Unforgettable, page 25
“You know as well as I do that I’ve never gotten into the groupie thing.” Gavin was so angry he was shaking. “You’re busy trying to turn something that’s special into something ugly. You aren’t just doing me a disservice, but more importantly, you’re hurting Anna. She has always looked up to you.”
“You’re the one hurting my family. I’ll be damned, before I will let you get away with it. Some day soon, Anna is going to wake up and realize you are using her. She’s pretty and available, which is all you’re about.”
Determined to hide his hurt feelings behind a pointed glare, Gavin stared at his long-time friend as if he didn’t recognize him. Gavin had loved Wesley Prescott like a brother for so many years, but he now realized that he didn’t know him at all. Wesley had never really believed in him, because if he had, he would know beyond a doubt that Gavin wasn’t capable of deliberately using any woman, especially not someone he treasured as he did Anna.
Gavin’s face was hard and his eyes were cold when he warned, “You just make damn certain that what’s going on between the two of us stays between us and not out on that damn field.” He grabbed his helmet and walked out.
Gavin was still brooding by the time he picked Kyle up from school.
“Hey,” his brother said as he got into the front seat, fastening his seat belt.
“Hey, Gavin.” Wayne grinned as he climbed into the backseat of the Navigator.
“Hey yourselves. How was your day?” Gavin checked behind him before he pulled out into traffic.
“Good. What happened to you? You look like you ran into a wall.”
“Nothing unusual. Just a rough practice session.” Not about to go into the details, he quickly changed the subject, “How you doing, Wayne? Keeping those grades up?”
“Cool.” Wayne answered. “No problems.”
“Kyle? How were your classes?”
“Everything is cool,” he said before he plunged right in to say, “I talked to a few of the kids in the band and they told me that Mr. Cummings gives private lessons on Tuesday and Thursday nights after school.” Kyle eyed his older brother hopefully.
Gavin glanced at him before saying, “Are you sure that is what you want to do? Taking trumpet lessons calls for a commitment on your part. There will be practice every day and then later, band tryouts. Just because you take these lessons doesn’t automatically mean you are in the band.”
“I know, but I really want to do this. If I practice, I might become good enough to make the band next year. Mr. Cummings might be willing to give me private lessons.”
“That will be great. You can do it, if you put your mind to it,” Wayne encouraged.
“Wayne is right. But you have to be willing to put the effort it takes into learning an instrument.”
“I’m serious about this,” Kyle insisted. “Do you think he’ll be willing to teach me?’
“If not, we can find someone who will.” Gavin shrugged. “But I want you to be sure. I’d like you to really give it some thought before you decide.”
“If it costs too much, I’ve been saving my allowance. I can help pay for the lessons.” Kyle looked genuinely worried.
Gavin shook his head. “It isn’t the money. I’ll spring for the instrument as long as you take the time necessary to practice every day, as well as keep your grades up. Your schoolwork comes first.”
“It won’t be a problem. I promise. I won’t let my grades slip. In fact, I’ll study harder. Just wait and see.”
“Okay, but the minute one of your grades starts to go down or you forget to practice or do your chores around the house, I’m taking the thing back. Understand?”
“Yeah,” Kyle said with a wide grin. “Thanks, bro.”
Gavin smiled. “No problem.” He was pleased by his brother’s progress in just a few short weeks. His grades were coming up and his attitude had undergone a huge change once Kyle realized that Gavin wanted him to stay.
“Can you and Wayne stay out of trouble tonight while Anna and I are at the charity dinner?”
“Yeah. We’re not little kids.” He looked offended. “Besides, Mrs. Tillman will be around if we need something. I don’t know why you think we need a baby-sitter.”
Wayne felt the need to add his opinion. “That’s right. We know how to take care of ourselves.”
Gavin hid a smile. “She’s just keeping an eye on things, not baby-sitting. But we might not be back until late. I want both of you in bed by midnight. Got that?”
“Tomorrow is Saturday,” Kyle complained.
“I know. But I thought you fellows would like to go horseback riding with me in the morning. Kyle, remember I told you about the horse farm in Rochester.”
“Yeah!” Both boys cheered.
“Well, there is a trade-off. That means not giving Mrs. Tillman any problems, and both of you in bed with lights out before I get home.”
“Got it,” Wayne and Kyle agreed with enthusiasm.
After stopping off at Wayne’s place to pick up his overnight case, they headed to Gavin’s. When he parked beside Anna’s car in the garage, the boys were busy planning their evening. They were still at it when they trooped into the kitchen.
“Hey, sis,” Wayne grinned at his sister.
“Hey, Anna,” That came from Kyle. He’d barely taken off his coat and backpack before he headed for the snack area where she kept cool drinks and fresh fruit in a refrigerator drawer.
Anna smiled up at Gavin over the boys’ heads. “No one gets fed unless I get some love.” Wearing a bib apron, she’d been rolling out pizza dough.
Both boys complained as they gave her hugs. “You fellows go wash up before you touch any food.”
Gavin leaned back against the counter as he waited until they were alone. He placed a soft kiss on her lips. “Is Mrs. Tillman here?”
“Not, but she will be at five. Can I make you something to hold you over until dinner? Sandwich?”
“Naw, I’m not hungry.”
She put the layers of pizza dough between parchment paper into the refrigerator. The fixings were all ready and waiting in covered bowls.
“Hard day?” Her eyes were soft as she studied him, noting the bruises on his face and on his knuckles.
“Yeah. I’ll tell you about it later.”
“All right. Can you keep your eye on the boys while I go get ready?”
“Sure.” He glanced at the desk. “Get any work done today?”
“A little. I tested a new recipe for the book.”
“Is that what the boys are having tonight?”
“No. They’re going to make their own pizza. And there are salad, snacks and chocolate chip cookies.”
“Did I hear chocolate chip?” Kyle said with a grin.
“You did. You can have one before dinner.” She smiled as she smoothed his collar. “How was your day? How did you do on that science paper?”
“Don’t know yet. She didn’t give them back.” He went on to tell her about his music lessons.
“Good. That means you’re going to take time with this?”
“Yeah.” He grinned.
“Good.” She gave him a quick hug.
Wayne asked, “Do I smell cookies?”
“You do.” Anna laughed as she went back to preparing a huge salad. “Only one before dinner.”
Gavin leaned back and watched as she worked all the while talking to her brother about his day.
“Can we make the pizzas now?” Wayne wanted to know.
“Not until Mrs. Tillman gets here. Why don’t you guys do your homework, get it out of the way?”
They grumbled but finally agreed and headed off to Kyle’s room to put their things away.
“No horsing around,” Gavin called.
“You sure you don’t want something before I take off for my hair appointment?”
He shook his head as he walked over to pull her into his arms. “All I need is a little more of your sweet sugar.” His lips covered hers as he held her against his chest before burying his face into the side of her soft throat.
Anna pressed a kiss on his unshaven jaw when he lifted his head. “I missed you today.”
“Me too.”
“Did something happen today to upset you?”
He kissed her hard. “We’ll talk later. Why don’t you get going?”
“Okay.” She gave him a squeeze around his waist before she moved back. “See you later.”
“Seven.”
“I’ll be ready.” She waved before she hurried out.
After a quick trip to the beauty salon, Anna soaked in her favorite rose-scented bath oil. She creamed her skin with the same scented lotion before she put on a dark blue strapless bra and lace thong panties and then slipped on sheer, navy thigh-high silk stockings topped by a wide band of elastic lace to hold them in place.
She was smiling as she put on her makeup, added a bit of crimson-tinted blush, a touch of smoky brown eye shadow, and crimson lipstick and a sheer gloss. She put on black pearl earrings and a black pearl pendant. Her black locks were pinned up in an elaborate chignon.
As she smoothed the strapless, floor-length midnight blue silk-jacquard dress over her hips, she heard the knock on the outside door. After a quick dab of perfume behind each ear and the backs of her knees, she was ready.
“Coming,” she called as she hurried out of the beautifully appointed bedroom to the door. She appreciated that Gavin always knocked, even though he had a key.
“Hi, honey. You’re look awfully handsome,” she said with a smile, giving him the once-over.
Gavin was dressed in a midnight blue, custom-made tuxedo, so dark in color it looked black. His snow white silk shirt was lined with a single row of tiny sapphire studs; a white silk cumberbund encircled his waist, and he wore a white silk necktie.
He grinned as his dark eyes slowly moved over her shapely length. He took her into his arms for a tender hug before he kissed her forehead.
“You’re absolutely beautiful,” he said close to her ear. “I don’t dare kiss you for fear of ruining your makeup. You smell even better.”
“Thank you.” She caressed his clean-shaven cheek, inhaling his clean male scent. “I’m almost ready.” She handed him her ankle bracelet. “Please?”
Gavin squatted down, while she rested her hand on his shoulder. He caressed her ankle before he fastened her bracelet. Before he rose, he left a lingering kiss against her ankle.
“Be right back. I’ll get my coat.”
He held on to her elbow. “I have something for you.” He slid a velvet-covered box from his pocket. Popping the lid open, he said, “For you. Will it go with your dress?”
Anna gasped, a hand covering her mouth. “Diamonds go with everything.”
Tucked inside a satin lined box was a pendant. The cushion-cut two-carat diamond, surrounded by a row of small round pink diamonds, was set in platinum. Beside the necklace was a pair of matching lever-back earrings, also set in platinum.
She was silent so long, he asked, “Do you like them? Will you wear them tonight?”
“Oh, Gavin. They’re beautiful. I just didn’t expect anything like this. They are so costly. I’m not sure I can accept.”
He frowned. “Why not? When I saw them, I knew they would look lovely against your dark skin.
“But…” She just stared at him.
“No buts. I want you to have them. Please don’t say no.”
“I don’t want you to think that I’m here because I want things from you.”
“Oh, baby. I’d never think that. I know you, remember?”
She nodded.
“Please accept them.”
She searched his eyes, evidently satisfied by what she saw, and she nodded. She threw her arms around his neck and brushed his lips with hers. “Thank you.” Then she laughed. “I’ve gotten lipstick on you.” She wiped it away with her fingers. “Be right back.”
He groaned in protest, preferring to keep her right where she was.
“I won’t be long.” In her bedroom she removed her pearl jewelry and replaced it with the earrings and pendant he’d given her. She took time to repair her lipstick.
Gavin helped her into a navy velvet evening coat. She covered her hair with a sheer silk scarf. They followed the lit walkway that had been cleared of ice and snow, to the side entrance where a dark gray limousine waited.
Once they were comfortably seated in the backseat, he warned that more than likely her parents, Wesley and Kelli, and Ralph would be there.
Anna nodded as she tightened her hands on the tiny navy beaded purse in her lap. “Mama mentioned they were planning to come. It’s not a problem. Besides, I need to talk to my hardheaded brother, anyway. I won’t let him get away with treating me like a child. Someone has to set him straight.”
21
Gavin took one of her hands in his. “You’re a little late. All that needed to be said has already been said today.” His eyes were on the passing scenery as the car headed south toward Jefferson Avenue.
“So that’s what’s been bothering you.”
He nodded. “Wes and I had a disagreement on the field. It was stupid, but it happened. Neither one of us was setting much of an example for the younger guys. Need I say how put out Coach was?”
Anna placed a comforting hand on his muscled thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. Blinking back tears, she whispered, “I’m sorry, honey. I know how much it hurts. You and Wes have been close for too many years. My feelings for you shouldn’t affect your friendship.”
“Don’t,” he said quietly, pressing a kiss on her cheek. “I don’t want you blaming yourself. It isn’t your fault. Wes has made his choice, and I have made mine. We both have to move on.”
Anna bit the tender inside of her lip to hold back the tears. No matter what he said, her heart was heavy because she had come between them. And both men had been impacted negatively by this, and hurt because of it. There had to be something she could do or say to ease the situation. There just had to be.
She certainly wasn’t pleased by the rift in her family, but she couldn’t help whom she loved. And she wasn’t about to give Gavin up because of her family’s disapproval.
The fund-raiser was being held at the Omni Detroit Hotel at River Place in the quaint River Town area. The prominent sports figures as well as community leaders had received invitations. The one-thousand-dollar-a-plate affair would generate much-needed revenue for the upcoming sports camps planned for inner city youngsters involved in both the Boys and Girls Clubs and the community centers in the city.
As soon as Gavin and Anna neared the Riverfront Pavilion Room they were greeted by some of the Lions team members and their wives. There were athletes from all Detroit-area sports teams, including the Tigers, Red Wings, Pistons, and Shocks.
Mayor Kilpatrick and city council members were present, as well as representatives from Ford, GM, and Chrysler motor companies. The business community was also represented by leaders such as Charles Randol and his wife Diane, as well as prominent attorney Quinn Montgomery and his wife Heather. Dexter Washington, who headed the Malcolm X Community Center, and his wife, Anthia, were seen moving through the crowd.
After they had checked their coats, Anna and Gavin continuously stopped and exchanged greetings. The cocktail hour was in full swing as they slowly made their way to their assigned table.
Anna spotted her family across the crowded table. She slipped her hand into Gavin’s and was frankly relieved that they wouldn’t be sharing a table. Before Gavin could go and collect their drinks she whispered into his ear that she was going over to say hello to her family.
“Would you like me to go with you?” Gavin asked as he held her chair.
“No, but thanks for the offer. Be right back.” She threaded her way through the crowded room. “Good evening,” Anna said as she stopped behind her mother’s chair.
“Hi, honey,” Donna said as Anna hugged her. “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks, Mama. So do you,” Anna smiled and then turned to her father, who like the other men at the table was on his feet. “Daddy.” She pressed a quick kiss to his lean brown cheek.
“Your mother is right. You’re beautiful,” he said quietly.
“Thank you,” she said as she moved out of his arms.
She ignored Wesley’s hurt look when she spoke to him but didn’t offer him a hug. She did hug Kelli and said, “You look wonderful. Love that dress.”
“You are the one,” Kelli whispered as she squeezed her hand reassuringly. “You okay?”
“I’m trying,” Anna whispered back. When she turned, she suddenly recognized the man Ralph was in conversation with, an old teammate from Ralph’s basketball days at University of Detroit. “Scott, is that you?”
Scott Hendricks, tall, dark, and handsome NBA player, grinned down at her. “Anna, how are you?” He gave her a hug. “You’re looking good, girl.”
“Thank you. How have you been? I haven’t seen you in years. How’s your sister Taylor and her husband, Donald?”
“Doing well. They have a new baby. In fact, they have two kids. And they’re considering moving back to the area now that Donald has retired from the NBA.”
“That’s wonderful. It was good seeing you. Give your family my best.” To her cousin, she said, “Ralph, please introduce me to your date.”
The look Anna gave Ralph warned him not to even try hugging her. After the introductions were made, she excused herself and returned to her own table.
Gavin was standing beside their table talking to Dexter Washington when she approached. She overheard Dexter say, “Whatever is going on between you and Prescott, I hope you two get it straightened out soon. The boys at the community center need the both of you to give that football camp this spring. You two can’t let us down.”
Gavin saw her first and slid an arm around her waist. “Anna, you remember Dexter Washington, don’t you?”
“Yes, of course. How are you, Mr. Washington?”
“I’m well, thanks. Talk to this guy for me. Maybe you can convince him to do our football clinic again this year.”
