Trent and Morgan spent the morning getting ready for her sorority’s picnic. Morgan’s hairstylist came to whip her hair into shape while her makeup artist beat her face to perfection. She even sent for a manicurist to fix up their nails. Morgan was all about image; after all, it was her profession.
After her glam team was done, she took a long look in the mirror, admiring a job well done. Her hair was pressed out and flowing down beyond her bare shoulders with the ends gently curled. She wore a deep red lip to accentuate her wide leg, flowing pants. Her off-shoulder blouse showed a bit of her perfectly toned midriff. She turned back and forth to admire all angles and noticed Trent watching her in the mirror. She then turned her attention to her king, who was looking quite debonair in the color blocked ensemble she selected for him. A lesser man would struggle to pull off a velvet, burgundy, tapered-leg suit with a soft pink silk button-down but Trent looked runway ready. He left the top two buttons undone for effect. Although the ensembles Morgan put together were color coordinated, their look was classy instead of corny.
“Babe, we need a red carpet because we are about to shut it down!” Morgan said jokingly as she walked over and grabbed onto Trent’s neck before kissing his lips.
Trent was ready to pull her in for more but she was adamant about not messing up her glam.
“We will continue this later, hon.” Morgan said in a sensuous tone as she grabbed Trent’s hand to walk him down to the garage.
“It’s time for us to head out. We’re already running late.”
************************************
Morgan and Trent arrived at the venue looking like Ken and Barbie and it was a beautiful day for the most part. Flowers were blooming and the sun was shining, but there were some dark clouds obscuring the sun’s glow occasionally.
Making their way around the generous crowd filled with the “who’s who” from around the country, there was plenty of small talk and handshaking. Trent had gotten used to being in business mode during “personal” events because there was always an opportunity to make an important contact – something Morgan was always emphasizing. Her family had the kind of generational wealth that came with a certain pedigree – and Trent had big shoes to fill. Although he was grateful for Morgan’s motivational influence since it had gained him access to powerful and influential contacts, he, for once, wanted to take his business hat off and have a little time with the guys.
“Morgan!”, Saraiya shrilled as she made her way toward her sorority sister with open arms.
“Hello beautiful!” Morgan replied as the two tightly embraced each other.
“Hello brother,” said Thomas, the man who was trailing behind Saraiya as he held out his hand for Trent.
As Morgan and Saraiya chit-chatted nearby, Thomas directed Trent to a couple of chairs a few feet away as he waved to the attendant to bring over some drinks.
“What’s up, man? The outfits are real cute my dude” he said with a laugh as he eyed Trent’s burgundy suit and pink shirt.
“Yeah, I think she was going for a lover’s theme, bro. I could still rival Denzel in this red suit though – make no mistake. The man makes the suit, not the other way around”, Trent said jokingly as he took a sip of his beverage.
“How are you two doing these days? I know Rai has been keeping you busy with the community outreach programs I’ve heard Morgan talking about,” asked Trent.
“We’re great, man. We just got a huge donation from one of her father’s business contacts. It will help out a lot with the cause,” Thomas replied.
He continued, “The question is, how are you and Morgan? You ready to jump the broom? You two are the last fiancés standing,” he said with a laugh.”
That question always came up when the crew got together. Trent was nowhere near ready for marriage with Morgan, and she wasn’t pushing the topic either.
“We’re just riding the wave, T. We’re both holding it down in our careers and focused on expanding our philanthropic efforts as well. But the one thing I really want is something that I know Morgan won’t support, so I’m holding off on solidifying that wedding date until we can get on the same page,” he said.
“Let me guess, your own firm, right?” Thomas asked.
“So Morgan has been confiding in Rai, I see. Yeah, I’m really ready to make that move but she’s not feeling it at all,” said Trent.
“I’m with it,” Thomas said. “Your own legacy. I know how Morgan thinks, though. It’s all about that generational wealth for her. She figures you’ll make partner and be a part of that well-established prestige but look, man. You’ve got to do what’s best for you — what’s been put on your heart to do. I’ve got your back, bro – and tons of clients lined up for you already.”
They did the handshake they crafted back in their college days and just a few seconds later they could hear Morgan and Saraiya noisily making their way towards the area they were sitting.
“The women have returned,” Thomas said as he took a big swig of his beverage.
Morgan planted a big kiss on her man’s cheek as she sat down on his knee. “What have you guys been up to over here? There’s a whole picnic going on and you two are hiding in the cut. Come on, I saw someone I want you to meet, Trent.”
He said his goodbyes to Thomas as Morgan tugged him away into the crowd. As they headed over to meet Morgan’s associate, her phone rang. Getting a good peek at the caller ID, Trent saw that it was Brenton Thompson. The side eye he gave Morgan was serious.
While speaking to Morgan’s associate, who was an attorney at another law firm in the area, Trent noticed the clouds had rolled in and it had begun to get a bit dark out like rain was on the way. He looked back to where Morgan was just standing but she had disappeared.
Engaging in small talk with Telly, a fellow attorney, she revealed to Trent that she’s actually from the Atlanta area and had recently moved to L.A. to join a new law firm. Trent was heading to Atlanta tomorrow to collaborate with a few other lawyers on a big case. Telly filled him in on the firm he would be working with in Atlanta and gave him the run down on the local scene. Finishing up small talk with his new colleague, they exchanged cards just as rain started to lightly sprinkle from the sky. Walking around the area trying to locate Morgan to ensure she stayed out of the rain, he peeped her in a far corner under a pink frilly raised tent, standing close to Brenton as they appeared to be having a heated conversation.
The rain began to come down on Trent’s fashionable threads as he stood there like a deer in headlights, watching the interaction between his Love and her ex. There was a boom of thunder just in time to mark the moment Trent witnessed Brenton grab his fiancée and attempt to bring her close, but she pulled away. He couldn’t move; it was like his feet were sinking in quicksand.
Morgan happened to glance in Trent’s direction, and the look on her face was that of someone caught doing something they aren’t supposed to be doing. She immediately ran to meet Trent and grabbed him to run for cover from the rain along with everyone else under the pavilion.
He didn’t even ask what she and Brenton were doing standing so close to one another in a secluded area because he wasn’t ready for the answer. Morgan just brushed it off as if nothing happened. Brenton was still over there under that tent, and his intense glare told the whole story.
There was a moment of heavy wind and rain as a crowd of picnickers sought shelter together under the pavilion. The raging storm seemed to coincide with Trent’s emotions. His mind was racing all over the place but there were no words to express what needed to be addressed. Morgan was nonchalantly chatting with some of the others as he sat there perturbed — feeling like the first cracks in the foundation of their relationship were starting to show. As he stewed in his emotions, the wind carried a familiar scent in his direction. Suddenly his thoughts shifted to memories of his mysterious dream lover, whose essence sought him beyond space and time. Maia’s perfume was lingering in the air, and it brought a warm feeling to his spirit, as if it were a reminder that things always work out as they should.
The rain suddenly stopped and the clouds slowly rolled away as everyone recommenced their social activities. It was as if Brenton Thompson was a ghost that day because he had all but disappeared and Morgan made no mention of their encounter. Trent was not going to open Pandora’s box at this picnic, but he certainly had plans to bring it up once he had his emotions under control. He was heading to Atlanta tomorrow, though, and this time he was actually glad he’d have time away from Morgan to gather himself.
As the picnic reconvened, the formalities began and Morgan was swept up in the mix. Trent kept his composure by compartmentalizing the negative emotions dredged up by Morgan’s rendezvous with her high school sweetheart. He kept company with Thomas as they sat through the ceremony.
“I ran into Brent Thompson here a little earlier. Dude still looks like he belongs on the field. He said he’s been trying to get Morgan to help him get his sports management company off the ground.” Thomas whispered to Trent, trying to converse without interrupting the sorority ceremony.
Thomas and Brenton were football buddies in college and have kept in touch over the years.
“So that’s why he’s been blowing her phone up lately?” Trent asked, a bit irritated.
“Yeah, probably. He could really use some of Morgan’s connects to get things moving in the right direction. I threw him a few leads but he needs a little help on the business side. Maybe you could help him get his business contracts in order, too, man.”
“Yeah, I’ll speak with Morgan later and see what’s really going on.” Trent said dryly, not the least bit interested in assisting Brenton with a damn thing.
As the picnic came to an end and everyone said their goodbyes, Trent snuck up behind Morgan while she was conversing with some of her sorors and grabbed her by the waist as he kissed her on the neck. Apparently not in the mood for PDA, Morgan slyly eased out of Trent’s grasp and turned around and gave him a quick peck on the lips.
A little taken aback since Morgan has always welcomed his excessive affection, Trent’s mind went back to what he witnessed today between his Love and her high school sweetheart under that pink, frilly tent. Trying not to jump to conclusions, he gently grabbed her hand and asked if she was ready to go.
“Babe, I can’t wait to get you home so we can finish what we started this morning but I’m going to stay with Saraiya and Jenna to ensure that the venue is closed out properly. I’ll catch a ride.” she said.
“Oh, okay. Well, I need to get packed for my trip anyway. Don’t stay too late, Love. I need you,” Trent said. More than anything, he just wanted to fill up on her love and affection tonight so he could savor it during his trip to Atlanta.
After arriving home, Trent got his wardrobe together for his trip and then spent a while reviewing case files, hoping Morgan would arrive soon. Hours passed and his eyes grew heavy so he jumped in the shower, hoping to reinvigorate himself a bit. After showering, he donned a pair silk pajama pants and sat on the edge of the bed to check his phone. Nothing from Morgan. It was nearing 9 p.m. and he was getting worried so he called to see what she was up to. Her phone went straight to voicemail.
Morgan had never given him a reason not to trust her, and even with the shenanigans at the picnic, Trent still believed in Morgan so he tried to steer his thoughts in a positive direction.
Just then, his phone chimed and it was a text from his assistant confirming his trip itinerary. He saw that Thomas’s new car service was going be his ride to the airport and decided to call him to thank him.
“Hey man. My assistant just sent my finalized itinerary and I see she got the hook up on the best car service on the west coast,” Trent said with a laugh.
“Dude, it’s the only thing fit for Trent Williams, Esquire!”, Thomas laughed.
Trent heard Saraiya laughing in the background.
“Oh, Saraiya’s home from the venue?,” he asked.
“Yeah, she got home about an hour ago. For once, we’re actually chilling on the couch. Watching Martin. You know how she loves that show. Remember in college, she made us watch every single episode talking about how our black cards would be revoked if we didn’t?”
Trent remembered that, but he was distraught by the fact that Saraiya has been home for an hour while he can’t even get in contact with Morgan.
“Yeah man.” Trent said dryly. “Well, I really just wanted to thank you for the car service. I have some potential clients I’ll throw your way.”
“I appreciate it. I’ve been hiring some guys from the halfway house we sponsor. A lot of those guys are brilliant; they just had a tough break.” Thomas said.
“That’s a good thing you’re doing. Who knows where I would be if it weren’t for Morgan’s family. After that stuff happened with my mother, things could’ve gotten bad. Thank God for good people,” Trent said.
Trent is extremely grateful for the good people in this world, and he strives to be one himself. While in college, Trent’s mother nearly had a nervous breakdown after something happened with her employer of 10 years. She never spoke on exactly what happened, but she quit suddenly after months of anxiety attacks. Tonya was a strong, confident woman who had gradually morphed into a timid recluse. She seemed a bit paranoid and said people were following her. Things got very strange during that time and it seemed as if his mother was losing her mind. Even with her college degree and wealth of experience, she was unable to get a job for years. All her friends seemed to abandon her and she eventually stopped communicating with the family. Trent even started having a sudden flux of unfortunate experiences. For a while, everything was haywire and Trent’s future was about to go down in flames. Fortunately, when he started dating Morgan, her family’s connections were powerful enough to get them both back on solid ground. His desire to become a lawyer intensified after he discovered with really happened with his mother. He has never discussed the terrible details of it all with anyone but continues to work fervently to ensure that others in her predicament are seen and receive justice. That’s one of the reasons he wants to start his own firm. He believes in paying it forward.
“Right. Bernard has been my mentor since high school. I admire how compassionate he is, even with his status. He has always reached back into the community. He made me realized that it’s my duty to reach back. Just because someone has fallen on hard times doesn’t mean they aren’t talented or intelligent. Sometimes all it takes is to be given a chance.”, Thomas said.
Bernard is Morgan’s father. A legend. A mogul. Highly respected yet very humble.
“Yes, indeed. Yes, indeed. Well, speaking of Bernard, his daughter is M.I.A. I know how she gets wrapped up in these social events, though.”
“Hm. It is getting late.” Thomas said with pause. “I’m sure she’ll be home soon so she can send you off properly,” he said with a laugh.
“Thanks again, man. I’m going to find some toothpicks to hold my eyes open so I can wait for Morgan. Talk you later.”
Another hour passed with no Morgan and her phone was still going to voicemail. Trent was starting to get worried. Morgan has never pulled anything like this. Given the Brenton incident earlier, Trent was a little on edge.
A little while later, he heard Morgan coming in the front door. He had been sitting on the couch waiting for her and went down to the foyer to meet her.
“Are you okay, babe? You weren’t answering your phone.” Trent asked, concerned.
“Oh, yeah. I just got caught up with some of the girls, that’s all. I think there was bad cell reception over there. Ew, I need to go jump in the shower, hon.”
She gave Trent a light peck on the cheek and hurried up to the bedroom.
There was a flash of lightening through the window followed by a loud roar of thunder.
Today has been one for the books. This is the first time Morgan has ever been away without calling or texting every hour. And what was with the peck on the cheek? That was definitely a first. She still hasn’t addressed the Brenton incident, either. Trent was not going to stir up drama before his trip because he didn’t want that tension between then while he was away. However, there was a nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach like something was wrong.
By the time he made it up to the bedroom behind Morgan, he could hear the shower running. He got into bed and noticed Morgan’s phone face down on the nightstand.
Another roar of thunder shook the house.
Her phone vibrated. Not wanting to violate her trust, he fought the urge to turn the phone over. It vibrated again. Trent was curious.
When he turned the phone over, he felt sick upon reading the two text messages on her lock screen.
“Thank you.
Call me tomorrow.”
What was Brenton Thompson thanking Morgan for? I know Thomas said he was asking for her help with his business, but wouldn’t she tell him if that was where she was? Nothing was adding up.
He heard Morgan turn off the shower. He quickly placed her phone back face down on the nightstand.
As alarming as it all was, Trent still trusted Morgan and he wasn’t going to let assumptions get in the way of him getting what he’d been waiting for all day.
A few minutes later, Morgan joined him in bed. She kissed him and then laid her head on his bare chest and placed her leg over his. Trent began caressing her thigh as he kissed on her neck and shoulders.
“I’m so tired, babe. Just hold me tonight.” Morgan said as she pulled his hand away from her thigh and up to her lips and kissed it.
In all the years of their relationship, Morgan has never once said she was too tired to love on him. What was going on?
Without saying a word, Trent gently pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. They were as close as could be in each other’s arms, but there was a distance growing there that was new.
The rain hit on the windowpane as they held each other. Trent had a hard time falling asleep but Morgan drifted off fairly quickly.
As he lay under Morgan, he stared at her beautiful face as she slept on his chest. Even with a silk scarf wrapped around her hair, she looked like a goddess. He began reminiscing on the good times they’ve had in their relationship. They had so much fun together and complemented each other, but things are progressing in the romance department as much as he’d hoped. He’d hoped by now that they’d be more emotionally and spiritually connected, but Morgan is not the type to delve into spiritual matters. That has always been an issue for Trent, but he buried it deep inside because everything else was amazing with them. Something was changing, though.
The rain was coming down heavy and he could hear the wind blowing the trees around outside the window. He tuned in to sound of the rain and his mind began to still. He was finally able to relax and after a while, he finally fell asleep.
Stop to Love 