by Pamela Yaye
The tension was palpable as silence descended. “How did you find out about them?” she finally asked.
“My brother told me. He ran into one of Ashley’s friends at a party, who mentioned she’d met a guy from L.A. a while back and he’d asked her to move in.”
“That is so unlike him! Rob is a methodical, deliberate thinker who never makes a spontaneous move. That he just met a woman who is now living with him is...mind-boggling!” Unable to sit still, she stood and looked out the window.
“Does he know about what happened when you were an intern?”
She turned, crossing her arms as she looked at him. “Yes.”
“Then I’d bet my life that he told Ashley, and she told someone who either gave or sold the information to Schneider.”
“You sound sure of it.”
“A company called JDA Associates paid for the ad. They’ve also made several contributions to Dick’s campaign. I just have to find out their names.”
Niko’s phone buzzed. Monique gave him a look. She thinks it’s a booty call. He tapped the speaker button.
“What’s going on, sis? No, I’m still up.” He casually observed Monique taking her seat again while he listened. “You sure about this?”
Her mouth fell open.
“Well, I’ll be damned. Thanks to you, Teresa, the question I just brought up has been answered.”
He ended the call and stared at Monique.
“Joy and Ashley?” She could barely hear her voice through the shock. “The DeWitts are behind the ad?”
“You heard it for yourself. J-D-A. Joy. DeWitt. Ashley. Seems obvious now, though I never would have guessed.”
“I can’t believe it.”
“I can. You don’t know Joy. And Ashley is a chip off the old block.”
“Which can only mean one thing.” Her shoulders fell. “Rob told Ashley.”
“And she told Joy.”
For the first time since opening the door, his mask slipped, giving Monique a brief look at the hurt in his eyes. It moved her off the chair and to the couch.
“Niko, I’m sorry. You’re right. I heard Independent Citizens and immediately found you guilty. I was too angry to listen, too hurt at the thought that you could betray me.”
“So you can imagine how your accusations made me feel.”
“Yes.” She reached out to touch him.
He stayed her hand. “Don’t.” He stood and increased the distance between them.
“Like I said earlier, you had every right to be upset. Unfortunately, words once spoken cannot be unsaid.
“With everything we’ve shared—the days of conversation and nights making love—how could you flip the switch so quickly and believe me to be the type of man who’d ruin your reputation?”
She stood. He tensed. She did not walk toward him. “I should have considered how great of a man you are and listened the first time you called. But I misread the fact that I couldn’t reach you. By the time you called, I’d made up my mind. You did it. End of story. I overreacted, spoke without thinking and made terrible accusations. Niko, I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?”
“I can forgive you but I won’t forget.”
“You and I have shared amazing times together. I’d hate to lose our friendship.”
“I can’t make any promises on that front. What I can do is share my thoughts on the matter and voice my outrage. Short of endorsing you, that’s about it.”
She was the only one who smiled.
“I appreciate that, Niko. Tomorrow I’m taping my response to that horrible ad. Hopefully, it will air tomorrow night.”
“I’ll be watching.”
Two seconds passed.
Five.
Ten.
Niko stood feet away, arms crossed, his expression once again unreadable. “It’s late, and we both have busy days tomorrow.”
“You’re right.” Monique reached for her purse. “Thanks for seeing me, Niko.”
“Teresa’s call was right on time.” He walked to the door and opened it. “See you later, Monique.”
She paused, uncertain. He did not look at her. “Okay, then. Good night.”
Monique walked to the car with a heavy heart. For a moment she just sat there, as regret mixed with sadness and filled her soul. As an attorney, she’d always prided herself on being meticulous in her fact gathering, diligent in her research. Where had that discipline been when she’d seen the ad?
There was not one thing Niko had said that hadn’t been accurate. She should have known that he’d never do anything like this to her. At the very least, he should have been given the benefit of the doubt. But that hadn’t happened. And now, Monique realized as she started the car and headed back to her condo, it may be too late to get back what they had.
The next day went by in a blur: meetings, the taping, more meetings, an appearance at the local grocery store and still more meetings. Monique welcomed the nonstop pace. It helped her forget how sexy Niko had looked in that towel last night, how much she’d wanted to feel his embrace and, most of all, the hurt she’d seen in his soulful brown eyes. By the time she joined her staff for dinner at the Cove Café, she’d almost put last night out of her mind. What couldn’t be forgotten, however, was that almost everyone in P.C. had seen the negative ad, evidenced by the myriad of looks she now received. She forged ahead, greeted everyone with a smile and invited them to hear the other side of the story, airing tonight on their local news.
“What time is it?” her volunteer coordinator asked.
Lance looked at his watch. “Almost eight o’clock.” He looked at Monique. “Are you sure you don’t want to watch it? We can make it to my house in time.”
Monique shook her head. “I’ve watched it a dozen times already. I did my best and told the truth. It’s now up to the citizens to decide who they’ll believe.”
The first response came about fifteen minutes later, as they were finishing their meal. A middle-aged woman who Monique remembered worked at the grocery store walked up to their table.
“I just wanted to tell you that I saw your ad. And while it’s nobody’s business who you dated, I applaud your honesty. Who hasn’t done something in their youth that they’ve later regretted? Hold your head up, darlin’. You’ve still got my vote.”
Monique stood and hugged her. “Thank you very much. I truly appreciate your support.”
These sincere words warmed her heart, but not near as much as the text she received on the way home. It was from Niko and said simply: Good job.
* * *
Niko buried himself in work. A week after seeing her, he continued to nurse a bruised ego and tamp down anger at her misjudgment of his character. Even so, he missed Monique more than he’d imagined. She’d wanted him that night; he was sure of it. Probably only half as much as he’d wanted her. The look of raw desire in her eyes when she’d tried to touch him had almost been his undoing.
Bryce entered the office. “I’ll be glad when this is over,” he lamented, as he sat down with a sigh. “You’re a slave driver.”
“Ha! You want this as much as I do.”
“What I want is to be city commissioner.”
“Once I’m elected, you’ve got it.”
“After that initial dip, her numbers have increased and are now holding steady. Schneider has lost three more points.”
“Yes, and probably to Monique. Instead of running from the situation, she tackled it head-on. Her response was perfect, forthright, succinct and genuine. Those are the qualities people want to see in their leaders.”
Niko’s intercom buzzed. “Yes?”
“Lawrence Hayes, the principal of P.C. Elementary, is on line one.”
“Thanks.”
Niko took the call, finished his day
and had dinner with his family. With one week left in the final stretch, it would be the last meal he enjoyed with them until after the election.
* * *
“Emma, I need to take this call. Let’s catch up again soon, okay?” Monique tapped her cell-phone screen and placed the call on speaker as she prepared a cup of tea. “Hello?”
“Monique, it’s me.”
“Hello, Devante. I’ve been meaning to call you.”
“I know you’ve been busy, trying to become a big-shot mayor and whatnot. It’s about that time, right?”
“Yes, a week until election day. One way or another, it’s the end of the race.”
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m okay. I’ve worked hard and done my best. Now it’s up to the voters. How are you doing?”
“Great! In fact, that’s why I called—to thank you.”
Monique stopped in midstir. “Thank me? For what?”
“For whatever you did to get Mr. Hayes to call and offer me my old job back. The chief of police there called me, too.”
“Devante, I’m thrilled that Lawrence called you, but I haven’t spoken with him.”
“Oh, I just assumed you were the reason he called because of how he talked, about wanting to help me turn my life around and stay positive. He’s talked to my parole officer and everything. I’m going to move back there and take online classes. After I get my degree, he’ll promote me to the athletic department.”
Monique picked up the phone and walked to the couch. “This is wonderful news. I bet Lawrence realized what a gem of a person he’d lost. I know the kids loved you. They probably hounded him to hire you back.”
“Ha! That sounds about right.”
“Why did the chief of police call you?”
“To explain how by investigating me he was only following standard procedure, blah, blah, blah, and to tell me I was welcome in his town.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, I thought that was kind of weird. Definitely sounded like you worked that.”
“Nope, haven’t talked to him, either. So when are you coming back, and do you need a place to stay?”
“That’s the other thing. Mr. Hayes’s nephew has a three-bedroom condo and is looking for a roommate. I’ll move in about two weeks.”
“Just to be sure there are no more problems, I’ll call your parole officer first thing in the morning.”
“Call him after you’re elected mayor. That will sound more official, and let him know I’m rolling with the ballers.”
“Thanks for that vote of confidence. I’ll see you soon.”
Monique sipped tea and thought about the call. What happened to bring about Lawrence’s change of heart? And the police chief calling? What would make him do that?
As days went by, the question changed. It became not what...but who?
* * *
The night before the election, Monique called Niko. They hadn’t talked since the night she’d gone to his house. She hoped he’d answer. That he wasn’t busy. Or with someone else.
“Hello?”
“Niko, it’s Monique.” Silence. “I won’t keep you, just called to thank you for what you did for Devante. You are the one who talked to Lawrence, correct?”
“I made a couple calls. No big deal.”
“It’s a very big deal. He’s superexcited to come back, and that the chief of police welcomed him personally? That type of behavior from law enforcement is something that men like Devante rarely see.”
“From what you’ve told me, I felt he deserved a chance.”
“He does. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
She settled back on the couch with a huge grin on her face. Simply talking to a man shouldn’t make her this happy. But it did. “So...are you ready for tomorrow night?”
“Yes. Are you?”
“I guess so. Still working, though.” She waited, but he said nothing further. The ice may have thawed a bit, but it hadn’t melted. “Well, I’ll let you go, then. Good luck, Niko.”
“You, too, Monique. Goodbye.”
Ending the call on this election eve, she came to a painful truth: she’d gladly give up being mayor to get back her man.
Chapter 29
Monique sat in the hotel suite with Margo, Lance, his partner and her parents. The results were coming in, and with 70 percent of the votes in, things did not look good.
Mrs. Slater looked over at her daughter’s forlorn face. “It’s okay, Monique. You ran a clean race and did your best. That’s all we can ask for.”
“It’s not over yet.” George’s eyes remained glued to the TV screen. “He’s only ahead by five percent. Thirty percent of the vote has not been counted. Anything can happen.”
“Dad, you’re an eternal optimist.”
Lance looked at Monique. “I’m with your dad.”
“We’re all very proud of you,” Margo said, muting the television during a commercial break. “You withstood a nasty scandal with strong character and grace. You turned a sour lemon into sweet lemonade. Sharing your story was inspiring. It’s not the act of falling, but getting up that counts. You were sincere and honest. That resonated, and not just with women voters.”
Lance reached for the remote. “It’s back on!” Monique rose and paced as she watched the anchors pontificate on the election and its possible results.
“She did well,” the male anchor was saying as she stood with toe tapping. “Especially given the scandal that midway through rocked her campaign.”
“But she went up against a Drake,” the female anchor countered. “Given the number of homes they’ve built, businesses they’ve helped and charities they’ve funded, they’re like royalty in Paradise Cove.”
Monique slowly shook her head. “I guess that says it all.”
Margo eyed her watch. “How long do you think it will be before they call the race?”
“Probably another hour,” Monique replied. “Really, Margo, I know it’s late. You’ve been so supportive, but I can have Lance drive you home.”
“I wouldn’t think of leaving. I want to be one of the first to hug our city’s new mayor.”
“In that case,” Monique answered sarcastically, “you may want to go join Niko at the country club.”
* * *
Or not. Contrary to what Monique believed, Niko was not inside watching the election results. He wasn’t even near a television. He and his brothers were enjoying an impromptu pickup game, sweating hard and talking trash about who could do what on the basketball court.
“It’s been a while, son,” Terrell said to their eldest brother, Ike Jr. “I’ll try not to whip that butt too bad.”
Ike Jr. looked at Julian, who’d arrived from the East Coast just hours ago. “Said to the man who taught all of y’all how to play the game.” To make his point, he faked left, moved right and scored an easy layup.
“Come on, man,” Niko admonished Terrell, his two-on-two teammate. “Stop jaw-jacking and play ball.” He caught the ball from Ike Jr. and passed it on.
Terrell took the ball and started bouncing it. “Don’t worry, bro. We don’t intend to let you lose nothing tonight.”
All heads turned as Terrell’s twin, Teresa, came rushing around the back of Niko’s house, where the basketball court was located. “Niko! Are you crazy? Why are you standing there in sweaty shorts instead of a suit?”
Niko stopped. “What time is it?”
“Time for you to get a clue! Don’t you know you’ll need to make your speech? You’d better get changed and get over to the club now! Bryce has been calling you for the last fifteen minutes and is about to blow a gasket.”
Niko threw the ball to Ike Jr. and reached for a towel. “And here I thought
y’all had my back. I’m getting ready to have to make a speech on television wearing a sweaty T-shirt.”
Thirty minutes later and no one would have dreamed that Niko had just spent an hour playing with his brothers on the basketball court. He walked into the country club as if he’d just left a magazine-cover photo shoot. His double-breasted navy suit fit his frame to a T and the baby-blue shirt paired well with the red, white and blue polka-dot tie. A small flag pin was clipped to his lapel, with a platinum watch and matching cuff links and tie pin his only other accessories. That and his winning smile.
He entered through the back and walked to the private room where his family, staff and financial donors were seated. “Good evening, everyone. My apologies for being late. I had to quickly kick my brothers’ butts on the basketball court.”
This quip caused a flurry of responses and laughter across the room.
His mother walked over. “You’ll likely miss your own funeral,” she softly chided, while accepting a kiss on the cheek. “Spending time with your brothers was obviously beneficial. You look relaxed.”
“I am.” He looked up as Bryce headed his way. “Mom, if you’ll excuse me.” And then to Bryce, “I know. I owe you. Lost track of time.”
“Fortunately for you it doesn’t matter. Your lead is increasing. They’ll probably call the election any minute. Let’s head over to the city auditorium, where your public awaits.”
Niko turned to the room. “Before we leave, I just want to thank everyone for all your hard work. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
“Make sure you have your badges,” Bryce added. “You’ll need them to enter the section that’s reserved for Drake VIPs.”
On the way over, Niko’s phone rang. “Hello, Monique.” He held up his hand for quiet. “Thank you.” Nodding, he continued. “We both worked hard. In spite of everything that happened, you ran an excellent campaign. I really mean that.”
Bryce looked over. “She conceded?”
Niko nodded.
Terrell’s thumbs flew across his iPhone, not slowing down even while talking. “She’s a classy lady. If Niko hadn’t been running, she would have gotten my vote.”
“I’ve seen those appreciative looks you’ve given her. Not so sure she didn’t get it anyway.”
