R & B singer Garrett Martindale stood backstage at the NAACP Awards Show. Adrenaline pumped through him as he was about to go on stage to present an award. He’d performed earlier in the show and was still a little nervous. No matter how often he went on stage he had butterflies. Instrumental music signaled his cue, and Garrett stepped on stage and headed toward the podium to present the award for best new R&B Male Artist of the Year. He won the prestigious award several years ago when his debut CD, "Long Time Coming," sold over two million copies the week of its release.

The audience stood and applauded. He reveled in the accolade for a moment before waving the audience quiet.

"Thank you," he said, "Thank you very much. "How are you doing tonight?" Another round of applause, along with whistles could be heard throughout the crowd. Garrett loved the fans as much as they loved him. He realized he wouldn’t be where he was without them. "Tonight, I’m here to present the award for best new R&B Artist of the Year." He announced the names of each nominee before opening the envelope. "And the winner is Travis Hunt." Travis was a smooth, soulful balladeer from Atlanta. His debut CD was an addition to Garrett’s library.

Garrett congratulated Travis and afterward headed backstage. He looked to see Michelle Goodwin, a writer for Black Flavor Magazine, waiting for him.

Michelle rested her hands on her ample hips, tilted her head to one side and plastered a fake smile on her face. He’d been unavailable for an interview, barricading himself in the studio, completing work on his third album. Now that it was finished, he was on his way to the Los Angeles Airport. He arranged to leave immediately after his presentation. Tomorrow when he awoke, he would be among his family in Columbia, Maryland. He was looking forward to much needed rest while with his family.

Michelle sauntered over to Garrett. She was a medium build, dark-skinned, African-American woman with a beautiful, round face.

"Garrett, I finally caught up with you," she said. "I’m still trying to nail you down for that interview. I know you just completed your third album. It will be a great way to get some publicity." She flashed another award-winning smile, this one less fake than the first. She thrust her tape recorder toward Garrett’s face.

"I know," Garrett said, casually moving away from her while leaning into the recorder. "Well, the album is titled, ‘Coming Back Strong.’ I think it’s my best work to date and I wrote all the tracks. There are a variety of tracks. Some up tempo songs for the dance floor, some ballads for the heart, and some inspiration for the soul. The release date is September 30, so look for it." He noticed the grimace on Michelle’s face and added, "I don’t mean to be rude, Michelle. I have a plane to catch. I’m going home for two weeks."

"Is Imani going with you?" Michelle asked. "Rumor has it you two are on again."

Garrett knew interviews were important for publicity, but he was a private person. Reporters always wanted to know about his personal life. The way he saw it, who he was seeing was no one’s business. As far as he was concerned the interview was over. He forced a smile. "I really have to go, Michelle." He turned and hurried toward the back entrance.

Michelle attempted to follow him, but the bodyguard intervened and steered her in the opposite direction.

Garrett walked through a set of double doors and into a waiting limousine. He settled into the spacious backseat when his cellular phone rang. He looked at the ID; it was Imani Washington. He’d been seeing her off and on for the past year. More off than on. This morning they had another argument. She refused to accompany him to the award show. Imani wanted a commitment. Garrett hoped to settle down one day. It didn’t mean he would settle down with her.

He had to admit that when they were together, they had a wonderful time. She was a lovely, successful, and an independent woman. Not only had she captured the fashion world by storm as a fashion model, but she had also launched Sable, a cosmetic line for women of color. Any man would be proud to settle down with her. Garrett cared about her, but the main ingredient needed to make the relationship complete was missing; that was love. He didn’t love her.

His publicist, Collin Schwartz believes they would make the perfect power couple. The beautiful model and the popular singer. It didn’t matter to Garrett; falling in love had nothing to do with financial status.