“Honestly I’m not understanding why we can’t just leave it empty until the next primary election in a few years.”
“Anja, that’s more than five years. The Senate would never allow that. Now, with so much allotted time left and us fresh out of elections, this will most likely be run as a special election. My only concern is who are we expecting to end up on this ballot.”
Their words had me focused on Quincey while he sat up more. I swear I could see the moment he stopped breathing as the newscasters began to toss out their predictions for who would appear on the ballot, both giving solid names for both parties.
“You forgot one person who has been making headway for quite some time, Anja. Congressman Quincey Wilson is a name to look out for. He has a lot that none of the others can offer us right now, and that’s the perspective that can reach the voters who will matter most, the younger generation. But this also brings us a fresh look at what needs should be the focal point ona lot of topics. If he makes the ballot come this special election, he will also be the youngest in CF’s history to hold a seat.”
I looked over at Quincey to see if he was breathing because Cain had just spoken him all the way up. This was major.
“I forget about the young ones, Cain. But you’re right. Wilson would be a fresh breath of air in the position. I can definitely see him bringing out a younger crowd of young people when it comes to a lot of issues. My question is would he be willing to give up his position in Congress for a chance at a seat. Let’s see how this plays out over the next couple of weeks. Now in other—” I put down the bowl of popcorn and muted the TV then turned to a still Quincey who hadn’t said anything yet.
“Ooh my fucking gosh, Q, they know who the hell you are! This is big shit.”
By now I was shaking a stone shocked Quincey who still had his mouth wide open. I slapped his shoulder, hoping to snap him out of it.
“Q, did you hear me? You’re one step closer. We have to celebrate.” That gained me his smirk as he looked over at me.
“Josie, it’s not a nomination. It was just a name drop. We still have a long way to go.”
I playfully rolled my eyes at him trying to play coy. I wasn’t accepting all this dry reaction shit he was giving me.
“It might as well be a nomination, Q. If I know what that one simple drop just did, you better act like it too.” He went to speak when both of his phones began to ring simultaneously. One was his dad and the other was a number I didn’t recognize. I paid attention to who he answered before giving him space once he chose his dad.
As soon as I hit the entryway of the living room, Q called out to me.
“Josie, I love you, thank you.” I smiled.
“I love you too, Q.”
I walked out of the room knowing this was the beginning of the end of the life I had become so accustomed to.
My first thought was to make a tincture to calm my racing mind, but the vibration of my phone had me thinking about another stress reliever.
I quickly checked the notification reminding me of my nail appointment tomorrow then texted him while I made my way to my bathroom, quickly getting the water to the perfect temperature.
Me: Psst…
Courtland: Yes, baby.
Yeah, we had slowly moved into that term of endearment, and even in its generic form, it had me cheesing hard as hell, causing my cheeks to hurt.
Me: I hate I couldn’t sneak away today and now I miss your face.
Not even two seconds later, my phone was ringing with the video call I hoped would come through. I hit the phone, cuffing my boobs while I got in the tub.
“Mmm… I guess you missed me a whole lot if I got bath time as my view.” I giggled as Courtland stretched his neck as if he could truly see more than what the camera gave him.
“Of course I did. It’s been what, four days since I’ve been back with you. I don’t like this distance.” I poked my bottom lip out, pouting.
“Aw, Lou put that lip back. I’ll come up with another way to kidnap you. What’s your day like tomorrow? I’m free in the afternoon and I have the perfect date planned already.”
“Now, Courtland, how the hell do you have a date planned already when you don’t know my plans? And I have a busy day. It’s the day befo—” I paused, almost letting it slip about the pageants. It wasn’t a real secret but one I wanted to keep until after the season. Courtland gave me the vibes that his asswould pop up regardless of if I told him no. Call it superstition but I wasn’t jinxing this season with an unexpected guest in the audience.
I cleared my throat. “The nail salon with my friend Hollis and then?—”
The knock on the door came before it swung open with Quincey coming in. My heart pounded wildly but I didn’t hang up.
“Dad is throwing a party tomorrow night, so I’ll need you there with no attitude and on your best behavior.”
