Read Online Trinity Falls by Regina Hart - Free Book Online

“‘It is better to give than to receive.’”
    â€œGood one.” Ean grinned at the glimpse of the old Quincy. “You have a minute?”
    â€œI have to teach a class.” That quickly, the window into their shared past closed.
    Ignoring Quincy’s attempt at a brush-off, Ean pulled the door closed behind him and settled into one of the two cushioned chairs in front of the pale modular desk. “We have plenty of time. It’s nine o’clock. Darius said you only have afternoon classes on Wednesdays.”
    Quincy scowled. “I have to prepare for those classes.”
    Ean leaned into the chair and propped his right ankle onto his left knee. “I only need ten minutes.”
    Quincy’s air of resignation was even more puzzling. “What can I do for you, Ean?”
    So formal. “You can start by telling me why you’re pissed off that I’ve come home.”
    â€œWhy would I be upset?”
    â€œThat’s what I’m asking.”
    Quincy’s eyes hardened. “I’m sorry if I’m not showing you the right amount of deference, but I don’t have to play follow the leader—follow you —anymore. I walk my own path now.”
    Ean’s brows launched up his forehead. “‘Follow the leader’? What the hell are you talking about?”
    Quincy remained silent.
    Maybe this confrontation hadn’t been a good idea. Ean was more confused today than he’d been Tuesday morning. He dragged both hands over his head as he rose to pace. Unfortunately, Quincy’s office was comfortable but small.
    The framed Professor of the Year Award hanging on the off-white wall to his left distracted him. The recognition wasn’t surprising. Quincy was determined to be the best at whatever he chose to do.
    A small coffeepot stood on a black metal cabinet in a corner behind Quincy’s chair. Two wall-to-wall bookcases faced each other from opposite sides of the office and were stuffed with books on African and African-American history. On the shelf above his computer, writing references, a dictionary and a thesaurus shared space with framed photos of family and friends.
    Ean spotted a photo of him, Quincy and Darius in their grass-and-dirt–stained high school football uniforms. He remembered mugging for that photo. Quincy’s father had taken it shortly after their championship game. Ean had kept a copy of that same picture on his desk at the law firm. The school had nicknamed the friends “the Terrible Trio”: quarterback, running back and tight end. An unstoppable offense.
    That picture hardened Ean’s resolve to repair one of the most important relationships in his life. “When I was in New York, we e-mailed or called each other a couple of times a month. Everything seemed fine. Now that I’m back, you’re acting as though I’ve stolen from you. What’s changed?”
    Quincy crossed his arms over his chest. “Things can’t go back to the way they were.”
    That was a familiar theme in Trinity Falls. “Why not?”
    â€œWe aren’t the people we used to be. We’ve grown up. We’ve changed.”
    Ean assessed his friend like any witness on the stand. Whatever was eating at him, Quincy wouldn’t give up the information easily. “What are you afraid of going after?”
    â€œWhat are you talking about?” Quincy’s words snapped with impatience.
    â€œAt the bookstore Tuesday, Darius said I’m not afraid to go after what I want. What does he think you’re afraid of?” Ean caught the shift in Quincy’s gaze. A moment of uncertainty that revealed Ean was on the right track.
    â€œI’m not afraid of anything.” Quincy’s mouth tightened as though he didn’t want to divulge more than he already may have.
    â€œWe’re all afraid of something.”
    â€œWhat are you afraid of?”
    Ean clenched his teeth. Why had