’m sure you have other responsibilities as well.” Chaya giggled. “I’m just kidding. Of course, I’d be upset if you won’t fetch me at the airport.”
Kyrie nodded.
“So,” Chaya’s face turned serious. “Aren’t you going to tell me about the mother of your son? What was Avery like?”
Kyrie’s face softened. “What do you want to know about her?”
“So…” Chaya cleared her throat. “Jellybean asked me if we talk about her a lot. I mean, I respect your past with her, but I just want to know what was going on. She lives there with you. And I’m here. It’s not that I don’t trust you. Jellybean mentioned that you accompanied her to the hospital. Is that something I should worry about?”
“Yeah, that.” Kyrie sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Avery hasn’t been feeling well since she came here with Kiel. She needed to see a doctor. You will know everything when you come here, all right?”
“Yeah. Of course.” Chaya felt something was going on, but she needed to trust him.
“Thank you for understanding.”
***
“You're leaving again, Mama Ya?” Rian asked, pouting.
She was packing her things when Rian came to call her for dinner.
“You guessed right,” she said with a smile.
“You didn’t have to leave, you know.”
“I know, but I need to be with your Uncle Kyrie.” Her face turned sad.
“How long are you going to be away?”
She shrugged. “It depends. If I like it there, I might stay a little longer.”
Rian sighed. “All right. But if he makes you cry, come home right away, will you?”
Chaya cupped Rian’s cheeks. This little angel never failed to warm her heart. “I’ll remember that. I will surely come to you first.” She planted a kiss on her goddaughter’s forehead.
“If you’re done packing, we can have dinner now.”
“Sure.” She took Rian’s hand. “Come on, young lady.”
***
“They're actually here already,” Kyrie said as they entered Escape Restobar.
“What?” Chaya stared.
Her eyes widened when Jellybean, Parker, Ellie, and Jae waved at them from a table.
She squeezed his arm. “You’re the best.”
Kyrie winked.
“Hello, my second favorite couple,” Jellybean greeted, beaming.
Chaya giggled.
“Who was your first, then?”
“Parker and I, of course.”
“How was your flight, Chaya?” Parker asked.
“Oh, it was good. I didn’t have a panic attack. Thank you for asking.” Then, Chaya wrapped her arms around Ellie and Jae’s necks. “I can’t believe we’re all here together. It’s nice to see you.”
“I can’t believe you’re literally leaving me breathless,” Jae joked and coughed. “By the way, hot boyfriend you got there.”
“I know,” Chaya said as she pulled away.
Ellie laughed aloud and said, “This is so exciting.”
Kyrie pulled Chaya’s hand and made her sit beside him.
“Thank you for bringing the gang here,” she told him earnestly.
“Anything that makes you happy,” he replied and planted a kiss on her forehead.
“By the way, I thought this was a resto-bar? Where’s the band or the singer?” Jae asked, pointing at the stage with her thumb.
“Look no further.” Ellie grinned.
***
“I still can’t believe you’re back here with me.” Kyrie pinched her chin. “Everything just feels better.”
They were already standing outside Ellie’s apartment. Ellie and Jae had gone inside with Chaya’s stuff. It was a fun-filled night.
“Likewise,” she said. She stared at their linked hands. “I can finally touch you.”
He pulled her closer. “So, are you ready to meet my family?”
Chaya blinked. “Wow.” She drew a breath. “Why do I feel nervous all of a sudden?”
Kyrie chuckled. “They’re going to like you. Don’t worry. I want you to take all the rest you need, and I’ll pick you up tomorrow night.”
Chaya nodded. “Okay. That sounds great to me,” she said before he dipped his head and claimed her lips for a sweet kiss.
“I don’t want to go yet,” he whispered as the kiss ended.
“You have a son waiting for you,” she reminded and frowned. “Wait, why does that sound like we’re having an affair?”
Kyrie laughed. “You’re going to like Kiel,” he said. “I’m not going to call you later. I want you to go to bed after this.”
“Then, you can just send me a text once you’re home safe. I love you.” Chaya tiptoed and planted a quick kiss on his lips.
Kyrie smiled, looking pleased. He caressed her face. “I love you more.”