Page 2 of Resurrect Me

Sol rolls his eyes. “He has a knack for that, I think.”

“Maybe he likes you,” I say as I sling my purse over my shoulder. “I mean, do you blame him?”

Another knock at the door just as I’m reaching for the handle. I open it.

“Ladies and Gents, I’m nearly a married man,” Reggie says and holds up his ring finger waving a shiny silver ring in the air. “Just becauseyourman is attractive, successful, and an alpha male doesn’t mean I’m automatically in love with him. Besides, Mrs. Rountree, I don’t have your curves, Honey. So, I’m not his type.”

“Were you listening this entire time?” I giggle and shake my head. “You’re a snoop, Reggie.”

“Mr. Rountree left the intercom on,” he says matter-of-factly and clicks his tongue.

Sol slaps a button on the desktop phone. “Whoops, sorry.”

“All good, Boss.”

“I was just leaving. Love you and see you later Babe,” I say to Solomon.

“Love you to the ends of the earth.”

I follow Reggie out.

I push the round button and enter the elevator as Reggie returns to his desk just outside Sol’s office.

“See you next week, Mrs. Rountree,” he chides.

“Please…call me Tacy. Mrs. Rountree sounds so…official. Like a Governor’s wife.”

“Get used to it…it’s going to happen,” he says and grins.

I return his smile as the elevator doors close.

Chapter 2

Tacy

Election Day

“The votes came in,” Sol says over the phone. “We won! It’s Governor Rountree, now!”

“I knew you would win,” I say. “You’re the right guy for the job.”

Solomon Rountree, state governor. And now I’m the Governor’s wife. I don’t know whether I should be overwhelmed with excitement or anxiety. So, I focus on the culmination of my husband’s hard work – winning the election. Solomon has worked so hard for this day. What’s even better is that he’s a good person and wants to make solid, lasting changes in the government. Changes that will make our people healthier and happier, and overall improve our state.

“We should celebrate tonight!” Sol exclaims. “The whole family. Pick a spot. Any spot. And I’ll have my assistant set the reservation.”

“Sounds great,” I say. “My shift’s over at six. See you later. I’m so proud of you.”

An hour after returning home from my shift at the hospital, I still haven’t heard from Sol. The kids are antsy, complaining and running around the house like madmen, and my stomach is growling.

I dial his cell a second time, and it goes straight to voicemail. Damn it, Sol. You forgot to charge your phone again. Andon election day, nonetheless.Idial the office line and Reggie answers.

“Solomon Rountree’s office…ahem, Governor Rountree’s office, how may I help you?” There’s a hint of panic in his voice. No, perhaps it’s the sound of elatedness?

“Reggie, it’s Tacy,” I say. “You’re there late tonight. Can you put me through to Sol, please?”

“Oh, hi Mrs. Rountree. The Governor left after lunch. Before the votes were finalized, even. He said something about being with his people when the final count came in. I thought his people meant you and the kids.”

“What? No, Reggie. I was at work all day. I haven’t heard from him, and his cell is going straight to voicemail.”

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