Always in My Heart

By Carrie J. Keaton

All for FRIENDSHIP

True love often triumphs through the most complex of circumstances. Rachael Pendleton and Roman "Romey" Sinclair are two people who connected with each other and have been the best of friends since childhood. This special connection they share has triumphed over all else that has gone amiss in their lives. They each alw

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carrie J. Keaton
• Release date: Jan 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9781956529678

Book preview

Always in my Heart

Copyright © 2022 by Carrie J. Keaton

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

ISBN

978-1-956529-68-5 (Paperback)

978-1-956529-67-8 (eBook)

Carrie J. Keaton

14663 Highway 86 Holly Grove, AR 72069

(H) 870-659-5330 or (Message Phone) 870-830-0218

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 1

"Rachel Pendleton, you are really pathetic. You are sitting here in this huge, plush office with a career a lot of people would die for, but you have no special someone with whom you can share all of your triumphs and good fortune, she thought to herself as she stared out of her office window.

She had recently moved back to her hometown of Manhattan from Philadelphia where she had lived for the past ten years. She had worked at the Philadelphia Chronicle, which is a wonderful, averaged-sized, Philadelphia magazine company.

Rachel’s mind revisited her time spent at the Philadelphia magazine company. She had been a very detail-oriented editor at the company and most of her days started out early, but she had so enjoyed writing and meeting the deadlines. Often she would put in long workdays because she took such great pride in her work. It was nothing for her to put in a seventy-hour workweek because she was single and had no children and had an almost nonexistent personal life.

As time went on, she had lost count of the many times her friends, colleagues, and family members had tried to play cupid for her. Her mother topped the list though of all the matchmakers. Mrs. Pendleton is a 58 year old who is young at heart, a proud mother of two grown daughters (Rachel 27 and Robin 31). She is a true Scorpio... devoted, loyal, playful and loving... all with the fire of passion. She likes to have targets in life and then to reach them, prefer telling people the truth, loves helping everybody she can, and has a great sense of humor. Mr. Pendleton is quiet, reserved man who loves his family and just supports whatever or whoever that makes his daughters happy. Rachel’s mom is a bit pushy in trying to get the last of her two daughters married because she believes that family should be placed above a career. Rachel’s dear mom was relentless in trying to hook her daughter up with someone who she thought would be a good match for her. She was always preaching to her about how she was just wasting her life away, that she going to be an old maid and that there is more to life than work. Rachel did try dating some of these guys that her mom selected for her, but to date, she had not clicked with anyone. Rachel’s personal opinion of the whole thing was that she felt like she was a desirable enough woman to find my own man if she really and truly wanted one. Most of the time, Rachel would just go back to her usual mode — that she’s too busy to have a man in her life right now. Having a relationship is just simply too much work was what she would tell herself.

Finally Rachel had gotten a well-earned promotion for her exceptional writing talent. She had gotten promoted to a bigger office in one of the parent companies of the Philadelphia Chronicle, the Manhattan Times Review in Manhattan, New York. She had hoped that moving back to Manhattan and being so much more closer to her mom would not be a huge mistake, but her promotion was an once-in-a-lifetime chance she could not pass up so easily. She would be the managing editor at the company and have her own expense account and car. The promotion was a great career opportunity for her, a chance to be home again and return to her old stumping ground, be near some of her old friends and family.

Rachel’s assistant knocking on her door broke her reverie and brought her back to the present.

Hey — you have a call from someone named Roman Sinclair. Do you want to take it?

Yeah — sure — I’ll take it. Thanks Tina.

Are you sure Rachel? You look a little surprised. I can tell him that you are in a meeting or something if you want.

No, that’s okay Tina. It will be alright; I just had not spoken to him in a long time -- but thank you, Rachel said trying to smile a little more confidently.

Roman Sinclair had been a close friend to her since fourth grade, but the two of them had somewhat drifted apart since their college days. Her friends and his had always called him Romey.

Well hello Roman — what’s going on?

"What’s happening lady — how are you doing?’

I’m good — I’m good, but how did you find me?

I’m a resourceful man. Oh -- by the way, congratulations on your promotion. I always knew that you would do great things Rachel. And to answer your question about how I found you – You should know that anything that I want found will be found or have you forgotten that?

Yes, I guess I did forget you are like a bloodhound.

Hoooooowwwwl, Romey said playfully.

It’s been so long since we talked Romey that I don’t know what to say. Are you okay? Rachel asked, creasing her brow with concern.

I was hoping that maybe you would agree to have dinner with me this Saturday night so that we can catch up on things. I really need to talk to you Rachel.

Sure Romey, we can have dinner and catch up. That might be nice, I Rachel said, a smile slowly adorning her face.

Alright then -- So what time should we meet?

How about seven o’clock and we can meet at the Yuca Bar across from Tompkins Square Park.

I remember that place – great Mexican food. I’ll see you then Rachel.

After hanging up the phone, Rachel’s mind entered a portal in time when she and Romey were growing up in Manhattan. Both of us loved the music of the 70’s and 80’s because we grew up with it. This type of music was real music to us. Some of the rap music was okay, but our hearts was with the 70’s and 80’s Motown and R & B. We got our groove on to the Chi-lites, Tyrone Davis, Johnny Taylor, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, The Isley Brothers, The O’Jays, Aretha Franklin, Main Ingredient, Atlantic Star, Angela Bofill, Gladys Knight and the Pips, New Birth, The Persuaders, the Spinners, and many more artists.

Rachel remembered a time in she and Romey’s teen years; they around fourteen, when Romey’s voice had gone through the change. He used to sing to her on all of her birthdays. His voice had been higher pitched when he sung to her. After Romey’s voice changed, it acquired a richer, expressive, baritone nature. Just the sound of his voice when he sung to her moved her in ways that she didn’t understand. She told him then that she believed that he could become a famous singer like some of our favorite male vocalists like: Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Peabo Bryson, Teddy Pendergrass, James Ingram, Barry White, Jeffrey Osborne, Eddie Levert, Bobby Womack, and Freddie Jackson just to name a few. Romey would only shy away from any comment that she made comparing his vocal talent to these great artists. But Rachel was really serious about his singing. He had talent but he just didn’t realize it. Since he was her friend, she would never let him forget about his singing ability. It’s was funny how they had told each other everything and had never been romantically involved, but they had kept their relationship strictly plutonic. Rachel did recall a time when they were in college when the two of them had gotten caught up and shared a kiss. Things never went any further and they never spoke about it again.

Soft knocking on my door interrupted my thoughts.

Rachel – I’m leaving now unless you need something, Tina said.

No Tina, I don’t need anything – you go on and leave okay? Have a great weekend, she replied.

About a half hour after Tina and the others had gone home, Rachel decided she should call it quits for the day and leave too. Maybe the girls night out would be fun and keep my mind off of Romey.

After work and on almost each Friday, Rachel and her girlfriends met at Charley’s in downtown Manhattan around seven thirty or eight to celebrate the arrival of the weekend. When Rachel arrived and pulled up in front of the restaurant, she smiled happily and checked her makeup and touched up her lipstick before stepping out of her red corvette.

After getting out of her car, she set the alarm. The car made its usual loud beep-beep sound that startled a couple walking pass her. The guy turned and looked back at Rachel as they passed, admiring her five-foot seven-inch, caramel colored frame walk into the restaurant.

What are you looking at? the woman screamed at him.

He tried to make excuses for his behavior, but the woman continued yelling at him. Rachel had heard the commotion, but just continued walking.

Rachel stepped inside of Charley’s, which always had dimly lit lights and the music playing was soft and mellow. Everyone was talking, laughing, and eating. The usual guys were at the bar trying to pick up women. As I watched the people here, I was a bit envious of them because of the heavy workload I had; hell, I wouldn’t have the time to date if I wanted to.

As she slowly walked through the restaurant, she saw a hand waving at her from across the room. It was Courtney, and right next to her was Pam.

Hey girl — you took your time getting here! Courtney playfully mocked, as Rachel approached the table. Are you sure you’re not hiding a man out somewhere? Pam said with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

With all the problems you have with guys Pam, I need to remain single, Rachel shot back with mock attitude. Have you guys been waiting long?

Not very long Rachel — maybe about ten minutes or so, Courtney replied, as she seated herself.

Good evening — would you like to order your drink now? a waiter said, breaking up our light-hearted raillery.

Yes I do, Rachel replied. I’ll have a cognac with sparkling water and lemon.

Will do, the waiter said, as he left to fill my order.

Hey, he’s kind of fine, Pam admired.

Yeah — but he’s not Rachel’s type, Courtney added.

Rachel is strong and independent. She needs someone who makes some decent money and isn’t intimidated by a successful woman Pam.

The fact that this guy is a waiter shouldn’t matter if he treats Rachel right, Pam snapped back.

Okay ladies — let’s chill out. I appreciate what you are trying to do here, but I just don’t have time for a man, Rachel said with a contented smile. Let’s just have fun and enjoy our night — and talk about something other than my love life or my lack of one.

"You know Rachel — you’re not getting any younger and —

Hey — stop it. I’m happy just as I am. After all, it’s my life to live as I choose. Now let’s leave this matchmaking thing alone, okay? Rachel remarked a bit harshly.

Courtney sensed the tone in my voice and quickly changed the subject.

Are you ladies ready to order from the menu now? the waiter spoke with a pleasant smile, while placing my drink on the table.

I would, Rachel replied. I’d like a grilled chicken salad with a serving of garlic bread.

I’ll have a rib eye steak, baked potato, and an ear of corn, Courtney said right after I had ordered.

I want an order of ribs, potato logs, and baked beans, Pam said, eyeing the expression displayed on my face.

Rachel — why did you ignore the waiter like that? You wouldn’t even look him in the face and he was clearly being friendly with you. He was checking you out and you just paid him no mind, Pam said after the waiter had walked away.

Rachel — I know you don’t want to hear no more talk about us trying to fix you up, but we just care about you girl. Hey — you got needs too. What’s wrong with getting you some sometimes? Pam remarked, with a mischievous smile.

I’ll get my needs met — just not at this point in my life. I just don’t have time — I’m too busy, I said defensively.

Well, it wouldn’t hurt you to get out and enjoy yourself every once in a while. A man’s company wouldn’t hurt, Courtney said, as we ate.

Hey — I know — you can take a trip somewhere, Pam added.

Taking a trip really wouldn’t apply to me. A lot of people take trips to get away from their co-workers and their jobs. I just happen to love both my job and my co-workers. Besides, I get to travel around everywhere on assignment, I said smiling at them and knowing that I’d made a good case.

After our meal, we paid and left Charley’s.

Someone please tell me how come we all work at the same magazine, but no one has a fly ride but Rachel, Pam said in mock jealousy, as they stood and marveled my shiny red sports car.

Everybody can’t be a top-notch editor and we all have husbands and children, Courtney replied teasingly.

Both of you have great men by your sides, beautiful children, and great lives. You all know that you wouldn’t trade all of that for anything, now would you? Rachel replied, raising her brow and smirking at the two of them.

I gave both my friends a big hug.

"I’ll see you at work Monday morning Courtney and you behave yourself girl, Rachel replied.

And Rachel, try to get you some soon, okay? Pam said, waving good-bye as she headed for the subway entrance.

Courtney said her final good-byes and ran to catch up to Pam.

Rachel glanced at her watch. It was very late and she wasn’t really ready to go home, but she had no place else to go. After giving the idea some thought, she decided to go home anyway.

On the drive home, Rachel admired Manhattan’s bustle. She was making a great career right here for herself and had great friends. She enjoyed the stimulation and the energy that Manhattan possessed and it was the place to be in her opinion.

As Rachel approached Lansing Boulevard, she exited the freeway and headed for the underground garage, then took the elevator to her fifth floor apartment. After unlocking the door and turning on the lights, she made her way to her spacious bedroom and plopped down on her bed. Kicking her shoes off, she lay back on her bed and said to herself, girl