It's in the Rhythm (4 page)

“Trinity is a nice girl. A teacher.”

“Yes, she is.”

“What will Imani think about you having dinner with Trinity?”

“Trinity and I are good friends. What Imani doesn't know won't hurt her.”

Ginger gave her son a motherly look. “I'm your mother, Garrett. I know better than that. You have always had a crush on Trinity. Don't tell me I raised a womanizer.”

“I'm not a womanizer. We were just hanging out.”

“Then when are we going to meet Imani?” Ginger had read about her son and the beautiful model from the tabloids. But he never mentioned her.

“I don't know.” Garrett took a deep breath. Imani had wanted to accompany him on the trip, but it was a move that he wasn't ready to make.

“From what I read you spend a lot of time with her.” She clasped her hands together. “Sounds serious to me.” Ginger hoped her son would settle down, get married, and give her more grandchildren. But she hoped his choice for a wife would be a spiritual woman. Somehow she didn't figure that to be Imani.

“Don't worry mother, there's nothing to it. We're just hanging out.”

“Like you and Trinity.”

Garrett glanced at his mother. He didn't respond. As usual his mother was right on the money. “You be careful.” Ginger stood and kissed him on the cheek before heading upstairs.

* * *

The sunlight streaming through the bedroom window awakened Trinity. It was a quarter to seven in the morning. She rolled out of bed and slowly made her way into the bathroom. She looked in the mirror. Dark circles under her eyes showed evidence of a sleepless night. After tossing and turning for hours, she'd finally drifted off to sleep. She dreamed of Garrett making love to her over and over again. The dream had been so vivid that she woke up panting in bed. She sat upright and turned on the bedside lamp just to be sure Garrett wasn't actually there.

How could she allow herself to get so carried away? Trinity twisted the shower nozzle, letting the warm water rejuvenate her body. She closed her eyes, trying to shut out all thoughts of Garrett. She couldn't forget the kiss. She could still feel and taste his lips on hers.

She just had to make sure what happened last night didn't happen again. Her plan was simple. She would just avoid him for his remaining time in town. The only problem was that she'd suggested he come and speak to her class. She allowed the water to wash off the suds, then reached for the pink plush towel and stepped out.

Heading back into the bedroom, she rubbed lotion all over her body. Trinity placed the lotion on her vanity table, then dabbed on her favorite perfume. Garrett was involved with Imani. Even if their relationship was off and on, she wasn't going to be the other woman in his life.

Positive that she solved the situation with Garrett, Trinity dressed in a blue pantsuit and matching low heels. She grabbed her briefcase and hurried outside to the garage. She got into her car and drove to the school.

Classes passed in a hurry. For a little while, Trinity managed to push Garrett to the back of her mind.

After work, she made her way to the school parking lot. She placed her briefcase on the front seat of the vehicle and was about to settle behind the wheel when she heard someone speak her name.

Trinity looked to see Garrett sauntering in her direction. She didn't know what to say or how to behave when he stopped in front of her.

“We need to talk,” Garrett said.

She bowed her head. “I know.”

Garrett cleared his throat. “Can we go back to your place?”

“I don't think that's a good idea.” Trinity remembered how she'd given in to his kiss last night. If he hadn't backed off first, she shuddered to think what would have happened between them.

He smiled. “Okay. Then how about stopping into Cadence for an after-work drink. You'll be safe in a crowd of people.”

Trinity put on her shades. “I don't know, Garrett.” But they both knew she'd already given in to his request.

“I'll try to be on my best behavior.”

* * *

Garrett followed Trinity in his vehicle. Gerald Sexton met them in the foyer. Following a brief conversation, Gerald summoned for Kim, the hostess, to take them to their table. Once seated, they ordered drinks, declining a dinner menu.

When Kim left, Garrett reached across the table and touched Trinity's hand. He couldn't deny the attraction that flowed between them. “About last night—”

“You don't have to apologize. We just got caught up in the moment.”

“I'm not apologizing for the kiss, Trinity.”

Trinity looked at him, surprised. Garrett couldn't believe he had admitted it. He interlocked her fingers with his.

Trinity was glad he didn't regret kissing her. She'd enjoyed the kiss, too. But like before, the timing was wrong.

“I don't know what to say,” she said hesitantly.

“How do you feel about the kiss?” He was rubbing his thumb across the back of her hand. His touch made her skin tingle. “Did you enjoy it?”

“It doesn't matter whether I enjoyed it or not,” she answered, avoiding the question. “We're friends. It should never have happened.”

“Friends?” After kissing Trinity last night, he knew he could no longer just be friends. He finally had a taste of the forbidden fruit. He wanted more.

“I don't want to risk losing that.”

“We'll always be friends,” he said quietly. “The best relationships, the lasting ones, are based on friendship.”

“What about Imani?”

Kim brought their drinks and placed them on the table. Garrett waited until she'd left before he answered. “I've already explained my relationship with Imani.”

Trinity took a sip of her pina colada. “Yes, you did, and like Darius, you have a problem making a commitment.”

Garrett leaned back in the chair at her response. “That's not fair. You can't compare my relationship with Imani to yours with Darius. Two different situations.”

“It's the same situation.” She removed her hand from his.

“No, it isn't.” Garrett believed it was time to inform Trinity of his true feelings. “Trinity, I've had a thing for you since the first day you walked in my father's church.”

His revelation took Trinity by surprise. She stared at him speechless.

“I have never forgotten the night we went out before I moved to L.A.” He smiled. “I had the time of my life. I wanted to spend more time with you, to get to know you and let you get to know me.”

Trinity's heart raced and her stomach trembled. Garrett wanted to have an intimate relationship with her. He wanted to be more than friends—but did he want the forever-after kind of relationship? A part of her wanted to throw caution to the wind and give in to temptation. Another part of her warned her not to take the chance. She was determined not to repeat the mistake she'd made with Darius.

She needed to think, to clear her head, and she couldn't do that in Garrett's presence.

“I'm sorry,” she said and stood. She met Garrett's intense gaze. “Friendship is all I'm offering.”

“But—”

“Goodbye, Garrett.” Tears filled her eyes as she picked up her purse and left. She heard Garrett call her name, but she kept moving, didn't look back. Her emotional survival depended on it.

* * *

Standing across the room at the bar, Victor watched as Trinity rushed from the table. He couldn't help but notice the look of desperation on Garrett's face. Victor recognized that look. He'd been there himself with his fiancée.

Victor told the bartender to fix a double cognac on the rocks for Garrett. The brother needed it.

Garrett wiped his hand down his face in frustration. He wasn't deterred. He had two weeks to convince her he was sincere about his feelings. Garrett felt someone near, and he looked to find Victor looking down at him.

“Looks like you need this,” Victor said. He pressed the glass into Garrett's hand.

“Thanks.” The liquor burned, but felt good going down. He offered Victor a seat.

“Women problems?” Victor sat across from Garrett.

Garrett stared into the drink and shook his head. “Man, I will never understand women.” He looked across at Victor. “I don't even know what just happened with Trinity.”

Victor chuckled. “I don't think we're supposed to understand them. As men, we're supposed to go along with whatever they say or do. I believe God made them that way.” He leaned across the table. “You should know that.”

Garrett had to admit that when God created women, especially African-American women, he was showing off his best work. He just wished God had given men the book of instructions to understand them.

“Victor, let me ask you a question.”

Victor straightened. “Sure.”

“How did you know your lady was the one?”

Victor's face broke into a wide grin. “The first time I set eyes on Dominique, I knew she was the one. To this day, I still can't explain it,” he chuckled. “But I thank God every day for her.” He tilted his head to one side. “Why are you asking? You think Trinity is the one?”

A slow smile crept across Garrett's face. “Like you, the first time she walked into my father's church, I knew she was the one for me. The feelings have never changed.”

“What's the problem?” Victor asked.

“She just wants to be friends.”

“That can be a problem. What are you planning to do about it?”

“I don't know. I'll think of something.”

Victor stuck out a hand to receive a soulful handshake from Garrett. “That's what I'm talking about. Spoken like a true brother. Anything worth having is worth fighting for.”

Garrett agreed to perform at Cadence Friday night before saying goodnight to Victor.

As he drove along the interstate, Garrett realized he must have crossed the line with Trinity when he suggested that they take the friendship to another level, but he could have sworn her kiss, her touch, said she wanted the same thing. He wanted Trinity like he'd never wanted anyone else. And he was going to have her—-in spite of her doubts.

Chapter 5

Trinity laid across the foot of her bed and stared out the partially opened window. A light evening breeze circulated around the room. In the background, Luther Vandross's “Stop to Love” played on the radio.

“If only it were that simple,” Trinity muttered as she turned her head to the side.

It is simple
, her pro-Garrett side asserted.
You're attracted to Garrett.

Then why did I dart out of the club like a frightened schoolgirl
? Trinity's sensible side argued.

Maybe because you really wanted to be with Garrett, but you couldn't take the chance of another heartache.

Trinity turned over and muttered, “Could friends be lovers?”

Sure they can
, Garrett's cheerleader responded.
Many successful relationships began
from friendships
.

Trinity yawned, blinked a few times, and whispered, “But can I take the chance?” before dozing off to sleep.

The next day, as the school bell signaled the end of class, thoughts of Garrett were still on her mind. She looked up as Leigh entered the classroom, grinning from ear to ear.

“What are you so happy about?” Trinity asked.

“I'm an aunt,” she replied, gushing. “Erica went into labor yesterday and delivered early this morning.” Leigh was beaming. “A beautiful baby girl, six pounds, six ounces.”

“Congratulations,” Trinity said, smiling widely.

Leigh went and sat in the chair next to Trinity's desk. “I can't wait. I'm glad we have half a day. I'm dying to see my new niece. I can't believe it. My first one.”

“Don't worry. When it's the right time, the others will follow in your brother Marlin's footsteps. You will have a whole host of nieces and nephews.”

“What about you, missy? When are you going to give your father grandchildren?”

Trinity frowned as she stared at her colleague and friend. She didn't have a man in her life. “When I get married.”

“Good answer,” Leigh replied. “What about Garrett Martindale? I saw you talking yesterday after work. Did you get him to speak to the students?”

“He said he would.” Trinity swallowed hard. On the one hand she didn't want to come face-to-face with Garrett again, but on the other hand she really wanted it for the students. “I haven't cleared it with Principal Fisk.”

“I mentioned it to her,” Leigh said ecstatically. “She said if you could arrange it, then it would be fine with her.”

Trinity's voice was breathy. “You what?” She was in disbelief. “Why did you do that?” Her heart was beating wildly.

“Did something happen?”

Trinity composed herself. “No. We went to Cadence. We were just hanging out, catching up on old times.”

“How do you know him?” Leigh asked. “Did you know him before he became famous?”

“We sang in the choir together.”

“You sing? And in a choir?” Leigh's eyebrows rose in amazement. “And I thought I knew all your hobbies and interests.”

“Ha, ha,” Trinity said sarcastically. “I no longer sing in the choir.”

Leigh grinned, then sobered. “Are you going out again? Is it serious? With Garrett, I mean.”

“No.”

“Why ever not?” Leigh frowned. “He's a serious catch.”

Trinity avoided her gaze, busying herself with the papers she'd been grading. “He's only going to be in town a couple more days. I'm sure he doesn't want to spend all of his time with me.”

“Why not? He's practically chased you down since he's been here.”

Before Trinity could answer, Dana, the secretary, opened the door and walked in carrying a large gift basket. “This just came for you, Trinity. It's really nice.” Dana placed the large basket on the desk and walked out.

Trinity gazed at the basket with a curious look on her face.

She sighed as she stared at the mouthwatering food. Wondering who sent it, she searched for a card. There wasn't one.

“Who sent it?” Leigh asked, not embarrassed about being nosy.

“I don't know,” Trinity answered. “There isn't a card.”

“I sent it.”

Both women turned their heads in perfect synchronization toward the voice coming from the doorway.

Stunned, Trinity saw Garrett standing in the doorway.

She glanced over at Leigh, who looked like she was about to faint.

“I was wondering if we could go on an afternoon picnic,” he said. “Before you say no, I've already checked your schedule and I know you don't have any more classes today.”

“Uh, Leigh…” Trinity managed to get out.

“Was just leaving,” Leigh smiled sweetly with a pointed look at Trinity. “I'm on my way out.”

“Don't let me run you off,” Garrett said.

“Nonsense.” Leigh waved as she walked to the door. “I have a beautiful baby to visit. I'm a new aunt. I'm on my way to the hospital now.”

“Congratulations,” Garrett said.

“Thanks. By the way, I'm Leigh Gillis,” she said, grinning ear to ear. “And you're Garrett Martindale. I'm one of your biggest fans. I have both of your CDs. I love them.”

“Thank you, Leigh. I'm glad you enjoyed them.”

Leigh grinned. “Have fun.” And she was gone.

“She seems like a nice lady,” Garrett said, his gaze following Leigh out the door.

“She is. She's the reason I asked you to speak to the students,” Trinity replied. “She's trying to save a boy in one of her classes.”

“Dedicated, hmm?” His gaze returned to Trinity. “Just like you.” He studied her for a long moment, his gaze like a lover's caress. “So…what about my invitation?”

Trinity looked up, considering the invitation, knowing she should say no and stand by her decision to avoid him. But she agreed. Garrett picked up the basket and led her outside to his car.

Garrett and Trinity decided to have lunch downtown, near the capital. The warm and sunny summer days were the ideal backdrop to watch the tourists, business people, vendors, and panhandlers that bustled through the area.

Garrett spread a blanket beneath a shady tree and unloaded the basket's contents. He was the first to break the silence between them.

“You looked surprised to see me.” He spread merlot cheddar cheese on a sesame cracker and handed it to her.

“I was.” She took a bite of the cracker. “After I ran out of the club last night, I thought I'd be the last person you wanted to speak to.”

He shrugged. “I was hurt that you shot me down after I bared my soul.”

“I'm sorry, Garrett. I didn't mean to hurt you. I just wanted to be honest.”

Garrett raised a hand. “Don't worry about it,” he mumbled around a mouthful of cheese and crackers. “I'm still your friend.”

“You're not mad at me?”

“How can I be mad at you for being honest?”
But I'm going to do everything I can to
change your mind
, he thought to himself.

His quick agreement about the platonic nature of their relationship helped her realize that her decision to be only friends was the right one.

Three hours later, they stood outside her door.

“I enjoyed the picnic, Garrett.”

“So did I.”

Silence hung between them.

“I'm performing Friday night at Cadence,” Garrett said. He was trying his best to keep his feelings in check when all he wanted to do was take Trinity in his arms and kiss her. He watched as she ran her tongue over her lips. He groaned inwardly.

She smiled softly. “What time?”

“I go on at nine.”

“I'll be there.”

He kissed her on the cheek. “You will see me before Friday.” He turned and walked away before she had a chance to answer.

Trinity closed the door and leaned her back against it. She closed her eyes.

“Being friends is going to be tough,” she murmured.

* * *

Garrett was true to his word, and they spent the next three days together. Though she had set the rules, it was difficult for Trinity to pretend that she didn't notice the way he looked, dressed, and smelled. She hated pretending his smile and the tone of his voice didn't make her heart pound.

On Wednesday, Garrett stopped by. He helped her prepare dinner. After dinner, she didn't like maintaining the pretense that heat didn't wash over her while they were watching television. When he left, he'd given her a kiss on her forehead. She remembered lying in bed, reliving their last real kiss, and wondering if Garrett would ever kiss her like that again.

On Thursday, he had shown up with two box tickets to watch the Baltimore Orioles play. After leaving the game, they had gone for a walk along the harbor, and then he escorted her home, promising to pick her up for the show at Cadence.

Friday night arrived, and the club was filled to capacity. Some disappointed would-be patrons had to be turned away. Cadence had only advertised Garrett's appearance for a couple of days, but from the turnout you would have thought it was longer.

When Garrett took the stage he thanked the fans for their support, and then Gerald and Victor Sexton for having him. Taking his seat at the piano, Garrett, backed by a bass and drums, sang songs from his first two CDs, and the first single from his upcoming CD. He brought the house to a frenzy, leaving them yelling for more. He didn't disappoint, giving them a lengthy encore.

Forty-five minutes later, he left the stage feeling on top of the world. The patrons were cheering. He spotted Trinity standing backstage. She moved toward him with a wide-eyed expression.

“Garrett, you were fantastic,” she said and planted a kiss on his lips.

Garrett was caught off guard by the gesture, but pleased. “Thank you. So was that kiss.”

She hit him on the arm. “Garrett…” she teased.

He searched her beautiful face. “Can I have another one? You know, an encore.”

Trinity stepped into his embrace. She drew his face to hers, sighing as their lips slowly met. She was floating on a soft, wispy cloud.

Someone cleared their throat and Garrett and Trinity broke their kiss. Standing next to them was a well-dressed white man, his handsome face split in a wide grin. He looked to be in his mid-forties.

“Collin?” Garrett said, with a stunned expression on his face. “What brings you here?”

“I heard about your performance,” Collin answered. “I flew in to catch it. I never miss your performances.”

Garrett's gaze followed Collin's to Trinity. He interlocked his fingers with Trinity's in a possessive move.

“Collin Schwartz, I'd like you to meet Trinity Blake. Trinity, Collin Schwartz. Collin is my agent-slash-business manager. He's responsible for me being where I am today.”

“It's nice to meet you, Collin,” Trinity said with a smile.

“Same here,” Collin said.

“Trinity and I are old friends,” Garrett said. “We sang in my father's choir together.”

“Do you sing professionally?” Collin asked.

Trinity cast a glance to Garrett, and then refocused to Collin. “No, I'm a schoolteacher.”

“I see,” Collin answered abruptly, then turned to Garrett. “We need to talk.”

“Sure. Give me a minute.”

Collin gave them one last glance before walking out of earshot.

Garrett embraced Trinity and planted another soft kiss on her lips.

“Good show,” Victor said, grinning at the couple. He nodded at Garrett and headed to his office.

“Wait for me?” Garrett asked. “I'm going to see what's up with Collin.” It was unusual for him to show up the way he did. Something was going on.

Trinity nodded. Standing on tiptoe, she gave him another soft kiss.

Garrett watched her hips as she sashayed toward the main area of the club.

“What's going on between you two?” Collin asked as soon as Trinity was out of earshot.

“That's none of your business, Collin.”

“You are my business, Garrett.”

“Is that why you're here?” Garrett snapped.

“No, your vacation is over next week. You have additional appearances and interviews coming up to promote the new CD. I wanted to go over them with you.”

“You could have called me on the phone.”

“I tried. Your cell phone is conveniently turned off. Why?”

After Imani phoned him the other night, Garrett no longer carried the cellular phone. It was tucked away in the top dresser drawer. He received Collin's messages, but none were important enough to interrupt his vacation. Trinity had his full attention.

“Is she the reason?”

Garrett didn't answer.

“What about Imani?” Collin asked. “I thought you were on again.”

“Collin, my personal life is none of your business,” Garrett said in a calm voice. “I may stay another week or two.”

The color drained from Collin's face. Garrett thought he was going to pass out. “What are you talking about? You can't do that. Your first appearances and interviews are already booked.”

“You'll have to reschedule them.”

“Wait a minute, Garrett. My reputation and yours are on the line. I can't cancel on a whim. I just confirmed the dates.”

“Artists cancel all the time,” Garrett argued. “It's no big deal.”

“Not you. You have a reputation for being reliable. So do I. I won't see it ruined because you're chasing a piece of tail.”

Garrett stepped closer to Collin, and he could see fear in Collin's eyes. He tried to compose himself. “I've already warned you about being in my business. I've given you my answer. You reschedule, do whatever you have to do to make it work.” He walked past Collin in search of Trinity.

When Garrett emerged, a group of autograph-seekers met him at the entrance to the club, and he happily spent a few minutes signing autographs and posing for pictures.