Watercolors: Ellison Brothers

by Vera Roberts

  “Mmm…” Aaliyah forced a grin. It seemed her parents loved their newfound fame, even though she was still trying to adjust to it. “I hope no one is harassing you, Mama.”

  “Are you kidding me?” Marcie pointed at the waiting line outside the door. “What do you think that is?”

  “You’ve always had a long line at your restaurant,” Aaliyah politely reminded.

  “Yeah, but not like that!” Marcie led Aaliyah to a private booth. The camera crew immediately followed them.

  “Let us know when you’re ready to start filming, Ms. Smith.” A cameraman instructed her.

  “It’s good thing I got this blowout,” Marcie smiled and flicked her long hair. “I picked up a new lip color at MAC.” She smacked her lips. “Vixen Red. You like?”

  Her mother was so adorable, Aaliyah couldn’t help but to smile. “You look beautiful, Mama.” She nodded at the cameraman. “We’re ready.”

  “And three, two, one…” he pointed at her.

  “Soooo…” Marcie began as she watched her only daughter look over the menu. “…where’s Ocean?”

  “And what?” Aaliyah felt like her mother just sucker-punched her. “What?”

  “Girl, I’m your mama, don’t play that mess.” Marcie locked eyes with her daughter. “Where is he?”

  “I’m not dating Ocean, Mama.” Aaliyah cleared her throat and went back to looking at the menu. “We’re…friends.”

  “I noticed that pause.” Marcie greeted the server as she brought over iced tea lemonades. “You’re not just friends with Ocean.”

  Her mother had a point. Friends don’t fuck each other. They damn sure don’t spend an entire long weekend in various sexual positions while lazily picking out future names for their children.

  Aaliyah wondered what the failure rate was for the Mirena? “We’re still figuring things out and it’s too soon to say anything.” Aaliyah replied. She was still scheduled to go with Ocean to the benefit but she hadn’t heard from him since he left her home early Tuesday morning. It was now Friday.

  What Aaliyah did know was she was rather sick of Ocean’s disappearing act whenever the mood suited him. She knew he was busy but nobody was that busy. If Barack could call Michelle from overseas, surely Ocean could send a text to Aaliyah in the same time zone.

  “Ocean’s a nice guy.” Marcie stated. “He comes from a good family. I would like to see it work between you two.”

  “Why? So you can brag that your son-in-law is a senator?” Aaliyah teased.

  “No, so I can brag about how my daughter found the love of her life and she’s the happiest I’ve ever seen her in a very long time.” Marcie mentioned. “And it would be nice to see you have someone to share your success with.”

  Aaliyah put the menu down and folded her lips. She felt her eyes water and she briefly looked away so she could keep them at bay. Despite how different she’d become from her mother – her mother was a devout churchgoer and Aaliyah was a free spirit – Marcie had always supported her daughter no matter what.

  “I will, Mommy,” Aaliyah replied, with a bit of sadness, “I just have to keep looking for the right one. I don’t know where he is yet.”

  “Oh, I’m sure you’ll find him if you make yourself available,” Marcie winked. “so, how long are you in town for?” Marcie asked.

  “Probably just over the weekend,” Aaliyah was sure not to mention the benefit. She still hadn’t bought a dress and with Ocean going ghost on her, she wasn’t sure if she was still invited. “Long enough to see Brittany and then head back.”

  “Let’s have a spa day. Just you and me like old times.” Marcie added.

  “I would like that.” Aaliyah grabbed her mom’s hand. They used to spend a lot of time together when she lived in L.A., and now she only saw her every couple of months. Aaliyah made it a mental note to start visiting her mother more often. “I would like that a lot.”

  “And if your friend is in the area, he’s more than welcomed to stop by here.” Marcie smiled. She was always a little sweet on Ocean.

  “Well, we’ll see,” Aaliyah became aware the cameras were filming so she chose her words very carefully. “I can’t guarantee anything and he’s very busy.”

  “You’re never too busy for love,” Marcie replied, “either you make time for it or life goes on without you. All of these people claim they’re too busy for love, they’re too busy for a relationship. I’ve seen them pass through this place. They’re on their cell phones, on their laptops, brokering a deal with this person and that. And then I see the same people when they get a little older and they’re in here lamenting over failed relationship after failed relationship.

  “And then they talk about how they let this person get away. And how they let that person get away. And despite all of the money they could ever know what to do with, they’re still not happy. When they finally do find someone, they’re going through the motions. That’s not the person they want to be with, but that person is fulfilling some need within them and so they stay with that person. But their eyes, their mind suggests they should be somewhere else.”

  Marcie grabbed Aaliyah’s hand. “I don’t want you to go through that heartache of being alone. Yeah, you say you’re fine being by yourself and you can do bad all by yourself but I know how you were when you with Ocean. He brought out a fire and passion within you that I haven’t seen in a long time. You shouldn’t let that go.”

  Aaliyah gave a sad smile. “Two has to play at the game of love, Mommy. I can’t be in a position where I’m constantly waiting and he’ll just do whatever suits him at whatever time. Either he wants to be committed or he doesn’t. I can’t force his hand.”

  “I don’t think it’s him that has an issue with commitment.” Marcie rubbed her daughter’s hand. “I think it’s the person in front of me.”

  “You got me,” Aaliyah sighed, “you honestly think I could be a senator’s wife?”

  “Why not?” Marcie asked.

  “My appearance for one,” Liyah mentioned, “no one is going to go to a dinner party with me looking this.”

  “Or maybe they will,” Marcie added, “you’d be surprised what those Senate wives get down for.”

  Aaliyah’s eyes narrowed. “How would you know?”

  Marcie smiled a big smile. “I just know.”

  “Marcie!”

  Marcie glanced over and saw her old friend. She leaped out of the booth and rushed over towards her. “Starr!”

  Aaliyah’s eyes widened before they settled down. Marcie and Starr were old friends? Since when? Aaliyah couldn’t remember one time Starr came over to her mother’s home. As she tried to figure out the dynamics between the two women, a small murmur hushed over the crowd.

  Behind Starr, was Ocean.

  Aaliyah felt her heart thump against her chest as Ocean slowly approached their booth. The sight of him overwhelmed her and her mouth watered upon seeing him. She was angry he brushed her off like she was a plaything, yet her heart rejoiced seeing him again.

  Dressed in a white dress shirt and blue jeans, Ocean perfected the look as if he created it himself. He was beyond gorgeous and beautiful. The man was goddamn fine and he knew it.

  He smiled and shook hands with those along the path before he walked to Aaliyah’s booth. “May I sit down?” He asked her.

  “I’m filming,” Aaliyah reminded him, “and you don’t do reality shows.”

  “Oh, I think we can make an exception,” Starr replied as Marcie joined her. “C’mon! There’s enough food and room for everyone. Let’s enjoy!”

  Ocean slid into booth beside Aaliyah and Marcie and Starr sat across from their children. Aaliyah settled back into the booth as the producers and camera crew set up filming again. As much as she wanted to think the Ellison’s appearance was just a coincidence, the timing seemed rather off.

  It occurred to Aaliyah she was dealing with a political family and appearances meant everything. Ocean not returning her phone calls and texts – even when
they both decided on another fake name for her to use – but to gladly show up when she was filming?

  Why wouldn’t they want to film a spot on her reality show?

  Aaliyah let out a small, frustrating sigh and sipped her chamomile tea. Ocean ignored her calls and texts not because he was busying but rather, he was plotting. What better publicity could a politician get by being on a reality show where his reputation would always be in a positive light?

  As Marcie and Starr caught up with each other and shared local gossip, Aaliyah looked out the window. She felt silly for entertaining a serious future with that man beside her. If she had to play his game, it would be by her rules.

  “Are you even going to say hi to me, rainbow?” He whispered.

  “Hi.” Aaliyah spat.

  Ocean kissed her bare shoulder and Aaliyah shivered underneath him. Ocean could piss her off beyond recognition yet her body still yearned for him. “Are you mad at me, angel?”

  “Yes.” She cleared her throat. “You ignored my texts and calls but you remembered I was filming a show and conveniently show up. How loving of you.”

  “I didn’t know you were filming this weekend.” He kissed her shoulder again. “My bad.”

  “You can’t sweet talk me because there are cameras, O.” Aaliyah bit. “You ignored me since Tuesday. Did you receive my calls and texts?”

  “I did. I was very busy if you haven’t noticed,” he defended, “we’re in the middle of confirming a Supreme Court justice.”

  “Oh, so you’re too busy to return calls this week but when you want some ass, you have all the time in the world?” She nodded. “You better call Tyrone with that shit.”

  “Damn, I love it when you’re mad at me,” he purred, “can you go all Erykah Badu on me again with a touch of Jill Scott and Ledisi?”

  “O!” She turned to face him and was stunned by his piercing blue eyes and warm demeanor. “I’m mad at you. You ignored me all week.”

  “Let me make it up to you by taking you to the fundraiser tonight.” His lips brushed against her earlobe. “And then you can punish me by withholding that sweet pussy from me and making me beg for it.”

  Aaliyah’s eyes widened and she briefly glanced over to the women before them. Marcie and Starr were wrapped up in their own dialogue, they didn’t even pay attention to their children. She hoped to hell they didn’t hear the conversation. “Not. In. Front. Of. Our. Mothers.”

  “I’m being a good boy and telling you I’m sorry for ignoring you. I didn’t want you to be the brunt of my frustration so it was best that I didn’t contact you.” He replied. His free hand rested between her thighs and a low groan escaped his throat upon feeling her warmth. “I promise it won’t happen again.”

  “O…” Aaliyah warned as she felt his hand reach under her skirt and played with the fabric of her pink panties. Her nipples became hardened and her body betrayed her upon feeling his touch. A slow arousal gathered in her sex and all she wanted was to feel Ocean’s fingers inside of her.

  Common sense stopped Aaliyah. “…not here.”

  “Okay,” he removed his hand and Aaliyah felt the loss, “but after lunch.”

  “Ocean,” Starr turned towards her son, “is Aaliyah coming with us tonight to Briana’s fundraiser?”

  “Yes,” Ocean didn’t skip a beat, “we’re going to get her gown tonight.” He turned towards Marcie. “Did you want to come, Marcie? It’ll be fun and some networking opportunities. You can bring a friend, if you like.”

  “Well, I don’t know,” she touched her hair, “it’s last-minute and I still need to do my hair.”

  “I can do your hair, Mommy.” Aaliyah replied. “Come on! Bring Aunt Evelyn! I’m sure she would like to go.”

  “Well, I guess.” Marcie thought about her closet. Nothing in there spoke high-profile political gala. “I need to go to the mall and get a dress!”

  “I got you,” Ocean covered. He pulled out his wallet and took out his black AMEX. “Treat yourself. Mother, treat Marcie to the best.”

  “Wow,” Marcie was impressed, “what’s my budget?”

  “None.” Ocean stated and Marcie’s eyes widened. “None. Treat yourself. Have fun today, ladies.”

  ~~~~~~

  “That was nice what you did for my mom back there,” Aaliyah stated as she entered Ocean’s Bel-Air estate. It had been so long since she’d been there, she almost forgot how luxurious it was. The home seemed bigger than she’d remembered.

  The home was stunning, sleek, and modern. It also felt warm like sweet potato pie and Sunday mornings listening to Al Green songs. It was the perfect hug between fancy and comfortable.

  They went out shopping right after lunch with cameras in tow. The pair forgot about the cameras and just had fun with each other as she tried on expensive gown after another. Aaliyah honestly felt like a fairy princess on her way to the ball and Ocean treated as such.

  After choosing a gown, Ocean took Aaliyah to a fine jewelry store and bought her an earring and necklace set. Aaliyah never wanted diamonds so her jewelry was rubies and emeralds. They also asked the camera crew to not film them at his home so they could have privacy.

  “You’re welcome, but I didn’t do it to seek favor from you,” Ocean added as he plopped down on the sofa, “I did it because Marcie is a good woman and she deserves the best.”

  “I appreciate the sentiment either way,” Aaliyah laid next to Ocean, and snuggled up to him. “That was very sweet of you.”

  “You’re welcome, baby.” He kissed her forehead. “We have a few hours to spare before we need to get ready. Did you want to waste some time with me?”

  “Mmm…” She moaned. “…by doing what, Senator?”

  “Going swimming,” he replied, “it’s a nice day for the pool.”

  “I didn’t bring a swimsuit,” Aaliyah replied.

  “That’s perfect.” He got up and peeled off his clothing. “That’s actually perfect.”

  ~~~~~~

  “How am I supposed to act tonight?”

  Ocean was caught by surprise of Aaliyah’s question. They swam in the pool for a short while and did a little nude sunbathing before retreating into the pool to frolic. Her legs were wrapped around his waist as he held her against the wall.

  The time spent was incredibly intimate and special, as if it was stolen and they didn’t know when they would get another.

  It was going to be Aaliyah’s first political function, though Ocean hoped it wouldn’t be the last. “You be yourself. I want everyone to see what I see.”

  “Besides that,” she replied, “do I bow? Curtsey? Do I greet someone as Congresswoman or Representative? What about any senators that will be there? Do I call them by their first names or address them as Senator So-and-So?”

  “You’ll address them by their first names,” he instructed, “and they’ll address you by yours.”

  Aaliyah studied Ocean’s blue eyes and were amazed how deep and bright they’d become. They reminded her of the color sapphire. “And you’ll address me as what?”

  “Well, let’s talk about that,” he kissed her neck, “how do you want to be addressed as?”

  “Are we dating?” She asked and Ocean’s eyes grew wide. “I’m serious, O. Having sex and seeing each other every so often doesn’t necessarily mean we’re dating.”

  “I thought it did.” He replied. “Unless the rules for dating have changed? I don’t keep up with what’s good nowadays.”

  “How were you going to introduce me?” She asked.

  “My girlfriend, Aaliyah,” he replied, “unless I shouldn’t?”

  “No, I want you to.” Aaliyah paused. The man that pushed her out of Ocean’s life the first time was guaranteed to be there. If Thomas didn’t finish the job the first go-round, he would certainly succeed the second time. “Your father is going to be there tonight, isn’t he?”

  “He’s one of Briana’s biggest donors and supporters. Many people are coming out to support her. Many celebrities wi
ll be there. You have nothing to worry about.” Ocean reassured her, though he didn’t quite believe what he said. His father wouldn’t make a scene, but it didn’t mean he wouldn’t have words with Aaliyah. “You’ll be surrounded by others the entire night so it’ll be hard for my father to single you out.”

  “He’ll find a way,” Aaliyah worried. “If he really wants me gone, O, nothing will stop him.” She thought about her past. It was a good time to let Ocean know once and for all. “O, I used to be…”

  “My father doesn’t control my life anymore and I’ll make sure he won’t do anything to harm you.” Ocean crushed his lips on Aaliyah. His tongue was demanding and hungry, while his mouth drank from hers. “I want you, Liyah.” He moaned. “Let’s make love.”

  Aaliyah could only nod. She wanted to tell Ocean the full truth about her past before he read about it in the press. As she felt his smooth hardness press against her sex and teased her wet entrance, she put the discussion aside.

  She would definitely tell him tonight. If Ocean contemplated making her his wife, he had a right to know about her past before it was too late.

  Twelve

  The political fundraiser was part rock concert, part fancy sit-down dinner, and part call to action.

  As Ocean and many other fellow members of the Democrat party gave rousing speeches and talked about everything other than politics, Aaliyah was astounded by how different everything was. Expensive gowns, painted on faces, and five figure donations were the norm.

  She wore a tight, periwinkle cocktail dress with cap sleeves. She topped her look with the new jewelry Ocean had given her and a pair of Gucci heels. Her locs were wrapped up in a loose bun at the nape of her neck.

  They were photographed upon arriving and Ocean made sure he held Aaliyah’s hand so there was no mistake in her title, even if he didn’t introduce her. He wanted everyone to know – his father included – Aaliyah was his woman.

  Celebrity guests complained about finding a quality home chef. Other wealthy donors talked about the stock market and what to invest. Rich wives shared the latest gossip about other wives they couldn’t stand.