How Sweet the Sound

by Jacquelin Thomas

  “Her name is Desiree,” Nina interjected.

  “Well, when I see Desiree again, I’ll apologize to her. How’s that?” Bradley didn’t want to start off making enemies.

  “You have a good day, Mr. Rhodes.” Nina responded. She glanced over at Alton and said, “I’ll be outside.”

  Nina walked away, leaving the two men alone to finish their conversation.

  “I haven’t made any friends so far.”

  “Nina and Desiree aren’t the type of women to hold grudges,” Alton announced. “They’ll both be fine after a while.” Changing the subject, he said, “Bradley, thanks so much for taking the job. You won’t regret it—you’ll see.”

  “You’ve got some good people in the choir. Nina sounds real good.”

  “She’s our main vocalist now.”

  “I didn’t say it before, but I’m sorry to hear about Veronica. What happened?”

  “Car accident,” Alton explained. “I still can’t believe she’s gone. I kept expecting her to walk through those doors last Tuesday night for choir rehearsal.”

  They slowly made their way to the exit.

  “What are you planning to do with the rest of your day?” Alton inquired. “We can grab something to eat and I’ll give you a tour of the town.”

  “I really don’t have anything planned. That’s fine.” Bradley gestured toward the door. “What about Nina? Did you two have plans? ’Cause I’m already on her bad side. I don’t want to make matters worse.”

  “She’s probably going to want to spend the day with Desiree. Those two are pretty close and she knows that Desiree is upset right now.”

  “I have nothing against Desiree. I hope you know that. This is not a personal attack against her.”

  “I know,” Alton confirmed.

  “She volunteered to leave the choir.”

  Alton weighed him with a critical squint before saying, “Only after you insulted her singing. I wouldn’t have stayed, either.”

  “She can’t sing,” Bradley pointed out. “I wouldn’t be able to get this choir invited to the church across town much less a recording studio as long as she was in the choir.”

  Alton had to agree. “I know. But Bradley, Peaceful Rest isn’t trying to do anything like that. We’re just hoping to win the statewide gospel competition.”

  “Well, before I’m done, I’ll have you all doing a lot more than that. Don’t be afraid of change. Look at your friend. I really admire her for wanting to sing, but she has to face the truth. She is going to have to try her hand at ushering or something else—I’m sure God has something for her to do.”

  Desiree cried the entire five minutes it took her to drive home. Usually when it was bright and sunny like today, she walked to church. However, this morning she was running late and had decided to drive. Now she was grateful for that decision.

  She parked in front of her house and climbed out of her car. Her mother met her at the front door.

  “Mama, what are you doing up? You’re supposed to be taking it slow.” Three weeks ago, her mother had had to have a lump removed from her right breast. “Where’s Daddy?”

  “He in thare,” Margaret stated. “I think he trying to fix us some dinner. Lawd have mercy on our souls…”

  Desiree gave a short laugh. “I guess I’d better hurry up and get changed, so I can help him.” Her father had not been gifted with cooking skills.

  “How was the church service today?”

  “It was good,” Desiree replied. “Pastor French showed out this morning.”

  “I hate I missed it. I wish he’d tape his sermons like some of those big churches in Dallas do.”

  “We can’t afford the equipment right now. Maybe when we’re in a better financial situation, Pastor French will consider it.”

  “We need to replace those pews, too. I told your daddy to mention it to the Pastor and Deacon Stevens.”

  Desiree nodded in agreement. They talked for a few minutes more before she headed to her bedroom with her mother following slowly behind her.

  “What do you think of that man—the new music director everybody in town been making such a fuss about? He was thare, wont he?”

  Despite all her many years of living in Texas, her mother still refused to let go that deep Southern accent, proof of having grown up in Albany, Georgia.

  “He was there all right,” Desiree stated flatly. She removed her dress and hung it on a hanger and placed it in her closet. “He’s practically Grace’s polar opposite. She was such a nice person and a wonderful music director. I miss her.”

  “Okay, what happened between you and this new director?”

  Desiree eyed her mother. “Nothing. Why would you ask me that?”

  “Because I know you. I knew you before you knew yourself.” Margaret eased down on the edge of the queen-size bed. “Now tell Mama the truth. What’s got you looking so sad?”

  “I left the choir.”

  Margaret gasped in apparent surprise. “Why’d you do that Desi Mae? You always wanted to be in the choir. That’s all you ever talked about.”

  She hated when her mother called her that. “It’s for the best. Bradley Rhodes thinks that he can really lead the choir to another win. We’d make history, Mama. I don’t want to keep them from winning, so I figured it’ll be best if I ever stepped aside.”

  “What’s that got to do with you singing? If you don’t want to sing during the competition, then don’t. But I really don’t see why you can’t sing on Sunday.”

  “He hates the way I sing, Mama.” Folding her arms across her chest, Desiree added, “That Bradley Rhodes is so mean.”

  Emotion flickered in Margaret’s eyes. “He told you that he didn’t like your singing?”

  Nodding, Desiree replied, “He said that I couldn’t sing at all. It’s not like I didn’t already know it—you’d already told me as much.”

  “Honey, come sit down here for a minute.”

  Desiree did as she was told.

  “Now you know I didn’t mean nothin’ by that. I just didn’t want you having no false illusions about things, but I never meant to hurt your feelings.”

  “I know, Mama. You told me that I was singing for God and that He even loved bad singing. You weren’t rude to me—just honest.”

  “Yes, I was, but I should have taken it a step further when I saw how much you wanted this. I should’ve paid for some singing lessons. Honey, if you want to sing, then you shouldn’t give up on your dream. Dreams don’t always come easy. If this Bradley person is so good, then why can’t he teach you to sing? They way people talk about him around town, you’d think he was some sort of miracle worker.”

  Desiree’s mood brightened. “You’re absolutely right, Mama. I don’t know why I didn’t think about this.”

  Rising to her feet, Desiree stated, “I’m going to offer a compromise to Bradley Rhodes. I want him to give me three months to improve my singing—with his help, of course. If I still can’t cut if at the end of the third month, I’ll gladly leave the choir for good. He’ll have no choice but to let me stay.”

  Chapter Four

  Tuesday night, Bradley paced back and forth on the hardwood floor in front of the choir stand without saying a word. Every now and then, he would glance up at the members. His actions were slow and deliberate. Finally he spoke, knowing they were anxiously waiting to hear his thoughts on their singing. “That was okay. You need to put more—” Bradley stopped short at the sight of Desiree entering the sanctuary. She was the last person he expected to see come through the double doors.

  He waited patiently until she approached him before asking, “What are you doing here?”

  “I’ve changed my mind,” came her response.

  Bradley’s patience was beginning to wear thin. “Miss….”

  “Coleman,” she finished for him. “My name is Desiree Coleman.” She said it slowly, as if talking to a child.

  “Miss Coleman, I thought we decided that your talents lie else
where.”

  “No, you decided that,” Desiree retorted. She was well aware that everyone was listening to their conversation. “I was going to leave the choir, but then I started thinking.”

  Bradley frowned, but didn’t respond.

  “I’ve always wanted to sing in the choir. It’s been a dream of mine.”

  “I—” he began.

  “Let me finish, please,” Desiree interrupted. She couldn’t allow him to stop her now. She had to finish before she lost her courage.

  “I apologize.” Bradley pulled at the collar of his shirt. He was uncomfortably aware that all eyes were on them. Even Alton had stopped playing the organ and Nina had eased out of the choir stand and was coming toward them.

  “Mr. Rhodes, I don’t mean to be pushy or anything. It’s just that this is something I really want and I don’t believe I should just walk away. I’d like to offer you a compromise.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “A compromise,” Desiree repeated. “I would like you to teach me to sing.”

  “What?” Bradley demanded in a loud voice. Remembering where he was, he immediately changed his tone. “Lady, I don’t have time to teach you how to sing. Now I’m sure there are other people in this town who can do that.” Pointing to Nina, he asked, “Why haven’t you asked your friend to help you?”

  Desiree didn’t back down. “I want you to do it. The way I see it is that you’re the only one who really has a problem with my singing. Everybody in the choir is standing over there so nervouslike because they want to hear your comments. They consider you an expert. So since you’re the expert, I figure I can’t go wrong if you work with me.”

  Bradley was dumbfounded.

  “Mr. Rhodes, please do this for me,” Desiree pleaded. “Just give me a chance. If I’m not ready by the Annual Harvest Celebration—then I’ll leave the choir for good.”

  “Desiree, you don’t have to do this,” Nina interjected.

  “I’m fine with that,” she replied. “All I want is a chance to prove myself once and for all.”

  “I think that’s fair,” Alton tossed out.

  Bradley glanced over at his friend, then back at Desiree. “I don’t see how this can work out, but okay. What harm can it do?”

  Desiree awarded him a big smile. “Thank you, Mr. Rhodes. You won’t regret this.”

  I already do, Bradley thought to himself. I already do.

  Desiree wanted to shout for joy, but managed to retain her composure. Smiling, she took a seat on the front pew to watch Bradley work. She didn’t miss the look of relief on his face when she didn’t stroll up to join the other choir members, but Desiree was too happy to let his reaction get her down. She’d won a small victory and would rejoice.

  When he sang the first verse of the song they were rehearsing, Desiree felt a chill race down her spine. Bradley may not be the nicest man she’d ever met, but he sure could sing. She allowed herself to be carried along as she listened to him.

  When Bradley finished singing, Desiree applauded along with everyone else.

  He gave a slight nod of appreciation and moved on. “Okay, now I want to hear you all sing it just like that.”

  The choir members were showing signs of frustration after singing the same song five times.

  “We can move on once you get it right,” Bradley reminded them. “You’re almost there.”

  His comment surprised Desiree because she thought they sounded great. Bradley Rhodes was a perfectionist, she realized.

  “Alton, let’s make this next song more upbeat,” he was saying.

  Bradley began swaying to the music.

  Desiree noticed that a few of the members were watching him with raised eyebrows and this amused her.

  “Feel the music,” Bradley encouraged. “Praise God with your entire body and soul.”

  With the exception of a few choir members who seemed rooted to the floor, everyone began to clap and sway as they sang “I Believe.”

  By the end of rehearsal, the choir sounded wonderful. Even Bradley was complimentary to the members and seemed like a different person. It was obvious that he worked very hard. He would give them his best.

  Nina joined her. “Why didn’t you come into the choir? You should be up there singing with us and not down here.”

  “I’m going to wait until I start my singing lessons, Nina.”

  “Are you sure you want Bradley to teach you how to sing? I don’t mind working with you, Desiree. I never suggested it because I didn’t want to offend you in any way.”

  “I want Bradley to work with me. He’s the one everybody is trying to please.”

  “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

  Desiree smiled at her friend. “Nina, it’s going to be fine. You’ll see.”

  “You’re still here, Miss Coleman.”

  It wasn’t a question. Desiree glanced up at Bradley. “I wanted to see how well you work with people.”

  He gave her a tight-lipped smile. “Have a good evening, ladies.”

  “Bye,” Desiree replied. When Bradley disappeared through the doors, she whispered, “He is so good-looking.”

  “Too bad his attitude stinks.”

  Desiree couldn’t agree more. “I can’t believe this is the same man I was so crazy about back in college.”

  She couldn’t keep her mind off Bradley for the rest of the evening. Desiree couldn’t help but wonder why someone so handsome seemed to be in a permanent bad mood. He seemed almost bitter about something.

  After rehearsal, Alton followed Nina back to her apartment where they snacked on ham sandwiches, potato chips and chocolate chip cookies.

  “Alton, I have to tell you something,” Nina said in between bites. “I’m not sure I like your friend, Mr. Rhodes. He has a terrible attitude. I especially don’t like the way he’s treating my girl.”

  “Nina, he’s okay. Bradley and I are not exactly what I’d call friends, but I do know he’s been through a lot over the years,” Alton explained. “He’s a nice guy—just dealing with some things.”

  “Like what?” Nina reached for her glass of soda. Raising it to her mouth, she took a sip.

  “I know that he was fired from the last church.”

  “I can understand why with that charming personality of his,” muttered Nina as she set her glass back down.

  “It was more than that. I think he got a raw deal myself.”

  “Honey, you look at life through rose-colored glasses. You only see the good in everyone—even when it’s not there.”

  “There is good in everyone,” Alton countered. “Sometimes you just have to pull it out of them. The Bradley I remember is a real nice guy.”

  “All I know is that he’d better not hurt Desiree. Because if he does, he’ll have to answer to me for sure.” Nina pushed away from the table and stood up.

  Alton burst into a short laugh. “I know Bradley don’t want that.”

  Placing her hands on her hips, Nina warned, “You better tell him. I mean it. I’ll hurt him.”

  “I know you will, baby.” Rising up, Alton moved toward Nina. Placing his arms around her, he bent his head to plant a gentle kiss on her cheek. “Let’s change the subject. I don’t want you getting all riled up.”

  Nina wrapped her arms around his waist, and laid her head on his chest. “So what do you want to discuss?”

  “How about getting married?”

  Stepping away from Alton, Nina met his gaze, her eyebrows rising in surprise. “Alton Stone! Now I know you’re not thinking this is a proposal. If you want me to marry you, you’re gonna have to do much better than that. I want romance and everything else that goes with popping the question.”

  “Come on, baby. I can’t believe you’re giving me a hard time. You’re the one always talking about getting married. I figured all I had to do was just say the word.” Alton reached out, pulling her back into his arms.

  She backed away from him. “I mean it, Alton. I want you to do it up nice and pret
ty. This is one of the biggest decisions in my life. I want somethin’ to tell my grandkids one day.”

  Chapter Five

  “What have I gotten myself into?” Bradley muttered the next day while having lunch with Alton. He was conscious of the fact that lately he seemed to be asking himself that question a lot.

  “Desiree is a very nice lady.” Alton picked up a French fry and stuck it in his mouth. “She’s not going to give you any trouble,” he said after swallowing.

  Bradley glanced over at the man standing beside him. “She’s been giving me trouble from the moment I heard her calling people from the grave.”

  Alton gave him a puzzled look. “Huh?”

  “You certainly can’t call what she does singing.” Bradley picked up his vanilla milk shake and took a long sip. Putting it back down, he said, “That lady doesn’t sing—she screams like she’s in pain or something. I’ve never heard nothing like it in my life.”

  “Bradley, man, why are you so hard on her?”

  He couldn’t believe Alton had the nerve to ask him something like that. The answer was so obvious. “The woman can’t sing. Am I the only one who hears her?”

  “With a little training, I think Desiree will improve greatly.”

  Bradley gave him a crazy expression. “You really think she can be helped with a few singing lessons?”

  Alton nodded. “I do.”

  “I have to confess that I’m not convinced. Obviously you’re immune to her screeching.” Bradley released a long sigh. “How long has she been in the choir?”

  “She just joined a few weeks ago. Right after Veronica died. Desiree only just moved back to Summerset from Dallas.”

  Bradley couldn’t imagine why she’d chosen this town over a city like Dallas. But then he’d left Los Angeles. “I don’t know why you let her into the choir in the first place. From now on, people are going to have to audition. They can’t just walk up from the congregation like your friend obviously did. I’m not having it.”