Page 50 of Mister President

“Man, you act like she wanted to be with me. Or like her ass wasn’t cheating on me for money. Money I could have given her easily. Can you really blame me for not wanting to be in a relationship with her ass?”

“If that’s how you feel…what’s changed?”

As I got out of the car, I considered his question. Before I replied, I told my driver he could keep the car running because I was sure this wouldn’t take long.

“She’s changed, and quite frankly, I’m tired of trying to have what I want with her with someone else. I’m not saying we’re going to be together forever, but I am saying if she would be willing, I want to give us another try. This would be the first time we’ve wanted the same things at the same time, and I at least want to say I gave it a chance.”

“Yeah, but would you be able to trust her? Not hold the past against her? Because there’s no point in going there if you’re going to push her away with your paranoia.”

“I feel like I can trust her, but I’on know. It’ll depend on how things are when we commit to each other. If she acts right and makes me feel like I’m secure with her, the past won’t be an issue. I’m at Declan’s office, though, so I gotta go.”

“Aight. Make sure you call me back and let me know what he says.”

I laughed but nodded. “I got you.”

After disconnecting the call, I checked in and waited a few minutes for Declan’s assistant to lead me back to his office. He smiled at the sight of me and quickly made his way around his desk. We shook hands and did a side hug as he said, “You finally made some time for me, huh? I ain’t mad at you. Get that money.”

I laughed as we released. “Man, that’s been you. You’ve canceled the last two or three meetings we had.”

Confusion covered his face as he reared back on his heels. “I haven’t canceled a thing.Youroffice has.”

Squeezing the back of my neck, I rolled my tongue over my cheek before I chuckled.

“Your daughter did that shit, man, and I need to know why. I got a cancelation email for this meeting, too, but I decided to still pop up to see what was going on.”

He motioned for me to sit down at the sofa in front of the large floor-to-ceiling mirrors.

“Why would Fiona cancel our meetings?”

“I’m starting to think it’s because she’s been hiding our relationship from you.”

Blinking rapidly, Declan sat up in his seat. He massaged his chin. “I’m confused. I told Fiona I didn’t want her to date you. She told me she wasn’t, but you’re saying y’all are together?”

“Yeah, and we have been for a while now. She came on to me the first week she was in the office, and it progressed from there. We’ve been traveling together and everything. You’re telling me you had no idea?”

Releasing a bark of laughter, Declan sat back in his seat. “She wouldn’t tell me she was with you because she knew I wouldn’t approve.”

That was a surprise, but it made her secrecy make sense. “And why wouldn’t you?”

Clicking his tongue, Declan sat up in his seat. “Look, this isn’t personal, Elias. I respect and admire you, and I’m proud of your achievements. However, I’m sure you’ve noticed the theme when it comes to marriage in my home.”

I thought about it. His wife was Irish, and his son married a white woman, but I didn’t think that was intentional. I for damn sure didn’t think that would have anything to do with Fiona.

“Speak frankly with me, Dec. What are you saying?”

“I’m saying I told Fiona I wanted her to marry a white man. That’s why she’s been keeping us apart.”

His calm tone and blank expression did not soften the blow of his words. I shifted slightly because a part of me hoped his words would be different if I actually watched them come out of his mouth.

“You got to be the blackest nigga I know, and you’re sitting here telling me you don’t want me to date your daughter, who is half black herself?”

“You’re making this personal.” He laughed quietly as he stood, causing me to do the same. “I married white, and so will my children. It’s not a big deal.”

“It’s a big fucking deal, man. We can have our preferences, but Fiona should be able to choose who she wants to spend the rest of her life with. How are you okay with controlling her like that?”

“Her choice will be based on my choices for her, and that will never include you.”

“Oh, so let me get this straight.” I took a step back to put some space between us, because the way I felt, I was seconds away from hitting his ass in his ignorant fucking mouth. “I’m good enough to make you millions, but I’m not good enough to be with your daughter because of the color of my skin?”

---