It's in the Rhythm

by Sammie Ward

  “Brian is here,” Pastor Martindale said. “He looks just as bad as you do.”

  Tamara craned her neck. “Where is he?”

  “He’s upstairs cleaning up.” Garrett added, “He should be down in a moment.”

  Tamara pepped up. “Where’s my little man?” Before she could finish the sentence, the sound of small footsteps and giggling could be heard coming down the stairs, followed by Ginger.

  “Mommy! Mommy!” Taj threw himself into her welcoming arms.

  “There’s my baby,” Tamara cried as she rocked him side to side with happiness. “I have missed you so much,” she said as she held his tiny face, kissing him on both cheeks. “Looks like you have grown in the past week.”

  Taj smiled.

  “Somebody lost a tooth,” Tamara said.

  “Daddy said the Tooth Fairy took it.”

  “That’s right,” Tamara agreed.

  “I’m glad you came, sweetheart.” Ginger gave her daughter another hug.

  “I’m glad I came, too.” Tamara gave a quick look in her father’s direction. He appeared to be unaware of the real meaning of the gathering.

  “Everything is fine,” Ginger replied, following her gaze. “Are you staying for dinner?”

  “Of course she is,” Pastor Martindale said. “We haven’t seen her in a week. She can fill us in on what is going on and why she left her family.” Pastor Martindale turned and yelled toward the stairs, “Brian, get down here. Your wife is here.”

  “Otis, don’t start.” Ginger nodded toward Taj. Talking to his mother, he was oblivious to what was going on.

  Pastor Martindale gave his wife an annoyed look. “What do you mean, don’t start? She has a lot of explaining to do. I’m ready to hear an explanation.”

  “So am I,” Brian answered from the top of the stairs. He looked like a different man. The stubble that was on his face was now gone. He’d changed out of his wrinkled clothing and was now sporting one of Garrett’s expensive outfits.

  Garrett chuckled. “Way to clean up. You look like a different man.”

  “Thank you.” Brian walked down the stairs, joining the rest of the family.

  Tamara swallowed hard. Her heartbeat skipped a beat. She felt a tingle in the bottom of her stomach. She was still in love with her husband, but she believed she was also in love with Nina. She tried to tell herself it was over with Brian, but, every time she saw him, she was more drawn to him.

  “Hi, Brian.” She was determined to keep it together. “It’s good to see you again.”

  “Is it?” Brian’s tone was hard. “Why don’t we go someplace and talk?”

  “What about dinner?” Ginger asked. She was pleased to see the couple talking, but it had taken her hours to prepare this special dinner.

  “Let them talk,” Pastor Martindale said.

  “Where would you like to go?” Tamara was still holding on to her son’s hand. Taj squeezed her hand tightly. He didn’t want her to leave again.

  “I want to go, too,” Taj said.

  Brian kneeled down until he was eye level to Taj. “Mommy and Daddy are just going to talk some things over. We’re not going far.”

  “Stay here and keep Grandma and Grandpa company,” Pastor Martindale said. “Why don’t we go eat?” he said, reaching out a hand to Taj. “Granddad is hungry. What about you?” Taj put his small hand in his and they headed toward the dining room.

  “I’m starving,” Garrett said as he trailed them. Ginger brought up the rear.

  Tamara and Brian stood alone in the middle of the room. A moment of silence fell between them.

  Brian was the first to speak. “Let’s go home,”

  * * *

  “Have you thought about what we discussed?” Brian finally said when they reached the door of their home. It was the first thing he’d said since they left her parents’ house.

  “So you can talk?” Tamara replied when Brian unlocked the door. She trailed him inside. The place was just as she’d left it. Nothing had been moved. “You didn’t say anything all the way over here.”

  “Neither did you.”

  “You said you wanted to talk,” Tamara snapped. She walked over and began adjusting the pillows on the couch.

  “If you had nothing to say, then why did you agree to come over?” Brian threw back as he moved further into the room.

  “Because Mother asked me to,” Tamara replied. It wasn’t the truth, but he’d made her so mad.

  “Hrump. Not because of your son or our marriage, but because your mother asked you to. Oh, that’s great. That’s being a great mother.”

  She covered the small space between them, leaning in his face. “Don’t you dare tell me that I’m not a good mother.”

  Brian didn’t back down. “You were until you walked out.”

  “I have, and always will be, a good mother to our son.”

  “We’ll see about that.” He placed the keys in the small wicker basket on the end table, and then headed into one of the back bedrooms.

  “What are you saying?” Tamara followed him.

  Brian entered Taj’s bedroom. He pulled the shirt over his head. He wasn’t use to wearing expensive clothes and wasn’t comfortable in them. It wasn’t him. He would always be just a down-to-earth type of guy. Lots of money and fame never interested him.

  Tamara paused at the sight of her husband, shirtless. The many nights she laid on his beautiful, brown, muscular chest after making love crept into her mind. Brian was a skilled, masterful lover. She missed the masculine touch and feel of her man. Wearing only a pair of blue jeans, he bent down, putting away Taj’s toys in the toy box. Her eyes fell on his nice, firm bottom.

  “I don’t want you to see Taj until we work this out.”

  “You are not going to keep me away from my son.”

  Picking up a toy truck, Brian paused, turned, and looked at her. “He is confused about what is going on. One day you’re here, and then you’re not. It’s not good for him, and you know it.”

  She studied him for a moment, not believing what she’d heard. “So your answer is for him not to have his mother in his life, is that it? Forget it. I want visitation rights.”

  Brian took a deep breath. He didn’t look at her. He was quiet for so long that Tamara didn’t know if he’d heard her. “I’m not about to let you shuffle Taj between me and your lover.” He headed across the hall; opening the top drawer, he removed a cotton T-shirt, slipping it over his head. Tamara was grateful he covered himself.

  “You can’t stop me from seeing Taj.”

  He refocused on Tamara. Their eyes locked. “Take me to court,” he said, “because that’s the only way you will see him.”

  Tamara’s spirits were broken. She shivered as if cold. “Don’t do this, Brian. Don’t go to court just because you are angry at me.”

  “I was hoping to avoid going to court,” Brian said as he turned, and walked down the hallway into the living room. “But if you fight me for custody, I will.”

  Tamara was hot on his trail. “A custody battle would hurt him.” She couldn’t help but think of the ugliness and the media circus that would come with the trial. She could just see the headlines now: Preacher’s Daughter Leaves Husband For Woman. Not only would her parents be embarrassed, but Garrett would take some heat. She could lose her son for good, and that wasn’t an option she could live with. “I can’t afford to go to trial.”

  He turned to face her. “Then come home. Be the wife and mother you say you are.”

  Tamara didn’t know what to say. She loved her son. The sun rose and set on him. The day she found out she was pregnant, she wanted nothing but the best for him. He didn’t ask to be caught in the middle and didn’t deserve to suffer. She hoped they could work out a compromise.

  Wearily, she pulled out a chair from the dining room table and sat down. “Brian, you don’t understand.”

  Brian walked the few steps to the table and pulled out the chair opposite hers. He sat down with as much
weariness as her. “Make me understand. When we were married, we promised to stay married through the good and the bad times, remember that?”

  Tamara nodded in agreement. “Yes, I remember.”

  Brian reached over and tilted her chin up. “I didn’t marry you because you were pregnant with Taj. I married you because I love you. I’ve had a thing for you since you sat in front of me in Mr. Booth’s chemistry class.”

  Tamara had to smile.

  “I love you, too, Brian. You know that.”

  “Then let’s work this out.” He took her hand in his, grateful for the opportunity to touch her and feel the warmth of her skin.

  Tamara stood again. “You don’t know everything.”

  “Whatever it is, we can work through it together.”

  Tamara turned her back to him. “It’s not that simple.”

  Brian turned her around to face him. “Because you’re making it difficult.”

  “I’m trying to do what’s best for everyone involved.”

  “How is that possible?”

  Tamara pressed a hand to her head. “Oh, God, I don’t know what to do.” The stress of their separation, the guilt she was feeling, the lies, and her secret lover were taking a toll on her.

  “Think about what you’re doing. It’s wrong. Sinful. And you know it.”

  Tamara pressed her eyes closed. “Don’t you think I know that? I pray to God every day for forgiveness, for direction.”

  “I forgive you, Tamara. You know God has already forgiven you.”

  “You’re saying it doesn’t matter what I’ve done?”

  He placed his hands on her shoulders. “That’s what I’m saying.” Looking deep into his eyes, Tamara saw the love and understanding they shared at the beginning of their relationship.

  Standing in front of her was the most special man in the world. How could she ever hurt him? Lord knows, she never meant to. Her mother was right, Brian deserved to know the truth, “Brian, I need to tell you the truth about something.”

  Brian frowned. “About what? You know you can tell me anything.”

  “About why I left.” Tamara looked away. Suddenly she wondered if she was doing the right thing.

  “I’m listening.”

  Tamara took a deep breath, and her confession tumbled out. “Brian, I left you for a woman, not a man.”

  Brian felt his world come tumbling down. He just sat there, unable to move for what seemed like eternity. His face clouded in anger. Tamara could see a muscle twitch in his lower jawline.

  He bolted to his feet. The sudden gesture caused Tamara to jump. Frightened, she stepped back. “Are you telling me you’re a lesbian?” He didn’t give her a chance to answer. “You left me for a woman?” His voice rose through the roof. His eyes were dark. He looked at her with disgust.

  The longer she stood in front of him, the more uncomfortable she felt. She realized her life may be in danger. It was a terrible blow to a man’s ego to tell him you prefer to be with a woman instead of him. “Brian, let me—”

  “Get out!” He pushed her hard in the chest and she fell backward.

  “Brian, please.” Tears began to stream down her cheek.

  Tamara slowly stood, only to have Brian push her to the floor again. “You disgust me.” Grabbing her by the hair, he pulled tightly. She screamed from the pain. “Get out of my life. Stay out of my son’s life.” He was steering her toward the front door by the hair. “I never want to see you again.” Struggling with Tamara, he opened the door, tossed her outside like she was day-old garbage, and slammed the door behind her.

  Brian could hear Tamara yelling and screaming to get back inside. He fell hard against the back of the door. It sickened him to think of his wife being in love with another woman. His heart full of anguish, he began to cry.

  * * *

  “Am I on time?” Garrett asked, leaning in Trinity’s doorway at exactly eight o’clock.

  “Eight o’clock on the dot.” She stepped aside, allowing him to come in. He leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.

  “Make yourself at home.” Trinity motioned toward the couch.

  “Thank you.” Garrett moved further into the room, taking a seat on the sofa.

  “Can I offer you something to drink or eat?” She moved directly in front of him.

  He looked her directly in the face. The last thing he had on his mind was food. “No. I already had dinner.” He patted the empty space next to him. “The only thing I want is for you to sit next to me.”

  Trinity was dressed in a blue denim dress that stopped above the knees, displaying golden legs. “You always look good in denim. Tonight is no exception.”

  “Thank you.” She sat down close next to him. He was dressed casually in a pair of tan walking shorts, matching short-sleeved shirt, and brown sandals. The masculine smell of him, mixed with the scent of his expensive cologne, tickled her nose.

  Garrett placed his arm on the back of the sofa. “You wanted to talk about us,” he began.

  Trinity turned to face him. She couldn’t believe she was at a loss for words now that he was sitting next to her. This was Garrett, she thought to herself. She shouldn’t be afraid to tell him how she felt about him. She placed a hand over his.

  “Garrett, I know I said I wanted us to just be friends.” Garrett thought she looked so cute, trying to tell him she wanted to take their relationship to the next level. As far as he was concerned, no words were needed. He knew what she was feeling because he’d felt that way about her for a long time.

  She tilted her head to one side. “You were right when you said I looked at you as more than just a friend. It just took me a long time to realize it.” She squeezed his hand. “I know I’m probably out of line for telling you how I feel, but I wanted you to know.”

  “Why would you be out of line?” he teased.

  She shrugged shyly. “You’re seeing Imani.”

  “I explained Imani to you. But we’re not seeing each other anymore.”

  She jabbed him in the arm. “You let me go through that and you’re not seeing her anymore? Why didn’t you tell me?”

  Garrett threw his head back and laughed. “You looked so cute telling me how much you wanted to be with me, I didn’t have the heart to tell you that I was a free man.” He reached out, curling a strand of her hair around his fingers. “I’ve waited to hear you say those words for so long.”

  She leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. “When did you break up?”

  “I ended it a couple of days ago. I couldn’t continue seeing her when I’m in love with someone else.” He nipped at her lips, her nose, her eyes, and her forehead, before capturing her lips again.

  She fell onto the hardness of his chest. “I love you, too, Garrett. That’s why I turned down Darius’s proposal.”

  Garrett maneuvered her to sit in his lap. He locked her eyes with his. “We belong together,” he said in a low, soft voice.

  Her eyes brightened. The idea that they would finally be together made her heart gallop. She recognized the raw passion in his eyes. She watched as he leaned forward. He was going to kiss her. Kissing was something they did well together. She couldn’t wait to find out what else they did well together.

  Parting her lips, she raised herself to meet his kiss. His mouth covered hers gently at first and then more hungrily, forcing her lips open with his thrusting tongue. The touch of his lips on hers was a delicious sensation that sang through her veins.

  Garrett’s hand slipped under her arms, bringing her closer. His hands began exploring the hollow of her back. She settled back, enjoying the feel of his arms around her as his hand traveled to her breasts. Trinity’s body trembled from the sweet contact. A soft moan escaped her lips. She could feel his hot, uneven breathing on her cheek as he held her closer, tighter.

  “I’ve missed you, Trinity,” he whispered in her ear. “No woman makes me feel the way you do.”

  “I’ve been right here.” Trinity’s hands began roa
ming over his chest, but it wasn’t enough. She lifted his shirt to feel his brown, warm skin. “You feel so good,” she whispered. She could feel the hardness of his manhood pressing against her.

  “Let’s take this to the bedroom.” Garrett’s lips brushed against hers as he spoke. “You can touch me from head to toe.” He thrust his tongue deeper into her mouth, setting her body aflame. Rising to his feet with Trinity in his arms, he made his way toward the bedroom.

  He gently eased her down in the middle of the bed, his lips never leaving hers. He fondled one breast, then the other. Garrett had her mind spinning. She wanted him more than ever.

  “Garrett,” she whispered as his tongue was snaking its way down her flat abdomen. His tongue made its way between her thighs. He reached up, caressing one breast, and squeezed hard. She almost came off the bed.

  He positioned himself on top of her. He leaned down, kissing her again. When they could no longer wait to satisfy each other, pieces of clothing came flying off in record speed; they paused only long enough for Garrett to put on a condom. She gasped aloud as she opened her thighs to welcome him. He slowly entered his hardness inside her, as his mouth recaptured her lips again. His hands roamed over her chest and down her thighs before recapturing her breasts. Trinity raised her hips to fully envelop him. Garrett’s hands slipped under her hips, cupping her buttocks. She was a prisoner forced to take all the pleasure he was giving her. They fit together perfectly, tongues and hips moving in perfect rhythm. Waves of ecstasy washed throughout her body and she gasped in sweet agony when her body exploded with her first burst of passion. She responded to him wildly, wrapping her legs around him.

  He grasped her buttocks harder, rocking her savagely. Each thrust was harder than the one before as he plunged more deeply inside her. Her fingernails dug into the skin of his back. She felt the desire threatening to stop her breath. She felt as if she would die tonight in Garrett’s arms. It was flesh against flesh as one.

  Garrett moved his mouth over hers, parting her lips with his tongue. He moaned with the fierce pleasure that her body was giving him. His heart felt like it was going to burst. He struggled to breathe, moaning her name over and over again. The sound of her soft voice caressed his ears as he felt himself struggling to hold on. He just wanted to savor her a little longer. He wanted her to remember how he made her feel. He thrust deeper, and again felt her sweet release.