by Regina Frame
“Mr. Green, what is your address?” He rattled it off, and I made a promise to meet with him tomorrow, which meant I needed to pack my bag for a six-hour trip in case I needed to stay over, but first I was going to call my mother and tell her to stop giving out my phone number to strangers.
My breath caught in my throat as I rolled to a stop behind Keith’s brand new Cadillac SUV. It was shiny and black with not a speck of dirt anywhere. It even had a personalized license plate. “HIROLR” he always said he was the man with a plan. I guess his plan was to steal from me. I can’t believe he’s still living in the same brownstone we bought when we married. Judging by the ankle deep grass, appearance is not high on his list of priorities. I climbed the steps and rang the bell. Some twenty something year old girl with blonde hair and fake breasts came to the door wearing a bikini. “I need to see Keith,” I demanded.
“Keith, honey, someone’s here to see you,” she yelled as she inspected her long pointy manicured nails. Keith came to the door wearing shorts and no shirt. The Keith I married would never have been seen dressed like this. He was always in a suit with a heavily starched shirt. He was always in business mode. I bulldozed right past him, stepping on his toe as I shoved him back.
“What the hell, Keith? What have you done? Why does a bank want money from me?” I raised my voice. “I don’t want to hear your bullshit excuses either.”
“Babe,” he started.
“I am not your babe,” I said through gritted teeth. He smirked. “I’m tempted to slap that smirk right off your face!”
“Fair enough.” He held his hands up in surrender. “Do you remember the honeymoon we planned but never got to take?” I arched my brow and clenched my jaw. “We borrowed the money to pay for the all-inclusive trip to Bali.” I held my hand up in front of his face to shut him up.
“I never borrowed money for a trip. It was my understanding that the trip was a gift from your parents.” I glared at him.
“Well, I actually had to use that money for something else. We took out a loan to pay for the trip.”
“What happened to the wedding gift from your parents? And why is the bank calling me?”
“Do you remember the business trip I took to Vegas?” he asked.
“You know what? I don’t even want to know. You gambled that money away and now you expect me to take care of your debt. It’s not going to happen!”
“I’ll get it paid. Charlie down at the bank knows I’m good for it.”
“Well, obviously you’re not because Mr. Charlie down at the bank expects me to come up with the money. You know I don’t have it. Sell that expensive car you have in the driveway to pay the debt.”
“That’s my company car.” His brows bunched.
“Keith, since when does a dentist need a company car? The worst thing I could have ever done was to marry you. If I find out you forged my signature, I will have you arrested!” I slammed the door and stormed down the steps toward my red Ford I backed out of the driveway and headed for the bank to speak with Mr. Green. If I see my signature on a document, I’ll lose everything I have, including Tucker.
My stomach sank as Mr. Green flipped the loan papers around on his desk for me to see that, in fact, someone had forged my name. I’m ninety-nine percent sure it was Keith and probably that little young thing that opened his door earlier. I felt like I was going to be sick. I felt all of the blood drain from my face and sweat popped out on my upper lip.
“Mr. Green, that’s not my signature. I didn’t sign those papers. Keith is responsible for this. He’s the one that owes you money, not me. Do whatever you need to do in order to get it. Take him to jail, take his car, or even his home. I have nothing to give you. Here’s his address and phone number,” I pleaded as I scribbled it onto one of the sticky notes adorned with his name at the top.
“Ms. Walsh, your car was put up as collateral. I’m sorry, but we’re going to need to take possession of it unless you’re prepared to take care of this loan today.” My shoulders slumped, and I hung my head. “Ms. Walsh, are you driving the 2000 red Ford today?” I could have lied and told him no, but that’s not the kind of person I am. Damn Keith! He screwed me over while we were married, and he’s still screwing me. I pulled my keys from my purse and handed over the car key. If all I lose is my car out of this, I’ll consider myself lucky.
“I have to get some things from my car.” I loved that car even though the gas gauge didn’t work correctly most of the time.
“Why am I picking you up at a bank six hours from Temecula, and why is your car parked behind that fenced lot across the road?” Willow asked.
“It’s a long story.” I sighed and looked over at my car. “Can we just drive, and I’ll tell you all about it.” I just needed to get out of this town and as far away from Keith as I could.
“Is Keith behind this?” she asked. Her eyes bored into the side of my face.
“Can you please watch the road?” I shouted as we shot through a red light. Luckily there weren’t other cars around. A tear rolled down my cheek, and I quickly wiped it away.
“I knew that asshole was trouble when you married him. I’m going to turn this car around and kick his ass. Put the address in the GPS,” she rambled. “You know I can do it!” Willow glanced over at me. Her jaw clenched.
“Yes, Willow. I know you could kick his ass.” I had to smile a little at my friend. I may as well tell her. If I don’t, she’ll keep digging until I finally give in. I’d rather go ahead and rip off the band aid. Get it over with.
“Yes, he forged my signature to some loan papers and put my car up as collateral. The bank called me this morning to collect either money or the car, and being that I have everything sunk in to my business, I had to give up my car.” I bit my lip hard, trying to hold back the tears stinging my eyes. “How can I look Tucker in the eye knowing that the bank took my car? I feel so worthless right now. I’m embarrassed beyond belief. Is he going to see that I’m not worth his time?” My voice trembled. I had told Tucker about my marriage to Keith and some of the business ventures he’d come up with. He always had some wild get rich quick scheme. “He gambled away our honeymoon money. That’s why we never took the trip to Bali,” I admitted to Willow. “If I still had my wedding rings, I’d sell them to buy another car,” I said, picking at some imaginary lint on my jeans.
“You know, Tucker isn’t going to let you be without a car. He’s not that kind of guy. Blake told me Tucker is the most loyal person he’s ever met. He said, when he loves, he loves hard.” Willow informed me. “He loves you, Trinity.”
“He may love me, but I’m not his problem. What if my business sinks? I don’t want him to think I’m out for his money.” I sniffled.
“Do you love him? Tell me the honest truth,” Willow asked.
“Yes, I love him,” I admitted. I didn’t even have to think about it. I knew it deep in my heart that he’s my soul mate.
“There you go. What makes you think that he thinks you’re out for his money?” Willow kept digging.
“You’re right.” I wiped away a tear. “He told me he loved me, but it was during the heat of the moment.”
“That’s when your true heartfelt feelings come out,” Willow said, reaching over and patting my hand.
“Maybe,” I agreed. A gut clenching thought came to me, “What if there are other loans with my signature? Willow that house alone is worth over three hundred thousand dollars. He has singlehandedly ruined my credit.” Willow reached over and took my hand. “No one will ever loan me money again. I’m lucky I had enough money in my account to cover the lease of my business for a year. I would have been crushed if I’d been turned down for the lease, not to mention, embarrassed. I need to get in there and start making some money, so I can buy an old clunker to get around in.” Willow sat next to me with her lips pulled into a tight line. “It’ll be okay,” I whispered, and she squeezed my hand. She opened her mouth to speak, but I cut her off. “I don’t want to talk about it a
nymore. I’ve got a headache.” I let my head fall to the back of the seat and closed my eyes. The next thing I knew, we were sitting in front of my rental house. I went straight to the freezer for my stash of alcohol.. I sat on my back porch and thought about Keith’s gambling and how I’d missed the signs. I wondered what else Keith did that’s going to bite me in the ass later on.
Later that evening, Willow went to Blake’s for the evening, and I went to bed. I didn’t care that the sun hadn’t gone down. I just wanted this day to end. I wrapped around my extra pillow and cried until it was dark outside. The moon streaming in through the window cast a shadow across the room. It reminded me of the night Tucker and I had sex for the first time. He was such a gentle and caring person, nothing like my ex.
10
TUCKER
“Damn it!” I growled as I grabbed the back of my neck. “Please tell me she’s okay,” I asked Willow as she sat at the kitchen island at Blake’s house and sipped on her coffee.
“There’s something you’ll learn about Trinity. She’ll tell you that she’s okay, when she’s really not. She doesn’t want to bring anyone else into her problem. Her ex-husband did a real number on her before they divorced. And just when I thought the piece of shit couldn’t stoop any lower, boom, he proves me wrong,” Willow spat.
“Where is she? I’ve called but she didn’t answer. I went to her house, but her car was gone and she’s not at the shop. Somebody please tell me what’s going on!” I snapped.
“I’ll tell you but you have to promise me that you’ll keep it to yourself. Let her tell you first. She’s so worried about what you’re going to think of her.” She strolled to the coffee pot to pour another cup. “Trinity received a call from a bank from the little town she grew up in. The town where Keith still resides. It appears that Keith has stolen money from Trinity and forged her name on loan papers. The bank called to collect payment for the loan, which happened to be repossession of Trinity’s car,” Willow explained.
“That piece of shit! I’m going to find him and beat the shit out of him!” I paced the floor in front of Blake and Willow.
“He’s scum of the earth,” Blake said. “I’ll go with you brother,” he offered.
“Why has the bank not tried to collect the debt from Keith?” I asked.
“The bank couldn’t find him. He had his old number changed and put someone else’s address on the loan papers. Trinity gave the bank the correct information while she was there, but she still had to turn over her car at least until the debt is paid.”
I ran my fingers through my hair and tugged on the ends. “I’m going to kill him,” I repeated. “Where do I find this guy?” I looked between Blake and Willow.
“I can’t betray my friend by giving you that information. She’s already afraid of what you’re going to think of her. You’ll need to get his number and address from her.” Willow lifted her green eyes to mine. “She would never speak to me again if she knew I told you,” Willow declared. I turned and walked toward the door.
“Where are you going?” Blake asked. “Please tell me you’re not going to do something stupid. We have an album to record.”
“Fuck the album. I’m going to find my girl,” I said before shutting the door behind me.
I rolled to a stop in front of Trinity’s beach house and took the steps two at a time. I knocked on the door, but no Trinity. I thought I saw movement from the corner of my eye, so I knocked again. “Trinity, open the door. I know you’re here. If you don’t open the door, I’m coming in one way or another,” I shouted. I saw Trinity’s petite frame walking toward the door. Her hair looked as if it hadn’t been combed, and there were tear tracks on her cheeks. She flung the door open and jumped in my arms. I just held her, letting her cry. She’d tell me in her time. “Baby, tell me what’s going on,” I whispered while tucking wet strands of hair behind her ear. I rubbed soothing circles on her back. “Tell me when you’re ready.” Twenty minutes later and after many tears, Trinity told me everything about her ex-husband. How he’d always taken from her, first her love, second, her money, and now her car. She was worried that there were other loans out there that she didn’t know about.
“Trinity, I’m going to put my investigator on this. If there’s anything else out there with your name on it, he’ll find it. He’ll also make sure Keith is taken care of. He’ll go to jail for a long time for forgery.” Trinity leaned her head against my shoulder and took a deep breath.
“I’m sure your public relations rep will want you to stay as far away from me as you can. My shit storm will be bad for your reputation.” She looked up at me with watery green eyes, and it broke my heart to see her hurting over what that asshole has done.
“Look, go shower and I’ll cook breakfast. I’ve got a surprise for you after you finish eating.” I grinned and nudged her toward the bathroom. She took a couple of steps and turned to look at me.
“I love you, Tucker.” Her shoulders slumped with defeat.
“I love you too, Trinity.”
While Trinity was in the shower, I called my PI and gave him everything I had on Keith. He said he looked forward to taking him in. Patrick was one of the best investigators I’ve ever worked with. That’s why I keep him around.
“Breakfast was delicious,” Trinity said, leaning in and kissing my cheek. “Now, what’s this surprise that you have for me?”
“You’ll see. Just come with me.” I grabbed her hand and led her to my car. When we pulled into the Audi dealership, she turned and looked at me with wide eyes.
“Why are we here?” she asked, her voice a whisper.
“I’m buying you a car. Pick any car on this lot and it’s yours.” I waved my arm in the direction of the parked cars.
“No! I can’t let you do this. I’m not your problem. I’ll find a way to deal with this on my own.”
“Trinity, I love you.”
“I love you too, Tucker, but you can’t just up and buy me a car for no reason,” she said.
“Trinity, when is your birthday?” I asked.
“December thirty-first.”
“Happy Birthday, baby.” I grinned. She looked out over the cars and back to me. I tilted my head toward the parking lot, and she smiled. “Come on. Let’s find your new ride.” I walked around to her side and opened the door. I offered my hand to help her out. We were free to browse without interruption unless we needed it. That’s why I dealt with this dealership. They weren’t a bunch of vultures that get paid on commission. They leave us to shop in peace. She finally decided on a blue Audi Coupe TT.
“Always a pleasure, Mr. James.” Carlton Powers, the owner of the dealership, said with a smile. When he handed the keys over to Trinity, her hands were trembling.
“Happy Birthday.” I brushed her hair over her shoulder and planted a kiss just below her ear. You can take me for a spin later. I have to meet the guys at the studio for practice. We’ve hired a new guy, temporarily. We’re gonna see what he’s made of. Maybe bust his balls a little.”
“Thank you, Tucker. I don’t know what else to say. I can’t believe you did this. I can’t believe someone could be so generous to me. I love you,” she said with tears in her eyes.
“Hey now, no tears. Everything is going to work out for the both of us. My psycho stalker of an ex-wife and your ex-husband will all be taken care of soon. They’ll think twice before trying to ruin someone else’s life.” I brushed her hair behind her ear. “I’ll text you later. Don’t stay at the shop too late. I need you fully rested tonight.” I waggled my brows making her laugh.
I parked in one of the spaces behind the recording studio. I hated that I had to be there listening to this new guy when I could be halfway to Keith’s house. I’d like to get in a few good shots before Patrick, my PI, gets his hooks into him. The elevator door opened, and I stepped on. I could hear their voices before the door opened on the second floor. All the guys were here, including the new guy. What was his name again? Luke, that’s it. I mumble
d to myself. “Good morning my misfits,” I greeted.
“It’s afternoon. Not everyone has the luxury of sleeping in. Some of us actually have to show up for work,” Cade said, twirling a drumstick through his long fingers.
“I’ve been up and taking care of shit before you guys even thought about rolling over,” I barked. Blake presented me his middle finger but winked at the same time because he knew what I’d been dealing with. I also knew that he wouldn’t breathe a word of it unless I brought it up first. “Let’s grab our guitars and play some notes. Let’s see what our boy Luke is made of.” We all filed into the recording studio and started with “Soul on Fire,” which happened to have a guitar solo in it. Luke slayed it. The guy had a gift for guitar. He’d been blessed by the guitar gods, and we were lucky to have found him. Practice went by in a blur. Once we finished, I asked everyone to come back to the conference room to discuss some new business. Blake dropped on to the seat at the end of the table and propped his booted foot there. Cade took the spot next to him and tapped out a beat to our newest single “Coming Back For More.”
“I know we’re supposed to be on break from public appearances, but we’ve been asked to play at the amphitheater to raise money for the animal shelter here in town. I told Aubrey Bateman that we would because it’s a good cause, and we all know and love Aubrey and Chance. We have a little less than a month to get ready. I figured we could play the set from our last Vegas gig. We, of course, would donate all the proceeds to the shelter. The guys didn’t even pause to argue. They were quick to jump on board.
