Page 27 of Watercolors
Seven
“Did I wake you?”
Aaliyah yawned for the umpteenth time as she laid in her bed. Ocean sure did wake her but not in the way she wanted, unfortunately. She couldn’t forget how he massaged her pussy until she woke up, then he licked her until she climaxed several times.
She would have to settle hearing his voice and hoped she didn’t tempt to masturbate over the phone while she listened to it. “Yes, you did.”
“I’ll call back in the morning, baby.” He got comfortable in his bed. It felt so lonely considering how warm and comfortable Aaliyah’s bed was. “I just wanted to hear your voice before I go to sleep.”
“How was your day, honey?” She sat up in bed. “Was it productive?”
“Very. Lots of meetings and arguing over some fruitless points.” Ocean sighed. “Day in and day out about the same ol’, same ol’.”
“What are you working on?”
“I’m trying to get that bill passed about calling the police on people who are just breathing.” Ocean said tongue-in-cheek. “It’s a long shot because I already have some opposition. If people think they’re in danger, they’re going to call the cops regardless of skin color. But it happens to more black and brown folk and I’m trying to put a stop to it.”
Aaliyah felt her heart soar. Ocean was always so passionate about social justice issues before it became the newest Twitter hashtag. He didn’t just talk the talk; he truly lived it regardless of how unpopular the opinion was. “It sounds exciting,” Aaliyah replied. “But then again, this is why you became a senator, to right the wrongs.”
“Something like that.” Ocean admitted. “Never mind me about me. How was your meeting with the network? Are they excited about your show?”
“Um, yeah…” Aaliyah thought about not telling Ocean about the network’s idea to incorporate him into the show. She decided to chance it, anyway. “…the network wants to know if you would be interested in appearing? I told them you wouldn’t and that wasn’t your forte, though you weren’t against those who did it.”
“What would I be doing?” Ocean asked. “How would it look?”
“You wouldn’t be doing anything bad or participating in any fights or things like that. I doubt I would have any fights at the shop, anyway. They just wanted to know if you would appear in a few episodes. You don’t even have to speak. Just have the appearance there.” The more Aaliyah spoke about the idea, the more she wanted Ocean to be on the show. “But like I said, it’s not necessary.”
“Hmm…” Ocean quietly replied. “It’s something I’ll have to think about. It wouldn’t be the first time a senator has done something out of the ordinary but that’s usually reserved for established and veteran senators. I’m not sure if a first-time senator like me would get away with that.”
“Well, it’s just a suggestion, no worries if you can’t, love.” Aaliyah yawned. “I just thought I’ll run the idea past you to see what you thought about it.”
“Thank you for keeping me informed. I really appreciate it.” Ocean purred. “Anyway, I just wanted to hear your voice again. I’ll let you go back to sleep now, baby. Rest well, my love.”
“Good night, love. Sleep well.” She hung up on him. Aaliyah laid back down in bed and thought about how it would look for Ocean to make an appearance on her show. Would the producers keep their word and show Ocean only in a positive light? Or would they want to see the conflicts between them?
What conflicts? Aaliyah thought. Not that they were boring but they were so different. Maybe that’s what people wanted to see. It was certainly why the network was so interested. Race aside, Aaliyah and Ocean came from different worlds.
He grew up privileged and the son of two respected civil rights activists. He went to USC and graduated with top honors in undergrad and medical school. He often drove his beat-up Honda but his Sunday car was a Rolls Royce Wraith.
Aaliyah graduated from high school with top honors, but knew college wasn’t her forte. She took some classes at the local community college to get her associates in business degree but didn’t want to pursue any more education for tattooing was her calling.
She knew the world wouldn’t care if they were two likeminded individuals who were on the same path. Everyone wanted to know whathesaw inher. Aaliyah was already prepared people would see her as a gold-digger, social climber, and all sorts of nasty, untrue things.
Maybe it was a good idea that Ocean wouldn’t appear on Aaliyah’s show. Everyone would be more focused on Aaliyah, the relationship with her parents, how she gives back to the community, and maybe she’ll go on a few dates with men not named Ocean.
And just maybe…it’ll quiet the gossip about her true purpose with one Ocean Ellison. Hopefully, Aaliyah would be able to figure that out as well.
~~~~~~~
“This is…” Katrina looked around the shop. “….this is insane.”
Aaliyah sipped her chamomile tea as she stood next to her assistant. They watched as several cameramen with huge cameras and even bigger lighting in inconspicuous places so it wouldn’t be caught on camera.
The men tested out the microphones from various angles and did numerous walk-throughs from multiple angles. Filming was going to start within the next few days and Aaliyah was given release forms to give to potential clients about being filmed.
“Are you ready for all of this?” Katrina asked.
“I’m not sure,” Aaliyah honestly answered. “Everyone else on TV makes it look so easy and I’m just like…whoa.”
