Page 20 of Watercolors
Five
Of course, Ocean would singlehandedly ruin the hard work he’s done. Why wouldn’t he?
As Thomas Ellison read the internet coverage of Ocean being spotted with Ximena, with several paid writers writing up how ‘cozy’ and ‘smitten’ the pair looked at each other, Thomas grew a proud smile on his face. No one talked about Aaliyah any longer.
Instead, the press now painted Ocean as a lothario of sorts. Even when certain broadcasts replayed his scathing criticism of the detention centers, the female hosts commented on his blue eyes and Kennedy-like demeanor. They couldn’t have cared less who he was with.
“Oh, that’s a great shot.” Thomas zoomed in on a picture of Ocean smiling down at Ximena as she stared up at him. They were a great looking couple and Thomas could see a lot of money and power between the two of them.
The Ellison’s and the Montezes…if those two families combined forces, no one would be able to stop them. Their reach would extend beyond Capitol Hill and even into the Wall Street sector. No one would tell them no for fear and everything would be a yes for the same reason.
Thomas turned around his leather chair to stare at the beautiful Bel-Air sky. The temperature was nice and warm, a far change from the blistering heat waves. It was a perfect day to be out on the golf course.
It was a great day to figure out another strategy.
Getting Ocean in the Senate was a small step into a huge chessboard. For as long Ocean would be in the Senate – and Thomas had his sights on a lifelong hold – it would be another power play. One term was not going to do. Ocean needed to be a part of the Senate as long as possible.
It was time for another meeting with Jay Edwards.
Thomas was about to make a call when his office phone rang. He already recognized the number and smiled at the perfect timing. “Senator Edwards,” Thomas Ellison picked up his phone. “What brings this phone call?”
“I’ll keep this short and sweet,” Jay replied, “whatever bullshit you’re doing with your son is interrupting my plans with Briana. Stop the shit or I’ll make you stop.”
“I beg your pardon?” Thomas shot up in his chair. “You’re not dictating shit I do, Edwards.”
“Oh yes, I will.” Jay calmly replied. “You will no longer interfere with your son’s personal life as long as he’s a senator. You pull that stunt again and you’ll be swiftly reminded you’re my bitch.”
Thomas temporarily removed the phone from his ear so he could think in peace and count to 10. He then returned to the phone call. “What can I do for you, Edwards?”
“If you want to do something meaningful with the waste of space that came out of Ricardo’s balls, you can set her up with the head of the DNC. Leave Ocean out of your games.”
“That tattoo artist has a past and when it’s revealed, what are you going to do then?” Thomas curtly replied. “I don’t give a damn who Ocean dates but that tattoo chick will not be it. He can find any other suitable black woman out there and that’s the one he wants to be with.”
“The core group of voters right now is 18-24 year olds. Those are the millenials. They want people in Congress who have their best interests. They want people who look more like them. They want people they can connect with. Ocean is that person.”
“I’m warning you, Edwards,” Thomas’s voice became stern, “you mess up my son’s chances and there’ll be hell to pay.”
“And I’m warning you, Ellison,” Jay met the elder’s tone, “you mess up your son’s chances and I’ll take great pleasure in destroying every last bit of your legacy. This is the only warning you’ll get.” The phone went dead.
“Son of a bitch!” Thomas slammed the phone down on the receiver. No one plays hardball with Thomas Ellison and those who did, never spoke about what happened after the fact.
If Jay Edwards thought he could manipulate the Ellison’s to his liking, he was going to be in for a rude awakening.
~~~~~~
She should’ve left his ass where she’d found him.
As Aaliyah stared at a sleeping Ocean in her bed, she truly wondered what in the blue hell was she thinking?
Within a couple of days of seeing her ex at her shop, she went and slept with him like a plum fool. A plum, horny fool, that was. She could’ve just left Ocean outside and not even bother to open the door.
The heart wants what the heart wants. Aaliyah shook her head and corrected the thought – heryonicraved Ocean and he delivered. On her kitchen table. And then on her sofa. And then on her bed.
They definitelyfuckedthe first time. They made sweet love the second time. They had a combination of both the third time. Each time, the sex was more passionate than before. They exchanged energies and emotions. A give and take. A push and pull. This went on in to the wee hours of morning until they both were exhausted.
Now it was five a.m. and Aaliyah wondered what the hell just happened?
“You’re overthinking it.”
