“And I’m sure an ass-kissing suck-up doesn’t belong in D.C. politics, neither. Or maybe you do. You and your father bounce from one Ellison brother to the other trying to see which one will take your bait and won’t pull out. You love to hashtag and retweet social justice issues but I bet I won’t see you at a protest. You’re about women’s rights but you and your like are awfully silent about the mistreatment black women face on a daily basis from our communities and against us from the others.” Aaliyah steadied her gaze. “You’re dripped in diamonds from head to toe, and you’re going to tell anyone with a straight face how you’re about all lives matter, not realizing – or maybe in your case not caring – about the blood sacrifice my skinfolk went through so you could be laced in Cartier.”
Ximena’s eyes grew wide. “You have some nerve. Tell me, Aaliyah, does Ocean know about your past? I surely do and so does my father. I heard your past was the reason why Thomas made sure Ocean dumped you before he ran for office. What do you think will happen once that news hits? Do you think Ocean will stay with you knowing that his girlfriend used to be a whore?”
“You can call me every single name in the book if makes your panties wet and you sleep better at night.” Aaliyah whispered to Ximena. “But the difference between me and you, baby girl, is that I got paid for busting it open. Your daddy is still pimping you out and all you’re getting is a wet ass and fake photo-ops.”
Just when Ximena was about to reach back and slap Aaliyah, she was stopped by seeing a younger woman entertaining her married father. Ricardo seemed rather smitten with the woman and couldn’t stop smiling at her. “We’re not done here,” she replied before she left.
“Oh yes we are,” Aaliyah finished her champagne. She reached for another one and sipped on that glass. She rolled her eyes and shrugged her shoulders. She had to play nice for just a bit longer before she went back to Ocean’s home. She just hoped her night became better.
“Are you fine? Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Savior, if you ask me that one more time, I’m going to take off these Gucci flats and hit you!”
Aaliyah turned around and saw Savior with his very pregnant wife, Keisha, walking towards them. “Savior,” Aaliyah greeted him with a kiss and a hug. “I didn’t think you would be here tonight! Ocean said the baby is due any day now.”
“I didn’t want to be here, but someone wanted to come,” Savior glanced over at his wife.
“You were getting on my nerves!” Keisha defended. She was dressed in a purple chiffon Monique Lhuillier gown. “And I’ve been having contractions all week and guess what? I’m still knocked up!”
“Ocean said the baby would come at any time and I would rather us be at home,” Savior explained, “we’ll stay for a short while and then we’ll leave.” He turned to Aaliyah. “How are you holding up tonight? No one has given you any issues, I hope?”
“Ximena Montez.” Aaliyah mentioned. “Name sound familiar?”
“Ah, Ximena. A textbook picture from Social Climbers R Us.” Savior shook his head. “She couldn’t have cared less about our family and it’s pretty obvious she doesn’t. She wants Ocean because she wants the power and prestige. She’s made it very clear she would be willing to look away at any extramarital affairs as long as she could stay married to the family.”
“Gross,” Aaliyah shuddered. The music changed to 90’s R&B and she saw Soul behind the turntables. “She won’t stop until she gets what she wants.”
“A scandal will put a stop to all of it but there’s nothing on the family. They’re supposedly clean but I don’t buy that.” Savior sipped champagne. “I don’t buy that for a second.”
“If they’re hiding something, I wonder what it could be.” Aaliyah wondered.
“It’ll all come out at some point or another.” Savior mentioned. “Scandals don’t stay hidden for too long.”
“Savior, Keisha.” Ocean walked over to his brother and his wife. “I’m glad you guys are here but I didn’t think you would able to come.”
“I didn’t want to,” Savior replied. “But I was threatened.”
“That’s my girl,” Ocean smiled at Keisha. “How are you?””
“Uncomfortable and over it.” She rubbed her tummy. “So over it.”
“Still having contractions?” Ocean asked and she nodded. “How far apart are they and how long do they last?”
“Eight minutes and only for a few seconds,” Keisha replied. “More of an annoyance than labor.”
“Okay. When they get to five minutes apart and under a minute, that’s when you need to give me a call. I’ll clear out my schedule.” Ocean stated.
Aaliyah glanced over to her boyfriend. “You’re still her doctor?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” Ocean stated. “I’m still licensed.”
“So, even as a senator, you would deliver our babies?” Aaliyah asked.
“I would love to deliver our children.” Ocean replied. “It would be the greatest honor.”
The tide changed that moment between the pair. Another energy shift happened and it was beyond just solidifying their commitment. Ocean wanted Aaliyah to be his wife and life partner. It wasn’t different from before. She wanted it to happen more than ever.
“Let’s dance,” Aaliyah set down her glass.
