The Sweet Encounter (Completed)

Chapter Ten - The Promise

Brie felt like the third wheel at dinner. Brent and Trey were acting like frat boys with no end in sight. She played around with her Korean food as they got to know each other more. It did warm her heart a bit knowing Brent was building a relationship with an older male figure besides his collegiate friends. Maybe it would help him settle into adulthood with more seriousness. Then she thought, she had to stop worrying so much and just let him grow.

She felt Trey tugging her fingers and hand under the table throughout the whole evening. The only time he placed both his hands above the table was when he had to dive into his food. She enjoyed his small gestures and every so often, she would catch him smiling at her while conversing with Brent.

Brent was excited knowing Trey was the CEO of the well renowned Bryson Investments. Brent was completing his Master's in Business with a concentration on finance, so the chance that Brent got to dine with the CEO was stimulating. Trey without hesitation had offered Brent an opportunity to come on board with Bryson Investments. With a silent answer filled with immense burst of joy, Brent shook Trey's hand to accept the offer.

As they ended the evening, Brent gave Brie a massive hug.

"Love you, sis. And here."

Brent pulled out a tiny box with a standard cheap hot pink bow on top of it. "Happy Birthday. I know you said not to give you anything, but I couldn't resist when I saw this."

"Can I open it?" She felt she didn't deserve it, but she was curious.

"Of course you can!"

Trey felt embarrassed that he didn't have anything for her, but he didn't even know. He wanted to question her, but he didn't want to interrupt their moment together.

When she opened the box, her eyes filled with tears. She took the necklace out and saw the locket. It was definitely an antique necklace with all the intricate details. She opened the locket and let out a giggle of joy. It was a photo of her as a child on one side and Brent as a baby on the other side.

"It's perfect, Brent. I love you so much."

They hugged each other for a moment and she finally released him. "Alright, let's leave before I let out the waterworks."

Brent turned to Trey, "Mr. Bryson, it was a pleasure meeting you."

"Likewise, Brent. And call me Trey. No need for formalities."

"Yes, sir, Trey."

They said their goodbyes and Brent headed back to his apartment.

Trey held onto Brie's hand, and they walked the streets of uptown to her apartment. It was a quiet stroll as Brie never felt more relaxed than tonight.

"You didn't have to offer Brent a job, you know."

Trey was baffled.

"You could have told me it was your birthday today."

She kept on looking straight and couldn't look Trey in the eyes. He was waiting for her to show some facial expression.

"Brie?"

She finally ended her silence.

"Today is the anniversary of my parent's accident. I don't celebrate my birthday because it's not the right time to be thinking about me."

Trey stopped their walking and held her tight. He wanted to take this anguish that she had been holding on to.

Brie couldn't control herself and began weeping into his chest. The last time she cried this much was when the cops visited her and told her the news about her parents. She had been keeping it all in, so she could hold it together for Brent.