It's in the Rhythm (23 page)

“I came as fast as I could,” she said, placing her bag in the chair. Looking at Trinity, she scowled. “What's going on? You didn't sound so good on the phone, and you look awful.”

“It's Garrett.”

“What about him? The last time we spoke you guys were getting along.”

“Yeah, well, things have changed.”

“What happened?” Leigh prompted.

“Imani is pregnant.”

Leigh cocked a perfectly arched eyebrow. The look on her face was priceless. Trinity would have laughed if the situation weren't serious. “You're kidding.”

Trinity sat on the sofa, folding one leg over the other. In frustration, she tossed the couch pillow to the other end of the sofa.

“Trinity, I'm so sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry about. We just weren't meant to be. Maybe I'm supposed to be alone.”

Leigh's heart went out to Trinity. She could understand why she was feeling low. But she knew Trinity was a good person, and was bound to meet the right man eventually. Good things always came to good people.

“Don't be ridiculous. One day you're going to meet the right man for you. You will get married and have a houseful of babies. Just wait and see.”

“The man I want to have those things with is tied to another woman,” she said, laying her head back on the sofa. “My love life is in the toilet. Look around, Leigh. Everyone is in a relationship but me. You are married. My father is dating. Can you believe it?” Her voice was shaking. “My dad may get down the aisle before me.”

Leigh could hear the hurt and anger in her voice. The best thing she could do is let her to get everything out of her system.

“What else did Garrett say?”

“It doesn't matter. He's going to marry her.”

“Did he say he was going to marry her?”

“I told him to.”

Leigh plopped down in the matching chair opposite the couch. “Wait a second. You told him to marry Imani?”

“Don't look at me like that.” Leigh was giving her the have-you-lost-your-mind look. “I know Garrett, he was going to marry her. That's the kind of man he is.” Her voice choked.

“I don't know what to say.”

“There's nothing to say.”

“What about singing on his CD? The Gospel Explosion? Touring with the choir?” Leigh fired question after question. “How are you going to handle it?”

“I'm going to be adult about it. I gave my word.”

“You gave your word to fill in at the Gospel Explosion. That was it. You don't have to go on tour or sing on the CD.” Leigh looked skeptical. “I don't know about this, Trinity. I think you should just follow through the Gospel Explosion and that's it. Being around him, working with him for a long period of time is not a good idea.”

“The choir is depending on me. I left the choir once. I won't leave again because of Garrett. Soon he will be back in Los Angeles with Imani, and I won't have to see or work with him.”

Trinity could see the wheels in Leigh's head turning. “What are you thinking?”

“About Darius. He looks like the better man after all.”

Trinity grabbed the couch pillow, hugging it. “It was you who told me to own up to my feelings for Garrett. Now you're on Darius's side.”

“How did I know it would turn out like this?”

“No one knew.”

Trinity and Leigh chatted about thirty minutes more before Leigh had to leave. Looking around her apartment, she decided it was time to do some cleaning. She hoped it would take her mind off both men.

It was six o'clock in the evening when she finished. As she was putting away her supplies, the doorbell rang. Removing her yellow rubber gloves, she opened the door to her father and Gail.

“Hi, pumpkin.” Her father gave her a hug and kiss.

“Hi, Daddy.”

“I got your message. Gail and I drove up to the Baltimore Harbor. We just made it back.”

“Very romantic,” Trinity teased.

Her father blushed. “I remember a few things about dating.”

Lyle glanced at his daughter. She was upset about something. The sparkle was missing from her beautiful brown eyes. “What's the matter, pumpkin?”

“I just have a lot on my mind,” she said awkwardly.

Trinity filled him in on everything that happened between her and Garrett.

“You did the right thing,” Lyle said, leaning her head on his shoulder. “It hurts now, but you will be all right.”

“I fell in love with him. I thought we finally were going to be together.”

Lyle ran a hand up and down her arm in a comforting motion. “I wish I could protect you from things like this. I don't like to see my little girl hurting.”

They spoke a few minutes more, and then the doorbell rang again. Who could it is this time, she wondered. She wasn't expecting anyone.

“I'll get it.” A moment later, she opened the door, and came face to face with Darius. Her father and Darius in the same room was not a good idea.

“Darius, hi. What brings you here?”

“I was rude to you the last time we saw each other. I came to apologize.”

“Apology accepted.”

“How have you been?” Darius continued. “You are looking well, like always,” he added.

“I have been great. What about yourself?” She made no attempt to step aside.

“Good. Can I come in?” He wanted to sit and talk with her, but not in the doorway.

She nervously looked over her shoulder. “My dad is here.”

“I'm not afraid of your father.”

“It's your funeral.” She reluctantly stepped aside to allow Darius entrance into the room. He brought up the rear.

“Hello, Mr. Blake. Good to see you again. It has been a long time.”

The grin on her father's face evaporated at the sight of Darius. “Not long enough.”

“Daddy,” Trinity chided.

“Why did you let this bum in?” Lyle scolded.

“It's okay, Trinity. Mr. Blake, I know how you feel about me. I can't blame you.” He lovingly looked over at Trinity. “I hurt someone we both care about, and I'm sorry about that.”

“So now you have changed and want to marry my daughter.”

“Yes. That's right.” Darius refocused on Trinity. “I love Trinity. I want to settle down with her. Start a family.”

Trinity swallowed the lump in her throat. Maybe Darius was sincere this time about marriage. He was a good man. She still cared about him. Maybe Leigh's suggestion to give Darius a second chance wasn't a bad idea.

“We heard all of this before,” Lyle snapped.

“I know you have. I'm serious this time,” Brian pleaded.

“I'm against it,” Lyle said. “A leopard never changes its spots.”

“With all due respect sir, it's not up to you,” Darius threw back. “It's up to Trinity.”

Lyle leaned back. “It is if you're trying to get my respect. I'm out of here,” he said to Trinity. “Give me a call later.” He headed out the door, mumbling under his breath.

“You are never going to win him over like that,” Trinity said as she headed into the kitchen. She opened the refrigerator door and grabbed a bottle of water. “Want one?”

“Yes. I don't understand it. Everyone likes me.” He caught the bottle Trinity tossed to him.

“You know why. Don't play stupid.” She removed the cap.

“I see where you got all that stubbornness.” He took a sip. “It definitely runs in the family. Hopefully, you will be more forgiving.” He gave her a winsome smile.

“We will see.”

“I'm wearing you down. You didn't say no. How is the singing career going?” He took a seat at the bar. Trinity sat across from him.

“I'm looking forward to Atlanta next week. I need to get away for a couple of days.”

“Atlanta is a beautiful city. Lots to do.”

“Have you been there?”

“Numerous times. Would you like some company? I can show you all the hot spots. Or do you have that covered?”

Trinity wiggled in her chair. “What are you talking about?”

“Garrett Martindale,” Darius said in one breath.

Trinity looked away. “Darius.”

“I saw it on
Entertainment Tonight
,” Darius explained. “You lied to me.”

“Then why are you here?”

“I came to apologize for the misunderstanding we had. I'm behind your singing career one hundred percent. It's something you always wanted to do. But you and Garrett—”

She cut him off in mid-sentence. “We are not a couple.”

“It's all over the news,” he argued.

“I don't care what's on the news. It's not true,” she said defensively. “The media has blown things all out of proportion.” She knew she was lying, but it was her way of dealing with the hurt she was feeling.

Darius raised his hands. “Okay. Okay.” He chuckled. “I'll change the subject.”

“Thank you.”

“Then there's nothing to stop you from hanging out with me this evening.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“I was hoping we could catch a movie.”

Trinity thought it was a good idea. It would do her good to get out. “There's a Jamie Foxx movie I'd like to see.”

“Good choice. I like Jamie. What time is the next show?”

“Hang on a second, Darius. I need to get my laptop.”

Her computer was in its usual place on the living room table. She grabbed it and googled the movie schedule.

Trinity ran her finger down the listing. “Hmm, there's an eight-forty show.”

Darius glanced at his watch. “Perfect. We have thirty minutes.”

“I'll change and be right back.” She quickly disappeared in the bedroom.

By the time they made it to the theatre, it was as if they were never apart. After the movie ended, Darius escorted her back home.

At the door, Trinity said, “Come on in.” She walked over to the end table and clicked on the table lamp.

Darius removed his jacket, placing it on the back of the sofa. This reminded him of old times when they would go out and then come back to her place to unwind for the evening. He strolled over to the entertainment center, picking up the glass figurine of a female singer that he'd purchased for her at a flea market two years ago. Trinity told him that she once sang in the choir and he thought it would be a wonderful gift.

He noticed the CDs scattered about, and picked up a few to look at, not noticing that she had re-entered the room.

She looked at the collection he held in his hands. “When did you begin listening to inspirational music?”

“I was just looking for something to play. I hope you don't mind.”

She walked over, standing beside him. “Going to Bible study, attending church every Sunday, and now listening to gospel music. You're beginning to scare me,” she joked.

Trinity noticed they both avoided talking about their relationship on the ride back home. They discussed the movie, their jobs, or politics. Everything but them. She watched him place a CD in the machine.

‘Darius, are you serious about us this time?”

Darius froze in mid-motion. He gave her a sidelong glance, then smiled. “I'm very serious.” He captured her eyes with his. His voice answered in a seductive tone. “I want us to spend the rest of our lives together.”

“I've waited so long to hear you say that.”

Darius tilted her chin up to look at him. His eyes clung to hers, analyzing her. “I will say it again, over and over, if you want me to. All you have to do is say ‘yes.' ”

Darius leaned forward. She recognized the intensity in his eyes. He was going to kiss her. Kissing was something Darius was a master at doing, along with a lot of other things. His mouth swooped down to capture hers. She quivered at the sweet tenderness of his kiss.

Putting a hand to her waist, he held her form to his. “Hmmm,” he moaned. “I miss kissing you like this. You feel so good in my arms.”

Her heartbeat was hammering in her ears. “I miss kissing you,” she said softly.

He smiled. “It doesn't have to be this way.”

“Hold on, Darius, let's take this slow.”

His smile widened over his face. “What are you saying? We can try again?” He picked her up, swirling her around before giving her a chance to answer.

“Put me down, silly,” she giggled.

Sitting her on her feet, Darius said, “This time I'm going to do it right. You will see. We're going ring shopping. I want everyone to know we're engaged.”

“Darius, you're moving a little too fast for me.”

“I don't want a long engagement,” Darius continued. “After we get the rings, let's go down to the courthouse, take out a license, and get the blood test. Let's not wait.”

Before she went to bed that night, Trinity prayed for guidance and understanding. When she fell asleep she dreamed of her wedding day. The church was beautifully decorated and filled to capacity. The music began her march to the groom. The guests stood. The doors opened and her father walked her down the aisle. She took her place next to the groom and they exchanged wedding vows to make them one. After the pastor pronounced them husband and wife, the groom raised her veil to kiss her; the face smiling back at her was Garrett Martindale.

Chapter 17

“You're engaged to Darius?” Leigh asked in disbelief the following day. They had completed several laps around the school track and were sitting in the bleachers. The soft breeze helped to cool them off. Leigh's brow creased with concern. “Are you rushing into this because of Garrett?”

Trinity's mind returned to the dream she had last night of her wedding day. The face she saw was Garrett's, not Darius's. She didn't know what it meant; dreams were never as they seemed. There was always a deeper meaning.

“Of course not. You know how I feel about Darius.”

“And I also know how you feel about Garrett. I just don't want to see you rush into anything.”

“I'm not rushing into anything. It's not like I don't know him. We dated for several years.”

“I know, but are you sure about this?”

“I'm sure.”

“Okay. When is the big day?”

“We haven't set a date yet. He wants to get married right away.”

“What about you?”

“I'd like to wait a couple of months. Maybe after I do the CD.” Trinity glanced at her watch. “Oh, I have to get going. Darius is taking me ring shopping. I'd like for you to be my maid of honor.”

Leigh beamed. “I'd better be.”

Trinity gave Leigh a hug and ran down the bleachers.

“Make sure it's a big diamond,” Leigh shouted after her.

“You don't have to worry about that,” Trinity yelled over her shoulder, hurrying toward the car.

* * *

“Darius, it's beautiful,” Trinity said as she admired the two-carat diamond engagement ring. Several trays were put in front of her, but once she spotted the pear solitaire, she knew it belonged on her finger.

Darius pressed his lips to hers. “Nothing is too good for my baby.” He turned her to him. “I've been thinking. You didn't seem too thrilled about getting married at the courthouse, so let's get married at the church.”

“I'd like that.”

“What about in a month? That should give us time to make the arrangements.”

Trinity blinked. She wanted a longer engagement. Three months. Six months. “Darius, it takes longer than that to plan a wedding.”

“Not if it's a small wedding. I'm sure Pastor Martindale won't mind performing the ceremony, followed by a small reception.”

Darius had her head spinning. As they walked out of the store arm-in-arm, Darius looked over at her and asked, “Why don't we ask Garrett to sing at our wedding?”

Trinity stopped in mid-stride. Her breath caught in her chest as she felt her heart pounding. “You want Garrett to sing at our wedding?”

“Why not?” He hesitated, examining her face for a response. “I think it's a great idea.”

“I don't think so,” she managed to say. “Besides, he's leaving for Los Angeles after the Gospel Explosion to promote his new CD.” She looked hastily away as they headed for the exit.

* * *

Sunday morning, Trinity found herself singing in front of a packed church. After the solo, the congregation rendered a standing ovation in appreciation of her return to the choir.

Pastor Martindale followed, delivering a spirited sermon that had the church on fire. “The grass isn't always greener on the other side,” he said in closing.

When the service was over, Trinity cornered Pastor Martindale, asking if he'd marry her and Darius. He said he would be happy to perform the ceremony. He requested that she and Darius schedule an appointment with his secretary to have everything arranged.

She looked around and spotted Garrett sitting at the piano, chatting with Marc.

“There's Garrett,” Darius said, standing next to her. Trinity didn't know he had arrived at church. He phoned that morning to say he was running late.

“Let's go talk to him.” He took her by the hand before she had a chance to object.

“Garrett, my man,” Darius said, walking up the steps onto the stage.

“Darius,” Garrett spoke. “Trinity. You were awesome this morning, as always.”

Garrett was looking her straight in the face. She couldn't face him. Her eyes skidded away.

“Thanks,” she said.

“Garrett, I would like to ask you a huge favor,” Darius began.

“Sure. What is it?” Garrett answered. He glanced at Trinity. She looked uncomfortable.

“Trinity and I are engaged.”

Garrett's body stiffened. Trinity ended their relationship a couple of days ago, and she was already engaged to Darius. She didn't waste any time picking up the pieces.

“We're going to get married here at the church in about a month,” Darius continued. “Your father will perform the ceremony. And we would like for you to sing at our wedding.”

Garrett looked from Darius to Trinity.
Be cool, brother
, he thought
. She's free to marry Darius. There is nothing you can do about it.

“What date is it?” he managed to ask.

“We're looking at the twenty-first of next month,” Darius boasted.

“The twenty-first?” Garrett repeated.

“I know it is short notice,” Darius was saying, “but if you could do this for us, we really would be indebted to you.”

Garrett took a deep breath to calm himself. “It's short notice. I will be on the road promoting the new CD. My agent is already on me about pushing some of the dates back.”

“It's okay, Garrett,” Trinity finally said in a soft tone. She threw Darius an irritated look. “I explained to Darius that it really was short notice and you had other commitments.”

Darius tried to look disappointed. Trinity had the feeling he was enjoying throwing their wedding in Garrett's face.

“You really want me to sing at your wedding?”

“Yes,” Darius replied.

Garrett's gaze fell on Trinity. He wanted to hear the answer from her.

She nervously shifted from one foot to the other. “Only if you can,” she said as she gave Garrett a look only he understood.

“I'll be there,” Garrett replied.

“Thanks, man.” Darius extended a hand to Garrett.

Darius heard his name called. He glanced around to find his aunt waving him over. He excused himself, leaving Garrett and Trinity alone.

The silence was heavy. Garrett's finger moved softly over the keys of the piano. His mind searched for the words to say. Trinity was the first to speak.

“Garrett, you don't have to sing at our wedding.”

“I know I don't.” His fingers continued to move over the piano keys. “Are you really going to marry him after what happened between us?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“I have a history with Darius,” Trinity whispered, looking around to make sure no one was listening. “And what gives you the right to question me?” she added.

“I'm the man who really loves you.” Garrett was hurt, but he understood why Trinity was lashing out at him. “I don't want you to make a mistake because of what happened between us.”

Garrett stood, not giving her a chance to respond, and walked off the stage. She hadn't meant to hurt him. Maybe they should go someplace and talk. She didn't know what she could say to ease the sting.

“Garrett, I'm sorry,” she said as she caught up to him.

The large engagement ring caught his eye. “Nice ring,” he said and continued walking.

Trinity nonchalantly fell in step with him. “This isn't easy for me.”

Garrett turned to face her. “Do you think it has been easy for me? I know you are only marrying him because of what happened between us,” he said as they walked through the double doors of the sanctuary and into the foyer. “You don't love him. Marrying him isn't going to change anything.”

“What do you want from me, Garrett? You are tied to Imani.” She put a hand to her chest. “What am I suppose to do? Put my life on hold for you?” She lifted her head up toward heaven, as if looking for an answer, then her eyes locked with his. “Lord knows I do love you, Garrett. I wish things would have turned out differently, but they didn't, and I'm going to marry Darius.” Without another word, she walked back into the church without a backward glance.

* * *

An upset Garrett paced the length of his bedroom. He could just kick himself. He was out of line to tell Trinity she couldn't marry Darius, but he had to let her know she was making a huge mistake.
That was stupid
! Disgusted with himself, he ran a hand over his head.

“Headache?” a voice inquired.

Garrett looked up and spotted his father standing in the doorway. “Yes.”

“Your mother has aspirin in the medicine cabinet,” Pastor Martindale said, coming further into the room.

“Thanks.”

“I had an interesting conversation with Trinity this evening.”

Garrett frowned. “She's getting married. They asked me to sing at the wedding.”

Pastor Martindale arched an eyebrow. He cleared his throat. “How do you feel about that?”

“I said I would.”

“That's not what I asked. I asked how do you feel about it?”

“There's nothing I can do about it,” Garrett finally answered.

“I thought you loved her.”

“I do love her.”

“What happened? Why is she marrying Darius? And you're singing at her wedding?”

Garrett was irritated. He took a couple of deep breaths. He knew his father wasn't going to like becoming a grandfather out of wedlock for the second time.

“Imani is pregnant,” Garrett blurted out. He wasn't prepared for his father's cool demeanor.

“Pregnant?”

“Yes, sir.” Garrett felt like a schoolboy in trouble.

“What are you going to do about it?”

“She wants to get married.”

“I asked what are you going to do about it?”

“I will take care of my responsibility.”

“Money isn't everything. What about Imani? Being a family?”

“You think I should marry her?” Garrett inquired.

“I think you should do the right thing for the mother and child. That is what is wrong with young folks today. They are not willing to take responsibility for their actions. The child didn't ask to be here.”

Pastor Martindale was right, but he wasn't about to be stuck in a loveless marriage. He saw what happened to Tamara. He wasn't going down the same road. “It's true the child didn't ask to be here, but I won't add to the situation by being in a loveless marriage.”

“You should have thought about that before,” Pastor Martindale scolded him.

Garrett ran his hand down his face in frustration. “I know that, Dad. But can you for once not preach to me, please?” he begged. “Just talk to me as a father. Can you do that?”

“All right. Let's talk. Let me ask you a question.”

“Shoot.”

“Did you ever love Imani?”

“No.” Garrett didn't miss a beat. He knew where the conversation was headed. If he hadn't led Imani on, he wouldn't be in this predicament. “We were friends. I enjoyed her company. I do care about her, but not enough to build a marriage on.”

“A friend,” Pastor Martindale repeated. He was more open-minded than Garrett gave him credit for. It didn't take a genius to know what his son meant by the word “friend.” It was nothing more than a sexual relationship.

“She's in love with me.”

Pastor Martindale sat on the edge of the bed. “She knows you don't love her and still wants to be with you.”

Garrett took the space next to him. “Now that's there's a child, I think she's hoping that my feelings will change toward her. But my heart belongs to Trinity.”

“Trinity is marrying someone else. You need to move on with your life.”

“You mean marry Imani?”

Pastor Martindale came to his feet. He had said all he was going to say. Garrett was a grown man. He would have to make his own decision about Imani. “That's up to you. I just hope you make the right decision.”

“I don't know if I can stand there and watch you marry Trinity to Darius.”

“Son, if that is who she chooses to marry, there is nothing you can do about it.” Pastor Martindale turned to leave the room.

“Dad,” Garrett called after him. Pastor Martindale turned around. “Thanks for the talk.”

Pastor Martindale smiled. “Anytime. Don't forget to take something for that headache.”

* * *

“You're going back to your husband?” Nina spun around to face Tamara. Nina was in the kitchen, standing at the counter preparing dinner.

Tamara wanted Nina to know that she had decided to work things out with Brian. “I have to do what's best for Taj.”

“Just because you have a son with him doesn't mean you have to be trapped in an unhappy marriage.”

“I love Brian. You know that, Nina. I've never denied that.”

Nina flew from around the counter. She still held the knife in her hand. “But you are in love with me, Tamara. Admit it. Accept it. You're gay.”

“I know what I am,” Tamara threw back, “but this isn't about me. This isn't about you. This is about the welfare of my son.”

“You think you're helping Taj by staying with Brian?” Nina threw her head back and roared with laughter.

Tamara looked at her like had she lost her mind. “What is so funny?”

“You are,” Nina said nastily. “One minute you're heterosexual, the next you're a lesbian. How long are you going to play this game?”

“I'm not playing games. I know what I want.”

“Oh, yeah?” Nina challenged. “What do you want?”

“Right now, I want to go and work this out with Brian.” Tamara turned to walk off. Nina halted her, gripping her wrist like iron.

“Just like that?” Nina's curt voice lashed out at her. “What about me? I'm just supposed to sit here, waiting to see if you're going to come back?”