Games of the Heart

by Pamela Yaye

  Marshall embraced Khari in a fierce hug, bringing tears to everyone’s eyes. Cheers broke out and it took several seconds for the noise to die down. “I haven’t decided on a school yet, but I’m going to get a double major in business and music. One day, I’ll be producing the biggest and baddest names in music.” He added, “That is, after my illustrious NBA career!”

  Proud of Khari, Sage joined in the applause. Careful not to make eye contact with anyone, she backed out of the room and crept stealthily down the hall.

  “I owe a big thanks to one very special person.”

  Sage had one foot out the sliding glass door, when she heard Khari say her name. Legs quivering, she stopped dead in her tracks, listening intently.

  “I was really confused about what to do after graduation, but Sage helped steer me in the right direction. She told me to calm down and think things through. And whenever I started trippin’, she’d give me a shot in the arm!”

  In a desperate attempt to clear the tears from her eyes, Sage blinked hard and smoothed a hand over her flushed cheeks. She felt like laughing and crying at the same time. Overwhelmed with feelings of pity, Sage realized there was one bright spot in all this. She’d screwed things up with Marshall, but at least Khari didn’t hate her too. Worried the teen might come looking for her, she hurried into the backyard and disappeared out of sight.

  Chapter 19

  The Las Vegas sunshine greeted Sage when she emerged from her condo on Monday morning. Strolling down the flower-lined walkway, she took a long, slow, deep breath. After weeks of arctic winds and bone-chilling temperatures, she loved feeling the breeze in her hair and the sun on her face. Eagles soared in the rich, blue sky, crickets chattered and palm trees curved their stems like ballerinas.

  Sunshine rained down on her, warming her body and showering her with its tranquility. Easing her car out of the driveway, she took off down the block and made a sharp turn at the stop sign. The lanky police officer directing traffic on Eastern Avenue indicated for her to proceed and Sage waved her thanks.

  As her car cruised through the intersection, Sage was reminded of another tall, handsome man with a commanding presence. An image of Marshall sprang into her thoughts and she felt her palms sweat. Their connection had been instantaneous, and she’d never imagined that they would hit it off so well. And the night he’d surprised her with that romantic sleigh ride at North Hill, she knew they had something special. Marshall listened to her, treated her with respect and within a matter of weeks, she’d fallen hard.

  Her cell phone rang. Assuming it was Tangela calling to check in, Sage pressed Talk on her ear piece and greeted her best friend. “I can’t believe you’re up this early,” she teased, maneuvering her car around the oil spill on the road. “I figured you and Warrick would still be in bed.”

  “Hi, Sage,” the caller said. “How are you?”

  Her face flushed. Perspiring profusely, she squirmed uncomfortably in her seat. This was the voice she’d been longing to hear. Straightening, Sage tightened her grip on the steering wheel to steady her shaking hands. Breathing deeply, she forced herself to calm down. “Marshall, hi, how are you? How’s everything?” she rambled.

  “I can’t complain. The kids at the center are keeping me busy, and Khari and I have been looking over university brochures for the last few days.”

  “That sounds exciting.”

  Silence plagued the line and Marshall knew if he didn’t say something quick, this conversation would be over. He’d told himself he just wanted to hear her voice, but deep down he knew it was a lie. And after working up the courage to call, he wasn’t ready to let her go.

  Pacing the length of his bedroom, he searched his heart for the right words. Soon, Khari would be heading off to college and he’d be alone, with no one to hang out with but the dogs. And they were no real company. Having Sage around made his life fuller, richer and more complete since she’d left, he hadn’t had a good night’s sleep. Accustomed to having her in his arms, he tossed and turned all night, thoughts and images of her playing in his mind. “Are you doing okay?” he asked. “I mean, are you happy to be back home?”

  “Yeah, I am. Tangela picked me up from the airport on Friday night and we sat in our favorite lounge for hours just talking. I guess I didn’t realize how much I’d missed her.”

  I know what that’s like, he thought, flopping down on his unmade bed.

  “Has Khari narrowed down his university choices?”

  “No, not yet, but I thought it might help if he saw a few of the schools and hung out on campus. Khari has two weeks off during spring break, so we’re planning a little trip out west.”

  Sage concealed her disappointment with false enthusiasm. “Oh, of course, that’s why you called. You want me to recommend some hotels and—”

  “No, Sage, that’s not why I called. I wanted to apologize for how I acted at Khari’s party.” After a moment of profound silence, he continued, “I lost my head and I’m sorry. You’ve been an incredible help to Khari, and if it weren’t for you, he probably wouldn’t have decided to go to college.”

  Sage wanted to believe him, wanted to believe that he’d forgiven her, but knew in her heart that Marshall hadn’t. Khari had probably put him up to calling her, and she could hear the tension in his voice. Unmoved by his apology and anxious to end the call, she said, “I hope you guys have a great time on your trip. Take care.”

  “Any chance of us seeing you while we’re in L.A.?”

  “I can’t. I burned all of my vacation time when I was in Indianapolis.” Feeling guilty for lying, she extended an olive branch. “Feel free to call me if you have any questions about L.A. Things can be a bit confusing for first-time visitors.”

  “Sage, can you just give me a few more minutes of your time? I’ve missed hearing your voice and there’s so much more I have to say.”

  “Like what, Marshall? It’s over between us and—”

  “Is it?”

  Her heart sighed at the gentle yearning of his voice. After a moment of soul searching, Sage decided to hear him out. They’d both made mistakes and hurt each other deeply, but she couldn’t ignore what she was feeling inside. Marshall was the man she wanted, the man she needed and she didn’t want to have to let him go.

  “Sage, I’ve done a lot of thinking these last few days. Despite everything that’s happened, I want us to try and work things out.” Marshall paused. That was an understatement. He wanted her back in his life, and the sooner the better. A sister like Sage wouldn’t be single long, and he didn’t want to have to compete with anyone else for her heart. “Things aren’t going to change overnight, but I believe over time they’ll get better. We’ll just take things slow and see what happens. Does that sound fair?”

  Sage didn’t know what to say. It was the first time she’d ever heard Marshall sound so contrite and for some strange reason, hearing the vulnerability in his voice made her desire him more than ever. Keeping her cool, she listened to him say how much he missed her and felt her lips curl into a girlish smile. “I miss you and Khari too.”

  “What, are we a packaged deal?” he joked.

  “Yup. A two-for-one special!”

  They shared a laugh.

  “Is it okay if I call you later? Say around six?”

  “I’d like that.”

  “Bye, beautiful. Have a great day.”

  Sage disconnected the call and took off her earpiece. I don’t know what just happened, she thought, punching up the volume on the radio, but this day is definitely off to the right start!

  Sapphire Entertainment sat perched in the middle of Chedway Street, flanked by a sushi restaurant and an accounting firm. The long, wide windows gave passersby a clear view into the enormous, sun-lit reception area. Photographs of celebrity clients were paraded on the walls, gardenias sat in decorative pots and the coffee percolating in the main-floor conference room filled the air. Sage sailed through the door and broke into a grin when her coworker and friend, Cas
hmere Michaels, squealed.

  “Sage!” Cashmere sprang to her feet and threw her arms around Sage. “It’s about time you got your ass back here. This place isn’t the same without you!”

  “Thanks, girl, I missed y’all too.”

  “You look amazing!” Examining her closely, she picked up a lock of Sage’s wavy hair. “Where did you go? Back to that resort in Antigua, or somewhere new?”

  “I, ah, was in Indianapolis.”

  “What the hell for?”

  Sage pretended not to hear the question. “It’s a great city, but the weather is a bitch. The first thing I did when I got back was head over to Serendipity spa. My skin was drier than sandpaper!” She broke into a laugh. “I got a facial and a pedicure, and now I feel like a million bucks.”

  “And you look it too.” The phone rang, but Cashmere made no move to answer it. “What’s Indianapolis like? Is it true that they have blizzards and snowstorms and stuff?”

  Before Sage could answer, Nadine Tompkins, Human Resources Director, shuffled into the reception area carrying a stack of files. “Look who the cat dragged in,” she said, eyebrows raised in appraisal. “It’s been quiet around here, but like they say, all good things must come to an end.”

  Sage didn’t know her well, but she was thankful for the interruption her presence provided, even if she was having an attitude.

  Nadine came closer, a question in her hazel eyes. “Where have you been?” she asked. “And more importantly, who have you been doing?”

  Cashmere giggled.

  “There’s something different about you,” Nadine insisted, tossing the mail on the reception desk. “Do tell.”

  Sage stuck out her right leg and wiggled her foot. “I got these babies last night at the Armani store. Pretty, huh?”

  “You’re glowing and it has nothing to do with the shoes. The only time a woman glows is when she’s pregnant or in love, so which one is it?” She couldn’t explain why she looked good. After all that had happened, she felt like crap.

  “I-I don’t know what you’re talking about,” the words stumbled out of Sage’s mouth. “And I’m not pregnant, so don’t go starting any rumors about me.”

  Leo appeared. “Doesn’t anybody around here work anymore?”

  Sage didn’t think she’d ever be this happy to see him. Another minute of Nadine’s intrusive questions and she would have cracked under the pressure. She hadn’t sorted out her feelings for Marshall yet, and she didn’t want to talk about him with anyone, especially her nosey-ass coworkers. “Hey, boss man, what’s up? You’re looking good.”

  Cashmere rushed back to her desk and Nadine marched briskly into the conference room, leaving Sage alone with their boss.

  “Collins, my office, now.”

  Following her boss down the hall, toward his office, she wondered if she really was glowing or if Nadine was just running her mouth again. Deciding to stop at the ladies’ room to see for herself later, she took a seat in front of Leo’s desk and helped herself to the chocolate mints in the glass jar. “What’s up, boss man?”

  “Renegade has an interview with Source magazine at eleven o’clock and I want you there. Make sure he doesn’t hit on the editor again or say anything stupid.”

  “Come on, Leo. The guy’s a pig. Why don’t you send Tobias, or one of the other junior talent scouts?”

  “Because I’m sending you. Renegade likes you, and you’re the only one who can keep him in line.” He tapped his gold pen on the desk. “Didn’t you read the tabloids while you were away?”

  Sage shook her head.

  “He slugged a camera man and got busted for drinking and driving again.”

  “Oh, shit.” Now she understood why her boss was in a sour mood. Renegade, a one-time rapper with a legion of teenage fans was a pain in the ass. Thanks to Sapphire Entertainment, he had a clothing line, a production company and was up for a part in the next Spielberg movie. The Grammy-Award winner was indulgent, arrogant and hot-tempered, but everything he did turned to gold. “So much for a welcome,” she muttered, pushing herself up off the chair. “I should have stayed back east. It was crazy cold up there, but at least no one was ordering me around.”

  “Quit pouting,” he snapped. “We’re a team, and everyone has to do their part, including you.”

  “Is this my punishment for not signing Khari Grant?”

  “I’m sending you to the Renegade interview because you’re the best celebrity manager I got. I trust you, Sage.” Leo cracked a sly smile. “But it’s too bad Khari Grant’s not going pro. I was going to use that commission to get a new Jag.”

  “Poor you,” she drawled, rolling her eyes. “I guess you’ll have to cruise around in last year’s model a little while longer.”

  Chuckling, he leaned back in his chair and propped his feet up on the side of the desk. “It’s good to have you back, kid.”

  Sage suppressed a smile as she sailed through his office door. Her boss was right. It was good to be back. Las Vegas was home. She missed lounging in bed with Marshall and goofing around with Khari, but this is where she belonged. She loved her job, her clients and her fast-paced lifestyle and she wouldn’t trade her life for anything.

  Three hours later, Sage was singing another tune. Not only had Renegade showed up forty minutes late for the interview, but he’d called the editor a racist, spilled his Pepsi drink on the plush white carpet and had the nerve to ask to be on the cover of the magazine. When he insulted the female reporter, Sage thought of faking a panic attack or playing dead, but since she didn’t think she could pull it off, she just sat on the couch, seething. By the time she returned to the office, her head was pounding, her feet hurt from chasing around the ill-tempered rapper and thoughts of quitting circled her mind.

  “Ready for lunch?”

  Sage lifted her head up off her desk and faced Cashmere. Her coworker stood in the entranceway of her cubicle, waiting impatiently.

  “I can’t. I have a ton of paperwork to do.” She motioned to the files piled up on her desk like phone books. “It’s hard to believe I’ve only been gone for six weeks. It feels more like six months!”

  “Let’s go. The group’s meeting at the sushi bar in ten minutes.” Cashmere dragged Sage off her chair, swiped her purse off the desk and pushed her out into the hall. “I want to hear all about your new man.” She winked. “You might be able to fool Nadine, but I’ve been around the block a few times and I’m way too smart for that.”

  A man in a blue delivery uniform turned the corner and stopped abruptly. He was holding a bouquet of flowers in one hand and a clipboard in the other. “Do either of you know where I can find Sage Collins?” he asked, glancing around the room.

  “I’m Sage. Are those for me?” she asked, pointing at the roses.

  “They sure are.”

  “They’re gorgeous!”

  Cashmere jabbed Sage with her elbow. “My boyfriend sent me roses for my birthday and you said that was cliché.”

  “A girl can change her mind, can’t she?” Sage slipped a hand into her purse and handed the delivery boy a twenty-dollar bill. “Thanks, kid,” she said, practically ripping the package from his hands.

  He stuffed the money into his front pocket. “Don’t move. I’ll be right back.”

  “There’s more?” Cashmere asked, her eyebrows pinched in confusion.

  “Oh, yeah,” he said, turning away. “A lot more.”

  It took three trips to bring all the flowers inside and when the deliveryman was done, her cubicle resembled a botanical garden. Plump pink roses sat in sleek crystal vases all around her office. On her desk, beside the computer, above the bookshelf. The entire agency was perfumed with their scent, and when word got out that someone had sent her dozens of roses, her female coworkers rushed over to see for themselves. Her boyfriend’s extravagant display of affection was the talk of the agency, and although Sage tried to downplay all the attention, she couldn’t help feeling incredibly special.

  Each
bouquet had come with a card, and as she read the last one, she broke out into a girly smile. The message was short, simple and sweet. “A rose for every time you made me laugh, for every time you brightened my day and for just being you.” Heart overwhelmed with love, she rested back in her chair, a soft sigh on her lips. Who knew Marshall had it in him? He was an old-fashioned, school-of-hard-knocks kind of guy, but that didn’t stop him from romancing her. A month ago, she had bawled him out for not leaving a tip at Pasqual’s, a posh European restaurant, and now he’d spent hundreds of dollars on flowers. If only I could do something about those ugly plaid shirts, she thought, laughing to herself.

  “Sage Collins?”

  She turned toward the voice. A guy with thinning hair and a crooked nose was smiling at her. Replacing the receiver, she stood, towering over the slight wisp of a man. “Can I help you with something?”

  “This is for you.” Sage was so caught off guard by his arrival, she hadn’t noticed the white plastic bags in his hands. The scent of mozzarella cheese and green peppers made her mouth wet with hunger. She’d had a big lunch, but that didn’t stop her stomach from roaring like a lion. “I didn’t order this.”

  “A gentleman did on your behalf.”

  Before she could question him, he was gone.

  “It couldn’t be,” she said aloud, shaking her head. The lip-smacking aroma of veal piccata incited more groans from her unruly stomach. Resting the plastic bags on her desk, she opened them and peeked inside. Glass bowls topped with mushroom fried rice, prawns and avocado salad had been ordered from Glory of Morocco, one of her all-time favorite restaurants.

  Sage sank down on her chair. Unbelievable, she thought, awed that Marshall had pulled this off from a thousand miles away. He’d done it again. Wowed her. Spoiled her. Impressed her. Made her feel beautiful without ever saying a word. His actions underlined his feelings, and Sage felt incredibly loved and cared for. No one had ever surprised her like this. Sure, past boyfriends had bought her flowers and jewelry, but Marshall had gone above and beyond. Having lunch delivered to her at work was first-class all the way.