Page 26 of Watercolors
Ricardo was playing with a full deck of cards and already showed Ocean his hand. Now the meeting became interesting. “Okay,” was Ocean’s only response.
“She’s a nice girl, that tattoo artist. Though, her past might not make her such a viable candidate for carrying the Ellison legacy.” Ricardo stated.
“I think the only person who will determine who carries the Ellison legacy is a member of the Ellison’s’.” Ocean politely reminded. “It’s not just the three of us; there are plenty of uncles, aunts, and cousins who have a strong desire in politics.”
“Yeah, but there’s something about you in particular,” Ricardo reminded. “No matter what people say about any other member of your family, you’re the favorite one. You remind people of how politics used to be and what it could return to.”
“Politics in the past wasn’t a Jimmy Stewart movie and I’m sure even your ancestors would beg to differ.” Ocean answered. “People are more open-minded, realize we all can do better, and should.”
“That is why my Ximena would be the perfect companion for you.” Ricardo reminded. “She is well-versed in many subjects and has her hand in a lot of pots. She could speak when you can’t.”
“But that means she wouldn’t want to stay at home unless I ask her?” Ocean countered.
“Do you think your tattoo artist friend would stay home if you asked her?” Ricardo replied.
Have you considered I would’ve changed for you? I would’ve gone through all of the makeovers, tattoo removals, all of that because I believed in you! I would’ve done all of it and I didn’t even get the opportunity to do so!
Aaliyah’s angry, tear-filled words burned in Ocean’s heart and he pushed past the pain. “You’re stuck on a person who’s not a factor in why you’re really here.”
Ricardo’s lips curved into a big smile. “I have a lot of pull and reach in places a first-time senator such as yourself can’t get to. You may not care about another term, but I’m sure other people in your party will want to stay elected.” Ricardo smiled. “It would be wise to play accordingly to ensure what you do, the whole party benefits from.”
Ricardo issued a thinly veiled threat to Ocean, who became more irritated the longer the man was in his office. “The deal was one evening with your daughter. I delivered.”
“One evening was the start – not the finish or end game.” Ricardo leaned forward. “Think about how this will look when you’re up for re-election in a few years.”
“I never said I wanted another term past this one.” Ocean hardened his eyes. “That’s something everyone knows.”
“But your colleagues might,” Ricardo met Ocean’s tone, “and I’m sure they want the votes I can easily secure them.”
Ocean leaned back into his leather chair and sighed. “How long have you been pimping out your daughter?”
“Excuse you?” Ricardo sat back. “Did you just say what I think you did?”
“You have a storied history of making senators and congressmen go out with your daughter in exchange for something. Her answers were more rehearsed than Broadway actors. I asked her a question about a TV show I liked and she couldn’t even answer the basics of it. And this is a woman who supposedly studied up on me and knew everything about me before I even asked her if she liked coffee or tea.” Ocean lightly bounced in his chair. “That told me she’s done this before and was rather an expert at it.”
“You need to be very careful at what you’re implying, Ocean.” Ricardo shook his finger. “One more disrespectful word from you and you’re going to regret it.”
“Good to know. One last note – I’m not my father. You should probably remember that from this moment on.” Ocean gave a cunning smile. “You can see yourself out.”
“And one last note with you, Ocean – every politician in your party has made the same threat before they eventually bowed down to me. Just like how the NRA has a stronghold on those wack job Republicans, I control the DNC.” Ricardo stood up and buttoned his suit. “You will play accordingly.” He left Ocean’s office.
Ocean sat back in his office and sighed. He briefly looked up the cameras located in hidden nooks in his office. He already knew the conversation was being recorded as all of them were in his office, due to the insistence of Jay.
Ocean couldn’t worry about the empty threats Ricardo made to him. He was more concerned at what had started all of this. If Thomas was returning the favor to Ricardo by making Ocean go out with his daughter, what favor did Ricardo owe Thomas to start?
It was time for Ocean to do his own investigation.
