Xavier knew his friend was likely right. Once the news reports and footage of Cassidy Lyons’s speech began circulating, the citizens of Raleigh would discover the true nature of their long-serving councilman.
“What’s more,” Tyrone continued, “the reporter turned over the redacted records of that harassment suit to me. Imani’s on the up and up, man. Apparently Ms. Lyons recorded some of the interactions between Imani and Givens, back when they worked together at the law firm. If you want, I can show you the papers.”
Blowing out a pent-up breath, he stood and followed Tyrone through the throng.
The following evening, Xavier and his campaign staff were camped out in his office conference room. The flat-screen television that occupied one wall was set to the local twenty-four-hour news channel. Informal polls taken all day had been leaning in Xavier’s favor, but he wasn’t about to declare victory yet. Regardless of the events of the previous day, he preferred to wait for official confirmation. Sipping from his third cup of coffee, he leaned back in his chair and waited.
Just after eleven that night, the news came in. A blond reporter delivered the results. “In Raleigh’s District C, newcomer Xavier Whitted has unseated three-term incumbent Aaron Givens.” She went on to talk about the scandal, but Xavier didn’t care. He was too busy shouting and being slapped on the back by his friends.
“Oh yeah! The frat brothers are gonna throw you an epic party, man!” Tyrone grinned widely at him as he shook his hand. “You did good, X.”
As the revelry quieted, a tired Xavier flopped back down into his chair. He’d done it. He’d won the city council seat, and he vowed to use his position to do as much as he could for the disadvantaged in his community.
Parts of him cheered, but other parts of him remained somewhat melancholy.
What is wrong with me? His goal had been accomplished, and now all that was left was to get to work at bettering his hometown.
Still, an echoing emptiness remained inside him.
He let his head drop back against the chair, and his eyes slid closed.
A vision of a radiant, smiling Imani shimmered in his mind.
And just like that, it hit him as if he’d walked into a glass door.
She was the missing piece of the puzzle.
In order for him to be truly happy and at his best, he needed Imani by his side.
* * *
Imani gripped her red Betty Boop coffee mug with both hands, sipping the hazelnut latte she’d just brewed in the break room. The warm mug heated her hands as she drank. Setting the cup down on her desk, she leaned back in her chair and blew out a long, exasperated breath. The nurses had been chattering excitedly about their plans when she’d come in this morning. The way she found herself missing Xavier had sucked the anticipation for the weekend right out of her. From where she sat, staring at the large photograph of a group of fiery-orange orchids hanging on her office wall, it didn’t even feel like Friday.
Every day since she’d fought with Xavier, she’d been plagued by a sense of melancholy that was hard to shake. A part of her wanted to pick up the phone and call him, but another more stubborn part of her refused to do so. After all, she’d tried to push Xavier away, tried to let him know that a relationship between them would lead to nothing but heartache. She crossed her arms over her chest as she thought of his hardheaded nature. He’d made the choice to pursue her, and now they were both paying the price. He was angry, but he had no idea how ashamed and hurt she felt.
Maya breezed into the office through the partially open door. The long bell sleeves of her aqua-and-brown maxi dress swayed as she reached out to lay the newspaper on her desk. “Have you seen the paper this morning?”
Directing her gaze to the copy of the News and Observer in front of her, Imani shook her head. The headline emblazoned across the front read “City Council Newcomer Whitted Defeats Givens.” Even though the election had happened a few days ago, it continued to dominate the local news cycle because of Cassidy’s bombshell. A smile lifted the corners of her mouth, but only for a moment. She was pleased Givens had lost his seat, because she knew what kind of person he really was. Aaron Givens didn’t deserve to hold public office. She didn’t really know how to feel about Xavier’s win. She knew he would likely be good for the city, but she doubted the win would have any effect on their now-nonexistent relationship. It was a selfish perspective, and she knew it.
Looking up into Maya’s expectant face, she mumbled, “I’m glad he won the election.”
Maya scoffed. “You sure don’t sound glad. When are you guys gonna make up? I haven’t seen your face this long in years.”
“We’re not going to make up, Maya.” Imani picked up the paper off the glass surface of the desk and handed it back to her cousin.
“He was just being a man, being pigheaded.” Maya flopped down into the consulting chair on the opposite side of the desk, making herself comfortable. “They react first, then think later. I’m almost positive he misses you now that he’s had some time to cool off.”
Imani stared down into her lap. She saw a spot of coffee on the fabric of her lab coat and grabbed a tissue from the box on her desk to dab at it before she stained the fuchsia sheath dress she wore beneath. “If he misses me so much, why hasn’t he called?”
“Another typical male trait.” Maya chuckled, brushed a lock of wavy hair away from her face. “They hate to admit when they’re wrong. Besides, there’s nothing stopping you from calling him.”
“Yes, there is. Good sense.” Imani could feel her righteous indignation swelling up inside her, pushing aside the hurt she’d been feeling. “Why would I want to be with someone who has made it clear he doesn’t trust me?”
“Excuses, excuses.” Maya waved her hand dismissively in front of her. “The point is, you’re miserable, and he probably is too. So you have to decide if you wanna be two miserable people, fighting their attraction, or two happy people who embrace it.” She shrugged her slender shoulders. “The choice is yours, Imani.”
Imani sighed. She hated it when her cousin went all philosophical on her. “Sheesh, Maya.”
“Listen. I’m not saying he’s right for not believing you. What happened to you was awful, and you’re entitled to deal with it in the way you see fit. Just think about it, okay?”
“Don’t you have some duties to attend to at the reception desk?”
Maya smiled and stood. Her tone a mixture of humor and resignation, she declared, “Fine. Throw me out. But you know I’m right.” With a rustle of fabric, she was gone.
Alone in the office again, Imani dropped her head, resting it on the cool glass surface of her desk. Continuing to sulk tempted her something fierce, but she had patients to see. Raising her head, she stood and checked her reflection in the oval gold-framed mirror hanging on the wall to the right of her desk. After she’d brushed away a few wayward mascara flakes, she applied a bit of lip gloss.
The day passed quickly—she saw patients, wrote prescriptions, and filled out insurance forms. She had lunch in her office and left the practice right at five, before Maya had time to harass her. All through the day, thoughts of Xavier filled her, haunting her.
At her apartment, she checked her messages, finding nothing but a few telemarketers and an appointment reminder for her upcoming dental checkup. Kicking off her shoes, she hung her peacoat on the brass peg near her front door and headed to her bathroom.
As she stood beneath the rushing water of a hot shower, she let her mind drift. The water pounding against her back felt wonderful, like the caress of a skilled lover. If only Xavier could be replaced so easily, she wouldn’t be nursing a broken heart.
She slipped beneath her covers a little while later and sighed as she sank into the depths of the soft cotton. Exhaustion got the best of her, and she was carried away by sleep within moments.
Her dreams were filled with vis
ions of Xavier. He appeared a short distance away from her, smiling at her and declaring his love. His arms were open to her, and she craved his embrace. But just as she moved toward him, wanting to be held, he disappeared, fading into a puff of smoke. Quickly, her sweet dream became a nightmare, and she wandered around a dark space, searching for Xavier.
By the time the morning sunlight touched her eyelids, her bedsheets were soaked with sweat.
Around eight, she grew tired of tossing and turning, so she released herself from the damp cocoon of the sheets tangled around her and plodded to the bathroom.
After she’d taken care of her morning essentials and showered away some of the stress of her night, she slipped into a clean pair of silk pajamas and went to the kitchen in search of some much-needed caffeine.
She rummaged in the cabinet above her sink until she found her Minnie Mouse mug, and set it on her single cup brewer. With her coffee pod in place, she engaged the machine and waited for the magical results.
She was leaning against the counter, waiting for the coffee to brew, when she saw something odd through her window.
A frown furrowed her brow, and she crossed to the window for a better look.
Her jaw dropped when she saw what was happening outside.
Maxwell and Bryan were sitting in lawn chairs in the grass in front of her building. The thing she’d seen in front of her window was a banner. The banner was stretched out, pegged to the ground, and facing up, and she could clearly read it from her second-story unit. It read “Imani Grant: Come to Xavier’s Party or We’re Not Leaving.”
“Ugh!” She had no idea what party they were referring to, but she couldn’t believe they’d set up in front of her home like this. Fists balled at her side, she spun around and retrieved her coffee, then stalked downstairs, mug in hand.
When Bryan looked up and saw her, he gave her a jovial smile. “Good morning, Imani. How are you on this beautiful day?”
Imani rolled her eyes and took a long draw of the still-warm coffee before she spoke, hoping the caffeine would temper her irritation. “My day will be great when you and Max get away from my apartment.”
Max’s answering chuckle sounded amused and a bit condescending. “I’m sure you can see the sign from upstairs, honey. We’re not leaving until you agree to come to the party.”
She took a deep breath and drank again from the mug. “I don’t know what party you’re talking about, and I’m not interested.”
Maxwell called out, “We’ve been planning a party for Xavier for weeks now. We wanted to congratulate him on his hard work in the race, even if he lost.”
Bryan spoke up. “Xavier won the council seat. You had to have seen it in the newspaper or heard about it. Anyway, we’re celebrating.” He sipped from a bottle of water in his hand. “It won’t be much of a celebration for him if you’re not there.”
An old, familiar feeling rose inside of her, but she pushed it away. Downing the rest of the coffee, she shook her head. “No. If he wants me there so badly, why isn’t he here convincing me?”
“He’s giving you your space, but we’re under no such obligation.” Max stretched out his arm and looked at his gold Rolex. “Party starts at eight tonight. We’ll be here for the next six hours or until you change your mind. Then the shift will change, and Orion and Tyrone will take over.”
Dangling the empty mug from her index finger, she crossed her arms over her chest. “You’ve got to be kidding. I’ll call the property manager.”
Max, still looking unfazed, reached into the pocket of his khaki pants. “We already did. Got ourselves a permit to set up here for the day.” He handed the folded form over for her to inspect.
Looking at the paper, on the property stationary and bearing the “approved” stamp, she stomped her foot. “If you want to sit out here in the cold, go ahead. But I’m not going to any damn party.”
Bryan chuckled. “Imani, come on. We all know Xavier’s acting stupid, but y’all love each other.”
Imani rolled her eyes. “You guys are nuts.”
Max yawned.
So exasperated she wanted to scream, she stomped back up the stairs, went into her apartment, and slammed the door behind her.
* * *
Xavier crossed the crowded parking lot of the swanky Barrington Hotel, closing his coat around him on the way. He’d had the heat blasting in the car, but the chilly November winds reminded him he’d left his coat open on the ride. As his breath formed white puffs in front of him, he did his best to enjoy the moment. It wasn’t every day a man got the honor of being elected to serve the citizens of his hometown, and he wanted to remember it. So, despite the cold, he stopped for a moment on the sidewalk in front of the hotel and took in the view. The hilltop location allowed him a beautiful view of the Raleigh skyline, painted pink and purple in the twilight. The lights of the tall buildings downtown twinkled in the distance, and just below him, traffic on U.S. 70 whizzed by. It was Saturday evening, and the city was alive with activity. Looking out over it now, he was proud the people had chosen to let him serve.
When he’d gotten the call that his fraternity brothers were throwing him a party to congratulate him on his city council win, he hadn’t expected anything this big. What he’d thought would be a casual gathering at Tyrone’s or Maxwell’s house had instead turned out be an affair held in a ballroom of one of the most expensive hotels in Raleigh. Not wanting to be late to his own party, he turned away from the beauty of his city and entered the golden double doors of the building.
Inside the opulent, Baroque-style lobby, he took in the golden crown moldings, sparkling crystal chandeliers, and heavy velvet draperies in shades of cream and burgundy. The wine-colored carpet beneath his feet was so soft, his wingtips sank in as if he were standing in damp soil. He’d only been there once before, and that was to apply for a part-time job when he was a struggling college student. That day, the staff had been less than courteous.
It appeared times had changed now that he was a duly elected politician, because a white man in the Barrington uniform of burgundy blazer, white shirt, and black slacks was headed in his direction, grinning from ear to ear.
The smiling man extended his hand to Xavier and gave him a firm handshake. “Councilman Whitted, we’re so happy to have you here for your celebration. Congratulations on your election, sir.”
Xavier returned the handshake with a smile. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
“I’m Oscar, and Mr. James and Mr. Devers insisted that I see to your every need. Should you require anything at all, just ask for me.” He gestured toward the wide corridor ahead of them, past the gilded marble of the front desk. Behind the desk, two smartly dressed employees offered mirror images of Oscar’s congenial expression. “Your event is this way, sir. Follow me, please.”
So, Bryan and Maxwell were behind all this. Still somewhat taken aback by all the fuss, Xavier followed Oscar down the corridor, to a ballroom whose double doors were propped open. Inside, he could see his friends seated around a central table. “Thanks, Oscar. I’ve got it from here.”
With a quick bow, Oscar left, and Xavier slipped inside the ballroom.
As soon as he did, he was met with loud applause and cheers. Around the table his friends were occupying, several more round tables had been set up. The decor was as fancy as he would expect for an event at the Barrington. The tables were draped in gold and cream tablecloths and set with china and shimmering crystal goblets. In the crowd, he saw his parents, his campaign staff, and a few unfamiliar faces he assumed were his new constituents. A long buffet had been set up along one wall, and a line of black-and-white uniformed waiters waited behind the gleaming silver serving dishes. He could feel the broad smile spreading across his face as he approached the table where his fraternity brothers sat.
Extending his hand to Maxwell, he shook his hand. “You didn’t have to do all this, M
ax.”
“Sure I did. How often do you actually win at something?” Maxwell punched him playfully in the rib cage. “Besides, my secretary did most of the work.”
He rolled his eyes at Maxwell’s smart remark. Snark was part of the man’s DNA. Turning his attention to Bryan, he slapped his old friend on the back. “Bryan. When did you get back in town?”
A chuckling Bryan pulled him in for a quick hug. “This morning. When Tyrone called me with the good news, I knew I had to be here.”
Xavier went around the table hugging his brothers and thanking them for their roles in putting this together. Then he stepped back and stood for a moment, just drinking it all in. He looked at the faces of the people he cared about: his mother, dabbing at her eyes, his father, beaming with pride. All his fraternity brothers—Ty, Max, Bryan, and Orion—were together; a rare treat. His campaign staffers, who’d worked long, arduous hours for the last eighteen months trying to get him elected and somehow still liked him enough to come to this event. Seeing all these people gathered to honor him made for a moment of sheer perfection.
Almost.
There was one face missing, a presence so important to him, he could not ignore the sting of her absence.
Imani.
He drew a deep breath and steeled himself. He missed her like he’d never missed anyone or anything in his life before, but he hadn’t wanted to push her. He’d tried that already, staying in her face until she’d finally given in. Right now, he was surrounded by friends and family who’d gone through an awful lot of trouble and expense to throw him a party, and he wasn’t about to be an ingrate and run off after Imani. His mama had raised him better than that.
So he went to the podium that had been set up near the front of the room and stood behind the microphone. As he looked out over the assemblage, they gave him another enthusiastic round of applause, then gradually quieted to hear him speak.
Xavier cleared his throat to push away the lump of emotion he felt. “I’ll keep this brief because, frankly, I’m hungry and I want to know what’s on that buffet.” The quip drew a smattering of laughter before he continued. “I want to extend my most sincere thanks to everyone who had a part in planning this and to everyone who supported me on this long journey. As councilman, I vow to serve the people of Raleigh to the absolute best of my ability.”
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