Chapter 9
NINE
Johnni
“Q, it’s almost time, hurry up!” I called out to Quincey who was in the kitchen getting his bowl of popcorn while we waited for the official announcement that would change our lives forever. Of course, Quincey had an inside source who let him know it was going down tonight.
While he was excited for this, it was bittersweet for me. I knew this meant the spotlight would officially be on us if Quincey made it on the ballot to take the seat.
No, Josie, scratch that. Quincey’s campaign run is the start of it all.
I wasn’t ready for any of it, but like a good supportive wife, I knew I had to be.
“Ooh, did I miss it?” he asked as soon as he placed the popcorn bowl in my lap.
“No, it’s just starting.” On cue, the opening credits for the news began to play before cutting to the news anchors, one male and one female, the classic dynamic.
“Breaking news, we’ve just got word that Senator Tim Rogers is resigning. It was just a few months ago when we reported that Rogers was in quite the scandal involving accusations of corruption, bribery, and trafficking.”
“This isn’t looking too good for him, Anja. A resignation is a clear indication that a conviction is soon to come. And you can’t breeze over that trafficking accusation. It not only includes drugs but I hear women might be on the list as well.”
“Now, Cain, we can’t just spew out supposed information.”
“No, you’re right…allegedly, of course.”
That had me cracking up as Quincey and I watched the news with our popcorn and wine as if this was some real juicy shit.
I guess for Quincey it was though. He hadn’t gotten the final word on if they would do a special election yet or if they would just appoint someone.
And quite frankly I wasn’t sure what we…he was hoping for.
“With the resignation now in motion, that means the need to fill the seat. I’m sure we’re looking at a special election.”
“Honestly I’m not understanding why we can’t just leave it empty until the next primary election in a few years.”
“Anja, that’s more than five years. The Senate would never allow that. Now, with so much allotted time left and us fresh out of elections, this will most likely be run as a special election. My only concern is who are we expecting to end up on this ballot.”
Their words had me focused on Quincey while he sat up more. I swear I could see the moment he stopped breathing as the newscasters began to toss out their predictions for who would appear on the ballot, both giving solid names for both parties.
“You forgot one person who has been making headway for quite some time, Anja. Congressman Quincey Wilson is a name to look out for. He has a lot that none of the others can offer us right now, and that’s the perspective that can reach the voters who will matter most, the younger generation.
But this also brings us a fresh look at what needs should be the focal point on a lot of topics.
If he makes the ballot come this special election, he will also be the youngest in CF’s history to hold a seat. ”
I looked over at Quincey to see if he was breathing because Cain had just spoken him all the way up. This was major.
“I forget about the young ones, Cain. But you’re right.
Wilson would be a fresh breath of air in the position.
I can definitely see him bringing out a younger crowd of young people when it comes to a lot of issues.
My question is would he be willing to give up his position in Congress for a chance at a seat.
Let’s see how this plays out over the next couple of weeks.
Now in other—” I put down the bowl of popcorn and muted the TV then turned to a still Quincey who hadn’t said anything yet.
“Ooh my fucking gosh, Q, they know who the hell you are! This is big shit.”
By now I was shaking a stone shocked Quincey who still had his mouth wide open. I slapped his shoulder, hoping to snap him out of it.
“Q, did you hear me? You’re one step closer. We have to celebrate.” That gained me his smirk as he looked over at me.
“Josie, it’s not a nomination. It was just a name drop. We still have a long way to go.”
I playfully rolled my eyes at him trying to play coy. I wasn’t accepting all this dry reaction shit he was giving me.
“It might as well be a nomination, Q. If I know what that one simple drop just did, you better act like it too.” He went to speak when both of his phones began to ring simultaneously.
One was his dad and the other was a number I didn’t recognize.
I paid attention to who he answered before giving him space once he chose his dad.
As soon as I hit the entryway of the living room, Q called out to me.
“Josie, I love you, thank you.” I smiled.
“I love you too, Q.”
I walked out of the room knowing this was the beginning of the end of the life I had become so accustomed to.
My first thought was to make a tincture to calm my racing mind, but the vibration of my phone had me thinking about another stress reliever.
I quickly checked the notification reminding me of my nail appointment tomorrow then texted him while I made my way to my bathroom, quickly getting the water to the perfect temperature.
Me: Psst…
Courtland: Yes, baby.
Yeah, we had slowly moved into that term of endearment, and even in its generic form, it had me cheesing hard as hell, causing my cheeks to hurt.
Me: I hate I couldn’t sneak away today and now I miss your face.
Not even two seconds later, my phone was ringing with the video call I hoped would come through. I hit the phone, cuffing my boobs while I got in the tub.
“Mmm… I guess you missed me a whole lot if I got bath time as my view.” I giggled as Courtland stretched his neck as if he could truly see more than what the camera gave him.
“Of course I did. It’s been what, four days since I’ve been back with you. I don’t like this distance.” I poked my bottom lip out, pouting.
“Aw, Lou put that lip back. I’ll come up with another way to kidnap you. What’s your day like tomorrow? I’m free in the afternoon and I have the perfect date planned already.”
“Now, Courtland, how the hell do you have a date planned already when you don’t know my plans?
And I have a busy day. It’s the day befo—” I paused, almost letting it slip about the pageants.
It wasn’t a real secret but one I wanted to keep until after the season.
Courtland gave me the vibes that his ass would pop up regardless of if I told him no.
Call it superstition but I wasn’t jinxing this season with an unexpected guest in the audience.
I cleared my throat. “The nail salon with my friend Hollis and then—”
The knock on the door came before it swung open with Quincey coming in. My heart pounded wildly but I didn’t hang up.
“Dad is throwing a party tomorrow night, so I’ll need you there with no attitude and on your best behavior.”
“Cutting it close, ain’t you? I’m busy for the better part of the day, Q. How am I supposed to get ready?”
“You’ll figure it out, Johnni. You know the rules,” he said dryly while he examined himself in the mirror as I rolled my eyes.
“Oh, and I’m booking the club for next weekend to celebrate everything.” I was quiet as I looked at the phone that had the view of my free, hardened nipples since I’d panicked. I caught Courtland’s smirk and knew he was enjoying this.
“Okay, can I get some privacy please, damn?” I moved my gaze up and down, drawing attention to the fact that I was naked in the tub. Quincey kissed his teeth then pressed his lips together.
“Josie, you act like I haven’t seen everything, but okay. Ooh, I’m thinking red to keep it patriotic. You think you can do a quick updo or will that mess up your sew-in?” His voice went up a few octaves and I prepared myself to play trophy wife tomorrow night.
I hated when he was in full glam mode. He was worse than me sometimes.
“Q! Get out, please. I came to relax.”
“Fine, I’m going. I’m heading out to meet with Aric anyway to get things rolling. Don’t wait up.” It was late so I knew that was a lie but right now I didn’t give a fuck.
He glanced in the mirror, checking his breath, then picking an invisible piece of lint off his shirt.
Aric was his campaign manager above his assistant Tia.
He walked out, closing the door. I picked up the phone to Courtland just shaking his head with an amused expression on his handsome face. He’d added a glass of something brown to the picture.
“Shit, I guess y’all open-open. Headed out and don’t wait up is code for I’m going to get my dick wet. Tell me again why you’re still there?”
I chuckled, realizing my error with not muting the call.
“I’ll tell you once you tell me what this date is that you’re taking me on tomorrow afternoon?” I said, flipping it back to the original topic while I prepared myself to have yet another conversation about Quincey and our very open marriage.
I sat dazed in the nail shop, mind still on Courtland and our date planned for today.
Yeah we had done Morningside the other day, but so far that had been our only public outing.
He wouldn’t give me too much but promised it would be only us.
My nerves were rattled at the thought of actually going on a date.
It had been so long since I’d been on an official one outside of business dinners with Quincey.
Uht uht, no Quincey talk when I’m already thinking about Courtland.
Yes, I put a rule in place to stop bringing my marriage into my relationship with Courtland. I was happy when we were together and wanted to keep it that way.
“Mrs. Wilson?” Hazel the tech said as she turned off the jets to the tub, guiding me to put my foot up on the towel.
I didn’t hear her question but still blinked a few times as if I needed to process it. That’s because you’re too focused on your boyfriend.
Yup, I somehow had a boyfriend.
“Johnni!” I popped my head up, looking around to see all eyes were on me, including Hollis who’d just yelled at me.