#125 “We’ve Hit A Rough Patch Lately.”
In the morning, Sophia and Evelyn decided to switch things up and opted for breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Their morning feast was a culinary delight, and both reveled in the exquisite flavors that graced their plates.
As they were finishing their coffee, Sandro casually joined them. Sophia found his company pleasant, and she was genuinely enjoying the insights and guidance from a local to navigate the town.
Sandro inquired, “Does Kyle know you’re here?” addressing Evelyn.
“Nope, I haven’t told him.” Evelyn chuckled.
“I assumed so because otherwise he would have called me and warned me that you would be coming. I was going to arrange a proper welcome for you and…”
“You’ve already done more than enough for us. Thanks a lot,” Evelyn expressed her gratitude.
Sophia took a sip of her coffee, casting a thoughtful look at Evelyn. “Don’t you think it’s time to tell him? I know you two had a spat, but keeping this a secret might make things worse.”
Evelyn pondered for a moment before responding, “Maybe you’re right.”
“Tell him where you are; he has the right to know you met his cousin. Besides, you wouldn’t want to harbor more secrets between you two, would you?” Sophia suggested.
Evelyn nodded in agreement. Retrieving her phone from her purse, she dialed Kyle’s number, preparing to share the encounter with Sandro. The phone rang for a moment before Kyle’s voice came through.
“Hey, honey.”
“Hello, dear. I’m calling you because I wanted for us to talk.”
“Do you want to go out tonight? How about dinner and…”
“Actually, I can’t, and that’s why I’m calling you. I wanted to tell you that I am in Vegas with Sophia.”
Kyle is silent for a second, and then the irritation in his voice is heard.
“Why are you in Vegas, Evelyn?”
“I just needed to get out of town,” Evelyn said.
“Oh, really? Vegas you say? And you wanted to tell me that is a coincidence that Vegas is the town where I grew up and you go there right after we argue about why I am hiding my past?”
“I know what it looks like, Kyle. But I came here because I wanted to have some fun and let loose.”
“Evelyn, baby, you are a terrible liar.” Kyle scoffed.
“I am not hiding anything from you. That is why I called you, I wanted to be completely transparent with you. Also while we were here we met Sandro, your cousin.”
There was a brief silence on the other end before Kyle’s voice returned, sharper now. “How convenient!”
“We didn’t plan it, Kyle. He just approached us yesterday, and he showed us around. It’s not like we intentionally sought him out,” Evelyn explained, hoping to diffuse any immediate tension.
Kyle’s tone remained stern. “What are you doing, Evelyn? Why are you digging into my past? Isn’t the important thing that we are together now, and everything that was is no longer important.”
Evelyn, feeling defensive, responded, ” As I already said it wasn’t planned, Kyle. We were just having a drink at the bar, and he joined us. I thought it would be nice to get to know more about you.”
The conversation took a turn for the worse as Kyle scolded her, expressing his disapproval. “You shouldn’t be prying into my affairs. It’s none of your business.”
Evelyn, feeling hurt, fired back, “Love is about sharing everything, Kyle. Why do you keep secrets? Why are you so angry about this?”
Kyle, however, didn’t seem willing to engage in that discussion. “I have my reasons, and you shouldn’t be poking around. I need my space.”
Frustration and sadness welled up in Evelyn. “But I’m your girlfriend. Why can’t you trust me with whatever it is?”
“We’ll talk when you get back.”
Silence hung in the air for a moment, and then Kyle abruptly hung up, leaving Evelyn on the verge of tears.
She looked at Sophia and Sandro, her eyes brimming with confusion and sadness. “I don’t understand. Why is he so angry? Why does he keep secrets?”
Sophia exchanged a concerned glance with Sandro, her eyebrows furrowing with worry. Sandro put a comforting hand on Evelyn’s shoulder, offering support. “Some people have different views on privacy and sharing in a relationship, Evelyn. It’s not necessarily about you. Kyle might have his reasons.”
Sophia added, “Give him some time to cool off. He’ll come around.”
But Evelyn couldn’t shake off the hurt. She cried softly, feeling a mix of emotions. Sandro and Sophia remained by her side, offering comfort and support as she navigated the waves of confusion and heartache brought on by the unexpected argument with Kyle.
“Evelyn, please don’t take it personally. Kyle is a good man and I know he’s not doing this to hurt you. Trust him, and I’m sure that one day he will reveal more to you,” said Sandro.
Evelyn nodded and wiped away her tears.
“Sandro is right, you shouldn’t judge him too harshly. I’m sure that when you get home and talk it out, things will be fine.”
“Let’s go for a walk and I’ll take you two out to eat at one of my favorite places. I hope this will distract you a bit. “Sandro offered, looking at Evelyn.
“Sounds good. Thank you,” said Evelyn with a slight smile.
The trio, led by Sandro’s local expertise, found themselves in a cozy corner of the city, away from the glitz and glamour of the main strip. Sandro’s favorite small restaurant, a hidden gem according to him, awaited them.
As they entered, the mouthwatering aroma of various dishes filled the air. Sandro, with a grin on his face, greeted the owner, Lisa, who emerged from the bustling kitchen.
“Hey there, Lisa! Long time no see!” Sandro exclaimed, giving her a friendly hug. Lisa’s eyes lit up at the sight of Sandro. “Sandro, my savior! Look at you bringing company. Who are these lovely ladies?”
Sandro gestured proudly to Sophia and Evelyn. “Lisa, meet Sophia and Evelyn. They’re experiencing the wonders of Vegas with me.”
Lisa extended a warm welcome, “Great to have you here! Sandro’s been a guardian angel for this place, you know. Sophia, intrigued, couldn’t help but ask, “Oh, really? How do you two know each other?”
Lisa chuckled, glancing fondly at Sandro. “More than just knowing, dear. Sandro here was my knight in shining armor back in the day. Used to work for him, didn’t I?”
Sandro smiled, a modest twinkle in his eye. “Lisa’s being too kind. She and her husband Mike were going through a rough patch, so I lent a helping hand. Gave them the boost they needed to open this fantastic place.”
Lisa’s face glowed with gratitude.” Absolutely, Sandro. This restaurant pulled us out of some tough times. Couldn’t have done it without him, he gave us the money needed to open the restaurant and start our business successfully.”
Sandro smiled at Lisa as they walked to their table. Sophia couldn’t help but make the connection with Alexander. He, like Sandro, was always ready to help.
He had helped her multiple times, even though she claimed she was able to handle the situation by herself. Alexander was always persistent and he also managed to surprise Sophia with his generosity more than once.
Sophia tried hard to push those thoughts away. She didn’t want Alexander popping up in her mind when she was trying to avoid thinking about him, and it was getting on her nerves.
Although she was grateful for the past, she now wanted to cut off all contact with him. His marriage to Megan, who was constantly playing tricks on her, was reason enough for her to know that she couldn’t count on him.
As they settled into their seats, Lisa recommended some of her favorite dishes – crispy fried chicken, mouthwatering pizza, and delectable sandwiches. The table soon filled with an array of tempting delights.
But despite the delicious food, Sandro’s eyes became worried. He couldn’t help but notice the subtle signs that hinted at a struggling business as they dined at the charming restaurant. The usually lively atmosphere seemed subdued, and the once-bustling tables were sparsely occupied.
Sandro, perceptive as ever, decided to inquire about the evident downturn in business. As Lisa approached the table with their food, he couldn’t help but express his concern.
“Lisa, I couldn’t help but notice things seem a bit slow today. What’s going on? Is everything okay with the business?”
Lisa sighed, a hint of worry creasing her brow. “Ah, Sandro, you’ve got a keen eye. We’ve hit a rough patch lately.
Sandro leaned forward, genuine concern in his voice. “Troubles? What happened?”
Just as Lisa was about to answer, her attention was drawn to the door. She furrowed her brows and her posture instantly stiffened.
