by Alison Mello
She looks at him and wonders if he is able to read her mind. Smiling, she says, “Okay, that sounds like a good idea. I would like to take a shower while you are gone, but I don’t have any clothes other than what I have on and what I wore the other night, and they need to be washed. I don’t have any underwear either.”
He nods and purses his lips in understanding. “I’m sorry; I’m glad you told me, I wasn’t thinking about that.” He rubs his temples. “I guess there’s a change in plans then. I will have to take you to Bedford to go to Walmart so you can get some clothes and whatever else you may need. You shouldn’t have to wait on things like that. We can get some breakfast while we are out.”
“Just let me know when you are ready.”
“Half an hour,” he tells her. “I need my coffee first.”
She agrees and sits back, thinking about the upcoming discussion. Will he be open with her? How much detail will he give about himself? What will she be willing to tell him? If nothing else, the conversation will certainly be interesting.
***
They are more talkative on the ride to Bedford, and Gates asks how she ended up in this situation. He already knows some details provided by Mattie and Howard, but he wants to hear the story from Trinity. She tells him about her boyfriend, Derrick, how they met, and how things started out great. She fills in the story with his controlling behavior which led to him hitting her.
She finishes with the last night she saw Derrick, and how she was suddenly thrust into their mutual friends’ lives.
When Trinity stops speaking, there is an air of silence and she stares out at the landscape. After a moment, he breaks the silence by telling her about himself.
“I’m originally from Roanoke, which isn’t far from here. When I was five years old, my parents moved to Moneta, but it was a lot different than it is now. The lake is man-made, so it wasn’t as beautiful then as it is now, plus the state park wasn’t around at the time. To keep a long story short, living in the country was a good thing for me because it helped me escape the horrors of growing up. My father was an alcoholic and my stepmother was abusive. I ran out into the woods and to a creek to fish as often as I could. I graduated high school and went into the Marine Corps less than a week later. It was the best way out of my life. When I joined the Corps, I was angry at life and needed adventure. I wanted to travel and the Marines helped me do that. I didn’t have a close family life, or anything else, that was healthy for me. Later, a friend talked me into joining the Navy Seals. That was the toughest year of my life, but I was stubborn enough to force my way through it. As a Seal, I was in dangerous situations and experienced things I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I still have nightmares once in a while, but not as bad as they used to be. I lived in Connecticut at one point; that’s how I met Howard and Mattie. I still don’t know why, exactly, but we grew close, fast. Eventually I moved back here and bought the cabin not too long after I got out. I wanted and seriously needed to be alone for a while. I needed the peace and quiet, the view, and watching the animals to help bring me back to life. It was as close as I could get to solitude without being a hermit.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Trinity whispers, and genuinely means it.
“Thanks.”
“With what you were doing in the military I guess you never married.”
“No, it wasn’t the right time, plus I wasn’t ready for something serious. I’m not proud of it, but I guess you could say when I had the chance, I was a little wild. I wouldn’t have been a good husband, or boyfriend for that matter.”
“How long have you been out?”
“A little over seven years.”
“So that makes us about the same age.”
“Yeah, I suppose it does.”
“What kind of work do you do now?” She continues with the questions.
He takes a breath and glances at her, before answering. She starts to feel bad about bombarding him. “I have chosen not to work a full-time job. I hate the thought of being told what to do by anyone since I’ve gotten out. I’ve done a lot of side jobs that have paid well, and I’m actually a pretty handy guy to have around to fix things. I stay busy for the most part, plus I have money saved. I’m thinking about starting my own handyman business. Maybe next spring. Winter will be here soon so I’ll probably wait until after that.”
They arrive at Walmart before she can ask him anything else. She wants to finish the conversation later, or try to, depending on how comfortable they both are. She finds him interesting, and wonders what else he is willing to tell her. They will have plenty of time to talk later. They spend the next half hour getting things she needs, mostly a few clothes and hygiene products. He makes sure she gets at least the essentials and pays for everything without hesitation.
With the bags in the Jeep, Gates says, “I know of a great diner that I think you’ll like. We’ll stop there on the way home, after I finish my errands.”
***
Lucy’s Diner is a sight for sore eyes for Trinity. She hasn’t had the chance to eat in a place like it since she left North Carolina, and she immediately feels very hungry just smelling the aromas. The diner is a large establishment, the atmosphere homey and comfortable.
Once they are seated and order their drinks, Gates asks, “How long has it been since you’ve had southern cooking?”
“It’s been too long. When I lived in Colorado, the food was pretty close at some restaurants, but just wasn’t the same. There are a lot of places I missed that I couldn’t find out there or in Connecticut. It’s amazing how hard it was to find certain foods I love. So, with that being said, I believe I want some bacon, first and foremost, and without doubt a large plate of sausage gravy and biscuits.”
Gates laughs and says, “I think you’ll love it here then.”
She smiles at him and admits to herself that she likes his laugh. Okay, his eyes too, but that is all she will acknowledge, at least for now. It’s the first time she’s heard it and she wants to hear it a lot more.
“I really like the atmosphere here. It reminds me of a small place in Asheboro. Maybe, when things smooth out a bit, we can take a drive down there.”
“We may be able to. We’ll have to wait and see.”
Their food arrives and there isn’t much talking as they eat. Trinity is getting nervous again and marks it up to exposing herself emotionally to a man she doesn’t know. At the same time, she thinks Gates is probably doing the same thing. She enjoys her breakfast and while she’s eating she watches him. The steak and eggs he ordered look really good, but she knows a good plate of sausage gravy and biscuits can’t be beat.
She tries to observe more of the restaurant than of him. She admits the way it’s setup appeals to her. Comfortable and laidback with not too much to overwhelm a customer when they walk in. Their waitress is prompt and polite. Trinity definitely wants to come back soon.
***
When they get back to the cabin, she carries her things to her room. “I need a shower badly. I’ll try not to take too long, so we can talk more if you want.”
“Take your time,” he replies. “We have all day.”
As the hot water caresses her skin she immediately begins to feel like a new woman. She doesn’t want to rush because it feels incredible, but she doesn’t want to be rude either. But he did say to take her time.
By the time she turns the water off the entire bathroom is filled with steam so thick she could probably cut it with a knife. After wiping the steam off the mirror, she looks at herself and can see that her lip isn’t as swollen as it was the other day. She wonders if anyone thought Gates hit her. She hopes not, but at least she doesn’t have to worry about that anymore. When she stares at her brown skin and how dark it is, she thinks about how she looks standing next to him and she smiles. If things were different and they had known each other before she’d ever met Derrick, she would have gladly gone out with Gates. If things were different.
Then she thinks about her luck with
men. She has a sad track record and even though he isn’t a bad looking guy, she doesn’t think it would work out. She also knows she doesn’t want that kind of headache any longer. She shakes the thought from her head and dresses in her new clothes. When she walks back to where she thought he would be the room is empty. She hears his voice outside, figures he is on the phone and doesn’t want to interrupt. Instead, she sits on the sofa, turns the television on, and waits.
“You feel better?” he asks when he walks in a few minutes later.
“You have no idea,” she answers with a deep breath. “I didn’t want to get out it felt so good.”
“I told you to take your time. It wouldn’t have been a big deal at all.”
“I took long enough and didn’t want to be rude. I felt like you were waiting on me.”
“Not at all. Look, at least for now you are living here, so please make yourself at home and as comfortable as possible. You have no reason to be nervous around me, I promise.”
“Thank you, that makes me feel better.”
He sits across from her looking nervous, which surprises her.
“Okay,” he begins, “I think now is as good a time as any to talk if you are comfortable with it.”
She knows it needs to happen, but that doesn’t stop her from being anxious. She nods in agreement. Her curiosity about him reaches a new height. Even though he told her some things earlier, she knows there’s a lot more to learn about the man sitting across from her.
“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”
With pursed lips he looks at her like he is giving the idea a second thought, but then he begins. “Well, we have already told each other a little, so I don’t know how much more there is to tell you and I guess a lot will automatically come out in time, but I’ll do what I can.”
She almost laughs and barely catches herself. “I’m sure whatever it is will be fine. Trust me, this is a little uncomfortable for me too, but it’s something we need to do.”
“Agreed. You already know I was with the Navy Seals and did a tour of duty, so I’ll leave out some of the rough stuff and tell you some more interesting details.”
“I’m interested in whatever you want to tell me.”
“Like I said, I grew up in Roanoke, which isn’t a huge city but not a small one either. That’s part of the reason living here is so good for me, because it provides at least a little solitude. Also, when I was growing up I was sort of a wild child. In other words, I was constantly getting into trouble. Mainly in school and at home, but a few times with the law. Thankfully nothing serious or I wouldn’t have been able to go into the Marines or any other branch of service. When I graduated high school, I went to boot camp only five days later and served six years, Marines and SEALs combined. I’ll stop with that part for now. I’ve never been married and I don’t have any kids, but since I’ve managed to calm down over the years I wouldn’t mind having one or two. I like dogs, but don’t have one right now because I have been on the road so much over the past few months. I plan on getting one soon, though. I may have already told you some of that, I don’t know.”
Trinity sits and twirls her finger around the rim of her cup, captivated by his voice and serious composure. She enjoys listening to him talk about himself, but she can tell he is only revealing basic stuff. She doesn’t interrupt because she doesn’t want him to stop. She wonders if he has a soft spot in him. Maybe she’ll find out if she’s around long enough.
“Let’s see,” he continues, in thought as he looks at a spot on the floor.
She tries to not look at him in any other way except as a man put in her life to help her. The last thing she needs right now is another intimate relationship, but she can’t help admiring his toned arms and muscles visible through his shirt. Obviously he works out and takes care of himself. His short, dark, curly hair and rugged jawline certainly don’t hurt her eyes either, and she wonders if he has any tattoos. As soon as she catches what she’s doing, she mentally kicks herself. What is wrong with you girl? Don’t ever forget what happened to you and the fact you do NOT need a man. He was put in your life to help you and that is all. Obviously, this is something she will have to continuously remind herself of.
“I’m a pretty good cook.” She hears him through her own thoughts. “I like music, so occasionally you might hear me jamming out to something, and sometimes I like to watch a good movie.”
She waits to see if he will say anything else, but he looks at her and apparently, that is all he will say for now.
“My turn, I guess,” she says, watching his expression.
“I wouldn’t mind knowing a few things about you.”
She grins and says, “Well, you only told me minor things. I mean, no offense, but it seemed like you were very choosy about what you said, and I can understand. I know it will take time to get used to each other, but I will tell you a few things too. Hopefully, they will seem interesting.”
He stretches his legs and crosses his feet and arms and gives her a slight grin. She can see a glimmer in his eyes as if she sparked something in him.
She scoots back on the couch and begins. “Like I told you already, I’m from North Carolina, but lived in Colorado for a while. I moved to Connecticut with hopes of a career in photography, which began to really get going until I got mixed up with the wrong guy. I love nature and taking pictures of just about anything, but especially people and nature and animals. Ummm, I love good music, especially gospel, Motown, R&B, and I know this will shock you—I even like some country and rock and roll from time to time.”
When she says that he smiles. “Yeah, to be honest I am surprised by that, I’m sorry to say.”
She grins and continues. “I thought you would be. Let’s see, what else? I make an awesome homemade lasagna, I love cats, and wouldn’t mind a dog. Movies are addicting when I spoil myself long enough, and of course—naps. That’s all I’m revealing for now.”
“That’s it, huh?” he asks. “Nothing about where you grew up? I mean details like what you were like growing up. You must have been an angel I guess, huh?”
Laughing at him she says, “I gave you about as much as you gave me.”
“Okay, fair is fair. We can do a little at a time. Besides, I’m sure as we work together a lot will become obvious if we learn to relax around each other.”
“There you go mentioning working together again. What exactly are you talking about when you say that?”
“I have some ideas that will help you in more than one way. I’m working on a plan, and I will discuss it more tonight during supper—after you fix that awesome lasagna you mentioned.”
She laughs out loud again. “Oh really? Is that your way of asking me nicely to cook you dinner?”
He tries to appear shy, but doesn’t do a good job with it.
“I have everything you’ll need. At least I think I do, and if I don’t I will go and get it if you tell me what’s missing.”
“I still don’t think that’s asking,” she teases.
“Okay, okay. Will you please make me some lasagna? I’m a growing boy and I haven’t had the pleasure of having a talented woman cook a good meal for me in a long time. Please.”
She giggles at him and he laughs with her. Trinity feels some of the tension leave the room, and believes Gates must feel the same way.
“I guess that was good enough. I will go and take a look and see what you have and let you know if I need anything.”
“Thank you kindly.”
***
Gates
Later, the cabin is filled with the tang of spices, Italian sauce, and music. The air outside is just the right temperature to have the windows open as they eat. The mild scent of pine needles wafts into the kitchen and mingles with the aroma of dinner. Even though they don’t open up much more about their personal lives, they do enjoy a little conversation, mainly talking about music, movies, and foods they like.
He helps her wash the dishes then they both grab a beer and s
it down to go over the plan he has written out for her. She sits next to him and even though supper still lingers in the air, he can smell her fragrance that overpowers it all. Their arms accidently touch and he feels a spark between them, but doesn’t say anything. Did she feel it too?
He quickly discusses his plan with her before he starts to develop any emotions. He will not allow himself to feel more than he already does. When he finishes, they go to their separate rooms, leaving Gates feeling confused and irritated. It can’t happen. Neither of us is ready and it isn’t a good time. Attracted or not, it can’t happen.
Chapter 5
Trinity
It’s seven o’clock in the morning when Gates wakes Trinity up, and she isn’t very happy about it. He firmly knocks on her door, disturbing her deep, dreaming slumber.
“Breakfast is ready. Get up and get dressed,” he says from the other side of the door.
“Well, that’s a little rude,” she mumbles as she drags herself from beneath the covers. She walks out to the kitchen to see a bowl filled with diced fruit and a box of cereal with milk sitting on the table. She pours herself a cup of coffee and sits across from him.
“So this is breakfast?” she asks with an obvious frown.
“I thought we would keep it simple in the mornings. After we do a workout we’ll have lunch, so you can have a bigger meal then. It’s not good to work-out on a full stomach.”
Trinity isn’t awake enough to care, and she’s not in the mood to even hear his voice, but keeps her opinion to herself. Instead, she pushes the cereal to the side and eats some of the fruit. She looks out the window and the day is starting out beautifully. Outside at least. The idea of working out so early in the morning wasn’t very high on her to-do list. After they finish eating, she follows him outside to the back yard. He shows her some stretches, explaining they will help prevent pulled muscles and cramps. She does as he instructs, but not without groaning out loud in protest. When they are done stretching, he shows her the basement with the weight machine, a treadmill, and a stationary bike.
