How Sweet the Sound

by Jacquelin Thomas

  “Okay. Have fun.” She couldn’t put her finger on it, but Desiree believed that Bradley was trying to hide something from her—but what? It just didn’t make sense.

  “Bradley…”

  “It wouldn’t look good for the boss to be late. We’ll talk later, okay?” He didn’t want to mention anything about Kandi or his plans right now. Bradley didn’t want to get her hopes up.

  “Okay,” Desiree mumbled in response. Something definitely wasn’t right.

  She headed to her car, her mind plagued with suspicion. Why was Bradley trying to rush her off? What was going on with him?

  Desiree climbed into her car and sat there for a moment. She had to find out what was going on with Bradley.

  She got out of her car and walked back into the hotel lobby in time to see Bradley and a slender woman head into the restaurant. Although her dark sunglasses hid her features from curious onlookers, Desiree knew exactly who she was.

  She turned on her heel and headed back to her car.

  Kandi Tate was there to see Bradley. Desiree knew it like she knew her own hand. She was sure of it.

  Chapter Eleven

  “I can’t believe Bradley Rhodes. How could he do this to me?” Desiree exclaimed into the telephone. “He’s involved with that Kandi Tate. I just know it.”

  “You are really upset.”

  “We’re close enough to be in a committed relationship. At least on my part, anyway.” Desiree sighed softly. “Nina, I’m in love with him.”

  “Before you go jumping the gun, why don’t you just go to Bradley and ask him about her?”

  Her throat ached with defeat. “Why should I have to do that? Why didn’t he just tell me he was meeting with a woman? I thought he was meeting a guy.”

  “This is why you have to talk to him, Desiree.”

  “All I want to know is where I stand with the man.”

  “I’m not a big Bradley Rhodes fan, but I know he cares deeply for you,” Nina stated.

  “I don’t know….” At tear slipped down her face.

  “He cares for you, Desiree. I’m sure Bradley’s meeting with Kandi Tate—now you’re sure it was her? I mean the Kandi Tate. The gospel singer?”

  There was a heavy feeling in her stomach. “Yeah. It was her, Nina. I’m sure of it.”

  “Well, he has to know Kandi from the old days. Maybe it was just business between her and Bradley. You know, a completely innocent meeting.”

  “I thought about that, but Nina, you should’ve seen the way he was acting. Bradley looked so guilty when he saw me in that lobby.” Tears blinded her eyes and choked her voice. “He couldn’t get me out of there fast enough.”

  “Well, I have to tell you, girlfriend, that I really think this was just a business meeting or just two old friends getting together.”

  Desiree wiped her face with a tissue. “So you don’t think he could’ve been involved with Kandi at one time?”

  “I guess he could have,” Nina admitted. “You should get off this phone with me and give Bradley a call. Just talk to him.”

  When Desiree hung up, she considered Nina’s words. Maybe her friend was right. She picked up the phone, then changed her mind.

  She decided to see if she heard anything from Bradley.

  Bradley sat in his family room dazed. Over lunch, Kandi had asked him to become her manager. This was a complete dream come true for him. An award-winning singer wanted to be represented by his management company. Kandi had also made it clear that she was more than interested in renewing their relationship, but Bradley quickly informed her that he was seeing someone.

  He’d half expected Kandi to rescind her first offer at hearing that but she hadn’t. She had always been a good businesswoman.

  The ringing of his doorbell drew him out of his reverie. Bradley got up and headed to the front door. Opening it, he found Desiree standing there.

  “I’m sorry for coming over here unannounced, but I needed to talk to you. Can I come in?”

  “Sure.” Bradley stepped out of the way to allow Desiree entrance. “Honey, what’s wrong? You look upset.”

  Glaring at him, Desiree threw down her purse. “I am. I am very upset with you, Bradley.”

  Baffled, Bradley asked, “What’s wrong with you?”

  “I saw you with Kandi Tate today. Why didn’t you tell me that you were meeting with her? Why was it such a big secret?”

  “It wasn’t a secret, baby.”

  “You didn’t tell me you were meeting with her.” She stormed over to the window and stared out. “I guess you have something to hide.”

  Bradley crossed the room to stand beside her. He turned her so that she was facing him. “Desiree, you don’t have anything to worry about. Sweetheart, I care a great deal about you. Kandi and I…we’re just friends—nothing more. I told you I was meeting a friend. She wants me to manage her, so see, you don’t have any reason to be jealous. The only woman I’m interested in…is you.” Bradley moved closer to her. He bent down to place a kiss on her lips.

  “Wow,” Desiree murmured.

  Bradley laughed. “You are so cute.”

  “I’m sorry for jumping the conclusions. I just feel awful.”

  “I should’ve been more open with you, I guess. She and I are just friends. Longtime friends.”

  “So you two were never involved?”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  Desiree gasped and backed away from him.

  “Hey! It was a long long time ago,” Bradley quickly explained. He pulled her to him, trapping her in his arms. “There is nothing between Kandi and me. I told her all about you and how much I love you.”

  “You did?”

  He nodded. “I don’t want another woman—just you.”

  As if to prove it, Bradley lowered his lips to hers.

  Later seated together on the sofa, Desiree commented, “This went a whole lot better than I thought it would. I came over here expecting you to blast me and tell me to mind my own business.”

  He chucked. “I’m glad I’m not that predictable.”

  Chapter Twelve

  “Bradley, I’m not going to sing,” Desiree announced on the way to rehearsal. The gospel concert was only three weeks away. She had given it a lot of thought and wasn’t sure she was quite ready.

  He glanced over at her. “Why not?”

  “I’m a little nervous,” she admitted. “I don’t want to mess things up for everyone. They’re all looking forward to performing.”

  “There you go again, putting everyone else above your own dreams. Sweetheart, you’ve worked very hard for this. Just as hard as the other choir members.” Reaching over, Bradley took her hand in his. “Desiree, you’re ready.”

  “You really think so?”

  He nodded. “You should know by now that I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t mean it.”

  His words made her smile. “You’re certainly right about that.”

  “I expect to see you in the choir stand when we get to the church. Don’t make me carry you up there.”

  “You wouldn’t dare.”

  “Oh, yes I would. I’m not going to let you throw away your dream. I know that you’d be the same way when it came to me.”

  “Yeah, I would,” Desiree acknowledged.

  Bradley struggled with whether or not now was the time to tell her that Kandi’s job offer meant his leaving Summerset. No, he decided quickly. Desiree was already nervous about singing for the concert. He wasn’t sure how she would take the news and didn’t want to risk upsetting her further.

  They arrived at the church and parked. Bradley got out and ran around the truck to open the door for Desiree.

  They walked hand in hand toward the white building.

  “You’re suddenly very quiet,” Desiree observed. “What are you thinking about?”

  “How much I love you.”

  “Oh, Bradley, I love you, too.”

  Inside the church a few of the choir members were seated along th
e first pew, talking and laughing. They greeted the couple as they entered.

  While he went to set up the sheet music and turn on the sound system, Desiree sat down beside a woman named Lenora.

  “I saw your mother at the store yesterday. She sure is looking good.”

  Nodding, Desiree smiled. “Yeah. She is doing so well since the surgery. It’s truly a blessing and I just thank God for it.”

  Nina and Alton arrived a few minutes later. Another ten minutes passed before Bradley called them to the choir stand.

  After only one song, the other choir members applauded Desiree and commented on her improved singing.

  “Oh, Desiree you sound so good.”

  She smiled at the woman standing beside her. “Thank you, Gladys. I’m working real hard on it.”

  The rest of the rehearsal ran smoothly. Afterward, Bradley took her bowling.

  Nina and Alton met them there.

  “Tonight, I think we really sounded great,” Nina announced. “We’re going to have everyone shouting all over Summerset Junior College. I am so excited.”

  “I’m real proud of you all.” Bradley picked up a bowling ball.

  Desiree cheered when he made a strike. “That’s my man,” she bragged. “Okay Alton, let’s see what you can do.”

  When Bradley left her town house, Desiree still felt like Bradley had something he was hiding. Over the last month, he’d seemed different and distant.

  Every now and then her insecurities would rise and she wondered if he was interested in someone else. A couple of times, she’d considered questioning him, but didn’t follow through.

  “Bradley, I wish you’d talk to me,” she whispered in the silent room. “I feel like you’re hiding something from me. What is it?”

  The night of the concert arrived with a chilly blast. Desiree didn’t know whether she was shivering from the cold air or nervousness.

  “You okay, sweetheart?” Bradley inquired. He wrapped an arm around her.

  “I’m f-fine. Just a little nervous.”

  Bradley gave Desiree a reassuring smile. “Honey, you’re going to do great. Try to remember to sing with that choir and not above them.”

  “I will,” she promised.

  It was time for them to go on.

  On stage, Bradley winked and gave her a thumbs-up. Desiree awarded him a smile. The music started.

  Ignoring her trembling fingers and legs, Desiree fervently tried to remember everything she’d learned over the course of her singing lessons. It had all come down to this and she didn’t want to let anybody down.

  Nina leaned forward to whisper, “Relax honey. It’s going to be okay.”

  Desiree gave a slight nod. She took several calming breaths and exhaled slowly.

  Bradley raised his arm. It was time for them to sing.

  Closing her eyes, Desiree allowed the lyrics to minister to her—soon the audience vanished; the other choir members were gone. She was on a great cloud pouring out her song before God. Her heart filled with love for her heavenly Father and overflowed onto her words.

  The choir finished their first song. The next one was one written by Bradley and was a favorite of Desiree’s.

  The choir received several standing ovations before they were ushered off the stage.

  Afterward, Bradley and Desiree escaped from everyone to change into sweaters, jeans and cowboy boots in two of the public rest rooms. When Nina and Alton changed into more casual wear, the foursome strolled around the campus, stopping here and there to play some of the carnival games.

  “I had such a wonderful time tonight,” Desiree stated.

  “So did I,” Nina chimed. “Everyone is talking about how well we did.”

  “I have to admit that you all even surprised me,” Bradley confessed. “The Peaceful Rest choir was definitely at its best tonight. Now I want you all to sound just like that in February for the competition.”

  “We will, as long as you’re directing us, Bradley.” Nina hugged the huge doll Alton won for her to her body.

  Desiree glimpsed an array of emotions wash over Bradley’s face. Curious, she watched him for a moment.

  Bradley met her gaze and smiled.

  Desiree returned his smile, but deep down she was even more convinced that he was hiding something. She looked past Bradley and pointed. “There’s Pastor French and his wife. Sister Lilli Belle looks great in her leather outfit.”

  Following her gaze, Nina agreed. “Yeah, she sho’ working that suit. I like that.”

  Desiree laughed.

  Nina pulled her away from the men and whispered, “It looks like you and Bradley are really hitting it off. It’s so obvious that he adores you.”

  “I know he cares about me.” Desiree stole a peek at Bradley before saying, “But I still think he’s keeping something from me. I can’t put my finger on it—I just have this feeling.”

  “You think he’s seeing someone else?”

  “No, I’m pretty sure he’s not cheating on me. It’s something else, but what?”

  Nina embraced her. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Bradley loves you, Desiree.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  The next day, Desiree decided to confront him. “Bradley, there’s something bothering me and I think we should talk about it.”

  “You’re right,” he admitted. “There is something I need to tell you. I hope you’ll be happy for me. It’s great news, actually.”

  Her heart in her throat, Desiree asked, “What is it?”

  “I told you that Kandi Tate wants me to be her manager.”

  “Right.”

  He sat down beside her. “Well, there’s more. Honey, I need to ask you something.”

  “What is it?” she asked a second time. Bradley was suddenly acting very nervous and it made her uneasy.

  “Will you marry me?”

  Desiree’s mouth dropped open in shock. “W-what d-did you ask me?”

  “I just asked you to marry me. I want you to be my wife. We can get married here in Summerset of course, then…”

  Desiree was quiet while Bradley continued to rattle on with his plans for the two of them.

  “…we can move back to Los Angeles after the wedding. Kandi’s going to be back on the road, so we may have to delay our honeymoon. And—”

  Desiree cut in. “You’re taking the job then?”

  “Of course. Why wouldn’t I? This is all I’ve dreamed about.”

  “I see.”

  “Desiree, I don’t get it. I thought you’d be happy for me.”

  “What about the choir? What about the competition coming up in February? You’re going to just walk out on them?”

  “The choir is more than ready for this competition. Alton can take over as Music Director.”

  “How can you do this to us?”

  “I’m not doing anything to you,” Bradley retorted. “Don’t you want to get married? You’ll go with me to Los Angeles.”

  “What about my job?”

  “Desiree, you won’t need that job. If you want to work in a bank, they have plenty of them in L.A. A bank is a bank.”

  Bradley kissed her hand. “Honey, I thought you’d be happy for me.”

  “I am happy for you. But I also thought you’d be more supportive of Peaceful Rest Church. I can’t believe you’d walk out on us like that.”

  “I’m not walking out on anyone. Desiree, I love you and I just want to give you a wonderful life. I want us to be happy.”

  “I am happy. I don’t need to be in the limelight—these are your dreams. Not mine.”

  “Okay,” Bradley acknowledged. “These are my dreams. I’ve never lied about that. This is very important to me.”

  “I understand that, Bradley. Really, I do. What I don’t understand is why it just can’t wait until after the competition.”

  “Kandi wants me to get started as soon as possible. She’s already waited a couple of months—
”

  Desiree interrupted him. “You’ve known about this for a couple of months? Why are you just now telling me about it?”

  “I didn’t want to upset you while we were preparing for the concert.”

  “Bradley, I can’t believe you. How can you say you love me and then turn around and treat me like this?”

  “Desiree, don’t make this about you because it’s not. It has nothing to do with you. This is the desire of my heart.”

  She didn’t respond.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you like that.” He let out a long sigh. “You know, I just realized that you never answered me. Will you marry me, Desiree?”

  A tear rolled down her cheek. Desiree met his gaze and shook her head. “I’m sorry Bradley. I can’t. I can’t marry you.”

  He was stunned speechless.

  “This is your dream and I think you should follow your heart. I love you and I wish you well.”

  “I don’t understand. Why did you turn down my proposal? You say you love me.”

  “I do love you, Bradley but you and I want very different things. Loyalty means something to you only when you’re the one who has been betrayed. For me, loyalty is a two-way street.”

  “You won’t marry me because I’m leaving Peaceful Rest Church.” He shook his head. “I don’t believe this.”

  “It’s more than that, Bradley and you know it. You just expect me to give up everything because you don’t deem it important—it’s all about you.” Her eyes filled with water and her voice broke. “I r-refuse to l-live that way.”

  Desiree wiped the tears running down her face on her sleeve. “Bradley, I need some time alone. Could you please leave?”

  He reached for her. “Sweetheart…”

  Shaking her head, Desiree moved out of his reach. “Please, Bradley, we can talk later. Right now, I just need to be by myself.”

  Bradley stood up. “I didn’t expect things to turn out this way. I really thought you’d be happy for me.”