Billionairess's Dilemma: Reclaiming His Heart

15: Not a Baby Shark

Polly

I sit in the back of the sibling and friends group. I don't feel as if I have the right to sit up front since Kevin and I are still on the outs. But seeing him nod when I asked him to consider maybe opening back up to me had lifted a huge weight off my heart. I actually found myself smiling this morning. A little voice whispered in my ear that Kevin might come today and bring Mia. I had shoved it aside knowing he'll only ignore me. Doesn't change the fact, I'm happy to see him again.

Except Mia walks in by herself today. A pang of disappointment hits me hard.

I've learned a lot about myself by coming to these sessions. The siblings of a transplant patient truly are caught in a terrible vortex between guilt, fear and resentment. It makes me ashamed of how I acted though Mel has met with me privately and explained I should not be ashamed. I was uneducated about what I was feeling and how to deal with it. I mentioned he should do seminars or something to help expand this program. He shook his head ruefully.

"It's expensive to find counselors. They need to get paid too. Some volunteer but they have bills and mouths to feed at home and don't have a lot of free time for it. And not everyone has an Ellis Beaumont who is willing to do the right thing and shell out any amount of money for a cause like this."

His words have stuck with me. An idea has been rolling around in the back of my mind. Kevin's words came back to me. I am a billionairess and I haven't even started my own design house or line. I need to talk to Mom and Aunt Coline. Relly would be a big help along with Daphne and Uncle Goose. I want to have all my ducks in a row though before I suggest it. Mom has always said to never bring an incomplete presentation unless the person is your planner or you want them to screw up your vision.

The session ends and I wave to Kiyana. She and I talk sometimes afterwards. She's really a sweetheart. As I turn to leave, a gentle cold touch on my upper arm stops me. I turn to find Mia standing there with a soft smile on her face.

"Polly? I was hoping we could go talk for a few minutes. You may not remember me. I'm Mia."

I return her smile politely. "I have time."

I lead her to my usual table where I work. She picks at the sleeve of her sweater a bit nervously. What does she have to be nervous about?

“Polly, I know that you and Kevin were best friends….before.” Her blue eyes meet mine and I catch the guilt and sadness in them. My hand instinctively touches her forearm in sympathy. “I… I screwed up and acted like an entitled b***h. I was upset when I had to cancel a modeling trip because the flu was going around in Milan. I lashed out and made it about me.”

I cringe reliving my own words. Poor Kevin. First me and now his girlfriend. Both resentful and completely ignorant of the damage our words would do.

I wait patiently, not sure why she’s talking to me about this. “I was wondering if the guilt lessens. Or will I want to rip my treacherous tongue and heart out forever.” She’s close to tears.

I swallow hard. “I don’t know. I only recently figured out the full magnitude of what I did. I never came to these sessions until two weeks ago. Kevin hasn’t forgiven me. Not that I expect him to. He has to be ready and I’m doing my best to become a better version of Polly. I’m sorry. That’s not very helpful. Mel says if he forgives me, the pain will lessen over time as I support him the right way.”

“I didn’t realize…Kevin said your falling out was years ago.” She bites her lip.

“It was. But I didn’t know I hurt him that way. And he might never let me back into his life. It would be justified if he didn’t. You shouldn’t worry too much. I mean he’s bringing you to sessions with him. And I was only his childhood friend. You’re his girlfriend. He’s sure to forgive you.”

She blinks a few times staring at me. “Wait. Polly, you think I’m Kevin’s girlfriend?”

“I, uh, yes I mean you were his date to the shortest engagement party this year. And I assumed, the way he’s escorting you….”

She squeezes my hand which continues to rest on her arm. “Polly, you really don’t remember me. My dad is Cole Blackwood. He married Kendra Vincent after my mom passed away. She died when I was two. She ended up adopting me and raised me as her third daughter. Kevin is my cousin. I mean not blood related but as good as in our opinion.”

My mouth forms an ‘O’ as I feel dumb. I knew I’d seen her before. “I am so stupid.” I groan.

She pats my hand sympathetically. “You haven’t seen me since you were eight I think. I thought maybe Uncle Kyle or Kevin explained who I was to you.”

I shake my head. “I didn’t ask either. Things have been a little awkward. Wait…then who did you hurt?”

“My fiancé, Jamie. He had a kidney transplant four years ago. I am hoping he forgives me. Kevin has been meeting with Mel virtually since he moved to Stanford. He offered to bring me to see Mel. Try to help me repair my relationship. Jamie is coming here next week to attend a few sessions with me. I’m optimistic but still afraid.”

“I hope it works out for you. I miss Kevin a lot.” I admit quietly. A feeling of relief has taken over finding out she’s his cousin. I don’t know why.

“Polly, I could try to talk to him for you.”

I shake my head at her. “No. I told him when and if he’s ever ready to hear my apology, I will grovel. But it’s his choice. Thank you though.”

“Maybe you and I could have lunch together later this week.” She suggests with a smile.

“I’d like that.” I agree honestly.

We get up to begin walking toward the front doors. I’m passing a huge square column when a hand clamps down on my arm. Mia gasps before shouting for help.

“Babydoll there you are! f**k I’ve missed you. Let’s go somewhere and talk. It was not easy tracking you down.” I stare up at Archer. He’d smiling at me and I want to vomit.

“Let go of me you. You lying weasel.” I try to wrench my arm free but he’s too strong.

“Babydoll if you’ll just let me explain. I’m sure Harris has been filling your head with lies about me. He’s a sorry prick and you need to stay away from him. He’s just trying to get to break us apart with his lies.”

“Really…you mean like the bet you started in high school with Simon Williams, Todd Briles, and a few others?”

His eyes widen and I scowl at him. “Let go of me.”

He yanks me close to him grabbing my other arm to hold me. “No Polly! We are going to talk this out. You are mine!”

I am struggling to get loose when hands suddenly grip his wrist on one side and his neck. He is yanked from me and Kevin slams his back into the marble column. He jams his forearm into his throat. “When the lady says to let go, you listen.” His voice is cold and menacing.

“Stay out of this you loser. That’s my fiancee.” Archer struggles to get the words out.

“You are nothing to me but a bad regretful memory.” I snarl.

Kevin gets right in his face. “You come near her again you lying, cheating fuckweed and I will put you through the nearest window before I kick your ass. Stay away and expect a legal edict stating how many feet will be required.” Kevin keeps his forearm against his throat.

He turns to me, his blue eyes softening. My heart has been hammering against my ribs since Archer grabbed my arm.

“Go home, Polly. I need to make sure security escorts this trash off the premises.” Kevin’s voice is soft.

“You can’t do that! This is a public building housing a charity foundation. I have every right to be here.”

Kevin presses harder on his windpipe. “How wrong you are. My uncle is an incredible man. He and my two grandfathers put this building in my name. You are trespassing on my property as you are not welcome here. You will leave and the second you cross my threshold again, you’ll be arrested.” Kevin lets that sink in. “Take my free legal advice and stay far enough away so you don’t misstep into the property line. Though it would give me great pleasure to show you how the shark squad takes prisoners.”

Mia tugs on my hand and I reluctantly follow her. “No wait. Kevin…” I’m shaking. I don’t want to leave him. This is because of me.

“I’ll call you later Pol. Let me take care of the dragon first.”

With that, I let Mia pull me to the entrance, handing over my keys in a daze.