It's in the Rhythm by Sammie Ward Read Free Book Online

situations.”
    â€œIt’s the same situation.” She removed her hand from his.
    â€œNo, it isn’t.” Garrett believed it was time to inform Trinity of his true feelings. “Trinity, I’ve had a thing for you since the first day you walked in my father’s church.”
    His revelation took Trinity by surprise. She stared at him speechless.
    â€œI have never forgotten the night we went out before I moved to L.A.” He smiled. “I had the time of my life. I wanted to spend more time with you, to get to know you and let you get to know me.”
    Trinity’s heart raced and her stomach trembled. Garrett wanted to have an intimate relationship with her. He wanted to be more than friends—but did he want the forever-after kind of relationship? A part of her wanted to throw caution to the wind and give in to temptation. Another part of her warned her not to take the chance. She was determined not to repeat the mistake she’d made with Darius.
    She needed to think, to clear her head, and she couldn’t do that in Garrett’s presence.
    â€œI’m sorry,” she said and stood. She met Garrett’s intense gaze. “Friendship is all I’m offering.”
    â€œBut—”
    â€œGoodbye, Garrett.” Tears filled her eyes as she picked up her purse and left. She heard Garrett call her name, but she kept moving, didn’t look back. Her emotional survival depended on it.
    * * *
    Standing across the room at the bar, Victor watched as Trinity rushed from the table. He couldn’t help but notice the look of desperation on Garrett’s face. Victor recognized that look. He’d been there himself with his fiancée.
    Victor told the bartender to fix a double cognac on the rocks for Garrett. The brother needed it.
    Garrett wiped his hand down his face in frustration. He wasn’t deterred. He had two weeks to convince her he was sincere about his feelings. Garrett felt someone near, and he looked to find Victor looking down at him.
    â€œLooks like you need this,” Victor said. He pressed the glass into Garrett’s hand.
    â€œThanks.” The liquor burned, but felt good going down. He offered Victor a seat.
    â€œWomen problems?” Victor sat across from Garrett.
    Garrett stared into the drink and shook his head. “Man, I will never understand women.” He looked across at Victor. “I don’t even know what just happened with Trinity.”
    Victor chuckled. “I don’t think we’re supposed to understand them. As men, we’re supposed to go along with whatever they say or do. I believe God made them that way.” He leaned across the table. “You should know that.”
    Garrett had to admit that when God created women, especially African-American women, he was showing off his best work. He just wished God had given men the book of instructions to understand them.
    â€œVictor, let me ask you a question.”
    Victor straightened. “Sure.”
    â€œHow did you know your lady was the one?”
    Victor’s face broke into a wide grin. “The first time I set eyes on Dominique, I knew she was the one. To this day, I still can’t explain it,” he chuckled. “But I thank God every day for her.” He tilted his head to one side. “Why are you asking? You think Trinity is the one?”
    A slow smile crept across Garrett’s face. “Like you, the first time she walked into my father’s church, I knew she was the one for me. The feelings have never changed.”
    â€œWhat’s the problem?” Victor asked.
    â€œShe just wants to be friends.”
    â€œThat can be a problem. What are you planning to do about it?”
    â€œI don’t know. I’ll think of something.”
    Victor stuck out a hand to receive a soulful handshake from Garrett. “That’s what I’m talking about. Spoken like a true brother. Anything worth having is worth