“Well, we’ll see,” Aaliyah became aware the cameras were filming so she chose her words very carefully. “I can’t guarantee anything and he’s very busy.”
“You’re never too busy for love,” Marcie replied, “either you make time for it or life goes on without you. All of these people claim they’re too busy for love, they’re too busy for a relationship. I’ve seen them pass through this place. They’re on their cell phones, on their laptops, brokering a deal with this person and that. And then I see the same people when they get a little older and they’re in here lamenting over failed relationship after failed relationship.
“And then they talk about how they let this person get away. And how they let that person get away. And despite all of the money they could ever know what to do with, they’re still not happy. When they finally do find someone, they’re going through the motions. That’s not the person they want to be with, but that person is fulfilling some need within them and so they stay with that person. But their eyes, their mind suggests they should be somewhere else.”
Marcie grabbed Aaliyah’s hand. “I don’t want you to go through that heartache of being alone. Yeah, you say you’re fine being by yourself and you can do bad all by yourself but I know how you were when you with Ocean. He brought out a fire and passion within you that I haven’t seen in a long time. You shouldn’t let that go.”
Aaliyah gave a sad smile. “Two has to play at the game of love, Mommy. I can’t be in a position where I’m constantly waiting and he’ll just do whatever suits him at whatever time. Either he wants to be committed or he doesn’t. I can’t force his hand.”
“I don’t think it’s him that has an issue with commitment.” Marcie rubbed her daughter’s hand. “I think it’s the person in front of me.”
“You got me,” Aaliyah sighed, “you honestly think I could be a senator’s wife?”
“Why not?” Marcie asked.
“My appearance for one,” Liyah mentioned, “no one is going to go to a dinner party with me looking this.”
“Or maybe they will,” Marcie added, “you’d be surprised what those Senate wives get down for.”
Aaliyah’s eyes narrowed. “How would you know?”
Marcie smiled a big smile. “I just know.”
“Marcie!”
Marcie glanced over and saw her old friend. She leaped out of the booth and rushed over towards her. “Starr!”
Aaliyah’s eyes widened before they settled down. Marcie and Starr were old friends? Since when? Aaliyah couldn’t remember one time Starr came over to her mother’s home. As she tried to figure out the dynamics between the two women, a small murmur hushed over the crowd.
Behind Starr, was Ocean.
Aaliyah felt her heart thump against her chest as Ocean slowly approached their booth. The sight of him overwhelmed her and her mouth watered upon seeing him. She was angry he brushed her off like she was a plaything, yet her heart rejoiced seeing him again.
Dressed in a white dress shirt and blue jeans, Ocean perfected the look as if he created it himself. He was beyond gorgeous and beautiful. The man was goddamn fine and he knew it.
He smiled and shook hands with those along the path before he walked to Aaliyah’s booth. “May I sit down?” He asked her.
“I’m filming,” Aaliyah reminded him, “and you don’t do reality shows.”
“Oh, I think we can make an exception,” Starr replied as Marcie joined her. “C’mon! There’s enough food and room for everyone. Let’s enjoy!”
Ocean slid into booth beside Aaliyah and Marcie and Starr sat across from their children. Aaliyah settled back into the booth as the producers and camera crew set up filming again. As much as she wanted to think the Ellison’s appearance was just a coincidence, the timing seemed rather off.
It occurred to Aaliyah she was dealing with a political family and appearances meant everything. Ocean not returning her phone calls and texts – even when they both decided on another fake name for her to use – but to gladly show up when she was filming?
Why wouldn’t they want to film a spot on her reality show?
Aaliyah let out a small, frustrating sigh and sipped her chamomile tea. Ocean ignored her calls and texts not because he was busying but rather, he was plotting. What better publicity could a politician get by being on a reality show where his reputation would always be in a positive light?
As Marcie and Starr caught up with each other and shared local gossip, Aaliyah looked out the window. She felt silly for entertaining a serious future with that man beside her. If she had to play his game, it would be by her rules.
“Are you even going to say hi to me, rainbow?” He whispered.
“Hi.” Aaliyah spat.
Ocean kissed her bare shoulder and Aaliyah shivered underneath him. Ocean could piss her off beyond recognition yet her body still yearned for him. “Are you mad at me, angel?”
“Yes.” She cleared her throat. “You ignored my texts and calls but you remembered I was filming a show and conveniently show up. How loving of you.”
