Chapter 13
THIRTEEN
Johnni
“Josie, we’re going to be late. Please tell me you’re almost ready.
” I pretended to ignore Quincey as he yelled down the hallway while I attached my last lash cluster in the corner of my eye lid.
The warden and his campaign manager Tia decided to host a fundraiser for his campaign with all the city’s elite leaders scheduled to be in attendance.
I knew there was no way I was getting out of it. No, tonight, I would be holding my smile tight and fake laughing through corny jokes while making him look good.
And yes, it was going to be as boring as it sounded.
I was supposed to be babysitting for Mickey tonight and hated that he came home last minute and demanded that I cancel on her because unfortunately I was in no position to tell him no. So while he yelled for me, I was on the phone with Mickey, hoping she understood.
“Again, Mickey, I apologize for the late notice. Q just came home with the details about this party and unfortunately it’s an important one to grow the funds and backing for his campaign. I promise the next date night without Minnie is on me.”
“Girl, there is no need to apologize. I completely understand. Q is doing big things right now. The Senate is a huge break for him…y’all.
Please tell him I said congratulations. Besides, Hollis jumped at the opportunity to come over.
I wanted one of you two to save the grandmas from fighting over it.
” I laughed lowly, imagining her mom and BK’s mother bickering over keeping their granddaughter.
Just last week they both went when she got her ears pierced.
Mickey sent pictures of them both crying while Minnie sat there in Mickey’s lap unfazed by the whole scene.
“Speaking of Hollis, how mad is she that I went M.I.A this weekend when she planned a party for my crowning?” Once I left the island, I came home to a ton of missed calls and messages from her and Mickey wanting to celebrate my Mrs. Crescent Falls win, but of course I had been at Seventh Heaven letting Courtland overflow every hole until I told him I loved him again, and meaning it, which I still didn’t quite understand.
Out of all my fun times at the club, I never had a steady lover waiting there. To be honest, I never even doubled back to anyone. And now, I had a man and was falling in love. Two months into us, I was head over heels.
“Girl, she’ll get over it. I mean, I told her Q probably whisked you away to celebrate privately, which I was right about.
Shit, you remember my babymoon. I turned my phone off until it was time to post our pictures.
You both had very important wins and needed a little peace.
We can spend time together soon. Life is crazy all around with the wedding planning and Minnie.
I get it and she does too. She’s just being Hollis.
” I chuckled as Quincey walked into the room, standing behind me.
Instead of turning to see him, I sat there putting my final additions on my face.
We stared at each other through the vanity mirror, me glaring while he held out a black velvet box that I knew had an expensive piece of jewelry inside.
“Okay, well, that’s my time. Q is officially rushing me out the door. I promise as soon as life slows down, we need to link up. I love y’all. Kiss my Minnie.”
“We love you too.” Before I could hit the end button on my phone, Quincey was already moving to do it for me, further pissing me off.
“Ya know, you wouldn’t be pressing me for time had you told me at least a day in advance, Q. Looking this good takes time and I can’t be rushed.”
He snorted. “Baby when you look this good, time is always on your side. And I apologize for the late notice. I wasn’t aware of your plans with Mickey.
I hope this makes up for my ill manners.
” He presented the box on the side of me, opening it up to a diamond necklace that matched the hunter green dress he’d picked out that matched his suit.
Of course, the necklace was flawless. This route of him apologizing with diamonds was becoming an ugly thing. I put on my fake smile as I reached for the box to show my appreciation for the piece of jewelry.
“Thank you, Q. It’s beautiful. But stop trying to win me over with diamonds. They’re not my best friend.” I rolled my neck as I glanced over my shoulder at Quincey who grinned before he pushed out a laugh.
“Josie, you’re not a good liar. I think you love them more than me.
And you’re welcome. Can I put it on you?
” I nodded as he had already pulled the necklace out, then moved my hair out of the way.
I aided in the process, holding my curls while he clasped it on.
My fingertips touched the diamonds, feeling the coolness on my skin.
“Not more, but they are nicer sometimes. How do I look?” He snorted as he licked his top teeth, shaking his head. Instead of responding to my shot I tossed at him, he only answered my question.
“As if you could get any more perfect, you look beautiful, Josie.”
I blushed under his gaze, hearing the sincerity in his tone.
“Thank you. I’m ready.” Quincey stepped back, holding his hand out, waiting for mine. I pushed my shoulders back as I put my fucked up attitude to the side so I could be the perfect wife for my husband.
“I told Quincey I’m going to steal you away.
You’re too good for him, Johnni. This young man needs no help, unlike me.
Tell me how I can get you on my arm instead?
” I laughed at the older gentleman who was currently in mine and Quincey’s face doing everything but saying what his contribution to the campaign would be.
Quincey smirked before he tossed out a dry laugh at the man, who was rude enough to actually lick his lips as he eyed me in front of him. I shifted uncomfortably next to Quincey, who only tightened his hold on me, which told me I was safe.
“I told you before, Wallace, she’s mine forever.
No one can steal my good thing. Now since you managed to make my wife uncomfortable, I’m going to need you to get that checkbook out and add a couple zeros behind a number to make things right with me.
” Quincey laughed, but his tone was anything but humorous.
The guy chuckled back, but proceeded to get his checkbook out, patting his pockets as if he were looking for a pen when Quincey stepped in and helped him out.
“Agh, I got that for you. Remember, make it a number to help me forget your blatant disrespect of me and my wife.” The man moved his head as if he wanted to look at me again, but paused, putting his attention back on what he was doing.
This was the ugly side of these parties. Men in power got disrespectful, but I was grateful that I always had Quincey at my side.
I mean, he’s the reason why you’re ever at these parties, Johnni. Of course he’s going to be by your side.
“If it’s not enough, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office for me. I look forward to having you in the house. Congratulations again, Wilson.” He extended his hands, one with the check and the other for a shake. Quincey, being himself, only accepted the check.
Once it was just us, I leaned into him while he wrapped me in his arms as I looked up at him.
“I can’t express how sorry I am for that asshole, Josie. Just a couple more of these muthafuckas and then we can go.” He kissed my forehead and I gave him a weak smile.
“I’ll believe you when we’re back in the car headed home. Until then, just don’t leave me alone. I can’t deal with any of that by myself and hold my smile on my face, Q. He almost caught my knees in his dusty ass balls.” He laughed just as Aric came over to us.
“Hey, I got Sanders over there. He’s big money but on the fence. Give me ten to talk about your view on the healthcare reform bill.” I groaned, not ready to go back in that quick.
“Baby, just ten minutes.”
“I know I just asked you not to leave my side, but you go and I’ll powder my face. We can meet back up at the bar because a drink is needed for me to push through.” Quincey snickered but didn’t release me too quickly, looking me over instead.
“Ten minutes, I promise, and only a glass of wine, Josie. I still want you sharp. The night is young.” He kissed the back of my hands then let me go, heading in the opposite direction with Aric while I turned, heading for the bathroom.
I made it to the empty ladies room and breathed out a heavy sigh as I looked at myself in the mirror, savoring time to relax. I went for my phone to check the time when I noticed I had a message from Courtland.
Chief: I probably needed a hug from your pussy, instead you got me out here eating dinner alone.
My laugh came out deep as I read the message again, tickled by his way of saying he missed me.
Me: That’s a strange way to tell me you miss me, Chief.
Chief: I wanted to stress it so maybe you’d come give me a hug. I miss you, Lou.
I chortled as I read his message just as two ladies came in, looking at me with quizzical expressions. I waited until they were in their stalls to turn on the water, washing my hands so I could leave. I left and put my face back in my phone, doing my best to walk and reply at the same time.
Me: Come kidnap me from this party and I’ll be all yours.
Yes, we had just left each other yesterday and were already finding our way back to each other. I was addicted to Courtland and the thrill of sneaking around.
Chief: Drop your pin.
I did him one better, sharing my location on a permanent basis.
Yeah, I’m pushing this whole man thing to the limit but I don’t care.
I chuckled, locking my phone as I reached the bar, ordering a glass of wine while I came up with a good excuse to run away for the rest of the night back to Courtland.
I mean, you could fake a headache and sneak away.
I was beginning to question the definition of an open marriage that still limited my desires of being pleased when I wanted.
You’re just being greedy, Johnni.