“I’m sure they will, but I don’t want to see you on TV. I’d like to see you in private. Just you and me, alone, having some fun.”
My eyes scanned his sexy self. Just for a few seconds, I visualized him naked. “Before I reply to your question, my question is how old are you? I don’t want to waste my time with kids. You do look pretty young.”
“I’m thirty-six. And you see how easy that was? I don’t mind telling you anything about me. I’m sure you can find out anything else about me you want to know.”
“Thirty-six is too young for me, but I thank you for paying my bail and driving me to my car. I honestly need to get home and get some rest. It’s beyond my bedtime and this old lady can’t hang.”
“I know you can hang, but how far do you have to drive?”
“Too far. Back to Washington.”
“I don’t want you to drive all by yourself. Let me drive you home. I’ll bring you back here tomorrow to get your car. Then we can have breakfast together.”
I was reluctant to let him drive me home, but to be honest, I didn’t want to be alone. Malik seemed like very good company. He proved to be just that as we found ourselves in a joyful and interesting conversation on the way to my place. He seemed intelligent, had a business degree and lived alone. He had a three-year-old daughter, and according to him, he and his child’s mother didn’t really get along. His parents were still married, father was his hero and his best friend was his dog. I had to ask why a young man like himself, with good attributes, wasn’t in a relationship with anyone.
“I was in a seven year relationship with a wonderful person, but I made some mistakes that caused me to lose her. I got another chick pregnant, and the one I was with wasn’t having it. She left me and the rest is history. I broke her heart, she broke mine.”
“I know how that is, but that shouldn’t stop you from dating. Things happen and you just have to keep on keeping on.”
“It’s not like I stopped completely dating. I just haven’t found a person who excites me and makes me want to do the relationship thing again.”
I didn’t say much after that. A relationship with me was out of the question. I already knew that Malik would be good for one thing and one thing only. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to find out if he was even good at that.
When we arrived at my apartment, I unlocked the door and we went inside. Malik looked around at the lavish white furniture in my living room area, and at the shiny, hardwood floors that ran throughout the apartment. The open space viewed my kitchen with stainless steel appliances and an island topped with black granite. Black and white photos of Stephen and me were here and there. I also had photos of Joshua on a unique circular bookshelf I’d had handmade for my books. There were colorful throw pillows on my sofa, and the crystal clear windows in my apartment viewed Washington D.C.
“This is real nice,” Malik said. “Do you stay here all by yourself?”
“I’ve only been here for a short time. Had to give up my house because of an unfortunate incident. When I’m not here, I’m usually at the White House. I have a room there too,” I boasted.
“I’m impressed,” he said, still looking around. “I hope to live like this one day.”
Honestly, I didn’t think my place was all that, but if he liked it, so be it.
“Can I get you something to drink?” I asked, then removed my shoes. I was dying for a shower, but I wanted to make sure he was okay.
“Nah, I’m good on the drink thing. But if you got some chips or something to snack on, I’ll take that.”
I pointed to the pantry. “Help yourself to anything in there and make yourself at home. I’ll show you the guestroom, after I take a shower. While I’m in there, you can watch TV, turn on some music, but please do not eat in my living room area.”
“I wouldn’t dare,” he said. “Enjoy your shower. I’ll be right here when you get done.”
I don’t know why I felt at ease with Malik being in my apartment, but you’d better believe that my security cameras watched his every move. If he tried anything tricky, he wouldn’t get away with it. I would have him arrested and make sure he spent time behind bars.
I went to my bedroom, removed my clothes and put on a white, soft cotton robe. After sliding into my house shoes, I headed to the bathroom. I turned on the waterfall showerhead; the bathroom quickly filled with steam. I couldn’t wait to indulge, and for thirty-or-so minutes, I did. I felt like a new woman. My hair had been washed and Dior moisturizing body milk had done the job. This time, I put on a silk robe after I was done, and when I opened the door that led to my bedroom, I saw Malik chilling on my king-sized bed with his shirt off. He sat against the tuft headboard while flipping through a book I had been reading. I cleared my throat, causing him to look up.
“It’s about time,” he said. “That was a long ass shower.”
“Excuse me, but what are you doing on my bed? I don’t recall telling you to come into my bedroom.”
“You told me to make myself at home, so I did. If I was at home, I would be in my bed, probably chilling and watching TV. If you would like for me to exit your bedroom, I most certainly will without any hesitation.”
“Yes, I would like for you to exit. I already told you I would show you the guestroom. That’s where you can sleep tonight.”
Malik got off the bed and tossed his shirt over his broad shoulder. My eyes were locked on his carved chest that displayed multiple tattoos. He moved in my direction, then he stopped right in front of me.
“Are you sure you want me to chill in another room? I prefer to be in here with you tonight.”
Hell, at this point, I preferred him to be in here with me too. “If I let you stay in here with me, tell me what I can look forward to.”
He answered by inching me back to the bed and placing his soft, buttery lips over mine. I was so caught up with the taste of his sweet tongue. The way he kissed me sent shockwaves throughout my body. He was gentle as gentle could get, and as he lay on top of me, one hand held up my leg, his other hand massaged my breast. He planted multiple delicate kisses on my neck, between my breasts, inside my bellybutton and right above my goodies. I was shocked when he dropped to his knees, and after securing my legs on his shoulders, his tongue traveled deep. So deep that a high arch formed in my back. I gasped out loudly to catch my breath. I had no idea that young men gave head like this, and this motherfucker had brought tears to the rims of my eyes. After this, I was going to beg for forgiveness and get back in church real soon.
President of the United States,
Stephen C. Jefferson
My mother was a trip. I tried to ignore her as best as I could, but seeing her protesting last night and being arrested was too much for me. Everybody in my administration kept talking about it. Sam couldn’t even focus in the press briefing room, without reporters asking him questions about my mother. She was a mess. Had started drinking again—I surely didn’t want to go down that path with her again.
“You need to get your mother,” Raynetta said as we sat at the table, eating breakfast while trying to ignore each other. “She’s out of control. If you don’t stop her, something tragic is going to happen.”
“I agree, but don’t sit there as if you care about me or my mother. Nonetheless, I’ll deal with her soon.”
“You’re right. I don’t care anymore, but can you blame me?”
“I don’t blame anyone for anything, but myself.”
It was obvious that Raynetta wanted to argue and get my day off to a bad start. I wasn’t going there with her, especially since I needed her to attend two functions with me this week.
“I’ll be meeting world leaders at the United Nations in New York tomorrow. While I’m there, I have a fundraising event to attend. I would like for you to join me, if you don’t have anything else to do.”
“I have plenty to do, but I know how important it is for you to keep on pretending that we love each other. I’ll go, just make sure I have my own suite
at the hotel. My rest these days is important.”
Raynetta couldn’t stand to be around me much longer. She grabbed a bagel from the table and picked up a binder in front of her. She winked at me and walked away. I couldn’t help but to wonder what she was up to. It never took me long to find out what was up in the White House, and whatever Raynetta was doing behind closed doors would come to the light. For now, I needed to go see what was up with my mother. I’d called her twice, but she didn’t answer her phone. And while I was in the Suburban, on my way to her place, I called her again. Still, no answer. I was somewhat worried, especially since she’d been drinking so much. Then, I figured this was her way of getting my attention. As usual, it worked.
My cell phone vibrated; I thought it was her calling me back. Instead, it was General Stiles calling. I answered right away.
“How did your meeting with John go?” she asked. “I’m asking because, at times, he seems clueless about what’s going on. I just want to make sure he went over some of the details we discussed.”
“He covered everything. I kind of know what you mean about him seeming clueless, but many of us are new at this. There’s a lot to learn. We’re all a work in progress.”
“I won’t disagree with you on that. So true, and when you get back from New York, I want to meet you somewhere so we can have a heart-to-heart talk about my position. I’m starting to worry about some of the things I’ve been doing too, and I want to get your take on how you think I should move forward. If you can pencil me in somewhere on your schedule, it would be much appreciated.”
“Will do. I’ll have Andrew give you a call and set something up.”
“Thanks. I’ll be watching you at the U.N., and good luck with those world leaders. Stay away from the fake ones and the ones who want to cause our country harm. I’m sure you already know who they are.”
“I do, but thanks for the advice.”
By the time our call ended, Secret Service had parked in a parking garage where my mother lived. The place was highly secured because several famous people resided in the same building. Only a few people saw us coming. That was the security guard at the front desk, and a lady who was on her way out with her daughter. She stopped to thank me for joining the protest the other day.
“I couldn’t believe you were out there,” she said. “My husband has mixed feelings about it, but what other choice did you have? The protests are still happening, but they seem more controlled now.”
“They are and I hope they stay that way.”
The lady’s daughter asked for my autograph so she could show it off at school. I signed one of her notebooks, before I headed up the elevator with two Secret Service agents. As we exited the elevator, I asked them to wait for me right there. I walked to my mother’s door that was the second one to the right of the elevator. Since I’d had a key, I let myself in. All I heard was a loud TV coming from her bedroom. The living room area was tidy, but I saw a Cognac bottle on the kitchen’s counter, next to two glasses.
“Mama,” I said as I proceeded down the hallway. I glanced into the guestroom; it was empty. When I made it to her bedroom, I had to take two or three steps back. I was shocked to see her lying naked in bed with a young man who was somewhere in his twenties or thirties. He was sitting against the headboard, watching TV. She was partially on top of him; their legs were intertwined.
“What’s up?” the young man shouted with bugged eyes. “Teresa, wake up! Yo . . . Your son, the president is here!”
Without saying a word, I stood in the doorway with a stern expression covering my face. My eyes were contracted; palms had already started to sweat.
“Teresa,” he said, shaking her shoulder. “Wake up!”
She lifted her head from his chest, yawned and wiped the corner of her mouth. As she slowly backed away from him, he eased out of bed and reached for his pants.
“What are you yelling for?” she said, still not seeing me in the doorway. “Come on, Malik, get back in the bed. I have a hangover and I’m not ready to get up yet.”
With an embarrassed look on his face, Malik’s eyes stayed focused on me.
“I . . . I apologize for presenting myself to you like this, but uh, I just, we didn’t know you was coming.”
My mother’s head snapped to the side. The second she saw me standing there, she reached for the comforter on the bed to cover herself. She sat up, raking her messy hair back with her fingers.
“What do you want, Stephen? Why are you here and you shouldn’t come here without calling first.”
Malik zipped his jeans as I walked further into the room and stood at the edge of the bed.
“What I want is for you to stop making a fool of yourself. You’re out of control, Mama, and sleeping with young men who are only trying to use you won’t solve your problems.”
“Man, look,” Malik said. “I’m not trying to use anybody. Your mother . . .”
She quickly interrupted him. “Malik, you don’t have to say one word. You are a guest in my home. My son has no business coming here and making assumptions that are insulting to me and to you as well. If you can’t tell, I’m busy, Stephen. Go back to the White House and run the people in your administration. Your look doesn’t intimidate me, and being ugly all the time doesn’t suit you.”
Without even knowing it, she was about to catch hell. I looked at Malik who stood there like a damn puppet.
“Get out. I need to speak to my mother in private. And when I say get out, I do mean exit the building.”
He looked at my mother, as if he needed validation. She moved her head from side-to- side.
“He’s not going anywhere. You’re the one who needs to leave. Don’t make me disrespect you in front of my guest.”
“I’m warning you, Mama. I’m about to do more than show my disrespect. I told him to leave.”
She pointed to the door with fury in her eyes. “I told you he’s not going any damn where. You don’t run anything over here, so march your ass out that door and save this conversation for another day.”
“Look,” Malik said, calmly. “I don’t want to cause no trouble. I can just go and give you a call later.”
“Good choice,” I said. “And don’t bother to call her later. She’ll be in rehab where she belongs.”
“And you’ll be in a dick control center where you belong. Malik, don’t you dare leave this room. If you do, it would be a cowardly act and I would be so disappointed.”
“I know you would, but I . . . I can’t diss the president. I got much respect for this man. If he wants me to leave so he can holler at you, I can’t stand in the way of that.”
His words didn’t charm me. And since he was still there, I moved his way and demanded that he left immediately.
“I appreciate all the smooth talk, but it’s not needed. Now go. Go before you get hurt and you witness a side of me that you won’t appreciate.”
Malik shot me an evil stare; his left eye twitched. I could tell he was a piece of shit, and when pushed, every man showed his true colors.
“Man, you need to step back,” he said. “I’ve been real cordial, but I’m not gon’ stand here and let you punk me.”
I shrugged and moved face-to-face with him. “You shouldn’t let me punk you, but what are you going to do about it?”
My mother pulled my arm, telling me to move back.
“This is stupid. You’re not in the streets anymore, Stephen. Back the hell up and keep him out of this. This is between you and me.”
I snatched away from her hold and kept my eyes focused on Malik. “This is between us, Mama, and I intend to deal with you in a minute. Or should I say, after Malik put all of his clothes back on and leaves.”
He threw his hands in the air and walked around me. “I don’t have time for this. I’m leaving. If you want to see me again, Teresa, you have my number.”
He snatched his shirt from the floor, and as my mother got off the bed with a sheet wrapped around her, trying to stop him f
rom leaving, I grabbed one of her arms. She reached up to slap me, but I blocked it.
“Sit down and let that fool go,” I said. “You’re acting like some kind of desperate woman who don’t have nothing else to do with her time. Your foolishness stops today, Mama, and I do mean today!”
“I’ve had enough of your insults. You are going to make me do something to you I may regret. You act like a man can’t be attracted to me, but the last time I checked, I can have any man I want, no matter how old he is. This isn’t about Malik, is it? It’s about your black ass always trying to control everyone and everything around you. You had no right to speak to him that way, and you damn sure have no right to come in here and act like you’re my man.”
“Who I’m acting like is your son. You need to get it together. It makes no sense for you to be out there clowning like you are.” I paused when I heard the front door shut. Apparently, Malik had finally left. I continued my conversation with my mother. “You know people are watching, you know they’re going to put you on the news, and to be frank with you, the shit you do is embarrassing. I’m trying to get things in order, but every time I turn around, I have to answer questions about your ridiculous actions. You’ve got to do better. If you need some help with your drinking problem, I suggest you go back to rehab. Stay there for as long as it takes and stop giving those damn reporters something to talk about.”
She walked away from me, and after tying the sheet over her breasts, she went right over to a nightstand where there was another bottle of alcohol and a glass next to it. She poured Gin to the rim of the glass, then put it up to her lips while peering at me. After taking several sips, she smiled.
“Just so you know, there are times when I’ve felt embarrassed by your actions too. Times when I’ve been so proud of you; after all, you are my son. You may not approve of some of the things I do, but I will make no adjustments to my life to appease you. Learn to accept me for who I am, and if you don’t, there will be no loss here.”
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