Page 110 of Treason's Temptation
My future president and first lady.
I lovethis for now… but let’s see what happens.
Now, why do I feel safer knowing she’s by his side?
“If only they knew the half,” Fallon quipped.
“He’s still alive, isn’t he?” Navie quipped.
“Blue’s bark is a lot worse than her bite. Trust me.” My rebuttal had Navie trying to snatch her legs from my lap, but I held them in place, changing the subject.
Navie retreated so I could focus as we neared the convention center. Rain still lingered, so I stepped out first, helping Fallon and Navie out of the car to make our entrance. Navie was smiling and shaking hands as I introduced her to the attendees.
“I didn’t expect to see you. Where’s Chelle?” I asked, shaking Jaleb’s hand.
“Home. She’ssick,” he replied, with an eye motion telling the real story.
“Sick of yo’ ass.”
“That too,” Jaleb joked, clearing his throat as Navie glided toward me. “Navie, good to see you again.”
“Likewise. Don’t you look dapper.”
“I gotta keep up with your man, here,” Jaleb joked.
“Good luck with that,” Navie grinned, hanging on my shoulder.
“Navie, I need you for a second,” Fallon whispered, pulling her arm.
“I’ll be back,” With a pat on my chest, she disappeared, leaving Jaleb and me alone.
“You really like this one.”
“So does the public,” I reminded him in his repulsed tone.
Jaleb didn’t miss the sarcasm in my voice. He swore this would be career suicide, but the public loved her and the polls reflected it.
“Don’t gloat, nigga.”
“Got too. I haven’t seen much of you lately.”
Jaleb read between the lines.
“It’s hard watching someone you love like a son make a bad decision.”
“Polls are up. Money is rolling in. So what are you trippin’ about?”
“Just be careful Tre. Love is beautiful, but for us, love is a business, and once you throw in marriage, it’s easy to get into and hard as fuck to get out of.”
Most people in relationships were waiting for the worst parts to reveal themselves. We’d already seen the worst in each other. That made it easier to focus on Navie tucking her hair behind her ear as she spoke to an older woman across the room.
“Thanks for coming,” I greeted my mom and Grandma with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“Boy, ain’t nobody here for you. Get over here and hug me!” Evie shoved me off, then opened her arms wider.
Navie’s muscles tensed, anticipating Evelyn’s hug. The camera flashed, bringing her back to reality, thrusting herself into Evelyn’s arms like they’d known each other a lifetime.
“You’re even more beautiful in person!”
