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“He doesn’t want to get married, nor does he want to have kids. I want those things, Nia. I know that’s one thing I don’t want to compromise on,” I explained to her and she released a heavy sigh.
“Well, that sucks. Maybe he will eventually change his mind as time goes,” Nia tried to comfort me, but I had run that school of thought before and I knew better than to expect him to change his mind.
“I don’t know Nia. Now he's announced that we’re having a wedding in August. Announced it! To the world! I don’t even know what he’s planning to do about that when he said he doesn’t want to make that big of a step. I know it’s all PR, but it’s becoming incredibly difficult to tell what is real and what isn’t,” I said, feeling the sadness I heard in my voice.
Nia placed her hand on mine and gave me a sympathetic look. "I can't imagine how frustrating that must be for you," she said gently. "But have you talked to him about your concerns? Maybe he doesn't realize how important marriage and children are to you."
I shook my head, feeling defeated. "I've tried, but every time I bring it up, he just brushes it off. He always says that we'll cross that bridge when we come to it, but what if we never do?"
Nia chewed on her lower lip thoughtfully. "Have you considered, maybe, taking a break from the relationship? Just for a little while, so you both can sort out your priorities?"
I recoiled at the suggestion. The thought of not being with him made me feel physically ill. "I don't think I could handle that, Nia. I love him too much."
"Then you have to figure out a way to make it work," Nia said firmly. "And if he can't compromise on these big life decisions, then you might have to make the hard choice of either compromising on yours or walking away."
I knew she was right, but the idea of leaving him made my heart ache. As we continued to talk, I couldn't help but wonder if our love was strong enough to survive such fundamental differences in our goals and values.
“Anyway, enough with the sob stories. Tell me all about what has been going right for you,” said Nia, trying to shake off the depressing atmosphere. I found myself smiling, thinking of all the things that had unfolded between Bryce and me. Even though things weren’t perfect between us, we had a good time together.
“He’s so adventurous. The past few weeks have been amazing. I’ve never had that much fun before.” I could feel the color rise to my cheeks.
“Oh my God, you’re blushing,” Nia teased me.
I couldn't help but laugh at Nia's teasing. It felt good to let go of the heavy conversation and focus on the good things in my life.
"I can't help it, he just does something to me," I confessed, feeling giddy just thinking about Bryce.
Nia wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "Oh, do tell."
I playfully rolled my eyes. "Nothing too scandalous. We've just been going on these insane adventures. I spent a night at his parents’ place. When the paparazzi tried to chase us down, we just drove off aimlessly and spent a few days at a motel just outside of Atlanta. He brings out this playful side of me and I like it,” I responded with dreamy eyes.
Nia's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? So that's where you've been. It sounds like you’re living your best life."
I grinned, still feeling the rush of adrenaline from the jump. "I’ve never had a rich boyfriend before and I have to admit, it's not all that bad." I laughed.
Nia let out a low whistle. "Damn, that sounds like the life."
I nodded, feeling lucky to have someone who constantly pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me new experiences. But as much as I loved Bryce, I couldn't ignore the fact that our long-term goals were so different.
“So, what if the whole wedding thing isn’t just him saying it?” she asked.
“That’s the thing. We haven’t talked about it and it’s driving me crazy. He had to go away on business for the next few weeks, and I don't want to bother him.” I took a frustrated sip from my wine glass.
“Give him time, Reyna. The man didn’t even want a relationship and he found himself in one. He wasn't supposed to fall in love with you and here he is, telling you that he loves you. You never know what's in the future. There's really no point in dwelling on the 'what-if's. You need to just take it one day at a time,” Nia advised me, and she was right.
“I won’t lie. I hate not being in control of my life,” I admitted. “What if all this spins out of control and it ruins my career?” I asked.
“Bryce has enough money to give you a clean slate to start again. He’s already paying you so much for the risk you’re taking. Whatever happens, you’re going to be fine,” said Nia, with a reassuring smile. I wasn’t completely settled, but I did feel better after talking to her.
We spent the rest of the night talking and laughing. I realized that this break and this girl time was all I really needed to put things into perspective.
Chapter 26
Bryce
Californiawasalwaysafun place to be. San Diego, to be more precise. The surf, the sun, the fresh air. Funny, the former me would have said 'hot women', but I wasn't even interested in looking around on this trip.
I was here to negotiate some new partnerships with marketing firms, to expand Raven's influence. We were getting noticed for the work we were doing, and opportunities to collaborate were starting to pop up. These collaborations would give more opportunities to Raven's staff. Bigger projects, national reach, and opportunities to travel.
