Chapter 7 #2
She knew better than anyone that I did things my way. That’s why we worked because she was the same way.
“Talk to me, Tre. You said you were looking for your Mich. I can assure you, Navie is not it.”
“Some shit you just feel, and this is one of them.”
“Is it the thrill of the chase?” He asked, refusing to accept my decision. “The allure of the forbidden? Her pussy can’t be that good, you’re willing to jeopardize the whole campaign!”
The thought of this being about pussy made me laugh. That and Jaleb was beet red trying to rationalize my decision. It was risky, but I learned early that no risk, no reward. My mind was made up, and every excuse he laid out went in one ear and out of the other.
“You need to go home and relax. If we’re the best in the game, we can make Navie work.”
“I can’t fuckin’ calm down! You’re going to give me fuckin’ heart attack. ‘Might not even live to see you get elected at this rate!” Jaleb snapped, shooting up to his feet.
“Can I get back to work since this campaign is so important?”
Jaleb’s eyes narrowed, questioning his own gut for taking me under his wing. Then, snatched the door open and stormed out. If he kept it up, a heart attack wasn’t far off.
Riding the high of pissing them both off, I replied to emails and confirmed meetings until the sun went down.
Saying good night to the few interns still lingering, I left headquarters and climbed into the car.
Usually, Ward came to scoop me, but tonight I had plans with my girlfriend, who didn’t know she was mine.
The key slid into the lock like it belonged there.
Technically, it did. I paid for it. Letting myself in, there was a jacket thrown over the armchair, and a blanket on the couch.
It looked like she jumped up and rushed out the door, but the kitchen was the most meticulous space.
The counters were clean while the scent of lavender lingered.
There wasn’t anything in her apartment that gave context to her background or personality.
No family photos, only printed artwork and a tennis racket by the door.
Moving the blanket aside, I sat on the couch, turned on my favorite jazz playlist, and used the quiet time to finish a few tasks.
The lock finally jiggled, and the door opened, Navie kicking it shut with her foot.
She paused, unable to see me, but hearing music, prompted her to drop her bags and grab her gun.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Navie blared, inching closer until she made out my face.
“Put the gun down.”
“Why would I do that? You’re an intruder.”
“Because you’re smart enough to know killing the Executive Liaison in your apartment would bring unwanted attention to that fake ass nonprofit you’re running. Put the fuckin’ gun down now before I pull mine.”
She hesitated, primarily out of irritation that I was right, before tucking it in her back. It was close enough to retrieve if she changed her mind, but I wasn’t worried.
“Why are you here?”
“I had a long day, so when I left the office, I decided to come see my lady. Isn’t that what boyfriends do?” Walking over to the refrigerator, I yanked it open. Then Navie twirled over, using her weight to slam it shut.
“You’re not my boyfriend. Especially intruding empty-handed. How did you even get in here?”
“I used my key.” My palm pushed her hip aside to open the refrigerator so I could grab water.
“I won’t waste my breath asking how you got it. What do you want, Treason?”
“Checking in to make sure my girlfriend didn’t get herself killed or arrested.”
My response irritated her so badly that she ran a hand through her hair.
“I am not your girlfriend. I made that clear, now get the fuck out.”
“I like you. I think , so I’m giving you a second chance to say yes.”
“Don’t need it,” she rushed out, almost clipping my sentence.
“Come sit and holla at me,” I replied, returning to the couch and encouraging her to join me.
“Dogs follow their owners’ commands, and I’m not a dog.”
“Rest those sexy legs so we can talk, Babygirl.”
“There’s nothing to discuss, and honestly, you don’t have time to waste. If you lose, it won’t be because the better man won. You need to show people both sides of you. Until then, they’ll keep using everything that makes you the best man for the job against you.”
Navie groaned, folding her arms, but I caught the subtle slack in her jaw. Not nearly as rigid as when she walked in, weapons blazing. Her reading me didn’t make my nostrils flare or clench my teeth. It was confirmation I needed to double down.
“Tell me what you want?”
“No.”
“Everybody wants something. Even you, so tell me,” I insisted, closing the space between us. She turned her head, but I tilted her chin, forcing her eyes to meet mine, “I’m trying. Work with me.”
“To do what? Piss me off? You’re doing a damn good job of that,” she fussed, pulling away to pick up the bags she dropped coming in.
I picked up what her short arms left behind, unloading each item from the bag for her to put away, since I didn’t know my way around.
Yet .
“Who the fuck eats Guacamole?”
“I do,” she fussed, snatching it like I’d invaded her privacy, “Now get out!”
“Vie, it’s been a long ass day,” I groaned, massaging my temple, “Don’t make it harder than it needs to be.”
“It’s in your nature as a politician not to settle, but I’m not an asset or prop. I’m a person who doesn’t want anything to do with your world.”
“Then what the fuck do you want?”
“To stop having this tired ass conversation,” she groaned, slamming the cabinet closed, spinning around now face to face.
“That’s a surface-level want,” I countered, stepping forward, limiting the space between us. “What does Navie want out of life?”
Her face scrunched, “And you’re the magical genie that’ll give it to me. That’s the fairytale you’re selling?”
“If that’s what you want, hell yeah,” I shrugged, while Navie’s brain was in turmoil, trying to figure out my angle.
“Yeah, right.”
“I don’t say things I don’t mean, and Navie Dixon doesn’t strike me as a woman who needs saving. Just redirecting. What you do with that is up to you.”
“There are plenty of women who would suck the skin off your dick just for the opportunity. Go find one of them.”
I chuckled at her vulgar comment, but she was right.
We both knew it, so I didn’t bother addressing women I didn’t give a fuck about.
The one I wanted was fuming, moving from counter to counter, trying to remember why.
She stirred something that felt real, not rehearsed.
That’s what led me to tell the apartment manager I needed to conduct a welfare check on my girlfriend.
“I’d much rather your slick ass mouth on my dick.”
“You’d have to have enough to fill my big ass mouth. Get the fuck out!” she yelled, pointing to the door with sudden anger in her eyes.
I was just fucking around, but my response didn’t entertain her. In fact, it seemed to strike a nerve, telling me more than she likely wanted me to know.
“My bad, I didn’t mean any disrespect. I know you can handle anything I throw at you.”
“Is that supposed to be a compliment?” she asked, swallowing to conceal the anger she let slip.
“It is, actually, and I don’t say shit I don’t mean. I am sorry.”
“Get out, and we’ll call it even.”
“Can’t do that, baby. We’re not done discussing business.”
“You need a woman with a perfect background who’s enamored with being Treason Westbrook’s girlfriend. She’ll do what you say and smile pretty. That’s not me. Trust me, I’ll create more problems than it’s worth. I’m trying to help you, Treason.”
“You’re really underestimating yourself. I don’t need you being something you’re not. I need a yes. I can handle the rest.”
“Like you’re handling your campaign?”
She was curious, seeing my expression soften and erase the small barrier of space between us. Her thoughts floated to a memory I wasn’t privy to, leaving me defenseless.
“I can’t do it all alone, right? Even Jordan needed Pippen.”
“I’m running out of ways to say no,” Navie replied, dragging her glossy eyes away from mine. “Go find another pretty face. The options are endless in this town.”
“You think I’m putting myself through this abuse because you’re fine?”
“You already admitted it, so,” Navie shrugged, putting her takeout in the microwave.
“Beauty fades, but a woman who brings value lasts a lifetime.”
“Do you have a comeback for everything?”
I nodded, “Until you say yeah, I do. Somebody has to be the voice of reason around here, and it’s not yo’ ass.”
Navie didn’t respond because she said no, and that should’ve been the end. Only I didn’t like no’s. Now I was forced to show her better than I could tell her.
I sighed, “You’re too smart and beautiful to keep learning the hard way.”
“Use that key again, and I will shoot you,” she warned.
“Goodnight, Vie. I’ll be in touch.”
Turning the bottom lock, I let myself out of her apartment.
Coming here was a risk I had to take. As an only child with a public career, I loved being alone.
Usually, I couldn’t wait to hit the crib and chill after a long day.
Tonight, I wanted her company more than my own.
I liked how she didn’t try to impress me.
Most of all, I didn’t think about all the shit on my plate once standing in her kitchen.
She made life feel fun again, and now that I had a taste, I wasn’t letting up.