by Regina Frame
“I told you to lose my number!” You know this is a violation of our agreement,” I snapped.
“That’s not very nice, you know. Is that how you treat Trinity?” She sneered, and I froze. “Does she know about you, Tuck? Have you told her everything? Of course you haven’t.” How could she possibly know about Trinity? Was she here in Hermosa?
“Don’t you ever say her name. What the fuck do you want?” I asked, looking over my shoulder again. Still no Trinity. Good.
“I need to meet with you. There’s something I need to talk to you about in person,” she demanded.
“Anything you need to say to me can be said to Elliott. I believe you have his number.” With that, I hung up. I grabbed a bowl from the cabinet above and poured the contents of the bag into it, and grabbed a couple of beers from the fridge.
“What did you pick for us?” I asked, sitting down next to Trinity on the sofa. She took the blanket off the back of the sofa and covered us both before setting the bowl in my lap and snuggling into my side. Her sweet honey scent tickled my nose and made my chest tighten.
“I chose Mad Max. The one with Mel Gibson. I like it so much better than the newer one. Mel is so easy on the eyes.” She blushed.
“You just blushed,” I accused.
“I did not. You’re nuts,” she sputtered and rolled her eyes.
“I don’t know whether to be offended that you’re blushing over another man or think that it’s damn cute.”
“For your information, sir, I don’t blush. I’m not a schoolgirl. I’m twenty-eight years old. I believe I’m past all that.”
“So, if I were to kiss you right now…” I pressed my lips a breath away from her neck. “You wouldn’t blush? It wouldn’t affect you at all?” I lifted a brow.
“I’m not saying the kiss wouldn’t affect me because it would. You affect me, but you already know this.” She pressed her pouty lips to mine in an all too short kiss and then settled herself in to the crook of my arm, ready for the movie. That could have gone so many ways. And this is not the one I would have chosen. I’d much rather be naked making her scream my name. After a while the credits begin to roll and we’d eaten the last piece of popcorn. Soft snores came from Trinity, where she was asleep with her head still on my shoulder. I kissed the top of her head and ran my fingers through her silky blonde hair. Letting the shimmering strands fall a few at a time.
“This is exactly what I've been missing. Someone to be a part of my life, a partner in all things. Someone to love who loves me back, not just because I can give them things, but love me for who I am as a person,” I whispered to myself. If only this were the case. If she knew the real me, I had a feeling she’d never speak to me again. I slowly slipped from under Trinity and gently laid her head on the sofa pillow. I pulled the throw up around her shoulders and took one last look before leaving. On the drive home, I pulled out my phone and called Elliott. I needed to give him a heads up.
“Do you have any idea what time it is? Normal people sleep at this hour,” Elliott groaned.
“News flash Elliott, we’re not regular people. Penny Simms called me, and she may be calling you too. I told her she was in violation of the written agreement, but she just laughed. She also knew about Trinity. Elliott, how could she know about Trinity?”
“Hold on. Don’t panic,” Elliott ordered.
“Don’t panic? This woman almost ruined my life, and now Trinity has been dragged into this. I don’t want her to get hurt.”
“I’ll make a call to Patrick. He’ll get some of his best guys on this. We’ll find out where she is and why she’s surfaced again. Get some sleep. We have studio time tomorrow.”
“I can’t even think about music at a time like this. I feel like I need to be Trinity’s shadow until we find out more.”
“We don’t want to alarm Trinity. Patrick can put someone on her. He’ll be in the shadows. She’ll never know he’s there.”
I exhaled a heavy breath. “Okay, I guess you’re right. She’s setting up her store in town tomorrow and in the middle of that she’s interviewing future employees. Tell him to stay especially close during that time. The last thing we need is for Penny to show up for an interview.”
“Go home and go to bed, Tucker,” Elliott demanded.
“Good night, Elliott.” I may be going home, but there would be no sleep for me.
5
TRINITY
I cracked an eye open and was blinded by the sun coming in through the wall of windows. Somewhere beneath me, my cell was ringing to the tune of Bad Girl, and I couldn’t help the smile that took over my face. I dug my phone from between the sofa cushion and swiped the screen. “Willow!” I screamed. I was so excited to hear my best friend’s voice. “What are you doing? Please tell me you’re coming for a visit! I’ve missed you, girl! You would love the beach and the shops on the boardwalk.”
“Girl, please! Fall Brook never has and never will be party city. I’m so tired of living in this little town. I can’t even order a beer with my meal ever since the town voted it a dry county two years ago. Help me, Trinity! I’m in need of some tequila and Trinity time!” Willow and I used to sneak a bottle of liquor from her parent’s stash and walk down to the river below her house to drink it. We’d sit on this old rusty metal bridge for hours and talk about boys and all of our life’s challenges at the age of fifteen. Willow and I were inseparable in school.
“I was hoping to come for a visit. I need to get away for a bit. Even though I’m twenty-eight my parents are still all up in my business.” She laughed.
“Oh my gosh! Of course you can come. I would love to have you here. When can you leave?” I asked.
“I’m already on my way.” She laughed. “I was hoping you’d say yes.”
“You know I’d never turn you down. One word of advice though, be sure to fill up your tank about two hours out from Temecula. Trust me. You run out of gas on the road there you’re on your own for a while,” I urged.
“Will do! See you soon, chick!” Willow said before ending the call. I stood from the sofa and reached over my head to stretch the kinks out of my back and neck. The last thing I remember about last night was falling asleep on a strong shoulder while wrapped in his arms. A small smile crept across my face. I wish he would’ve stayed, but I knew he has studio time and I was supposed to begin setting up my shop downtown. I pulled up his name in text and send him a message.
Me: I missed you when I woke up this morning. Is it too soon to send a message like that? It may be, but I send it anyway.
Tuck: If I’d stayed, neither one of us would have gotten any sleep baby. I’ll give you a call later and maybe we can do lunch.
Me: Okay.
I ran up the stairs and rummaged around in my closet until I found something to wear before jumping in the shower. After I showered, I decided to blow dry my hair and pull it up out of my face and apply minimal makeup because I’d probably sweat it off, anyway. There was a knock on the door. I checked the time on my phone and found that it’s still early. I trot down the stairs to the front door. When I opened the door, Willow screamed my name and threw her arms around my neck, causing me to stumble back. We both laughed.
“Wow! Were you already in town when you called earlier?” I quizzed.
“I was just outside of town at the golden arches. I don’t know what I would have done if you’d been gone or told me I couldn’t come!”
“I would never do that to you. You are always welcome. I’ll even give you a key in case you come sometime and I’m out of town.”
“I love your home,” she said, taking a look around the room.
“Thank you. Tucker and I just finished painting a couple of days ago.” I beamed.
“Whoa, Wait just a minute!” She held her hand up to halt to conversation. “Who is this Tucker person?” she asked, with both brows arched almost to her hairline.
“He’s a friend,” I offered.
“Na-uh. You’re gonna have to do better
than that. Let’s hear it!” She waved her hands around in front of herself.
“Have you ever heard of Sutured Souls?”
“Ohmygosh Yes! I have their newest music in my car right now,” she bragged proudly.
“Tucker is the lead singer.” I spit it out as fast as I could. She screamed the most ear-piercing scream; I had to put my fingers in my ears.
“My girl is getting it on with The Tucker James?” She fist pumped the air.
“It’s not like that, and can you not scream like that again?”
“When can I meet Mr. Rockstar? Oooh! When can I meet the band?” She squealed and clapped her hands excitedly.
“What are you, two? Promise me you will not act like this around them.”
“Okay,” she mumbled so low I barley heard her.
“What was that? I can’t hear you.”
“I said, okay,” she said a little louder this time with her hands behind her back.
“Your fingers are crossed!” I laughed.
“You love me though.” She wrapped her arms around my neck and put a loud kiss on my cheek. This is why I loved Willow so much. She always made me laugh.
“You can put your things in the last room on the left. The bathroom is across the hall if you need to shower,” I pointed out.
“What’s on tap for today?” she asked.
“We’re setting up my new shop downtown. Lucky you for showing up today!” I giggled, and she rolled her eyes before disappearing into the guest room. I pulled out my cell and sent a text to Tucker.
Me: My best friend came into town today. She’ll be staying with me for a few days. I’m sorry, but I can’t go to lunch today. I promised to show her the shops on the boardwalk.
Tucker: I’ll miss you. Elliott is cracking the whip today. I’m afraid I may be in the studio kind of late tonight.
Me: Okay. Talk to you later.
6
TUCKER
By the time I arrived at the studio, Elliott and all the guys were gathered around the table waiting for me.
“Look who finally decided to grace us with his presence,” Cade said as he wadded up a piece of paper and tossed it at my head.
“Cut the shit,” Elliott barked. “Let’s get down to business. I’ve had an old friend call in a favor. His girlfriend has a birthday coming up, and he wants to have a picnic and music at the winery.”
“Oh come on Elliott! We don’t exactly play love songs. Does he want a full out metal concert? How much is this going to pay?” Ayden asked.
“First of all, you all owe me for bailing your asses out of jail after that little stunt you pulled at the last hotel.” Everyone sniggered except for Elliott. He glared at us over his wire-rimmed glasses. “You will set a play list today of at least five love songs for your performance. The second thing doesn’t really pertain to you guys. I need to speak to Tucker privately. Why don’t you guys head on into the sound room and start working on that set. Tucker will be in the studio in a few minutes.”
My brows shot up in surprise, and every eye turned to me. What could Elliott possibly need to talk to me about that he wouldn’t in front of the guys? Once everyone was out of earshot, Elliott stood and walked over to me. He cleared his throat and shifted on his feet.
“Isn’t Trinity opening a catering slash party planning business in town?”
“Yes. She’s actually setting up her shop this week.”
“Could I please get her number? I would like to talk with her about the birthday party we discussed today.”
“Sure.” I pulled out my phone and texted him her number.
“She’ll be thrilled,” I said. “If that’s it, I’m going to head in there.” I thumbed over my shoulder in the direction of the guys.
“Sure. Sure. I’ll give her a call now. Thanks,” Elliott said.
The door whooshed closed behind me and silence took over the room except for Ayden.
“You’ve got to get us out of this man. We’re not the sappy love song kind of band. He can’t make us do it. I’ll refuse.” He argued.
“We can and we will pull together a list of five songs for this party.” I glared at everyone in the room. “If you’ll think back to when you became a part of this band, you signed on with this label, you agreed to play venues, events, parties, and a list of other reasons. If the label wanted to stick us at a supermarket opening, they could and we couldn’t do shit about it because we’ve already agreed, so unless you want to be sued, I suggest you shut up and play along.” Ayden flipped me the double bird. I swear the guy sulks like a schoolgirl if he doesn’t get his way at times. My phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out to find a text from Trinity. I couldn’t contain the smile that took over my face.
Trinity: Elliott just called and booked my business for a small intimate birthday party and that’s not all. He wants to book my services for a label party! I’m so excited I could burst!
I chuckled. I could practically feel her excitement through the phone.
Me: That’s wonderful cupcake! I’m so proud of you! We’re in the studio, so I better let you go. Talk to you later.
I will have to say for this day to have started off with an argument, it ended up being very productive. We had a set list for the private birthday party. I even ran the name of the songs by Trinity, and she approved. She said any girl would love them. We all decided to go to the Pink Toad just down the road to wind down and let off some steam. I asked Trinity and her friend Willow to meet us there. Trinity warned me about her friend and apologized ahead of time. I’m not sure what that means. She seemed pretty cool to me. We pushed through the big pink door with the toad’s face painted on it and stopped at the bar to grab a drink while we wait for the girls.
“Well, if it isn’t Tucker James,” Judy the bartender said. I’ve known Judy ever since I was a little guy playing ball in her yard with her son. I remember breaking out one of her windows and that I had to do enough chores for to pay for a new one.
“How are you, Judy?” She walked around the counter and hugged me tight. She was wearing a black miniskirt, a pink T-shirt with the name of the bar stretched across her large breasts.
“How long are you in town for this time?” she asked as she walked back around the bar and began popping the tops off of some beers for us.
“I’ll be here at least until November this time.” I tilted back the bottle and took a healthy swallow. “What’s J.T. up to these days?” J.T. and I were good friends and played on the same elementary baseball team. She went on to tell me that he was a big shot lawyer working in New Jersey and comes home once a year around Christmas. He should be ashamed. He’d realize what he’s missed out on one day when she’s no longer here. I couldn’t imagine seeing my mom just once a year.
“Judy!” Cade said from behind me. “How’s my favorite girl?” She blushed.
“Cade, you better not make trouble tonight. I’d hate to get Billy.” Judy teased. Billy is what she calls her baseball bat she keeps behind the bar to scare off drunks who are causing fights.
“If I promise to be good tonight, can we get a table and a double order of appetizers?” Cade asked. We all six followed Judy to a table close to the karaoke stage where some guy was butchering a Brad Paisley song. Trinity and Willow made their way over to the table and sat down. Everyone clapped when the singer finished as he staggered from the stage. I reached over and placed my arm across the back of Trinity’s chair so that I could touch the skin of her bare arm. It was silky smooth, and she smelled like the sweet scent of jasmine.
“You look beautiful tonight.” I leaned in and buried my nose in her silky hair. She giggled and leaned away from me.
“Everyone’s watching. Especially my best friend,” Trinity scolded. I looked across the table to find Willow wrapped up in conversation with Cade and Ayden. Whatever they were talking about was making her laugh. A short time later, a waitress came over with a fresh round of drinks for everyone. Willow ordered a round of tequila shots for everyon
e and made Trinity promise to sing karaoke with her even though Trinity said no. Once the shots were downed, Willow grabbed Trinity’s arm and pulled her toward the stage. Willow stumbled and lost a shoe. She laughed so hard Trinity had to help her put it back on. “Stand by Your Man” came on and the girls began to sing. Trinity wasn’t half bad, but Willow sounded like nails on a chalkboard.
“Come on, cupcake! Show us how it’s done!” I shouted, and her face turned bright red. Cade yelled words of encouragement for Willow, even though I was sure she was so drunk she wouldn’t remember. Once the song ended, Trinity ran down the steps and straight to our table.
“You know it’s unfair to make us sing when we’ve got a whole band sitting at our table.” Trinity arched a playful brow. “What about it, boys? Show us how it’s done.” She leaned in and placed a loud smack on my lips and that’s all it took. The guys were asking why they weren’t kissed but still had to sing. The women just laughed and blew them all kisses. While we were still on stage, a waitress dropped off a bowl of gummy bears soaked in alcohol, which Trinity began eating. She was eating them by handfuls and by the time the guys were back at the table they were almost gone, and she could barely sit up.
“Trinity, how many of these did you eat?” Tucker asked her.
“Ooooh, I don’t know, but can we get another bowl?” She lifted the bowl and flung it across the room.
“Ooops! I don’t feel so good,” she moaned. Ayden began to laugh, a real belly laugh, and I shot him a warning glare. I scooped Trinity up and told the guys we were leaving. I opened the door to my F150 and sat her on the seat. She looked at me with glazed green eyes, ran her hand over my face and said, “You’re so pretty.” Then her arm flopped back onto her lap.