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Chapter One

Antonio recognized her the second she walked into his restaurant. His heart trembled. Torri was beautiful in high school, but damn was she gorgeous now. Her long, thick brown curls cascaded past her shoulders, along the length of her back. The white halter dress fit her hourglass curves to perfection. The dress length flaunted her beautifully sculpted calves. From her neck hung the locket he gave her fifteen years ago.

Heads turned as Torri sashayed toward the reservation desk. Jake glanced up from his cards from across the bar, awestruck by her loveliness. He elbowed his partner, Allen and nodded at Antonio. Jake pushed his cards aside and stood. Antonio placed a firm grasp on Jake’s shoulder and pushed him back onto the barstool. He stepped toward Torri but decided against it when his hostess approached her.

“Welcome to November Rain. May I help you?” Delilah asked in her usual saucy voice.

“Hello. I’m meeting my business partner. The reservation should be under Marcus Samuels.”

Delilah smiled. “Ah, yes. Ms. Taylor, your table is ready. Please, right this way.”

Torri followed the young lady to her table. Antonio leaned forward as he followed the gentle sway of her hips. He took a deep breath and toyed with the cool droplets clinging to his glass of water. As they walked, Delilah caught Antonio staring from the bar. She glanced back at Torri before he retreated to his office. Delilah knew Antonio for seven years and probably wondered what made him react that way. His office would protect him from further scrutiny and Torri’s irresistible charm.

Torri detected a change in the hostess’ stride and followed her glance toward the bar. In the shadows of the far corner, she saw the figure of a man close the door to an office without ever looking back.

“Someone will be right over. Enjoy your evening.” Delilah lit the candle on the table and rushed off before Torri could thank her.

A bottle of champagne chilled and a single white rose rested on her dinner platter. “I hope she seated me at the right table.” Torri thought out loud.

Torri soaked in the ambience and enjoyed the aroma of Southern and Caribbean spices floating in the air, until a chill ran through her veins. She felt uncomfortable. She rubbed her arms and tried to rid herself of the unnerving sensation. Torri hoped she didn’t pick up a bug before the big night. She glanced around and realized five waiters about to approach her. Each held two white roses. One by one, each handed her the roses, as they spoke in unison. “Roses are red. Roses are white. But, none are as beautiful as you are tonight.”

Torri adored the attention and scanned the restaurant for her admirer. Then she recognized Marcus. He headed toward her with the final rose. Torri observed how charming Marcus looked in his blue-gray, double-breasted suit. He wore a light blue shirt and a silk burgundy tie. His well-sculpted body filled every inch. He stood at six feet tall, brown curly hair with a creamy brown complexion. He also had the most striking blue-gray eyes she ever saw on a man. Torri always appreciated how attractive he was, but she felt uneasy about getting involved with a close colleague.

“A dozen of the most beautiful roses in the world couldn’t compare with your radiance.” Marcus placed the last rose in her hand.

Torri blushed as she inhaled the bouquet. “Thank you, Marcus. What’s the occasion?”

“Don’t you remember? Two years ago you asked me to assist you and I accepted. Tor, in just a few days your dream to open your own gallery will come true. A celebration is in order.”

“Marcus, I’m flattered. I agree we should celebrate. Pop the champagne!”

Marcus impressed Torri with the trouble he went through to make it a special night. She expected she should have butterflies in her stomach, a spark, a morsel of chemistry, but she did not. Marcus opened the champagne. Torri held her breath. Marcus was a wonderful man. But, was he the man for her?

“Allow me to propose a toast. To us and a future of continued success.” Marcus raised his glass.

“To us. Salud.”

Torri and Marcus enjoyed their meal, which consisted of jerk ribs, macaroni and cheese, callalou and corn bread. Marcus broke the silence to tell Torri what he went through to arrange the dinner.

“I hope you’re enjoying yourself. I checked out several places before I discovered this spot. New York Magazine featured an enticing review in their latest issue. I called here and the owner was very accommodating. I’m embarrassed I can’t recall his name at the moment. I told him I wanted to do something memorable and romantic for my lady friend.”

“Well, Marcus, this evening turned out to be a lovely surprise.” Torri glanced around. “There’s a special vibe here. I like it.” She shifted the conversation a bit. Marcus slipped in romance as part of his agenda. Sadly, it wasn’t on hers. “I’d love to meet the manager. I mean, he is the reason we’re here.”

“Great idea.” Marcus raised his hand to signal the server.

Antonio paced back and forth in his private office. When he agreed to let Marcus Samuels win the heart of a magnificent woman, he never fathomed it was his woman. Yes, he still thought of Torri as his woman. Even after fifteen years, Antonio held a special place for her in his heart. Witnessing her with another man crushed his heart. His emotions reeled. However, if she was happy, who was he to ruin that.

He phoned Delilah. Within seconds, she bounced into his office.

“Yes, Antonio,” she cooed.

He ignored her playful tone and got straight to the point. “Is the couple at table seven still here?”

“Yeah. Funny, I was on my way to tell you that they asked to meet you.”

He eased back into his chair. His fingers grew numb as he clenched the armrests. He couldn’t meet her yet. He feared her memory of their last encounter would overshadow the typical joy that accompanies a reunion. It’s possible, even worse in his eyes, she wouldn’t even recognize him.

“Not tonight, but the tab is on me.”

“You’ve been acting weird since they got here. What’s so special about them?” She folded her arms across her chest.

Antonio stood and slammed his fist on his desk. “Don’t question me, Delilah. Just do as I say. Their dinner is on me. End of conversation. Tell Jake and Allen I had to head out. I’ll speak with them tomorrow.”

Delilah spun on her heels and snatched the door open. “Whatever you say, Mr. Martins. Have a good evening.”

Unsettled from the conversation and the reality of the circumstances Antonio dropped back into his black leather chair. He placed his head in his hand. He knew it was his fault they weren’t together. Of course, she’d fall in love with another man. It’d been fifteen years. He rose, pulled the keys to his truck from his jacket and exited through the back door of his office. He never imagined the decision to add the emergency exit would let him slip away from the love of his life, once again.

“Marcus, I’m having a wonderful time. I appreciate the trouble you went through. The food here is delicious.”

Marcus focused on her full lips. The dimple on her left cheek danced as she spoke. Torri looked away.

“I hate to be a party pooper, but would you mind if I cut this evening short?”

“Of course not, but is everything okay?”

“Nothing serious. Probably just anxiety.”

“Try not to stress. You’re too blessed for that. I’ll drive you home.” He motioned for the waiter. “Check please.”

“You’re sweet, but that’s out of your way.”

“Don’t worry. I invited you and I’d like to make sure you get home safely.”

Delilah approached and smiled at Marcus. “I hope you enjoyed your meal with us. The owner, Mr. Martins, had to leave but he wanted me to tell you he’s taken care of everything.”

“That was quite generous. I’m sorry we missed him.” Torri beamed.

“He just came into town today; he spends most of his time at the restaurant’s DC location.”

“I’ll make sure to return and thank him soon.” Marcus shook Delilah’s hand as he slipped her a fifty. “Thank you very much for your hospitality.”

Torri pulled two tickets from her purse. “Please give these to Mr. Martins. They’re for my gallery opening Friday night. I’d love to have him and thank him personally.”

“I’ll make sure he gets them.” Delilah placed the tickets in her pocket.

A cool breeze waltzed in the air. Marcus handed the valet his ticket then wrapped his jacket around Torri. She pulled it tighter to fend off a similar chill she experienced earlier. For a brief moment, her eyes connected with the driver of champagne-colored Escalade parked in front of the restaurant, before the tinted windows rose, shutting her out. His doe-brown eyes appeared familiar, yet she failed to identify them before he pulled away.

The valet returned with Marcus’ car and held the door open for Torri. She slid in and Marcus shut the door. The smooth ride along the FDR eased some of the tension she felt at the restaurant. When they arrived at her brownstone in Harlem, Marcus walked Torri to her door.

“Thank you, Marcus. I had a great evening.”

“My pleasure.” He placed a soft kiss on her unsuspecting lips.

“Marcus...I don’t think this is a good idea.” Torri stuttered.

He didn’t listen. He leaned in to kiss her again. Torri failed to resist. Marcus pulled her into his arms. Torri pushed away and smoothed her clothes. Before she looked into his eyes, she reminded herself of the pros and cons.

“Marcus, I’m sorry. I repeat. This is not a good idea. We work too closely together.”

He held her hand. “Torri, I know I surprised you with this. Take your time and think about it.”

Torri slipped her hand out of his and stuck her key in the door. “Marcus, we should forget this ever happened.”

“Sleep on it, Torri. I’m in no rush.” He strolled toward his car.

Torri shut the door and slouched against it until the spinning stopped. She let out a low sigh. Somehow Torri maintained control where she knew other women tend to fold; she’d been there a few times. She had no idea how she’d fall asleep. It was too late to wake up her girlfriend, Jasmine, and fill her in on what happened. Torri shuffled past Jasmine’s apartment and headed up to her bedroom. She hoped a cool shower would help her get some sleep.

Torri admired the evening clouds through her shower window. She reflected on her evening with Marcus. It had been a while since Torri settled in the arms of a man. She wondered if she should have given in to his advances. She stood lost in her train of thought as cool droplets flowed over each curve of her form. The warm water comforted and caressed her body. Torri closed her eyes and relished the moment. She tossed her head back. The spray rushed through her long curls. A strange chill jarred Torri from her trance. It was the third one she’d felt that evening. She opened the shower doors, grabbed a towel and hustled out of the bathroom.

Shivering, she peeked out of her bedroom window. An Escalade sat across the street, champagne-colored. It reminded her of the one from earlier in the evening. She leapt back and placed her hand on her mouth, capturing her gasp. She remained pressed against the wall until she gathered her thoughts. Her heartbeat intensified with each frantic step toward her nightstand where her cell phone rested. Before punching in 911, Torri wrapped her silk kimono over her damp body and tiptoed back to the window. She needed to know who was bold enough to follow her. She breathed in and peeked one last time. Her heart sank. She pulled the curtain back further and stared at the empty parking spot.

Antonio drove off once he realized Torri somehow detected his presence. He glanced into his side view mirror and almost hit the brakes when he caught a glimpse of her hourglass silhouette accentuated by the soft moonlight. He wished he possessed the strength to turn the car around or even turn time back, if he could. Antonio wanted to wrap his arms around her and apologize, as often as she needed to hear it. He pushed the pedal and increased the distance between them. She was a part of his past, a place that no longer existed. Torri and her date seemed happy at the restaurant. He had no right to interfere, although the rapid beat of his heart declared otherwise. Antonio checked his mirror. Torri’s image was no longer in his view. He leaned into the gas pedal; getting distance was the only option.

Chapter Two

Sleep tortured Antonio. Memories of Torri swarmed his dreams. Seeing her again transported him back to high school, a time when he realized he loved his best friend more than he dared to express. At the end of the school term, he finally built up the courage and decided he’d tell her after she tossed her cap into the air at graduation. An unfortunate tragic turn forced him to sever communication with Torri for what amounted to fifteen years. Since she walked into his restaurant, he pondered how different things would’ve been if he’d stuck around. Would they be married and proud parents of 2.5 children? Would he own November Rain or be a financial officer at a bank? He was too old to fantasize. Antonio stretched his taut muscles and replayed the events of the previous night.

When Antonio left the restaurant, he planned to drive home and go for a late run. His plan fell apart the moment her eyes connected with his before he drove off. He knew it would be wrong to follow her home but it didn’t stop him. For at least thirty minutes, shreds of guilt and jealousy tugged at him while he sat hidden across from Torri’s house. Antonio struggled with what to do even after he witnessed the kiss she shared with her date. For fifteen years he’d safely tucked away his memory of her. He didn’t think about her day and night as he once did. All was well until he glimpsed her curvy silhouette in her window.

With his thoughts still wrapped around Torri, Antonio need to release a chunk of anxiety. He grabbed a pair of gray sweats thrown over his armoire door, tied his sneakers and headed for the beach. Antonio performed a series of stretches and journeyed along the golden brown sand. The sun’s heat grew stronger. He removed his damp shirt from his chiseled caramel frame. His black curls brushed against his shoulders as they dripped with sweat.

“Hi, Antonio.” A couple of girls giggled as he sprinted past.

Antonio nodded and continued along his journey. He traveled the same stretch of sand everyday for the past fifteen years. He ran for the first time after his mother’s funeral. He dashed straight to the beach and he’d been running ever since. His pace slowed. Antonio wiped his head with his shirt. The last time he saw Torri he asked her to be his girl, then he abandoned her without any explanation. She deserved better. He walked away once before and he wouldn’t do it again.

Torri sat up in her bed. She peeked at her alarm clock. 5:37 AM. Torri tossed and turned most of the night, unable to understand why someone followed her home. She lived in the neighborhood for two years. She’d been in the public eye for at least five and never worried about stalkers. The gallery opening was just a day away; she needed to call her brother and step up security. Opening her gallery meant the world to her. She didn’t want anything to ruin its’ success.

She slipped into her kimono and opened the French doors. They led from her bedroom to the small balcony that overlooked the now, busy streets of Mount Morris Park. Torri shared the four-story brownstone she inherited from her grandmother with her best friend, Jasmine.

When they were young, Torri and her brother, Cliff, visited their grandmother every weekend. Most days, while Cliff played basketball at the park, Torri curled under her grandmother on her favorite burnt orange velvet sofa mesmerized by endless stories about Harlem. Other days, her grandmother, Claretta Rose, hummed the songs she sang in a few of Harlem’s hottest nightclubs, including the Cotton Club, as she braided Torri’s hair. Torri knew her grandmother hummed to distract her from whining about her tender head, although tears still slid down her face.

The tour down memory lane always included teasers about the parties she held in the brownstone. Claretta Rose respected the privacy of all her guests that crossed her threshold. Sometimes, Torri tried to piece the clues together and figure out who was behind the secret. Then it was time for her favorite stop on the tour — the photos. Her grandmother pulled out floral, spiral-bound albums filled with white, scalloped-edged, black and white, sepia-toned images stuck to its pages. The photos gave new life to the party stories. There were a few gems of Claretta Rose singing at the Cotton Club and pages filled with her with Lena Horne, Duke Ellington and even Langston Hughes.

The brownstone represented not just her history but Harlem’s, too. For that reason, Torri dedicated the brownstone’s main floor in memory of her grandmother. Grateful for her mother’s blessing, Torri intended to display her grandmother’s pictures in the gallery along with examples of her own work.

Torri took a deep breath and headed for the bathroom. It was her sanctuary. The one room she relaxed undisturbed. There, she focused her thoughts and developed new ideas. She ensured the room included all the comforts necessary for ultimate relaxation. The walls were eggshell white with a navy blue marbleized border, trimmed in gold. She installed a six-jet hot tub along with a separate shower. The navy blue hot tub had brass fixtures. The frosted shower doors were trimmed with golden silhouettes of an Egyptian queen. Blue and gold candles filled the room.

After a quick shower, Torri slipped into a white and sapphire blue floral maxi-dress. A sweetheart neckline revealed a hint of what nature blessed her with. She twisted her long corkscrew curls into a loose bun. She donned diamond stud earrings and along with her gold locket. Torri, like her mother, always stepped out in style. Something they each adopted from the family matriarch.

On her way out, Torri ran into Jasmine, who just returned from her daily run around Marcus Garvey Park. Her girlfriend wiped the glow from her face and neck. Jasmine was flawless. Her skin regiment did wonders. She’d probably look twenty for the rest of her life. Running kept her lean. Too lean in Torri’s opinion. Jasmine lost at least 25 or more pounds since her husband, Ray, was killed two years ago. But, she could still pass as Kerry Washington’s sister.

“Hey lady, if I knew you were up so early I would’ve asked you to run with me.”

“Girl, you know that’s your thing. I’ll stick to my Tai Bo.” Torri snickered and threw a few air punches.

“No. You need to toss your mama’s old DVD and try SoulCycle or even Zumba would be better. But, you look good, as always. I don’t know how those young men concentrate and learn anything from a professor with your looks.”

“Do I detect a bit of jealousy?”

“Girl please, your students are way too young for me.”

“They’re legal!” Torri teased.

Jasmine joined Torri in laughter. “There’s a name for you.”

“Oh no. I’m too young to be a cougar.”

“Always in denial. Girl, we’re getting up there. However, you’re still single. Enjoy.”

“You’re single, too. I don’t see you out there enjoying yourself.”

“I’m a widow, Tor. There’s a difference. No man is interested in dating a woman that’s lost her husband.” She glanced at her wedding ring. “Trust me.”

“This discussion is far from over. I’m meeting my mother for lunch. Then we’re shopping for my dress for the opening. Maybe you can join us.”

“Maybe next time. Besides, I bought my gown three weeks ago. Please tell me why you always wait for the last minute.”

“It’s a habit I can’t break. By the way, I didn’t forget about going over the photos I took at the community center.”

“Thanks, again. I’m forever grateful for how your photos helped us raise enough funds to finish building the basketball court. It would be great to expand what we have to offer now.”

“Jazz, you’re family. The center is an important part of the community. I’m always here to help you.” Torri wrinkled her nose. “I’d hug you...but you’re just a bit sweaty.”

Jasmine fanned her face. “You’re right. I better go in and shower.” She paused before she jogged up the stairs. “Torri, as your BFF, I just want to offer a piece of advice. Between your classes, the gallery and helping at the center, you work too hard. After this opening, take some time for yourself.”

Torri huffed at her friend’s word of advice. “Talk to you later, Jazz.”

“Oh, I almost forgot. A package came while you were out yesterday. It’s in my apartment.”

Torri clutched her hands against her stomach. “A package? How big? Did you see who delivered it?”

“Girl, relax. It’s not ticking, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

Torri was worried but she was running late. The package would have to wait a few more hours.

New York University

The lens of her camera provided an escape for Torri. She forgot about her world and became part of someone else’s. The classroom granted her a similar distraction. But, the three-hour session ended and reality set in. On this Thursday, she faced shopping for a gown for the most important night of her life with no idea where to begin. She felt relieved when her mother offered her assistance. One thing her mother knew how to do was shop.

Torri arranged to meet her mother on NYU’s campus. They’d decide where to head to from there. Torri was just about to call Cliff about hiring security, when her mother entered the lobby. Lynette Taylor, at 5’10, was tall for a woman and carried her height well. She kept her natural reddish-brown, curly hair shoulder length. Her honey-brown skin remained wrinkle-free. You couldn’t tell she pushed fifty-nine. She always dressed her best, even for a simple shopping spree. She strolled over to Torri in a stunning pair of white ankle lengthed pants with an adorable orange wrap top decorated with large white polka dots.

“Are you ready to go? I’m starving.” Lynette tugged on her daughter’s arm.

“Mom, you’re always hungry. I don’t know how you stay so slim.”

“That’s my secret. Now, tell me why you always wait until the last minute to shop.”

“Why break tradition?” Torri giggled and recalled the same conversation with Jasmine earlier.

Arm in arm, they strutted out of the building like Thelma and Louise about to start trouble. A security guard approached them.

“Good afternoon, Miss Torri. You didn’t tell me you had a sister.” He kissed Lynette’s hand.

Lynette blushed.

“William, meet my mother, Lynette Taylor.” It wasn’t the first time someone mistook them for sisters. At times, Lynette treated Torri more like a sister than a daughter; she didn’t have any sisters of her own.

“Shut up!” William responded in disbelief.

“Pleased to meet you, William. It’s nice to know a gentleman as kind as you is keeping an eye on my daughter.” Lynette purred.

William held on to her hand. “Who’s watching over you?”

Lynette just smiled, removed her hand from his grasp and waved goodbye.

“Mom! Really? You were flirting? You know he’s going to bug me about you every day.” Torri huffed at the thought of it.

“Take it easy.” Her mother grinned. “I was just being polite.”

“Sure. He’s probably in La La Land right now. When was the last time you dated anyway?”

“Torri, baby, do you really want to talk about dating?” She challenged.

“Fine.” Her mother was sure to bring up Marcus. “Let’s go eat.”

They sat as soon as they arrived at the restaurant. Sushi Samba was one of Torri’s favorite restaurants. Brazilian music paired with sushi thrilled her palate. It was the first time she brought her mother with her. Lynette appeared to love it. She grinned the entire time she read over the menu as she rocked to the music. Torri ordered Miso-marinated Chilean sea bass for herself and Chicken Teriyaki Samba Style, accompanied by a side of mashed Peruvian potatoes, for her mother.

While they waited for their meal, Lynette toasted her daughter’s success with a glass of white wine.

“Mama, I want to apologize for being so distant the last few weeks.”

“It’s okay, baby. I understand. The gallery is going to be wonderful.” Her mother-tone slipped in. “I just hope after all of this you will slow down.”

“Oh no. Mom, not this again.” Exasperation laced her voice as she wiped her mouth with the napkin.

“Torri, just hear me out.” Lynette pressed. “You have completely buried yourself in your work. Granted everything you do is a success and it keeps you happy for now. But, what about later?”

“Mom…” Torri tried to interrupt.

“You haven’t mentioned being interested in anyone since college. Torri, give yourself a chance. You cannot hold what happened with your father and me against every man. You’re a beautiful, intelligent, successful young woman.”

“Mom, I don’t want to have this discussion. Unless, you want to tell me about your last date.”

Lynette shifted in her seat. “This is not about me.”

“I think it is. Whatever happened between you and my father hurt you so badly that you never dated again.”

“Not true.”

“Name one time, mom.” She paused for a brief moment. “See. I’m not the one running away from love. I think you are.”

“I opted to raise you and your brother alone. Having a relationship was not my priority. That was my choice. I was stubborn. Don’t be like me, Torri.”

“You chose us and I’m choosing my career. Now, let’s get my dress so I can knock ‘em dead tomorrow night.”

Lynette continued. “I’ll leave it alone for now, but let me say this, when love finds you, and it will, don’t fight it.”

Torri frowned at her mother; she had to get the last word. Yet, she had a point, maybe she should give Marcus a chance. After she indulged in her favorite dessert, Warm Banana Chocolate Cake, and picked out the perfect gown, she’d pay her sexy business associate a visit.

Chapter Three

“Watch the closing doors.” The prerecorded message warned, accompanied by a melodic tone.

Torri squeezed onto the train, just as the doors closed. In an instant, she regretted the choice. It felt a hundred degrees hotter than it was outside. Thank goodness, she’d only have to suffer for a few stops. She was glad the boutique offered to have the dress delivered. Sweat dripped between the swells of her breasts and along her spine. An unpleasant scent from the corner of the train car assaulted her senses. Torri tasted the repulsion gathered at the back of her throat.

The train screeched into the station and the door slid open. Eager for a breath of fresh air, Torri jumped off the train before the doors shut. She preferred to walk the rest of the way rather than suffer in the sweatbox. Besides, it gave her time to contemplate what she was about to do -- accept Marcus’ offer. Dating Marcus couldn’t hurt. She knew his likes and dislikes. She’d met his parents at a fundraiser earlier in the year. Torri’s mother adored him. Her brother was cool with him. Torri admired that he exposed his romantic side the night before and he was a decent kisser.

Perhaps it was time to break her rule about dating close friends. Torri’s rule made sense after she suffered from a broken heart, not long after high school. She was a teenager then, but the pain and confusion closed her heart to the possibility of love. Marcus deserved a chance and so did she.

Torri emerged from the depths of the torturous subway system. Cool air escaped from a deli near the subway steps. She halted as the coolness wrapped around her, seduced her. Torri continued. She feared, if she stopped much longer she may chicken out or, if she waited too long Marcus might change his mind.

A block away from Marcus’s studio, Torri spotted what looked like the Escalade from the previous night. Not many New Yorkers drove around with a Boston Red Sox banner in their rear window. It parked in front of November Rain. She needed the license plate number. Cliff could have it traced. Torri crossed against the light. Her heart skipped a beat with every angry honk. The champagne-colored door eased open and the driver jumped from the Escalade. Torri trembled. Long, dark hair covered his face. He brushed it aside and she caught a glimpse of his profile before he strolled into the restaurant.

“Get out of the way, lady!” An impatient driver’s hand glued to the horn.

Torri didn’t realize she’d stopped in the middle of the street when she caught sight of her stalker. He had to be at least 6’1” maybe 6’2”. His t-shirt and jeans hugged his strong, rugged structure. She shook off her sudden awareness of her pounding heartbeat and rushed past the cars that granted her a path to her mystery man. Torri seethed with a combination of mounting rage and curiosity. She bolted through the doors.

The hostess approached her. “Can I help you, Miss?”

Torri nudged past her and advanced toward the man. “Do I know you?”

The stranger spun around. Her eyes connected with his. She glanced away from his deep, dark eyes and gazed upon his smooth caramel skin and the chiseled physique that his attire failed to disguise. A gamut of emotions surged through her the instant she recognized him. Torri’s initial impulse was to check every inch of him again to make sure he was okay. But, he didn’t deserve her mercy. Besides, she could tell he was fine; just hiding in the shadows for the last fifteen years.

“Torri.”

“Antonio?” She couldn’t hide the quiver in her voice.

“I can explain.”

Her legs trembled as he drew closer. She inched back. “How long have you been following me?”

“Believe me, last night was the first time I’d seen you in fifteen years.”

The trace of a goatee framed the cleft in his chin amplifying a sex appeal she wished she could ignore just for a moment.

“I know how long it’s been.”

“I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I owed that to you.”

“Owed that to me?”

Her thoughts scrambled to understand. He couldn’t be serious. Did he care about her feelings when he vanished without a word? At least, he had the courtesy to acknowledge that if she wasn’t okay, it was his fault. And, anything he owed her, well that, expired long ago.

“It sounds crazy, Torri, I know.”

“Following me and staking out in front of my house is crazy.”

“When I saw you my heart missed a beat because I’ve missed you all this time. I wasn’t sure how to approach you.”

“I’m not sure that you missed me, but hello would have been a nice place to start.”

“C’mon, Torri.You know it wouldn’t have been that easy.” He shifted toward her again.

“Why not?” She wasn’t sure why, but her heart fluttered as he moved closer. “Were you here on a date last night?” Or married, she wondered at the same time.

“No, but it’s clear you were. The roses were a nice touch.”

She couldn’t understand how he knew so much about her night and she never saw him. Her temperature rose at the thought of him lurking in a corner of the restaurant watching her instead of reuniting with her. She assumed his guilt kept him hidden in the shame because he never expected to see the woman he essentially dumped at seventeen years old.

“You don’t have the right to stalk me? You made your choice a long time ago.”

“Like I said, I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“Were you hiding in the shadows when you stood me up for our high school graduation? Did you watch Jasmine console me instead of showing your face?” Her heart pounded like an angry bass drum.

His eyes traveled to her neck. She watched him draw in a deep breath and knew he viewed the locket as a sign that she missed him, too. Antonio reached for her shoulder. In that moment, his touch carried her back in time.

“Torri?”

“You coward! Were you afraid I’d fallen apart without you?”

Torri shrugged her way back to reality. She didn’t wait for his answer. She didn’t want it. “As you can see I’m fine, so you can stop following me.”

Torri tumbled out of the restaurant into a cab waiting out front.

“Ms. Colon?” The driver inquired.

She lied with a quick nod. Ms. Colon would have to call another cab.

“Where to?”

She squeezed her lids shut. “Anywhere.”

“Excuse me?”

“132nd and Fifth.”

Torri collapsed against the cool leather as the car pulled away. She unclenched her hands and reached around her neck. She removed the locket for the first time in fifteen years and shoved it into her purse.

Antonio stood like a deer in headlights and Torri was the truck that struck him. A hit and run. The intense encounter took a brief moment to sink in. Antonio darted after his assailant and knocked over a pizza delivery boy on his bike in the process. He knew it was too late when a cab pulled away. Antonio helped pick up the pizzas and handed the teenager fifty bucks to cover the loss. He shoved his hands into his pockets. He just hoped another opportunity would present itself. He needed a chance to explain.

Antonio burst back into November Rain. Delilah rushed to his side.

“Are you okay?” She brushed his arm.

“Sorry, Delilah. I’m fine. Where were we?”

“Are you kidding me? We can’t skip what just happened. Wasn’t that Ms. Taylor?”

“Yes.”

“I didn’t know you knew each other.”

“It was a long time ago.”

“She didn’t look happy to see you.” She crossed her arms. “Is that why you slipped out the night she was here? What if she comes back?”

“Delilah, relax. There’s nothing to worry about.” He was not in the mood to discuss Torri with anyone. He couldn’t explain even if he wanted to. It was back to business until he figured out his next move. “Now, I’m leaving for DC early tomorrow. Jake and Allen have everything under control here.”

Over the last eight months, his restaurant in DC proved to be a handful; the staff was not as reliable as his New York team. Each visit raised his blood pressure several notches higher. But, after the internal torture he endured from his ill-fated reunion with Torri since his return to he embraced the chance to visit the DC location a visit and an opportunity to check with his new manager, Philip Griffin. He headed to his office before Delilah proceeded with her interrogation.

Antonio stared at the tropical fish in his seventy-five gallon aquarium. Watching the colorful fish swim back and forth always relaxed him. If ever there was a time Antonio wanted to kick himself -- it was in front of Torri, with his face on the floor, when she let him have it with one single word. Coward. Speechless and not sure how to respond, he studied the rage in her brown eyes. He searched for a glimmer of the twinkle he remembered when they were in high school. Torri was right. He was a coward. It took him three high school years before he shared how he felt about her. By then she was on her way to NYU and the success she was now. He became a dropout and abandoned Torri and the past behind him. He had nothing to offer her then, but now he owned two successful restaurants with a third on the way.

He screwed up and understood it would take more than prosperity and success to regain Torri’s trust. Antonio shook food into the aquarium and watched the fish swim after the flakes floating in slow motion toward the tiny rocks and plants spread across the bottom. His shoulders loosened up and finally he sank into his soft leather desk chair. He couldn’t ignore that Torri was back in his life. He’d jump at any opportunity to gain her forgiveness.

A light knock at the door seized his attention. The door eased open.

“Antonio, I almost forgot. Ms. Taylor left you a ticket for her gallery opening tomorrow night. Should I pass it along since you won’t be here?”

Delilah pulled an envelope from her appointment book and placed it in his outstretched hand.

Torri Taylor cordially invites you to attend the grand opening of her Harlem Rose Gallery.

“That won’t be necessary, Dee. Call Philip in DC and tell him I need him to handle things over there for a few more days.”

Antonio glanced at the ticket again. He grinned. Fate handed him another chance and he wouldn’t miss it. He slid his fingers across the embossed gold lettering. The ticket had “opportunity” written all over it.