by Sammie Ward
“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 beg
in 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 th
is 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.
