Stephen answered without turning around to face me. “I can’t answer your question about loving you. Ask me when you can tell me how much you still love me and when you’re willing to be everything I want and need you to be. You aren’t quite there yet, are you?”
He turned to face me, awaiting an answer. I swallowed the lump in my throat and moved my head from side-to-side. In a low tone, I answered truthfully. “No, I’m not ready. Too much—”
Stephen shot me a stern gaze and cut me off. “That’s what I thought. And just so you know, you don’t have to explain because I’ve felt it for a long time.”
He walked out and left me in deep thought. I wondered why he ignored my question about being in love with Michelle. He skipped right over it—interesting. Minutes later, I picked up the phone to call my agent. She was happy to hear from me.
“I think I may have to revise my previous manuscript. If so, are you still interested?”
She responded with two words. “Hell yes.”
President’s Mother
Teresa Jefferson
I hated funny acting people, especially a son who I had given birth to. I had been calling him every day, trying to find out why he’d changed his mind about resigning and why was he willing to lie to the American people about General Stiles being killed in an explosion. He should’ve told them what Raynetta had done, especially since he couldn’t trust her not to tell his story. I still didn’t trust her, but I was glad things had settled down. He seemed to be focused more on the important things like running this country. I tried to let him handle his business, but after not hearing from him for almost a week, I marched right over to the White House to see him. Secret Service had the audacity to tell me he was in a meeting and didn’t want to be interrupted. And when I refused to leave, they went and got that nerd Andrew, as if he was really going to stop me from seeing my son.
“Teresa, we’re going to wrap up everything in about an hour or so. Why don’t I ask the president to meet you somewhere for lunch? Now isn’t a good time. We’re so close to finalizing major legislation.”
“That’s fine, but what does that have to do with me speaking to my son? Does he know I’m here?”
“He does, but he’s unable to exit the meeting.” Andrew looked at his watch. “Listen, I’ll have the president meet you at Barkley’s around one o’clock. We should be all done by then and the two of you can have a nice and quiet lunch together.”
I wasn’t happy about this, but lunch with Stephen did sound good. I told Andrew to make sure Stephen came to the restaurant. If he didn’t, well, I didn’t want to say what would happen.
I left the White House and stopped by a strip mall to purchase hair products. As soon as I got out of my car, I was surprised to see a young man I’d been playing with, Malik, park his car next to mine. Obviously, he had been following me. I didn’t appreciate it one bit. Besides, I’d told him it was fun while it lasted, but I wasn’t interested in having any more fun. Feeling frustrated, I got out of my car displaying a tight face. Hated to be so ugly, especially when I was so pretty. He got out of his car with a wide smile.
“You are one lady who is hard to catch up with. I’ve been calling you, leaving you messages, doing everything to reach out to you.”
“Everything like following me too? I don’t know what else you want, Malik, but I already told you this wasn’t going to work out between us. I don’t like men who ask me for money and you made a big mistake that day.”
“I only asked because I’d lost my wallet and I didn’t have gas in my car. And, I only asked for twenty bucks. You act like I asked you for a million dollars or something. I didn’t and you have my word that I will never ask you for another dime.”
I tucked my Michael Kors purse underneath my arm and stood with an attitude. “Good. Please don’t and please stop following me. I don’t know what else you want from me. Don’t you know when a woman is no longer interested?”
He nodded and leaned against his car. “I do know, but I’m persistent. We had fun while we were together, and in addition to that, I enjoyed having you on the front lines with me, fighting for the cause. You also caused the media to bring attention to some of our issues and I wanted to know if you would attend a rally with me and several members from my organization later tonight. We just want to energize young people and encourage more of them to take a stand for our future. A person like you could be really helpful to us, so give it some thought and let me know if you can make it. I’ll be more than happy to come pick you up with a full tank.”
“I don’t know if I’ll have time, but if I do, I don’t need you picking me up. A man riding on empty speaks volumes and I’m still bitter about the money thing. As for us, we’re done. I do, however, like what your organization is doing, so I may come out and support it.”
“I hope so, even though I’m disappointed about you saying we’re done. You need to give it more thought, and I promise you I won’t ever ride on empty again.”
Malik laughed, showing his dimples. I had been real hard on him, but the truth was, I just didn’t have time to entertain him anymore. I told him I would reach out to him later. Truthfully, I didn’t think that would happen.
I was able to grab a few items from the beauty supply store, but like always, I felt like someone was watching me. That included an Asian woman who kept browsing the aisles, looking to see what I had in my hand.
“Can I help you with something?” she asked.
“No you may not. What you can do is get out of my face, before I put this shit down and walk out of here. Black folks spend too much money in places like this for you to be following us around and watching us. Go watch that blond head woman over there. She walked in two months pregnant, now it looks like she’s eight months pregnant. So bye.”
“No, no, I not watch you. I was only trying to help.”
“I’m the president of the United States’ mother. Do I look like I need help to you?”
She rolled her eyes at me and walked away. Some other people in the store knew who I was and they kept bugging me while I shopped. I had a feeling that Stephen had Secret Service keeping an eye on me too. I hated to have them anywhere near me, and I’d made it clear to Stephen that I didn’t need them following me around all the time. After I left the store, I got in my car and headed to Barkley’s to meet Stephen. I wasn’t even sure if he would show up, but twenty-or-so minutes after I was seated, Secret Service came to examine the restaurant. The owners were very excited about Stephen’s visit and they offered to clear out the place so we could have some privacy. I heard Stephen from a distance, telling the owners it wasn’t necessary. They all shook hands and he also shook hands with several people who were there having lunch. My handsome son was very likeable; then again, some of the people in the restaurant seemed fake. I could tell by their forced smiles and half-ass handshakes. I guessed Stephen was used to those kinds of reactions; he finally made his way over to the table where I was. Before saying anything to me, he sent someone a text message then pulled back a chair. His purple crisp shirt with a white collar was tightened on his muscles and black suspenders were attached to his pants. I loved his attire, but he’d already gotten enough compliments from several people inside of the restaurant. I was sure his ego was up there.
“I already ordered for us,” he said. “I can’t stay long, but you do have my attention.”
“It’s about time because I’ve been trying to reach you. I don’t know why you’re ignoring my calls. What did I do this time to upset you?”
“Do you really have to ask? You keep doing the same things over and over again. I wish you would get some business so you can stay out of mine.”
“I tried to get some business, but in case you forgot, you messed it up by throwing Malik out of my place that day. I haven’t heard from him since.”
“Yeah, well, keep it that way. He’s nothing but trouble, and if you’re that lonely or bored, why don’t you take a vacation?”
&nbs
p; “I’m not lonely or bored, but I’m sick and tired of you suggesting what I need to do. I haven’t forgotten about your little tirade while you were at my place that day. You need to learn how to have more respect for me. I’ve done a lot for you, Stephen. I continue to do a lot and I keep telling you that you do not want me to become your enemy.”
“The problem is you do too much. In no way do I want to be disrespectful to you, but you’re working my nerves, Mama. Your interference got General Stiles killed. Had you just—”
I waved my hand around to cut him off. “No, correction, my dear son. My interference saved your wife’s life. I would think you’d be happy about that, but maybe you’re not happy about her being alive. Do you hate her that much? If you do, then man up and do away with her yourself. It was a cowardly act to send another woman over there to do your dirty work. You should feel horrible about what happened, but you don’t seem bothered at all.”
Stephen looked across the table at me with a blank expression on his face. I could sense something with him wasn’t right. I saw it the night he’d spoken to the American people, but now that he was in front of me, something strange was written all over his face.
“Out with it, Stephen. Out with it right now. I need to hear the truth and nothing but the truth. Is General Stiles dead? I saw Raynetta shoot her, and I saw her lying on the floor in a pool of blood. Still, I know how creative you, along with people affiliated with the government can get when need be. I also remember what I was told about Joshua. Something fishy is going on and you need to come clean.”
He sat calm as ever, looking rather annoyed by what I’d said. “Mama, you know what happened. You were there, so stop trying to make something out of nothing.”
The direction of his eyes shifted to the right and his nose flared a bit. My mouth dropped open, voice went up a notch.
“No, you, didn’t, did you? Why, Stephen? Tell me why you would lie about something like this, fake cry and make us believe you were going to resign? I can’t believe one word that comes out of your mouth these days. Instead of being the president, you should’ve been an actor.”
“I just told you to stop trying to make something out of nothing. You can believe what you want, but what’s done is done. I handled everything and General Stiles is deceased. I wish it didn’t have to be that way, and I do feel responsible for what happened. Unfortunately, there’s nothing I can do about it. Nothing you can do about it either.”
“I can and will do something about it, if I find out you’re lying to me. You know how good I am at finding out things, so you may as well tell me the truth.”
He couldn’t even look at me; he was anxious to change the subject.
“I wish you would spend more time on your life than on mine. We would get along so much better if you did, and I just don’t know why you can’t understand that.”
As Stephen spoke, he kept looking over my shoulder. I wasn’t sure why, until I turned around and saw Michelle Peoples sitting at a table with another news reporter. He was a nice-looking black man I’d seen numerous times on TV. They laughed and seemed to be enjoying each other’s company. I looked back at Stephen and smiled.
“Looks like she’s finally moved on. And every time I try to stay out of your business, something like this comes up and I can’t resist. She’s probably trying to get pregnant by him so she can blame the baby on you. It wouldn’t surprise me one bit, especially since you’re not that skilled at picking side-tricks.”
“You’re pretty lousy when it comes to picking men, but that’s just my opinion. And if Michelle wanted to get pregnant by me, all she had to do was accept the money you were willing to pay her and convince me to stop using a condom. You did offer her some money to have my child, didn’t you? Just another example of you crossing the line, in case you want to keep denying it.”
I threw my hand back and pursed my lips. “If she told you I offered her some money to have your child, she lied. I would never choose a woman like her to have my grandchildren. You’re better off having children with Raynetta. Then again, I take that back because I do not and cannot have any grandchildren related to Mr. McNeil. That’s a hard pill to swallow, and I know damn well you have some issues with that too.”
Stephen peered over my shoulder again. I could tell that seeing Michelle with another man upset him. He would never admit it, but the look on his face said it all.
“I’ve made no decisions about me and Raynetta, but after what happened with Joshua, children are the last thing on my mind. You haven’t heard anything from him or Ina, have you?”
“Not one word. Called a few times, but they never answer their cell phones. I’m upset about it, but this is one situation we both have to wash our hands to.”
Stephen agreed. And after our food and drinks came, the remainder of our lunch together was pleasant. He continued to keep his eyes on Michelle. The second she left the restaurant with the reporter, Stephen seemed to be in a rush to go.
“I need to get back to the White House and finalize a few things. I’m also going to leave you with some solid advice, so listen up. Slack up on the drinking, Mama. Don’t think I haven’t noticed you’ve had three drinks already and I’m sure you’re not done for the day.”
“For the last time, I have my drinking under control so there is no need for you to offer me your solid advice. Besides, I’m heading home to relax and catch up on some of my favorite TV shows. I’ll check in with you in a few days. By then, maybe you’ll be willing to tell me the truth about General Stiles and you’ll be over Michelle going to her place to get laid by that handsome reporter. He is very attractive, but he seems a bit too old for her, doesn’t he?”
The way Stephen cut his eyes at me I could tell my words had gotten underneath his skin.
“I don’t know how old he is and it’s not my business. As for General Stiles, it’s a wrap. Allow her to rest in peace.”
He got up from the table, and after giving me a quick hug, he left the restaurant with Secret Service in tow. In no way was it a wrap when it came to General Stiles. My gut told me to ask around and check out a few things. And even though I didn’t give a care if she was dead or alive, I truly wanted to know if Stephen had put on an act the day Raynetta and me went to his office, after she’d shot General Stiles. I felt so sorry for him that day; he made me feel guilty as hell for interfering. All I was seeking was the truth. As for Michelle, I sensed that she’d had a slight hold on Stephen. I assumed the White House wasn’t his final destination today and I hoped he wouldn’t find himself in a heap of trouble messing with her. It was time for him to turn her loose. That was my opinion, only because I knew how upset he could get when things didn’t always go his way.
I returned home around four o’clock that afternoon. Had me a few more drinks and I found myself dancing around my living room while listening to R&B music. I’d thought about meeting up with Malik tonight, but I was too tipsy to drive. The peach, long silk nightgown I wore was sexy and elegant at the same time. He would be delighted to see me in it—his horny ass would be pleased to see me in anything. I plopped on the plush sofa, propped my feet on the ottoman and reached for my cell phone. Just as I got ready to call Malik, I heard a knock at the door. I placed my glass of Martel on the table then straightened my short, layered hair as I made my way to the door, asking who was there.
“It’s me,” Malik said. “I got your call.”
My brows scrunched inward. I didn’t know what he was talking about—I hadn’t called him. I opened the door, immediately examining him from head to toe. He had on well-pressed denim jeans, a leather jacket and his dreads were gathered in a ponytail. Chocolate skin appeared smooth, teeth were bright white and dimples were always in full effect.
“Sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said. “I didn’t call you. You must have mistaken someone else’s number for mine.”
Malik pulled out his cell phone then looked at it. “Nope. This is your number and definitely your n
ame. I figured you weren’t going to show up tonight, so I decided to come here in case you needed me.”
The direction of his eyes traveled to my breasts which were clearly visible through the upper section of my nightgown. I held out my hand and asked to see his phone.
“Show me my telephone number. I want to see where I called you and what time I supposedly did so.”
Malik didn’t hesitate to show me. And sure enough, my name and number was displayed on his phone. Maybe I’d called him by accident. The alcohol kind of had me tripping, so who knows what I did.
“I don’t recall making a phone call, but since you’re here, you may as well come in and have a few drinks with me. I was getting ready to catch up on The Haves and the Have Nots, and just so you know, I don’t wish to be interrupted with wasteful conversation.”
Malik strutted inside. “I wouldn’t dare distract you with wasteful conversation.” He reached out for my waist and pulled me closer to him. “But I do intend to distract you with a little something else.”
After his lips touched mine, I melted like butter in his strong arms. It didn’t take long for things to get heated, and within a matter of minutes, I was laid back on the sofa, drunk as hell while he’d had his way with me. Somewhere in the midst of it all I passed out. I woke up with a severe headache, and as I squinted to look around the room, Malik was gone. I didn’t see him anywhere, nor did I see my purse I had left on the table or my diamond watch that was right next to it. I hurried off the sofa to look for my cell phone. It was gone too.
President of the United States
Stephen C. Jefferson
It had been a long day, but when all was said and done, the House had passed a bill that tackled women’s issues pertaining to stricter punishments for sexual harassment/abuse, equal pay, affordable childcare . . . to rights referencing their own bodies and healthcare. I was ecstatic about the good news and the bill was on its way to the Senate for a vote. It was expected to pass there too, and as I sat in the Roosevelt Room with several members of my staff, mostly women, they were overcome with joy. Tears were in many of their eyes, because many had protested, rallied and fought like hell for this day to come. Some had suffered from the unnecessary changes the previous administration had made, and based on opinions of the women in the room, things were starting to feel normal again. Vice President Bass had finally admitted the same thing.
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