Love at the Right Tempo

by Michael Mandrake

  While he played, Fredrick’s phone rang the tune he’d picked for Deena. He stopped abruptly and placed his bow down before grabbing his cell.

  “Hello, Deena.”

  “Well, it seems someone finally decided to answer. Are you done playing around with the bartender?”

  Frederick placed his violin down. “It wasn’t playing. We went to a party, then a diner to talk. Vaughan wasn’t feeling well and neither was I, so we decided to part ways for the evening.”

  “Hmph. Sounds like things went too fast for you both and someone slammed on the brakes.”

  “That is partially true. No worries, I’ll tell you later. I will return in the morning. I just wanted to spend some time with my parents before we hopped on the plane.”

  “Freddy, is there something wrong?”

  “Yes and no. I’d rather not talk about it tonight. Like I said we’ll discuss later.”

  “No, we can talk now. You been so busy with that man, I’ve barely gotten a chance to see you. Now, tell me what’s going on?”

  Frederick began to get agitated because Deena was prying when he didn’t want her to be. “I’m just frustrated. Things were going well, and now I have to leave to go on tour. The whole situation is very unfair. One minute we’re dirty dancing at a warehouse and the next he’s talking about not being mad if I find someone else.” Frederick shrugged and placed the bow down. He ran his hand through his hair and pulled tight.

  “Deena, I’m already lost over this man, and we’ve only begun this relationship.”

  “Well, geez, Freddy, you’re out of his league. Besides, he is a bartender…”

  “What the heck does that have to do with it?” Frederick snapped at her.

  “Whoa, babe, c’mon, I’m just saying. He’s probably seen a lot, been through some things. Who knows? You don’t need that kind of drama, Freddy. You—”

  Frederick pushed the disconnect button, cursing under his breath. He knew Deena would be upset at him for hanging up on her yet again, but she’d said things so hurtful about the man he was falling so hard for. Regardless if things worked between him and Vaughan or not, he wouldn’t stand for anyone saying bad things about Vaughan when he couldn’t defend himself.

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Shit, Vaughan!” Kelliani swore. “Didn’t you hear me calling you?”

  He blinked and looked up into his best friend’s face. Her expression went from anger to concern in a heartbeat. She sat beside him on the sidewalk before their building. “Sweetie, what’s wrong?”

  “Everything,” Vaughan whispered. “Everything is fucked to hell, and I—why do I expect men to want to … shit. I don’t want to talk about it.”

  “Sin, you were happy a few hours ago when I saw you. What could have happened between then and now?”

  “I’ve only known Frederick for a little while,” Vaughan said. “And in that time I feel like there could be something between us, but he’s gone—or rather will be gone soon. And he’s going to be out there and meet someone and he’s going to forget all about me.”

  “Did he say something? I’ll kill him.”

  “No.” Vaughan couldn’t help laughing. “No. Nothing like that. I have nothing to offer him. He’s filthy rich, and I work slinging booze to overworked idiots with too much money in their pockets. He has a pick of any man he wants—men that aren’t scared.”

  “Stop it!” Kelliani snapped. “You stop that right now! None of this woe is me bullshit. D’you hear me? You are a wonderful man, Vaughan Emmanuel Singleton. Your parents may not have seen it. Your brother may not have seen it and Sam may not have seen it, but you have to realize that I know how good you are, and I believe so does Frederick. You can’t let those scars define you.”

  “But…”

  “‘Oh but’ my ass! If you’re going to let them be the reason for your life, let them show how strong you are. You survived hell, Sin, but you’re still standing—so to speak.”

  Vaughan turned to look at her. She smiled then cuddled into his chest, her pink and black dreadlocks tickling his nose. He wrapped his arms around her, welcoming her warmth. “Then why do I feel so unworthy?”

  “Because we’re humans, and we’re idiots.”

  He had to laugh then. “You sure have a way with words.”

  “You’re welcome. Now, why aren’t you inside?”

  “I went in and fed the queen. But my bedroom smells like Freddy.” Vaughan sighed. He was working the next night so he should get some sleep, but first he’d have to change his sheets.

  “You can’t stay out here all night,” Kelliani said, leaning from his arms and standing. She extended a hand. “Come on. I’ll help you change your sheets and even tuck you in.”

  “You don’t have to do that,” Vaughan assured her. “I just needed some time and fresh air, that’s all.”

  “You sure?”

  “I’m sure. Besides, you look tired. Get some sleep and come by and see me tomorrow?”

  “It’s a date.” Kelliani looped her arms with his and the two walked through the front door of the building. In the elevator, Kelliani rested her head against his shoulder. “I really thought you two would have been good together. I see the way he looks at you, and there’s no way to fake that.”

  “I’m not saying he’s lying when he says he wants to be with me,” Vaughan said. “He believes it, and that counts for something. But you hear it all the time, stars cheating with co-stars, or a roadie or some groupie.”

  “You don’t know that’s the kind of man Frederick is. Think about it tonight, huh?”

  Vaughan promised her he would, and when the doors opened, he kissed her nose and left her alone. He waited until the doors closed once more before shoving his fingers into his pockets and headed into his apartment.

  Though his heart wasn’t in to it, he played with Nefertiti, and when she was tired, she fell asleep curled into his chair by the window. The thought of changing his sheets was too much for Vaughan so he got a blanket from the closet and wrapped himself up on the sofa. Sure, with his large frame he would pay for that in the morning, but at that point in time he didn’t give a damn.

  But sleep took her sweet time seducing Vaughan to the land of dreams. Between both worlds Vaughan’s head was jam packed with Frederick—his eyes, his lips, his taste, his smell. Around five in the morning, Vaughan gave up and climbed out of bed. He must have been making too much noise, for Nefertiti woke up, hopped off the chair and trotted out of the living room. He arched a brow. “Good morning to you, too, Grumpy.”

  After rinsing her bowl and catching fresh water in it, he checked that she had enough food then made his way into the bedroom. Nefertiti was fast asleep in Frederick’s bag. Vaughan smiled and shook his head. He was careful not to make too much noise, but he got a fresh pair of pants and a graphic shirt with “Who is yo Daddy” written on the front. He had to get ready to start his day without Frederick.

  Vaughan wandered through his day, one errand after another. After lunch he even went to the gym, something he hadn’t done in a while. He usually went for a run since he hated the gym. Kelliani had talked him into getting a membership during one of her I’m fat phases. Around four-thirty, Kelliani picked him up and they headed into Prince’s.

  “Hey, V,” Scott called with a wave. “How was your day off?”

  “Eventful. How’s things been here?”

  “Good. We didn’t burn the joint.” Scott gasped dramatically then laughed. “Seriously though, we’re good. You need to have Patrick order more Hendo though. We only have one and a half cases left.”

  Vaughan made a mental note. “And Baptiste?”

  “Quit last night,” Scott said. “The prissy little ass was trying to get Patrick to pay him more money to stay. When Patrick told him he already hired you for the job, oh my lord! You should have seen the look on Baptiste’s face! Priceless!”

  “You’re an ass.” Vaughan chuckled.

  “Yes. But a nice, young, firm ass.” Scott m
ade grabbing motions with his fingers.

  Vaughan groaned. “Let me do all the checks then change into uniform, okay?”

  “Um—before you do that. See that Asian guy over there?”

  Vaughan turned and nodded. “Yeah.”

  “He’s been here three hours waiting for you.”

  Vaughan remembered the man to be the same who was having a bad night about two nights before. Their conversation had been personal, but Vaughan had thought for sure he’d been of some help to the stranger. With a breath, he walked over. “Hey. I hear you’ve been looking for me.”

  The Asian man with the dark hair rose to his full height, about five eight. He extended a hand, and Vaughan shook it. “You might not remember me,” he said.

  “I remember you,” Vaughan told him. “Rui Feng.”

  “Please, do you have a minute to sit with me?”

  Vaughn checked his watch. “Um—sure.” He sat across from Rui and rested his arms on the table. “What’s on your mind?”

  “Do you remember the night I was here?”

  “I do.”

  “What you don’t know was that night I was contemplating suicide.”

  Vaughan tilted his head and chewed on his bottom lip. “I’m glad you decided to stick around.”

  “I think all I needed was a few kind words, someone to show me that I matter. You did that for me.”

  “You already said thank you, Rui. I’m glad I was able to help. I mean it wasn’t much, but…”

  “I don’t think you will ever understand how wrong you are about that.” Rui inhaled loudly and exhaled. “You know what I did? I asked the man I’ve had my eyes on out on a date. It was one of the best things I could have done. Even if it doesn’t work out, I feel stronger for having met you. Listen, if there is anything I can ever do for you…”

  “Really, you don’t have to. It was my pleasure.”

  “The offer is still there, Mr. Singleton.”

  “It’s Vaughan. And can you bring my boyfriend back?”

  Rui tilted his head. “I don’t get it. A man actually walked away from your bed?”

  “Wow.” Vaughan’s cheeks heated, and he hung his head.

  “I’m not trying to come on to you, Vaughan, I promise. But you’re a good-looking man. It seems you take care of yourself. You’re kind.”

  “And how do you know I’m kind?”

  “You talked a stranger off a ledge!” Rui sighed. “I assume you know what you’re doing in bed…”

  “Okay. All right. We’re done here.”

  “Don’t be so dramatic, Vaughan. It is a fair assessment—granted we barely know each other but still fair.” Rui said. “I’ll let you get back to work. I’m going to try getting some things done before Cody and I have to head out for dinner. Remember what I said?”

  Rui dropped money on the table and stood.

  “I will.” Vaughan was pretty sure there was nothing Rui could do for him. Short of a miracle there was nothing anyone could do. With another handshake, Rui pulled his blazer from the back of his chair and headed for the exit. Claudia and Rui exchanged a few words and soon he was gone.

  Strange, all his military career, Jeff had drilled it into his head that in civilian life, he should always try saying a kind word to someone, for one never knew when that person could need it.

  “You’ll never know how right you are, my friend,” Vaughan muttered, leaving the main area for the change room. He kind of wandered through the night until Patrick showed up. Both men talked, and after managing not to have Patrick pry into his life, he was glad when the shift was over and everyone was gone except himself and Kelliani. They sat around in the silence of the dining room, speaking softly.

  “So, what are you going to do about Frederick?” Kelliani asked, popping some grapes into her mouth.

  “I don’t know.” Vaughan pulled the stem off a grape and shoved it between his lips. “I was thinking of just staying out of it and waiting to see what happens at the end of his tour. If he comes back then we work from there. If not, no harm no foul.”

  “You can’t really believe that.”

  “What else do you want me to do? I’m not going to keep him here, Kelly. He loves his music, and I have to work. I can’t just take off.”

  Kelliani chewed and nodded. “I get that. But this whole, if you love them set them free thing doesn’t work with matters of the heart.”

  “Well, we just have to believe this one time,” Vaughan said to her with a half shrug. “Then if it doesn’t work, we can find the guy who came up with that saying and burn him at the stake.”

  “Maniacal…” Kelliani looked thoughtful. “I like it.”

  Vaughan guffawed. “Right. Don’t worry. We both want this, so that should be enough to make everything work out.”

  “This is a change from the man sitting on the sidewalk last night.”

  “I know. I had a talk with someone earlier that put everything in perspective for me.” Vaughan took a drink. “But if Frederick-whatever-his-middle-name-is Tremblay thinks he’s going to go off to entertain the masses and forget about me, he has another think coming.”

  “Hoo-boy.”

  Vaughan smirked with the ideas circulating in his head. Before he was serious about the military, he would put all his effort into the few relationships he had. Even during his stint as a Marine. But they were all the wrong relationships. None of those men made him feel anything that Frederick had in the last couple of days. It was time to bring out the big guns. He smirked.

  “What is with that look?” Kelliani asked while snapping her fingers before his eyes.

  Vaughan leaned in and kissed her hand before she could draw it away. “Let’s just say the less you know, the less therapy you’ll need.”

  “Oh no. Is it super sexy fun time?”

  “It is.” Vaughan nodded, grinning like an evil genius. “It sure is.”

  She crinkled her nose at him, and though Vaughan knew Kelliani wanted to ask more questions, she didn’t. They slipped easily into other topics, and soon Vaughan was laughing. Vaughan lived for those moments. He relaxed into it, sipping from a mug of coffee and laughing at Kelliani’s jokes. He was so engrossed in their time together, when his phone rang he almost jumped a foot in the air.

  “Hello?” he answered. A part of him hoped it was Frederick. But when his greeting was only met with silence, Vaughan lifted the phone from his ear and looked at the face—private. “Seriously, I am too old for this crap. I will find out who you are and…”

  “Manny?”

  Vaughan’s breath caught in his throat. His body trembled as his head pulsed. There was only one person on earth who called him the shortened version of his middle name—Emanuel. “Tin-Tin? Are you okay?”

  “Your brother?” Kelliani mouthed.

  “Do Mom and Dad know you’re calling?” Vaughan asked as he nodded to Kelliani.

  “I don’t care.” Justin Singleton’s voice was soft, weak. “I can’t live without my brother anymore, and it’s not fair for them to ask me to. Please, you have to understand.”

  “Justin, you’ll lose everything,” Vaughan said. “You have to know how lonely that life is. You have to understand I never want that for you.”

  “Manny, what are you saying?”

  “I’m saying if you start talking to me again, Mom and Dad will lose their shit and you will have nothing left.”

  “And what am I supposed to do without you?”

  “I don’t know, Tin Tin. The same thing you’ve been doing since I was disowned, I suppose.”

  “Vaughan, please. It hasn’t been easy around here. I mean, I live on my own now, but I can’t deal. I need to see you.”

  Vaughan rubbed his eyes. “I’m still gay, Justin. That is not going to change. I am what I am.”

  “I don’t care about that! Gay, straight, bi, twisted—I don’t care. I just—I just want my brother back.”

  “What do you want me to do?”

  “Tell me if I came
to see you that you won’t shut me out.”

  “Justin…”

  “Do you want me to beg?”

  “No, I don’t want you to…” Vaughan rubbed the back of his neck then his burning eyes. “Don’t you see I’m trying to protect you?”

  “Funny. That’s the same thing Mom and Dad said about me from you.”

  “Fine. But you can’t tell them where you’re going, and you can’t stay here for very long.”

  “Okay.” Justin said. “I’ll call you back tomorrow.”

  “How’d you get my number?”

  “A cop buddy of mine.”

  Vaughan groaned. “Of course. Talk later.”

  Finally off the phone, he met Kelliani’s curious eyes. “Remember when I thought my only issue was Frederick and what we were doing?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Turns out, the fates have a sick sense of humor because now Justin wants to come for a visit.”

  Kelliani sighed.

  “Yeah. I know.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  After Frederick kissed his parents goodbye, their limo took him back to his hotel. On his way back, he realized he’d forgotten his bag at Vaughan’s apartment. Not that it was a big deal, because he would be coming back to Cardova soon anyway. He hoped the two of them could stay at Vaughan’s place for the evening and rekindle things before he went back on tour.

  Carrying his violin, Frederick made his way up to the penthouse he’d been staying in for almost a week. When he arrived at the door, Deena stood there with a very angry expression on her face.

  “Good morning, Deena. Um, how did you sleep?”

  “Not real well, knowing the guy who is supposed to be my best buddy hung up on me, not once but twice. Is that man teaching you bad manners, Freddy?”

  “Deena, really.” Frederick ambled past her inside the room and placed his violin case down by the recliner. “I’m sorry. You continued to push me last night when I specifically told you I didn’t want to talk about it.”