“Where y’all get her from and do they make more of her?”
“I hope your mother can make more of you,” Israel cleared his throat.
“We not gon’ beef ’bout no pussy on election night,” Indigo claimed.
“And no other night,” Israel confirmed. “Keep pushing if you care to keep breathing.”
“Impressive, Ish. Even if you don’t win this motherfucker, you’ve won my heart. You have introduced me to some vicious motherfuckers. I love that for me.”
Drunkenly, Indigo peered around the room.
“Yeah. Definitely love that for me.”
The room at Ishmael’s home was full of strangers, friends and family. The watch party was in full swing. The polls had closed. The votes had been tallied and within seconds, we’d know the results.
“How are you feeling?”
With folded hands, Ishmael rested his elbows on his knees. He hadn’t cracked a smile. He hadn’t taken a sip from the drink I’d made him. He hadn’t said as much as four words since greeting guests. His edginess was agonizing. I missed his voice. His whittiness. His wisdom.
“I’m good, my baby.”
I rubbed a hand up and down his back as I lowered my eyes to his.
“I love you.”
There it was. That smile.
“Thank you. Thank you for loving me.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I explained, shaking my head.
“You think I got this shit?” His smile was weak, but his confidence was still intact.
“I know you got this shit.”
“That’s my baby.”
“There’s no person who deserves this more than you. There’s nothing to worry abo–”
“Uh ohhh. Here we go. Here we fucking go,” Indigo chanted, hiking the volume on the television.
My eyes found Mercer. In the corner with Vallei pressed against him, he ran a hand down his head. It was obvious he wasfamiliar with Indigo’s vast personality. It was also obvious how much of a nuisance he was when they were counting down the days until their releases.
“The city of Berkeley has chosen their next mayor,” Caldwell revealed, adjusting his microphone. Cameras flashed simultaneously. Reporters chanted in the distance.
“4% of voters were in favor of Nate Echols. 45% of voters were in favor of Evan Daniels. 51% of voters were in favor of Ishmael Grayson, making Grayson the new mayor of Berkeley City. Congratulations, Grayson. Your fight continues.Grayson Carescontinues.”
Cheers erupted.
Pop!
Pop!
Pop!
Pop!
Champagne showers were predicted and the forecast hadn’t failed us. Ishmael’s arms surrounded me. He pulled my body from the seat I’d occupied for the last six minutes.
