Then I open the door and walk out to my family, friends, and volunteers waiting for me. The only person missing is DK, but I tuck that ache away to take in their booming cheers.
Everyone is crowded around the folding tables, piled with pizza boxes, campaign flyers, and blue-frosted cupcakes.
“Thank you!” I shout over theMake It Raynechant until it dies down. “I could not do this without all of you canvassing neighborhoods, hanging signs, and hyping me every day. Not gonna lie, tonight was daunting. I was scared. But your support got me through the hot lights and tough questions. So thank you, sincerely. Now let’s get this party started.” I pump my palms toward the ceiling, and the room erupts again.
“You were incredible, sweetie,” Aunt Belinda says, pulling me into a tight, perfume-scented hug. “We are so very proud of you.”
Feeling emotional, I hug my aunt back. “I appreciate everything you do.”
“It’s my pleasure to help any way I can,” she says as her husband steps beside us.
He isn’t nearly as effusive. Uncle Maurice is more of the gruff variety. There’s no gushing, but he grunts, “You did good up there,” which, coming from him, is the equivalent of a standing ovation.
“Thanks, Uncle Maurice.” I throw my arms around his neck. He endures it stiffly, giving me an awkward pat on the back, then promptly escapes.
Dad, unlike his older brother, doesn’t hold back. He wraps me in a massive bear hug. “I’m so proud of you, Pumpkin.”
“I did it,” I murmur into his shoulder, leaning fully into him, accepting the praise and comfort.
“Yeah, baby, you did.” Then he pulls back, keeping his hands braced on my arms. “You gave a big fuck you to Hollis.”
A surprised laugh bursts out of me. I could count on one hand the number of times I’ve heard him cuss and still have fingers to spare.
“Well, it’s true,” he says matter-of-factly. “I spoke to his father. Man-to-man.”
“What?” I feel my eyes practically bug out of my head. “When?”
“Yesterday. I told him he’d better get his son right and stop this vendetta immediately, or he wouldn’t like the consequences.”
“Oh my God, Dad.” I gawk at him. “That’s crazy. What did he even say?”
“He told me to get the hell out of his face with my unfounded accusation. That’s fine. I planted the seed.” My father folds his arms across his chest like he means business. “Hollis is lucky he lives in another state.”
“Dad…”
“What? I’m not above breaking bones.”
I bark out a laugh. “Who are you, Tony Soprano? You’ve never hit a person in your entire life.”
“No, but this is different. And I know Dakarai backs me on that.”
My amusement evaporates. “What do you mean Dakarai backs you?”
“He called me last week wanting my take on Hollis. We’ve talked a few times since.” Dad shrugs. “Turns out mutual vile for a common enemy and love for you makes for a bonding experience.”
I shake my head, my mind racing. “I explicitly told Dakarai I didn’t want him involved. And you either.”
“We respect that… within reason.”
“That response isn’t remotely reassuring.”
“Ray, you can’t expect us to sit still while someone slings mud at you.”
I honestly don’t know whether to be annoyed that they’ve been conspiring behind my back or be touched that the two men I adore have formed some bizarre anti-Hollis alliance.
I’m still processing it when Anika approaches. “Hey, Mo. Mind if I steal your daughter?”
“No problem. You’re actually rescuing me from the hot seat.” He grins before kissing my cheek and heading toward the food.
