Page 170 of Treason's Temptation
“Only if he’s on his best behavior.”
“He might as well stay home,” Ward joked.
As much as June worked my fuckin’ nerve, he was solid.
“He can come through.” Ward nodded, but kept stealing sheepish glances at me through the rearview.
“What, nigga?”
“I can’t believe you’re going to be somebody’s daddy.”
“Shit me either.”
Now that it was a reality, I couldn’t see my life any other way.
“Bluegot you whipped like a motherfucka.”
“I’m cool with that.”
Ward parked along the curb, shaking his head at the reporters lining the sidewalk as I climbed out. The summit was about health equity and bridging gaps in a city that had too many. Walking in to greet the Langstons, I could feel the weight of everything but equity.
“We’re proud of you, son. Carrying the family name with dignity,” Russell Sr. clapped his hand on Jaleb’s back.
“With Treason in office, Yassah running LMG, and Jaleb the philanthropist, we can finally retire in peace,” Josephine laughed, overpowering Jaleb’s silence, “Oh, where’s Navie?”
“She’s taking it easy. It’s been a long few days.”
Josephine nodded, “You send her my love.”
“I will.”
She patted my arm before leaning in to whisper, “Keep an eye on her. She seems sweet, but was raised by a woman like Sloane.” She stopped her sentence short.
Watching Jaleb’s jaw tighten as he stood next to his wife was better than the Cavs and Warriors in 2016. I could almost hear the storm building behind his eyes. He wanted to say something, but the public is watching.
“But if things don’t work out, I’d take you as a son-in-law,” Josephine poached.
“Mom, please!” Yassah rushed out, embarrassed.
“Leave the boy alone, Josephine,” Russell dragged, winking at me while roping his arm around his wife.
Jaleb walked away, his family sharing looks of confusion.
“Now what’s wrong with him?” Josephine huffed.
“He’s been like this sincesheresurfaced. Thanks, Tre.” Mich delivered an exaggerated smirk before walking in the opposite direction from Jaleb.
Jaleb gave his speech first full of polished rhetoric. His parents beamed in the front row like they’d groomed him for this exact spotlight, which they had. When it was my turn at the podium, I leaned into the mic, voice steady, gaze sweeping over the audience. My words landed sharply because they weren’t dressed up. They were real, and the crowd ate it up while Danielle stood next to the cameraman directing the shot of me on stage.
When I stepped off, Danielle’s arm landed on mine.
“Is Navie coming? We could use some shots of you together.”
“No,” I replied, keeping it short.
“Can I talk to you for a second?” she asked, opening her stride to catch up because I was already on the move.
“We don’t have shit to talk about.”
