Chapter Ten #2
“Shit. I’m lost,” a man mumbled as I neared the lounge where the women had deemed no men allowed so they could gossip and jaw-jack in peace.
He glanced around the hall, obviously looking for the appropriate corridor as he juggled a toddler, an open backpack on one arm, and a map of the facility in the other hand.
“Okay, calm down, Pete,” he urged as the child wriggled in his arm, wanting to be put down.
The frustrated father groaned when the backpack fell, spilling the contents on the ground.
I rushed over to help when he attempted to squat down and pick up the items.
“I got it. I got it,” I said, squatting to shove the pull-ups, wipes, sippy cup, and assorted toys into the bag.
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I do according to the Laws of Southern Hospitality.”
“I’m curious to hear what those are.”
“Rule number one,” I said, zipping up the backpack and standing to my feet. “Help those in need. Is it your first time here?” I asked, shouldering the backpack.
“That obvious?” he replied, chuckling while still trying to get control of the wiggle worm in his arms.
“You look like a tourist in Times Square.”
“Ouch,” he said, briefly looking apologetic.
“Don’t be embarrassed. It takes a while to learn the ins and outs of this place.”
“It’s certainly massive. I’m Todd, by the way,” he said, sticking his free hand out for me to shake.
“Kiyah,” I said, accepting his hand.
He smiled warmly, and as I stared into his eyes, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d met him before.
Todd had wavy blonde hair, striking hazel eyes, a straight nose, and a practiced smile that sported perfect white teeth.
He dressed like all the men in my family—smart casual, even on their days off.
My eyes ticked down to his watch, and I nearly whistled.
Granddad always said you could tell a lot about a man from his watch, and the Hublot Classic Fusion on his wrist told me that:
A: He comes from money because wearing an $80,000.00 watch on a Tuesday with a toddler is insane.
B: He doesn’t mind going against the grain. While Hublot is a luxury Swiss watchmaker, many would compare the brand to Rolex but still choose Rolex over Hublot.
C: The watch is in pristine condition. I wouldn’t be surprised if he polished it before slipping it on his wrist this morning. He takes meticulous care of his belongings, which most likely extends to every aspect of his life—home, work, family, and friends.
“Kiyah,” he repeated, testing my name before finally dropping my hand.
“And who do you have here?” I asked, focusing on the child.
“This is my loving yet exuberant son, Pete.”
The child finally gave me his full attention, and I swore I could feel my ovaries thump to life. My eyes widened when the little cherub, identical to his father, reached out to me as if we weren’t perfect strangers.
“He likes you,” Todd mentioned. “He tends to shy away from strangers. I guess it’s true when they say children have good instincts. Do you want to hold him?”
“Um… are you sure you should be handing your kid off to a complete stranger? I could make a run for it.”
“I used to be a D1 track runner in college. I’m sure I can catch up to you.”
“Used to be, and you’re not the only former college athlete,” I said, exchanging the backpack for the curious toddler.
“Let me guess… volleyball and track.”
“Lucky guess,” I confirmed as I bounced the cooing child, who didn’t hesitate to grip a handful of my hair. He wasn’t attempting to snatch it out, so I allowed it.
“Not really. Your physique gave it away. You have well-developed thighs.” He immediately winced. “I’m sorry… that came out weird,” he apologized.
“Just a little,” I teased, closely pressing my thumb and index fingers together. “Are you a doctor or something?”
He barked a laugh and smoothed his hair back. “No, that would be impossible. I get queasy around blood. I’m a state representative, and I’m running for governor.”
I snapped my fingers and pointed at him. “I knew I recognized you from somewhere. I saw you on TV. Vote for me if you want Texas done right.”
“That’s me,” he said, smiling almost sheepishly.
“First of all, you lied.”
“About?” he asked with a quirk of a brow.
“Your name is not Todd.”
He smirked. “Thaddeus Branson Jr. is my full name; however, to those closest to me and strangers who hold my baby, I’m known as Todd.”
“Uh-huh. Second, no hate, but ‘Vote for me if you want Texas done right’ is drier than a well-done steak at Applebee’s. You have to come up with something different.”
“Thank you for your input, Kiyah. I’ve expressed the same sentiment to my campaign manager, but I’m assured that the constituents are responsive to the slogan.”
I shook my head. “No, get rid of it. It makes you sound like a used car salesman—it’s lazy and ineffective, especially if you’re trying to draw in the young crowd.”
“Who says I’m trying to draw in the young crowd?”
“If you’re not, then you should. It’s been proven that people can be strongly loyal to politicians. If you can hook the young crowd now, then you can capitalize on their longevity and continued votes throughout your political career.”
“Did you happen to major in Political Science in school?”
“Guilty.”
“I followed the same route and obtained a law degree once I graduated. Can I count on your vote?”
“Hell nah.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“You heard me,” I said, spinning in a circle with Pete. “Our government is full of corruption from the bottom to the top, and I refuse to be a number at the polls.”
“You’re anti-government?”
“You’re not listening, Track Star. I’m anti-corruption.”
“Hm. Fair enough.”
“Listen, I’ve kept my grandma waiting long enough, and she’s probably crawling up the walls and ceiling like that old lady from Legion. Do you need help finding a room?”
“Oh, I’m so sorry to hold you up, and yes, I’ve managed to get a little turned around. Do you mind showing me the way?”
“Not at all. Keep up, or one of these grandmothers will snatch you up and sell you off to the highest bidders.”
“The highest bidders?”
“Their nieces and granddaughters.”