“I didn’t bring a swimsuit,” Aaliyah replied.
“That’s perfect.” He got up and peeled off his clothing. “That’s actually perfect.”
~~~~~~
“How am I supposed to act tonight?”
Ocean was caught by surprise of Aaliyah’s question. They swam in the pool for a short while and did a little nude sunbathing before retreating into the pool to frolic. Her legs were wrapped around his waist as he held her against the wall.
The time spent was incredibly intimate and special, as if it was stolen and they didn’t know when they would get another.
It was going to be Aaliyah’s first political function, though Ocean hoped it wouldn’t be the last. “You be yourself. I want everyone to see what I see.”
“Besides that,” she replied, “do I bow? Curtsey? Do I greet someone as Congresswoman or Representative? What about any senators that will be there? Do I call them by their first names or address them as Senator So-and-So?”
“You’ll address them by their first names,” he instructed, “and they’ll address you by yours.”
Aaliyah studied Ocean’s blue eyes and were amazed how deep and bright they’d become. They reminded her of the color sapphire. “And you’ll address me as what?”
“Well, let’s talk about that,” he kissed her neck, “how do you want to be addressed as?”
“Are we dating?” She asked and Ocean’s eyes grew wide. “I’m serious, O. Having sex and seeing each other every so often doesn’t necessarily mean we’re dating.”
“I thought it did.” He replied. “Unless the rules for dating have changed? I don’t keep up with what’s good nowadays.”
“How were you going to introduce me?” She asked.
“My girlfriend, Aaliyah,” he replied, “unless I shouldn’t?”
“No, I want you to.” Aaliyah paused. The man that pushed her out of Ocean’s life the first time was guaranteed to be there. If Thomas didn’t finish the job the first go-round, he would certainly succeed the second time. “Your father is going to be there tonight, isn’t he?”
“He’s one of Briana’s biggest donors and supporters. Many people are coming out to support her. Many celebrities will be there. You have nothing to worry about.” Ocean reassured her, though he didn’t quite believe what he said. His father wouldn’t make a scene, but it didn’t mean he wouldn’t have words with Aaliyah. “You’ll be surrounded by others the entire night so it’ll be hard for my father to single you out.”
“He’ll find a way,” Aaliyah worried. “If he really wants me gone, O, nothing will stop him.” She thought about her past. It was a good time to let Ocean know once and for all. “O, I used to be…”
“My father doesn’t control my life anymore and I’ll make sure he won’t do anything to harm you.” Ocean crushed his lips on Aaliyah. His tongue was demanding and hungry, while his mouth drank from hers. “I want you, Liyah.” He moaned. “Let’s make love.”
Aaliyah could only nod. She wanted to tell Ocean the full truth about her past before he read about it in the press. As she felt his smooth hardness press against her sex and teased her wet entrance, she put the discussion aside.
She would definitely tell him tonight. If Ocean contemplated making her his wife, he had a right to know about her past before it was too late.
Twelve
The political fundraiser was part rock concert, part fancy sit-down dinner, and part call to action.
As Ocean and many other fellow members of the Democrat party gave rousing speeches and talked about everything other than politics, Aaliyah was astounded by how different everything was. Expensive gowns, painted on faces, and five figure donations were the norm.
She wore a tight, periwinkle cocktail dress with cap sleeves. She topped her look with the new jewelry Ocean had given her and a pair of Gucci heels. Her locs were wrapped up in a loose bun at the nape of her neck.
They were photographed upon arriving and Ocean made sure he held Aaliyah’s hand so there was no mistake in her title, even if he didn’t introduce her. He wanted everyone to know – his father included – Aaliyah was his woman.
Celebrity guests complained about finding a quality home chef. Other wealthy donors talked about the stock market and what to invest. Rich wives shared the latest gossip about other wives they couldn’t stand.
She was used to hookah bars, taking in a spoken-word session, and doing yoga. She was used to burning her white sage to cleanse her spirit while Solange sang to her through the Alexa speakers. She used to eating at her favorite vegan restaurant before she indulged in her favorite non-vegan cheesecake.
Aaliyah was welcomed with open arms.
Everyone greeted and interacted with her. Other politicians got to know her and asked if she could touch up some of their hidden tattoos. One asked when her show was going to air since she was a diehard reality show fanatic. A few did mention the picture and while Aaliyah blushed, she gained several admirers.
