A Slice of Life - 14. Chapter 13 - Is There Still a Chance

Kyle groaned clutching his head from a hangover-induced headache. He nearly leaped out of his skin when his hand brushed up against another body lying next to him in his bed. Slowly pulling the blanket back revealed the perfectly sculpted body of the waiter that he had been hitting on from Galant’s event.

Throwing on a pair of shorts, Kyle grabbed his cell phone walking onto his balcony letting the sights and sounds of the city wash over him. When he felt a pair of arms wrap around his torso. “Who would have guessed the superstar basketball champ was a switch hitter,” the man cooed in Kyle’s ear as he shifted and started nibbling on his neck.

Kyle froze as the man’s words sank in causing him to become upset as the thought consumed him. “What do you mean? Sorry, I was a bit out of sorts last night...” Kyle replied.

“You were on fire if you ask me. I had three rounds with the champ and a chance to tap that athletic ass. It was a dream come true for this fan and maybe one day, you will let me get my hands on that video,” he smiled with lust in his eyes. He kissed Kyle on the cheek before disappearing back inside to presumably get dressed. Slowly reaching back, Kyle confirmed one of his worst fears when his hands ran through a slippery substance between his crevice along with a dull ache. “Feel free to call me anytime; I am always up for another round with the champ.”

Kyle dropped himself onto his couch and tossed his head back as he tried to put the pieces back together after Jasper tossed him into that car. It slowly came back to him – the party, the car ride, and the sex. As he spiraled down memory lane, his eyes landed on the gift bag from the event and a copy of the catalog with Xavier posed on the front cover. Again, he felt his anger rising rapidly within him looking at Xavier show off to the world what was supposed to be his, but as quickly as it came, his anger began to fade as hot tears streamed down his face. Xavier has this effect on him.

“What is wrong with me?” Kyle asked aloud. In his moment of clarity, Kyle abruptly rose to his feet scouring his condo hoping he had not broken one of his own cardinal rules. Opening his phone, he became panic stricken; not only did they forego protection, but he also made several videos from their various couplings. A fresh stream of tears ran down his face as he watched and listened to himself as he stared directly into the phone, “This was supposed to be you,” he said before focusing the camera of himself on the receiving end of the waiter’s lust.

Kyle could barely contain his disgust. All morning, he replayed the videos until he could not take it anymore. Kyle tossed his phone across the room as he drank vodka straight from the bottle. In his mind, he knew what he was doing was wrong, but he just wanted to dull the pain and take so much back. He looked up at the ceiling as his world started to go black; the sound of his ringing phone in the distance was the last thing that he heard as he faded away.

****  

“The man of the hour,” Jasper looked up from his computer in shock as Harold barreled into his office and slammed his bottle of scotch on his desk. “I knew that you were the right one to put on this contract, as such, I have decided for the remainder of our partnership with Galant that you will be the man in charge.” Harold was at eye level with Jasper. With his face and tone deadly serious, Harold stated, “Remember, every decision you make from this point forward will affect the firm. You seal the deal and that corner office you wanted is yours.” Jasper let out an audible gulp as he locked eyes with Harold; if what he was implying was indeed true, this was Jasper’s big chance.

“I would be honored sir; I can assure you that I will not let you down.” Jasper nodded.

Harold smiled as he poured two celebratory drinks. “What is all this sir nonsense,” he laughed as they tapped glasses. “I had all the necessary arrangements made and forwarded to Charity. She will be in touch with you moving forward, unless otherwise required.”

Jasper was on cloud nine as he walked out of the office; he was about to reach his car when a distraught woman walking towards the front door caught his attention. “Jessica?” Jasper called out.

****  

“Charity, I must say that you surpassed my expectations. From the preview event alone, we have received several offers for exclusive rights to host and sell our new collection.” Xavier shuffled through various reports and offers scattered around his desk. “Also, this partnership is absolute genius. I already approved the contract, and you should have it with all required signatures by end of the day.” Charity filled with joy as Xavier praised her efforts.

“Why not arrange an official signing here at the office? They just sent the offer to the liaison to work out the details and will have direct contact to get it approved quickly on their end. Harold is old school but very efficient.” Xavier quickly agreed to Charity’s suggestion when David buzzed his office line.

“Boss, the model you requested is here. Shall I send her up,” David inquired.

“Thank you, David, go ahead and send her through. Charity if you would excuse me,” Xavier pronounced.

“Of course, I will make the arrangements and be sure to have the meeting added to the office calendar,” Cheryl stated while exiting his office.

Xavier was lost in thought for a moment when he was interrupted by a knock. “Ah, Cheryl glad you could join me on such short notice.”

Cheryl nervously took a seat trying to look anywhere but at the man before her. “I appreciate the opportunity; you can be sure that I will work my hardest to properly represent the brand.” She fiddled with her purse before she continued. “About what happened, I just...”

Xavier interrupted her, “That is from a time long since passed, I do not let such things get in the way of success.” Xavier offered her a smile which served to calm her nerves.

“For what it is worth, I never knew and did not mean to hurt you. After everything went down, I know you kept your distance back then, but every day that has gone by, Kyle regrets losing you from his life. Long before you two were dating, you were always thick as thieves, and no one could keep either of you apart from the other.” Cheryl walked around his desk pulling him into a hug. “You may not be ready to hear this, but I think that Jasper was and still is crazy about you. I hope one day to find someone who looks at me with love in their eyes the way he did back at the preview event.”

Cheryl’s words left Xavier in a daze; he was unaware that Jasper was in the same city let alone at his event. He knew Kyle’s whereabouts simply because he could not stay out of the news, but Jasper had faded into the distance and appeared to disappear.

Xavier was wrapping up his day when David rushed to hand over his cellphone. “This has been at my desk all day,” He huffed as he handed over the device.

Xavier smiled and thanked David as he headed out to his car. Opening his phone, he realized that he had several missed calls and voicemail messages; he shrugged and connected the phone to his car and played the messages. The next few minutes were filled with a very drunk and angry Kyle who was present at the preview as well; however, it was the last message, which caught Xavier’s attention. Kyle stated, “It is not okay. I am not okay. The last time that I felt this low was when I watched you walk away. I lost more than my boyfriend all those years ago; I lost my best friend.” Kyle sobbed.

Kyle’s voice was filled with genuine regret, sadness, and extreme pain. After all these years and success, Kyle was still wounded with no signs of healing as a critical part of him was missing. Xavier sat stunned in silence as thoughts ran through his head. Xavier’s eyes brimmed with tears. After Kyle cut him deep, he promised that no one would ever get a chance to do it again. They both lost something precious that day as Xavier came to the realization that they did indeed love each other but as friends; more deeply, they were inseparable almost like...brothers.