Me:
Uh, the last time I checked, shit looks and smells disgusting and is only intended for the toilet bowl. Never has it ever been fine.
Righteous:
This is why I know your uncultured ass has been sheltered too long. On my side of town, fine shit is an endearing term. I see you need to stick with me for a more cultural education, Ms. Owens.
Oh shit! How does he know my last name?
Girl, be for real. Everybody knows who you are when your mother has you plastered on many news outlets at these corny events and occasions. You’re not the mystery you think you are.
Me:
I guess I wasn’t moving as incognito as I thought, huh? What type of educational experiments are you considering?
Righteous:
Only a blind dog doesn’t know who you are. Why do you think Nicole advised you not to go looking for things that can go bump in the night on our side of town?
I smile at the message and Nicole’s request for me to find someone else to engage with. I had no idea that the outcomeof my pushback would be her sexy and dangerous-looking brother. But the reminder of our date fills me with a sense of accomplishment, no matter how off-putting he tried to be.
Me:
Warning or no warning, I want to learn more about you.
“It’s rude to be on your phone, Jariyah.” Mom’s voice has my head shifting from my lap to across from me, where she and Dad sit.
“I wasn’t. I thought my dress had a snag or something and was inspecting it,” I say. The lie rolls off my tongue without resistance, and Dad’s low chuckle lets me know how ineffective it is.
“Mhm. Since you’re not eating, I would like you to come with me to meet someone.” Without waiting for my agreement, Mom pushes her chair back to leave the table.
Lord, why me?
The thought of who Mom could be introducing me to now makes my skin crawl, and my jaw clenches. Nevertheless, I quickly put my phone away and leave the table with my clutch in a tight grip.
“I’ve seen some of the men vying for your attention this evening, and I think they’re lacking the pedigree you need. While you were busy, I saw a far better suitor enter the room, so make sure you smile and represent me well,” Mom whispers.
A second or two later, Mom walks up to a table of mostly men, and my stomach knots when she speaks.
“Good evening, Senator Whitmore. I didn’t get a chance to speak with you earlier. Please excuse my oversight. I also wanted to make sure that your son was introduced to my daughter. Thetwo have a lot in common, and it would be a shame if they weren’t acquainted.”
What the hell, Mom?
“Jariyah, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Preston Whitmore the third. Preston dear, this is my Jariyah. I think the two of you have a lot to discuss.”
Preston Whitmore appears to be another polished, political, and boring man who instantly sours my stomach. When he opens his mouth to speak, it confirms my thoughts. Preston is another yes-man for Markia Owens, and I can’t entertain another one this evening.
“Sure thing, Madam Mayor.” A light-skinned man with red blotches on his face smiles, and I cringe when his braces sparkle more than his eyes.
Who the hell adds diamonds to braces? Why the hell is this my damn life?
Preston moves to push his chair back, and I fight the urge to frown before a thought hits me.
“I’m sorry. I need to utilize the ladies’ room. I will come find you as soon as I’m done,” I say, and Mom’s face instantly contorts before she schools her features.
“Hm. Alright, I’ll leave you to it. Enjoy the rest of your evening, everyone.” Mom smiles in an action that doesn’t reach her eyes before her attention moves to me. “Make sure you come back to speak with Preston the minute you’re done, dear.” With that, Mom walks in one direction as I quickly move in the other.
My throat feels like it’s gonna close at any second, my palms perspire, and the smile is anything but genuine as I pass various attendees. I bypass the restrooms as my heels click-clack on the floors, and I make a beeline for the exit to the gardens. When I push through the doors, the air hits my face, and I take a deep breath as I move deeper into the garden. My pulse races and myheart beats erratically in my chest as I pause to look behind me. I sigh when I confirm that the coast is clear.
