Slowing down, Tyanna turned the corner into the area in front of the gate and pulled up before Wendy. She hit the power button to open the passenger side door, then also hit the trunk lever.
All smiles, Wendy opened the door. “Morning, Sunshine.”
“Hey, Wendy.” Tyanna got out of the car and walked around to the grassy area where Wendy had all the items. “How’d you get all this stuff out here?’’
“There was a shopping cart around, so I used it. I figured I may as well; makes things a little quicker. I know you’re not always the most…punctual.”
“Ouch.” But she couldn’t deny the truth of that
statement. Even this morning, she was running ten minutes late. And she had no one to blame but herself for initiating the shower scene with Sheldon.
Not that she was complaining….
The sound of a snapping finger made Tyanna flinch. “Earth to Tyanna.’’
“Sorry. I zoned out.’’
“This is not the time, Sunshine. We’ve got to get this show on the road!” Wendy giggled.
Pushing thoughts of this morning out of her mind, Tyanna grabbed a mat, tucked it under her arm, then headed to the back of her car. She lifted the door to the trunk and placed the mat inside.
Together, she and Wendy filled the trunk with the items. Moments later, they were seated in the car.
“So, you ready?” Wendy asked.
“Absolutely.”
“I’m so excited. I keep thinking I’m going to forget the whole routine, or just plain freeze as soon as the cameras start rolling.’’
“That’s totally natural. But you know you’ll be nothing short of amazing.’’
“I sure hope so.’’
“You will be.’’
Tyanna turned the car around and got onto the road.
Wendy said, “We’ll both be great. I spoke with Phil this morning, and he seems pretty positive. Everything’s on schedule.”
Tyanna merely nodded.
“Hey.” Wendy’s voice held a note of concern. “I know you’re not an early bird, but this isn’t that early. Is everything okay?’’
Tyanna replied, “Actually, there’s something I have to tell you.’’
Wendy looked at her. “What?’’
“I had a scare at the gym last night.’’
“What happened?”
Tyanna filled her friend in on the attack, then the fact that Sheldon had come over to be with her. “I’ve been so up and down where Sheldon is concerned, but his presence last night was pretty comforting. Though, he was mad at me when he first came over.’’
Wendy’s eyes registered surprise. “Mad at you? Why, did he think you’d put yourself at risk?’’
“No, not that.” The road ahead of her was clear, and Tyanna glanced at Wendy. “It seems I’m the one to blame for this new threat.’’
“But how could that be?” Wendy protested, automatically defending her friend.
“Remember I told you I went to Ultimate Fitness to find out if Dino was really dead?’’
“Yeah.”
“Well, turns out Leona was Dino’s girlfriend. I had no clue. I thought she’d just worked at the juice bar. And I told her that Sheldon was back in town.’’
“Oh, hon.’’
“It makes complete sense that she would be angry with Sheldon, for the same reason Dino was.” Tyanna sighed. “The question now is, How angry is she? Enough to simply try and scare Sheldon? Scare me?’’
Reaching across the seat, Wendy rubbed Tyanna’s forearm. “I’m so sorry.’’
“We’re hoping the police can get through to her.’’
“Let’s hope,” Wendy agreed. “Otherwise, you let me know if you need me, and I’ll go pay Leona a visit myself.’’
Tyanna knew her friend was kidding, but that was an idea she’d thought of after she and Sheldon had gone their separate ways. Maybe if the police failed to get through to Leona, she would try to appeal to her. “I was thinking of that.’’
“Hold up,” Wendy said.
“I’m not saying I will, but if the police can’t get through to her…I mean, I knew her. Maybe if I talk to her, it will make a difference.”
“I doubt it.’’
“I doubt it too. But I feel bad. I have to do something.”
“If you decide to go see Leona, I’ll go with you if you want.’’
Tyanna angled her face in Wendy’s direction and smiled at her. “You’re such a great friend.’’
“You know I’ll always be there for you.’’
Tyanna squeezed her hand. “I know.’’
A round of applause erupted as Tyanna and Wendy finished the rehearsal of their routine. Blushing, Tyanna looked up at her family—her mother, sisters and niece. Even Michelle was clapping.
“You guys,” Tyanna said, shaking her head. But she was smiling.
“You’ve sold me,” Charlene said. “And Michelle too, apparently.”
“Honestly,” Lecia began. “That was great.’’
Taking Wendy’s hand in hers, Tyanna pulled her to her feet and led them both in a bow. “Thank you, thank you.’’
Giggling, Tyanna looked across the patio to see her father appear at the patio doors. He said, “Looks like the crew has arrived.’’
Tyanna squeezed Wendy’s hand. “This is it.’’
Together, they headed into the house to greet Phil and the crew. He was accompanied by two other men.
“Hey, Phil.” Wendy hurried to him, tipping on her toes to give him a warm hug.
“Hey, sweetie.” Phil kissed her on the cheek. “Hello, Tyanna.’’
“Hi.”
“This is Monty. Rafael.’’
Everyone said their hellos. The men had an enormous amount of stuff, more than Tyanna had anticipated. Black boxes filled the foyer.
“Let me show you where we’re going to set things up,” Tyanna said. She and Wendy led the
men outside and showed them the area where they’d set up the mats and platforms. Then they sat at the patio table and watched while the crew did their work.
It took a good half hour for them to set up the camera and lights in what they felt were the perfect positions. Tyanna wandered around them for a short time, taking in the whole process, but for the most part, she sat at the patio table with her sisters. Wendy, however, seemed almost like a puppy dog, following Phil around pretty much everywhere. And when she had to stand back, she stood nearby.
Tyanna watched Phil and Wendy with increasing curiosity. What was going on there? Whatever it was was very interesting. Very interesting indeed.
A little over three hours later, Phil announced, “That’s a wrap, everyone.”
Grinning from ear to ear, Tyanna turned to Wendy. The two embraced each other with enthusiasm.
“We did it!” Wendy exclaimed.
From what Tyanna could tell, the shoot had gone smoothly. More than smoothly, judging by the satisfied expression on Phil’s face.
They’d done the routine three complete times with short breaks in between. Phil experimented with different camera angles, different views. Once, he used the pool as a backdrop. Twice, he
used the vast backyard and canal as the backdrop, but from slightly different positions.
The whole process had fascinated Tyanna. While one camera had been set up on a fixed tripod, Monty walked around them with a camera on his shoulder. Monty’s handheld camera allowed him to film them at more flexible angles while the fixed camera got them from one position. Phil assured them it would all work out beautifully in the editing process.
The hardest part had been to perform as if they weren’t being taped. Tyanna supposed it was a little easier for Wendy, because she spoke directly to the fixed camera as if it was a live audience.
“That was pretty neat.” Tyanna looked around to see Lecia and Charlene standing behind her. “I had no clue it took so much work to tape a video.’’
“And this was fairly simple, in terms of shooting,” Phil told them. “If it was indoors, we’d need more lighting, filters. All kinds of stuff. Sound is a bigger issue when taping outside, but you were all great spectators. Very cooperative.”
“What about music?” Lecia asked. “I thought you would have something funky playing.’’
“Actually, music is something we’ll add in postproduction,” Phil explained.
“Wendy and I were worried about copyright issues,” Tyanna told Lecia.
“And given the dialogue in the video, adding music later is actually much better,” Phil continued. “That way, we can control the sound, make
sure the levels are right so the dialogue isn’t drowned out.’’
“Well, I’m definitely impressed,” Charlene told everyone. “With the taping
and
the performance. If Ronnie Vaughn doesn’t like it, then the guy’s a moron.” She smiled sweetly.
“I agree,” Phil said. “Everything went as well as it could have.” He glanced at his watch. “We’re gonna start to clear our stuff out of here.’’
As the crew went about dismantling the lights, boom and camera, Wendy asked Phil, “How long do you think the editing stage will take?’’
“I’ll watch the footage tonight. Get an idea of how it all looks on video. I’ll get a better idea then.’’
“I’d like to watch it with you,” Wendy told him. She looked at Tyanna, then back at Phil. “Both of us.’’
“Whenever it’s convenient for you,” Tyanna added.
“And I’d love to start choosing music,” Wendy continued.
“Sure. That’s doable.’’
Wendy smiled brightly at him. “Great.’’
“I need some water,” Tyanna announced. “I’m gonna head back to the table.’’
“I’ll meet you over there in a few,” Wendy told her.
Tyanna walked back to the patio table with her sisters. On her way there, she threw a surreptitious glance over her shoulder to watch Wendy and Phil.
Wendy was smiling like an idiot at the man, nodding her head in agreement to something he was saying.
There was definitely something there.
Tyanna waited until the camera crew had left before approaching Wendy.
“So,” Tyanna began, linking arms with Wendy. “What was
that
exchange about?’’
Wendy angled her head to face Tyanna. “What exchange?”
“I saw how long you hugged Phil good-bye. Looked to me like you didn’t want to let him go.’’
Wendy’s lips spread in a slow grin. “It was obvious?’’
“Uh-huh.”
Wendy took a step backward and crossed her arms over her torso. Tyanna got the impression she was wishing that Phil’s arms were wrapped around her, rather than her own.
“I’ve got a crush on him,” Wendy admitted.
“No way. Phil?’’
“Yes, way.’’
“When did this happen?’’
“I think I’ve had a crush on him for a long time but didn’t realize it. The problem is, Phil is so hard to read. Sometimes he’ll flirt with me and I’ll think he likes me, but other times he’s strictly business.”
“He didn’t seem strictly business today.’’
“Nope.” Wendy was smiling like a fool. “He was pretty flirtatious today.” Suddenly she
frowned. “The problem is, I don’t know what to make of it. I mean, is he just being nice…?”
“You’re gorgeous. How could he not like you?’’
“It’s kind of embarrassing to say this,” Wendy began in a hushed tone. “But the last time I saw him I deliberately dressed kind of hoochie mama.’’
Tyanna laughed. “You didn’t.’’
“Not totally hoochie mama. But it was definitely provocative, right down to the high-heeled sandals. I was alone with him in his office and doing everything but coming right out and saying ‘I want you.’ ‘’
“And?”
Wendy’s expression soured. “And he seemed as impressed as if I had shown up in a cloth sack.’’
“Oooh. That’s not good.’’
“Yeah, so I don’t really know what to think.’’
“Maybe he’s turned gay,” Tyanna offered, then chuckled.
“Oh, God. I hope not.’’
“I doubt it. He’ll come around.’’
Wendy was back to smiling. “That’s what I’m counting on.’’
“Hey, there.” Tyanna beamed at Wendy. She had just arrived at work to start her shift and was surprised to see Wendy still there, on the gym floor.
Wendy placed her free weight on the floor beside the bench where she was sitting. “Hi.’’
“Did you hang out so we could chat?” Tyanna asked.
“Actually, I did.’’
“Cool. What’s going on? You heard from Phil?’’
Wendy frowned. “Actually, I haven’t. That’s what I’m worried about. He said he’d let us watch the video footage, and that was last week. And I’d like to get this thing rolling as soon as possible.”
Tyanna understood Wendy’s anxiousness over the project. She felt it, too. “Phil
is
busy. And he did this for us as a favor.’’
“I know. But it’s Monday. A full week since we did the shoot. Don’t you think we should have heard from him by now?’’
Tyanna shrugged. “That’s not really long, considering his schedule.”
“Not really,” Wendy acquiesced, “but…”
“But that’s not it,” Tyanna finished for her.
Wendy finally stood. “No. One minute the man is hot where I’m concerned, the next cold. I’d been hoping to hear from him sooner than this. And I’ve called a couple times. I just wish I knew if he’s interested.”
Tyanna looked at her friend, saw how miserable she seemed. And she felt helpless. She truly didn’t know what to say. Relationships were complex at best—she knew that firsthand. Thankfully, she and Sheldon had been getting along. Over the past week, they had continued to see each other, continued to make love in the easy way that they always did. But the question of what lay in their future still plagued her whenever he left her bed. It was something she was trying not to think about now.
Tyanna ran a hand over Wendy’s arm. “Give him some time. If you want, I can call him about the video—’’
“No.” Wendy shook her head. “I’ll call him. It’s not like I don’t have a reason to. And if I don’t reach him on the phone, I’ll simply go see him in person.’’
“Are you sure you want to do that?’’
Wendy nodded. “One way or another, I need to know if there’s anything going on between us. Seeing him is probably the only way I’ll get an answer.’’
There was no time like the present.
Wendy’s talk with Tyanna had spurred her into action, and when she left the gym, she decided to head straight to Phil’s South Beach office and surprise him.
The video was an excuse to see him, for which she was grateful. Though they had been friends for years, she didn’t want to keep pestering him without a reason.
Some days, she felt like a complete idiot for continuing to pursue him. Other days, she felt all he needed was some time. She knew that his past relationship had made him wary, but she had always been there for him as a friend. Slow and easy was the way to get to his heart.
Hopefully, today she’d get
some
indication of whether or not he was actually interested in her.
Wendy was dressed in gym wear—a tank top and formfitting shorts, and a pair of Nikes. Not her first choice, but she still looked decent. Besides, she wanted to catch Phil before he left for the day, which meant she couldn’t chance heading home to change.
Now on Washington, Wendy parallel parked at a meter, then made her way across the street to Phil’s office door. She didn’t allow herself a moment’s hesitation. She simply opened the door and stepped inside.
The pretty receptionist looked up at her instantly. “Hello. Can I help you?’’
“Um,” Wendy began, shifting from one foot to the other. “I’m here to see Phil. He’s in the back, right?’’
The receptionist opened her ledger. “You have an appointment?”
“I’ll just go on back.’’
Not giving the woman a chance to say anything else, Wendy simply strode to the back of the office.
But she stopped abruptly when she didn’t see Phil in the immediate area. Darn. Her hands went to her hips. Was he not here? She glanced around, seeing the door off to the right.
The editing room.
She walked in that direction. The door was closed, but she thought she could hear sounds inside. She rapped on it lightly.
“Come in,” Phil called a moment later.
Wendy paused, drew in a calming breath, then opened the door, a smile already pasted on her face. Inside the room sat Phil and another man.
Phil looked at her in surprise. Was that a hint of a smile she saw lifting the corners of his lips? It grew, leaving no doubt. “Wendy.’’
His smile set her stomach fluttering. “Hi,” she said softly. “I was in the area….”
Phil pushed his chair back and stood. “John, you continue without me.’’
“I don’t want to bother you if you’re busy,” Wendy told him.
Phil stepped out of the room, closing the
door behind him. “No. I’m actually glad you stopped by.’’
“Really?” More fluttering.
“Mmm hmm. I’ve got a surprise for you.’’
Wendy’s eyes lit up. “What kind of surprise?”
Phil walked toward his desk and Wendy followed him. There, he opened a drawer and took out a black video cassette holder. He passed it to her.
Wendy looked at the case, then up at him. “What—’’
“It’s your workout video. Complete with music, a title, and credits.’’
A startled laugh spilled from her lips. “Oh, my God. You mean it’s finished?”
“Yep.”
“But I thought…You said you were going to let me watch the footage with you.’’
“I’ve still got all the footage. If you want a copy, let me know. I just figured I’d surprise you with a finished copy you can send to Ronnie Vaughn.’’
“I’m definitely surprised.”
“I know you were probably wondering what was going on with me, but that’s why I didn’t call you back. I wanted the video done before we spoke again.” He paused. “I only hope you like what I’ve done.’’
Wendy threw her arms around Phil’s neck and hugged him. His body felt warm and strong against hers. “I’m sure I’ll love it. Thanks so much. And this was faster than I expected.”
“I had some time on my hands,” Phil explained as they pulled apart. “I figured I’d work on it. Once I did, I couldn’t stop.’’
“I can’t wait to watch it. Thank you again.” She smiled up at him, suddenly unsure of what to say. She wasn’t quite ready to leave. “Um, do you have any time tonight? I’d love to take you to dinner and show you my appreciation.” When Phil hesitated, Wendy said, “Don’t say no. After all you’ve done, I owe you that much. And you deserve a break.’’
He slowly nodded. “You know, I think I could use a decent dinner tonight.’’
Wendy’s heart lifted. “I can make you a home-cooked meal.’’
“Tonight’s probably not the best night for that. I’m gonna be here pretty late.’’
“Oh.”
“But if you want to meet me back here around nine, we can head somewhere on Ocean Drive for a bite. If you don’t mind heading back this way.’’
Wendy waved off his last statement. “I don’t mind at all. That way, I can watch the video, then let you know what I think.’’
“All right, then. Nine o’clock.’’
Wendy grinned. “You got it.’’
The moment Tyanna’s break started, she headed to the phone. She’d gotten a message from Wendy and wanted to call her back.
Wendy picked up after the first ring, saying, “Hey, Tyanna.’’
“I’m gonna block this number the next time I call you,” Tyanna joked.
“I knew it would be you.’’
Wendy sounded a little harried, like she’d done a sprint to get to the phone. “Did I catch you at a bad time?’’
“Kind of. I’m almost out the door.” Pause. “To have dinner with Phil.’’
“Dinner,” Tyanna said in a sing-song voice. “That’s an improvement compared to earlier today.’’
“Yeah.” Wendy had a smile in her voice. “I went by to see him. Which is actually why I called. He finished our video for us.’’
“What do you mean, finished?”
“Completed it. And I would have waited to watch it with you, but you know me. I’m too impatient. I have to tell you, Tyanna—I am
so
pleased. The video looks amazing.’’
“It’s ready to go out to Ronnie?’’
“It’s ready to be marketed across the country.’’
Tyanna gnawed on her bottom lip, a nervous bubble growing in her stomach. “I want to see it.’’
“I’ll bring it to the gym tomorrow. You won’t be disappointed.” She paused. “I hate to cut you off, but I’ve got to run.’’
Tyanna shook her head slowly, a smile playing on her lips. “Go have fun.’’
“I’m gonna try.’’
“I’m sure.’’
“I’ll fill you in on all the details later.’’
“You better.’’
Wendy hung up, and Tyanna chuckled softly. Sometimes, her friend was a trip. But if anyone deserved to find Mr. Right, it was Wendy. She idolized her parents’ relationship, and ambitious as she was, her biggest dream was to find a man with whom she could settle down and have a houseful of children.
“I’m rooting for you, Wendy,” Tyanna said softly. “I hope Phil knows exactly what a prize you are.’’
A few hours later, Tyanna was working with a client when she was surprised to find Sheldon on the gym floor. Her heart fluttered, then her lips curved into a slow grin.
Sheldon wasn’t looking her way, and she wondered how long he had been here. His back was to her as he worked the bench press.
Tyanna crossed her arms over her chest as she watched him. He really did have the most incredible physique. His upper body was well shaped and strong, and his arms were the kind a woman wanted to wrap herself in. It was no wonder Shirley was infatuated with Sheldon. But to his credit, he hadn’t encouraged her flirting with him since the first time Tyanna had found them chatting at the reception desk.
And perhaps because Tyanna had been abrupt
with him during their date, Jay hadn’t bothered her lately. A friendly hi and bye when he saw her, and that was it. Which suited her fine.
But then, maybe Jay had seen her and Sheldon hanging out and put two and two together.
“What next?’’
Tyanna was startled by the sound of her client’s voice. She looked down at Misty, who sat at the leg press. “Um…the leg extension.”
“Oh,” Misty whined. “I hate that.’’
“You want great legs, don’t you?’’
“Yeah.”
“You know what they say. No pain, no gain.’’
“I’m sure you didn’t have to work this hard for yours.’’
“Actually, I did. I’ve been at it for years, though. That makes the difference.”
Misty frowned, but walked to the next leg machine nonetheless. Though Tyanna followed her, her eyes were on Sheldon. He stood, stretched his magnificent body, then turned and looked in her direction.
Their gazes met, and it was a moment of magic. Goodness, what was it about the man?
Sheldon smiled at her. Tyanna smiled back. Again, Misty’s voice tore her attention away.
“Sorry?” Tyanna said.
“I asked how much weight I should use.’’
“Go ahead and add an extra five or ten pounds. Whatever you feel comfortable with. The key is to gradually increase the weights.’’
“Maybe I should just consider liposuction.”
“Very funny.” Tyanna stood with her hands on her hips, much like a parent would do to give a young child the image of authority. Most of her clients appreciated that it took hard work to get the results they wanted. A couple, however, complained every step of the way.
Misty adjusted the weight, then got on the machine. As she did, Tyanna’s eyes ventured across the gym once more—but to her dismay, she no longer saw Sheldon. Where had he gone?
A couple seconds later, she jumped when she felt hands encircle her waist. She quickly looked over her shoulder.
“Sheldon!” she said in a startled whisper.
Still holding her, Sheldon’s mouth moved to her ear. He nibbled on the lobe.
Tyanna instantly reacted, pulling herself out of his arms. She glanced around as she did. Misty had seen them, as had everyone else in the near vicinity.
Taking several steps away from the machine, Tyanna looked into Sheldon’s eyes. Her own narrowed in question. “What’s gotten into you?” Sheldon wasn’t one to show any public affection. At least that’s what she’d been used to when she worked at Ultimate Fitness. So she wasn’t sure what to make of him now.
“You look scrumptious,” he replied.
Though she gave him a look of shock, her heart pounded at his words. “I’m working,” she whis
pered when he took a step closer to her. She glanced at Misty, sure her client would be irritated. Instead, she was smiling from ear to ear.
“You don’t want me to eat you?’’
Tyanna’s eyes nearly popped out of her head—as a jolt of electricity shot through her. “I am not even going to go there.’’
“Maybe later,” he suggested. “You know I don’t disappoint.”
Lord help her, she was getting aroused right in the middle of the gym. Her face and neck grew flushed.
“Will the real Sheldon Ford please stand up?’’
He shrugged nonchalantly. “You always complained that I was never openly affectionate with you in public. Remember that one fight we had, where you accused me of being embarrassed to show people that I cared about you?’’
“And you said it simply wasn’t in your nature,” Tyanna responded, almost wishing he’d return to his old self.
“People can change.’’
Tyanna eyed him warily. “You
are
in a mood.’’
“A good one. There haven’t been any more threats. I guess I’m starting to relax a little. Cautious optimism. Also, my first interview for the police force went well.’’
“Oh, Sheldon. That’s wonderful.”
“Yeah, I’m feeling pretty good about it. So, in light of all my good news, I say we celebrate tonight.’’
“Celebrate?” Tyanna raised a curious eyebrow.
“Yeah.”
“I can only imagine what you have in mind.’’
A mischievous smile played on Sheldon’s lips. “You know damn well what I have in mind.’’
He reached for her, but Tyanna stepped away from him, flashing him a mock scowl.
“All right,” he gave in. “I’ll let you get back to work. But maybe you want to join me in the pool later? Or the steam room?’’
An image of the two of them, nearly naked and wet, filled her mind. “Maybe.’’