Chapter 11 #2
But did the announcement spread through the courthouse like wildfire? Yes.
And am I tired of answering questions about Quintus? Absolutely yes!
My morning started sharply at seven with Duke calling to see if I’d seen the announcement in the Politics section instead of Lifestyle.
Although he submitted a small, five sentence statement to the Lifestyle editor, The Chronicle went in another direction, a completely different damn direction.
The tiny statement was stretched, researched, and transformed into a whole-ass article, summarizing my already known legal career, Quintus’s impressive one, and a whole deep dive into the legality of online weddings.
It was actually riveting and eye opening about him and made our nuptials sound real.
I just thank God the paper was unable to get footage of the ceremony.
The website emphatically refused to release it.
Duke’s call was only the beginning. It was followed by a group call from my besties, a quick call from Shuga, and a check-in call from Quintus.
The questions and congratulations started the moment I walked through the judges’ entrance and that was four long hours and two hearings ago.
I’m tired of repeating my now rehearsed and polished answer but here I go... again.
“Thank you. We’re very happy. I’ve chosen to be in the public eye, not him, which is why I kept our relationship and ceremony a secret.
But the secret is out now and we are planning a private celebratory dinner for our family and a few friends.
Thank you again for the congratulations,” I tell Judge Lemon.
He just stopped me in the hall on my way to chambers.
When I walk inside, Kenya snickers. “You sounded like a polished politician,” she says.
“I have it memorized and I’m tired of saying it,” I tell her.
“I’m sure you are,” she says with a smile.
“I just emailed you a motion in limine and a motion for change of venue. I also left you something to eat. Please eat. You have two full hours before your last hearing. Your calls are transferred to me and I’m not letting anyone in, except maybe your husband. ” She smirks.
“He’s not coming today but Duke is. He should be here in an hour. Richardson hasn’t released any statements and his silence is concerning.”
“Maybe he just doesn’t have anything to say,” she says with a shrug but I fear she might be mistaken. Richardson has been vocal since announcing his bid for my bench; his silence can’t be good.
“We’ll see and thanks for lunch. I’m actually hungry and hadn’t even thought about it.”
“No problem. I just got the pick two lunch with the pesto ravioli and chopped salad. Oh, and the virgin lemonade,” she says and I swear my stomach growls on cue.
“And you wonder why I love you. You’re the best,” I tell her before heading into my office.
I’m finishing my delicious lunch by the time Duke arrives. He’s dressed impeccably in a brown and beige suit with his signature tight pants. I swear I hate that Alex ever pointed that out to me. I cannot unsee them now.
“How’s your day going? Any negativity from your colleagues?” he asks when I join him in my seating area.
“I repeated myself all day, answering questions and accepting congratulatory statements, but no one has been negative at all. I think you might be right. People actually like married judges, especially men. It’s good for me I guess but I don’t know how I feel about that.
My record alone should solidify my reelection to the bench, not my marital status. ”
“It should but unfortunately we haven’t gotten there as a society,” he says.
“Nevertheless, is there any news from Richardson?” I ask and notice Duke’s entire body shift. Whatever he’s about to say isn’t good.
After fidgeting with his suit jacket, he stares at me then drops a bomb. “He wants a public debate,” he announces.
“Seriously. It’s for a bench seat, not the Mayor’s position,” I fire back out of pure outrage.
I am well aware that judge candidates have debates; they are just rare and I can’t remember the last one in a Crescent Falls election.
“But if he wants to debate, I’ll give him a debate but not until after this dinner. ” Duke smiles.
“I love that you don’t bow down. I’ll let his camp know,” he says while nodding. “I’m ready for this but know he’s going to go low. Are you sure there’s nothing in your past that I don’t know?” I roll my eyes.
“Nothing. I told you; I’m clean.”
While nodding fast, he says, “Okay. Okay.”
“What about Divine Vines? Do they have any open dates?” I ask.
“Oh, yes. I spoke with them right before I got here,” he says, then grabs his phone from the table.
After looking through it, he says, “Next Saturday evening or that Sunday are available but Sunday is for just lunch or brunch. Private dining party for forty-five, a mini tour of the vineyards, and tastings are included. She’s just waiting on a text from me with the final decision. ”
“Did you talk to Shuga?”
“The other Mrs. Bako?” he asks with a smug look.
“Yes, her.”
“I did and she says Saturday is better for the family but she wants to cook something. One traditional dish to go with the catered meal. I tried to explain that no outside food is allowed.”
“Then book for next Saturday and I’ll talk to her about the food. I don’t really care about the menu. Just make sure there’s a beef and chicken option.”
“Got it,” he says busily while doing something on his phone.
When he stops, he looks up and says, “Confirmed for next Saturday at six. I’ll compose the list of possible constituents and get it to you tonight.
Look it over and let me know who to invite,” he says and I nod.
“Now that that’s booked, I’ll reach out to Richardson about the debate. The sooner the better.”
“Agreed. Just after the dinner. I’m open after that,” I reiterate.
“I got it. And what about our conversation this morning?”
“Our living situation,” I say, then sigh. “I’m going to figure that out. It’s complicated. He has a little girl. We have very separate lives and?—”
“Live in separate districts,” Duke interrupts, repeating his same concern from this morning’s call.
“I know. Fifty-one percent residence in Crescent Fall is needed. I remember.”
“That should be easy. Y’all live seven months here and five months there. Just make it work and have it solidified before the debate. Richardson’s going to harp on that at any debate.”
“I…know,” I exclaim.
“Then I’ll leave that to you,” Duke says, then stands. After gathering his things, he says, “I’ll send the list tonight. We’ve got work to do.”
And a living situation to figure out.