Page 18 of Watercolors
His heart burned for her and Ocean was playing a dangerous game with both of their livelihoods. If he wasn’t careful, someone was going to get burned and it wasn’t going to be him. “I had a good time, yes.” He smiled. “I’m glad you did as well.”
“I had amazing company so it was the perfect evening.” Ximena smiled. “I’m glad you invited me to come with you.”
Ocean knew that was a boldface lie. He didn’t ask nor would he have picked her out. He wasn’t going to be an ass to her; Ximena clearly played a role and as much as Ocean loathed it, so was he. “You’re welcome.”
Ximena glanced over at Ocean and couldn’t help but to think how gorgeous he was. Her jaw dropped and she found herself to be warm in the air-conditioned car. Ocean was gracious and respectful, and yet there weren’t any sparks.
Yet. It would take time. A man like Ocean Ellison needed time and space. She would have to play by his game and by his rules; no exceptions. If Ximena played her cards right, she was going to be Mrs. Ocean Ellison.
“Who was your favorite character onMartin?” Ocean asked as they settled back into the limo.
Ximena blinked at him and Ocean watched the question marks form in her irises. Their first public appearance was a smashing success and Ximena already started planning her next ensemble in her head. “What?”
“Martin, the show from the comedian?” He clarified. “Who was your favorite character?”
“Well, Martin, of course.” Ximena answered. “I really liked him. He was so fascinating to watch.”
“Uh-huh,” Ocean adjusted his slacks, “my favorite one was Tommy.” He chuckled. “He always had Martin’s back, though it was always a question on what he did for a living.”
“I know, right?” Ximena replied. “He always came in so dirty even though he had a desk job.”
“Actually the punch line was he didn’t have a job.” Ocean stared out into the starry D.C. night. “That’s why his character was so funny.”
“Oh yeah, that’s right!” Ximena nodded and pointed. “I confused him with another show I used to watch.”
“What show?” Ocean asked.
“Um…” Ximena searched for a show back then. “There were so many, I can’t think of it.”
There wasn’t a show like that and that’s why Ximena had an issue naming one. Ocean chuckled at the stupidity of himself for even entertaining his father’s scheming ways. “What do you know about me, Ximena?”
“Well, I know you went to USC and graduated with top honors in both undergrad and medical. You’ve had your medical license for several years and you just renewed it, despite being a politician. Your policies…”
“Besides that,” Ocean cut her off, “what do you know about me, personally?”
“Well,” Ximena cleared her throat, “I know you’re the oldest of three with Soul being in the middle and Savior is the youngest. I know your parents are still happily married and have been for almost 40 years. You grew up in Bel-Air and you have a home there, still. It’s a beautiful home, by the way.”
She knows the inside of my home?The admission alarmed Ocean more than anything. How in the hell would Ximena know what his home looked like? “My home?”
“When it was featured in Architectural Digest a while back,” she casually mentioned, “I love the spread of it. It has femininity to it that I really love. Your mother is a superb decorator. I believe it’s her second-calling.”
Ximena’s nose was so brown, she could’ve been an animal. Ocean had enough of the charades and games. He rolled down the window to speak to the driver. “There’s been a slight change in plans. You’re going to drop me off at the airport. I’m catching a flight back to ATL tonight. You’ll then take Ms. Montez back to her residence.” He pushed up the privacy screen. “It was a lovely evening with you, Ximena, but I’m afraid I have to cut this short.”
“Oh?” Ximena was surprised. “What’s in Atlanta?”
“My heart and everything it entails.” Ocean smiled at her.
~~~~~
Jorja Smith’s smoky voice filled Aaliyah’s Bluetooth speakers as she enjoyed a late-night bath. Numerous candles provided the lighting while the jojoba and vanilla scented bath calmed her nerves. She still hadn’t checked her social media pages and didn’t even want to. There was nothing to be said and she wasn’t going to defend her actions.
She also wasn’t going to defendhisactions.
She hadn’t heard from Ocean all day and it was best. She didn’t want him to be so wrapped up into who he was dating, he forgot the purpose why he was at Capitol Hill. She recently went on his website and saw he was trying to introduce a bill that would criminalize those who called the police on innocent black bystanders.
A sense of pride washed over her. Ocean truly cared about his constituents and would die trying to protect them if at all possible.
Ocean was about that life and he walked the walk. He didn’t care about Aaliyah’s past, though Aaliyah wasn’t sure how much of it he actually knew. They shared stories of when they were young, dumb, and full of come, but Aaliyah did all of that without having famous, activist parents.
