Page 144 of Call Me Mrs. Taylor

But that bitch is not going to the White House.

39

Raya

The next morning, I make us breakfast. I’m heading out early today to check on Daddy and get ready at the house.

But, first?

I have some business to tend to.

It hasn’t even been twenty-four hours since I apologized to Ace, crying and confessing in his arms, and I’m already reneging. But that’s because I, like an idiot, took my eye off the ball and forgot about the last orca.

Good thing I never made any promises.

“Damn. What’s all this?” Ace surveys the spread of pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, croissants, and fresh fruit. “We having company?”

“I wanted to send my man off right,” I say with a smile. “After last night, you deserve it all.”

He approaches me and grabs a handful of my ass, squeezing possessively. “So do you,” he murmurs against my lips just before he kisses me.

I melt into it, but just for a moment. I have work to do.

“Some of everything?” I say, grabbing a plate.

He nods and takes a seat at the breakfast bar.

“I’m so proud of you,” I say as I scoop eggs onto the plate. “The White House. Babe, that’s huge.”

He shrugs. “Yeah. It’s whatever.”

I chuckle. Always playing it cool.

I turn back to the stove, letting the silence settle just long enough before I say it.

“What did your mom say when you told her? I hope she was excited.”

I know the bitch wasn’t as excited as sheshouldbe, but I wanna hear him say it. I want it on his mind.

“Uh…she was. She don’t really get excited for much, though.”

Because she’s a miserable cunt.

I add a stack of pancakes to his plate, slowly drizzling maple syrup over them. “I’m sure she’s proud of you. Iknowshe loves you,” I say. “She’d do anything for you.”

Ace cocks his head. “What makes you say that?”

I pile grapes and strawberries on the side, then slide the plate over to him. “Honestly, Ace, she’s very protective of you.”

He bites into a piece of bacon, crunching loudly. “You don’t know that lady.”

I smile, glancing away for a second, as if I’m deciding whether or not to say more. I take a sip of coffee, then set the mug in front of Ace. We’re sharing again, because I like that.

I sigh. “Okay…so, she reached out to me a while back.”

Ace freezes mid chew. “Who did?”

“Your mother.” I exhale again, shaking my head, because I really hate having to say this. “I didn’t wanna bring it up because…I know she loves you. She looks out for you, whether you know it or not.”

---