19 The Set-up

It's been thirteen days since I last saw Kyle and at first it was hard for me to admit it but truth be told, I missed Kyle. Terribly . I felt like there was a hole in my heart. Like a part of me was missing.Guess the saying "what you take for-granted is what you lose" was true.I took Kyle for-granted and I lost him.I didn't mean to kiss JP though, I guess I got caught up in the moment but it was not an excuse. I regretted that moment more than anything. It was a fatal mistake that cost me Kyle.

I didn't know what to do with myself. I got so used to seeing him almost everyday.The longest we had gone without seeing each other was the week he was in LA but we Skyped and Facetimedevery other day.

Iwaited anxiously for a call or a text and half-expected him to come and see me, but like Bob Marley, I waited in vain. So many times I picked up the phone to call him but my pride wouldn't let me. I wanted him to call first because I was afraid of rejection. I wasn't sure if he would want to ever speak to me again, not that I could blame him though.

I couldn't get his face out of my mind, especially the last time we saw each other. His tear-stained face haunted my dreams. I rarely saw a man cry, even at funerals they always manged to keep their composure. But I managed to make him cry and that's what hurt me the most.

I thought that Kyle would have wanted to renege on our contract but his representatives were still attending meetings regularly and assured us that everything was in order on their side.

"You should corner him when you see him tonight," Rita said, "I'll help you," she laughed. We were siting in my office going over the final details for the launch tonight.

"I messed up RiRi. Big time,"I sighed as I raked my hands through my new hairstyle. I had decided to cut my hair in a layered bob and died it platinum blonde. I felt like a change after all my drama.

"You still have a chance to make it right," Rita said quietly.

"Where do I even begin?" I said, frustrated.

"Maybe you should start going for your therapy sessions again? They seemed to help you get things into perspective last time? I'm still going and they're very helpful,"she suggested. I went for therapy at least twice a week after I lost my parents and then after I my ex-boyfriend died.

"You're probably right. I will ask Andrew to make an appointment for me sometime next week," I said, "Anyway let's get back to work. We only have a couple of hours to wrap this up and the stylist is coming with the dresses and stuff after lunch. Then Ihave to go with James to inspect the venue " I said as we sat down at my desk.

Today was the day of the launch. Kyle's album and our new product range.So far we hadn't run into each other. I handed over control of the project to Rita and Andrew. I wasn't ready to face Kyle and I don't know if I ever will be.But, unfortunately, tonight there would be no avoiding him.

"Are you nervous?" Rita looked up at me. I knew she was talking about the imminent meeting with Kyle.

"Kinda.."I said hesitantly.

"I'm sure he's equally anxious. James said so anyway.." Rita trailed off.

"Yeah, I saw him this morning. We had a breakfast meeting about the decor and he's a bit reluctant to discuss my issues with Kyle. Can't blame him though," I said.

"He'll will come around hun. He is crazy about you." Rita encouraged.

"He was," I replied dryly.

There was a sharp, brisk knock and Andrew walked in followed by James.

"Good morning my lovelies," he said cheerfully, as he kissed Rita and I briefly on the cheek.

"You missed my mouth," Rita pointed to her ruby red lips.

"Maybe next time you wont be so lucky," James winked as he openly flirted with her.

"Guys, I'm right here," I cried out, hiding my face in my hands.

"We're sorry to pollute your virgin eyes," James mocked as he took a seat next to Rita.Rita laughed and swatted his arm playfully.

"You're shameless," I rolled my eyes and carried on with my work.

"Anyway Lady Boss, I'm here to take you to the venue so that we can confirm that everything was done according to your specifications," James said, sounding all business-like.

"Like now?"I asked putting my pen down and shuffling my papers.

"Yeah like now," James said as he stood up,"Let's go my lady, the carriage awaits," he held out his arm for me.

"James, why do you have to be so dramatic," I laughed, as I linked my arm with his.

"Sorry RiRi but you will have to continue with Andrew," I said aswe walked out.

"Yeah sure, no problem," she smiled, as she waved at us.

We drove to the venue in silence, mainly because James had turned up the music.It sounded like Kyle's voice but maybe it was because I missed him so much. James smiled at me as he turned down the volume and kept his eye on the road.

"You're listening to- Kyle Kinley's latest album! You know where you heard it first," James said in a dramatic voice.

"Really?!" I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't get a chance to listen to the album yet cos Kyle was all secretive about it. The sound was different but it was good.

"This is the song he did with Tiesto andthe previous one was with Martin Garrix. He also collaborated with Chris Brown and DJ Khaled and a few other artists.Most of the tracks he did are solos of course .I know I always say this -but I think he outdidhimself this time." he gushed, grinning from ear to ear, "there's also a surprise track that I can't disclose right now but you will hear it later."

"I'm impressed," I smiled, "I wouldn't expect anything less from Kyle."

"He misses you though. More than he cares to admit," James glanced at me briefly.

"I miss him too James," I said sadly, "But the damage is done and I don't even know how to fix it."

"I'm sure youguys will work it out. He's crazy about you, you know that right?" James reached out and squeezed my hand.

"I never meant to hurt him. You believe me don't you?" My eyes pleaded with James.

"I know," James replied.

He pulled up to the venue and parked his Range Rover Sport close to the main entrance. He opened the door for me and then led the way.

The venue was an old warehouse that stretched for miles on end. We got contractors to renovate it and it unrecognizable.From the beautiful landscaping to the the way they re-constructed the building, it was way beyond my expectations. They managed to complete the job in record time to.James had done a phenomenal job as usual and he was taking me through the whole set up.

The dressing rooms were set up at the back and most of the stylists were busy setting up the rails of clothing. The supporting artists were doing their sound checks on stage, models were running around and there was just so much activity around the building. There was so much excitement in the air. I hope the launch would be a success because we had put a lot of work into this event.

"This is your private dressing room and Kyle's is just three doors away so-I hope it won't be awkward?" James raised his eyebrows.

Just then Kyle and his manager Michael walked out of his dressing room. Our eyes met and we both froze.