by Honey
There was a pep in his step as drew nearer to the visitation room. He would’ve been there by now, but Treasure had insisted that she carry the big bouquet of purple tulips, and it appeared to be weighing her down. Sadly, Gem had refused to make the trip to Birmingham with them. She was still a very angry and sad little girl who couldn’t understand the terrible disease that plagued her mother. So when her father announced that Mink wanted the family to visit her, Gem adamantly declined. Her grandparents had tried to persuade her to go in every way possible, including bribery, but she’d stood her ground. She opted to hang out with her Uncle J for the day instead.
Josiah paused outside the double doors of the visitation room. He took a deep breath to steady the racing beat of his heart before he pushed one of the swinging doors and entered the wide open space. His eyes locked with Mink’s right away. He could tell by the smile on her face and her jittery body language that she was excited to see them. Her smile faded slightly as she craned her neck to look behind Josiah and Treasure.
“Mommy!” Treasure squealed and took off in a sprint with the bundle of fresh flowers in her little hands.
Josiah froze in place as he watched Mink bend down and scoop up their baby girl into her arms. The series of hugs and kisses exchanged between the two warmed his heart. If Gem had come with them, their family circle would be complete, and Mink’s eyes would have a full glow instead of the cloud of unspoken questions lingering in them. Her disappointment stole some of the glimmer from her orbs.
“Where is Gem Arianna?”
“She’s with Uncle J, Mommy. I told her to come, but she said she didn’t want to.”
Josiah sighed and stroked his goatee. He closed the distance between himself and Mink. “I tried everything to persuade Gem to come here, but she’s stubborn like you. I’m sorry, baby.” He leaned in and pecked his wife’s lips.
“Well, I’ll just enjoy my visit with Daddy and Treasure Lorielle.”
Josiah followed Mink to table in the corner with four vacant chairs around it. She had lost some weight, which had caused the junk in her trunk to downsize. But the absence of a few pounds looked good on her. His dick jumped, and he immediately chastised himself silently for allowing his thoughts to go there. Mink was in the hospital being treated for severe drug addiction. He had no business allowing lust to stir him up.
Mink sat down and placed Treasure on her lap. “So, do you miss me, honey bunny?”
“Yes, I miss you. When are you coming home?”
“I’ll leave here when I’m all better, sweetie.” Mink did a thorough inspection of Treasure’s two long ponytails with bright red ribbons adorning them to match her romper. “Who styled your hair so pretty?”
“Nana did. Do I look cute, Mommy?”
“Nah, baby girl, you look fabulous!”
Josiah loved to see Mink healthy and drug free. She was a different woman. Hopefully, by the time of her discharge, she would be able to leave all of her demons behind and start life afresh with the family on the outside. He was willing to do anything to help her stay clean. But did she have the will and desire to help herself live a life without heroin? Only time would tell.
Chapter Eight
Josiah smiled at the sight of Treasure sleeping peacefully in Miss Gladys’s arms. Gem was asleep also, sprawled out on the leather chaise lounge. Miss Gladys was so absorbed in what appeared to be a primetime drama on TV that she hadn’t even noticed that her boss had entered the den.
Josiah crossed the den and stopped at the end of the sofa. “I’ll take her up to bed.”
“You scared me, chile,” Miss Gladys said, patting her chest. “You shouldn’t sneak up on an old woman like that.”
“I’m sorry.” He lifted Treasure from her arms and hoisted her over his shoulder. “I’ll take her up first and come back for Gem. I’m sure you’re going to finish your movie.”
“I sure am, so be quiet.”
Josiah hurried up the stairs to place Treasure in her bed and returned to the den for Gem. It had been a long and hectic day, and he was dog-tired. But he couldn’t complain because his life seemed to have taken a turn for the better. He was up by eight points in the polls. Campaign contributions were steadily trickling in, and Mink had been clean for thirty-six days. The doctor and therapist were considering stepping down her level of care in the preparation of releasing her to a partial hospitalization program before finally allowing her to come home and reconnect with Narcotics Anonymous. What more could a brotha ask for? Maybe if Mink could stay clean, they could work on the son he’d always wanted. Josiah smiled at the thought of a tiny version of himself running around the house. Then he kissed Gem’s forehead and left the bedroom.
Although it was late, he wanted to hear Mink’s voice. They’d had an emotional reconnection since she had been in rehab working on her addiction and other mental health issues. It was true. God did work in mysterious ways. It had taken another relapse and an additional stay in rehab to draw them closer. Josiah missed his wife being home with him and the girls, though. He longed for the day when she would return clean, sober, and mentally healthy. He reached for the house phone on the nightstand as soon as he entered the master suite because his cell phone battery had died hours ago. He dialed Mink’s direct number in her new private room at the facility and was happy when she answered on the second ring, sounding sexy.
“I couldn’t go to bed without talking to you.”
She laughed, and Josiah felt like flying to Birmingham at that moment just to kiss her good night. “I’m up reading and thinking about you and the girls.”
“What are you reading this time of night?”
“I like to read stories from the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book at night. It inspires me and keeps me focused. The doctor says I can come home in two weeks. He’s already put in a referral to a day treatment program in Atlanta. If they accept me, I’ll be back with you and the girls soon.”
“Are you ready for that, baby?”
“Yes, I am. I know the program, and I have the mental tools I need to stay clean. I just have to use all I’ve learned and work the steps for the rest of my life. I can do it, JoJo. I know I can, and I really want to. Just promise that’s you’ll help me.”
“I’m here, baby. I ain’t going nowhere. We’re in this together.”
* * *
“Surprise!”
Mink took a quick backward step and covered her mouth with her hands. She leaned into Josiah for support. “Oh my goodness!”
“Welcome home, Mommy!” Treasure hurried over to her mother and handed her a bundle of balloons in an array of vibrant colors.
“Thank you, honey bunny,” Mink whispered with tears in her eyes. She bent over and kissed her baby girl on the cheek. She watched as Gem slowly made her way over to her.
“Welcome home, Mommy. I hope you stay this time.” She handed her mother a big brown teddy bear wearing a red ribbon across its chest, welcoming her home. Then she returned to her position between Uncle J and Miss Gypsie.
“Thank you, Gem.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Yeah, the girls wanted to surprise you with a pizza party, so Gypsie and I threw something together,” Jeremiah explained.
“Welcome home, Mrs. Bishop. You look wonderful.” Gypsie touched her shoulder and smiled. “I’ll leave you to spend time with your family. Good night.”
“Thanks, Gypsie. I appreciate you helping out with the girls while I was away.”
“It was my pleasure, ma’am.”
“I’ll walk you to the door,” Jeremiah announced as he followed Gypsie.
“Well, if this is a pizza party, where is the food? The guest of honor is starving.”
Treasure tugged at her mother’s hand and led her to the kitchen, leaving Josiah and Gem alone in the den.
* * *
“You’re going to have to forgive your mother someday, Gem. She’s getting better, and she’s sorry for leaving us all those times.”
“I
want her to promise me that she’ll never leave us again.”
“I, Mink Isiana Sinclair Bishop, promise to never, ever leave my family again,” she declared softly, returning to the den. Mink wrapped her arm around Gem’s shoulders and kissed the top of her head. “I’m so sorry for everything I’ve done to hurt you, your sister, and your father, Gem Arianna. But I can’t change any of those things because they’re in the past. All I can do is stay clean, sober, and healthy now so you can learn to trust me again. Pinky swear?” She hooked her pinky, inviting her daughter to take hold of it with hers.
Josiah held his breath as he waited for Gem’s icy heart against her mother to melt. The poor child had been through hell over the past eight weeks her mother had been in rehab. The adjustment hadn’t been easy for any of them, but they had weathered the storm, and Josiah was ready for his family to move on and start afresh.
“Okay,” Gem finally agreed and hooked her pinky with Mink’s to seal the deal.
Josiah exhaled and thanked God for new beginnings.
* * *
“You look beautiful, baby. Just continue to smile and wave.”
Mink did as she was told like a good politician’s wife. She and Josiah had attended nonstop events over the past two weeks since she had returned home. Her schedule was pretty much locked in. She took the girls to summer camp every morning before she went to day treatment from nine until one o’clock in the afternoon. Then she’d meet with her sponsor for an hour or so before heading home to start dinner. A couple of hours later, it would be time to pick up the girls from camp, feed them, and spend quality time with them before their baths. By that time, Josiah would make his evening appearance, and he and Mink would prepare to attend some party or fundraiser or political forum where she was expected to do exactly what she was doing now: smiling and waving like a trophy wife on display for strangers and snobs.
Mink hated her life. It was boring and without purpose, but she had signed on for it eight years ago, so she was trying her damnedest to play the part. It was much easier when Josiah was just a city councilman and a trial attorney, and they didn’t have the girls. Things got crazy when she had the babies back to back, and he decided to run for mayor. It was too much, too soon, and she got lost in the mix somehow. Where was Mink, and what was her purpose in life? She wanted to be so much more than Mrs. Josiah Jacob Bishop, first lady of Atlanta and the mother of Gem and Treasure Bishop. She wanted her own identity and an important mission in life to fulfill.
After all, she’d earned her executive master’s degree in business and had enjoyed some success in corporate America as a commercial real estate broker for a well-known Atlanta agency. Mink was climbing the ladder and making things shake in her company when Jeremiah convinced Josiah to run for mayor. She’d just discovered she was pregnant with Treasure, but her superiors had assured her that it wouldn’t be a problem.
However, Mink’s life became chaotic when she had to hit the campaign trail with a big belly, swollen feet, and a toddler in tow. It soon became impossible for her to work, so instead of taking a leave of absence from her job as originally planned, she hit the campaign scene full time. Her life was immediately benched from the game to advance Josiah’s dream, and she resented it wholeheartedly. Treasure was born in the middle of the campaign and postpartum depression set in because she was a wife stuck at home with two babies and no life.
After the inaugurals, Mink found herself even more depressed, lonely, and burdened by the secrets of her past. She felt like she was losing her damn mind. So she weaned Treasure from nursing, hired Miss Gladys, and took her place as the first lady of Atlanta, Georgia. But sadly, it was the beginning of the worst days of her life. It seemed just like yesterday when it all started.
“Sweetheart, I’d like you to meet State Representative Walter Fordham and his lovely wife, Gayla. Walter and I have been trying to hook you two ladies up for a while, but the time never seemed right before tonight.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Fordham.” Mink offered them her hand.
“The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Bishop,” Mr. Fordham returned.
“I can’t believe you have two small children. It took me forever to lose my baby weight.”
Mink smiled, flattered by Mrs. Fordham’s compliment. “Thank you.”
“Let’s go to the bar for drinks and let the men do what they do best. You know they’re dying to talk politics.”
“Okay.” Mink kissed Josiah’s cheek before she followed Gayla to the bar where they took seats.
“I’ll have a double shot of Cîroc original,” Gayla told the bartender as soon as her butt hit the bar stool.
Mink was taken aback by Gayla’s choice of drink. It had been months since she’d had her occasional glass of red wine. Even after she’d stopped nursing Treasure, she hadn’t indulged, but they were at a party, and she was supposed to be relaxing and enjoying herself.
“I’d like a glass of Merlot please,” she finally requested.
The two ladies got acquainted over their beverages of choice. Gayla threw back three more double shots of Cîroc while Mink nursed her single glass of Merlot. After talking about husbands, children, and abandoned careers, the women realized they had a lot in common.
A tipsy Gayla stood abruptly. “I need to use the little girls’ room.”
Without a word, Mink followed Gayla to the ladies’ lounge. She was surprised when her new friend locked the door once they entered and took a seat on the countertop. But she damn near blew her stack when Gayla removed a syringe and a tiny vial containing a clear liquid from her silver beaded evening bag. Mink watched in shock as Gayla tied an elastic band around her arm and tapped for a vein. Seconds later, she filled the syringe halfway and injected herself. Instantly, she smiled, and her entire body slumped, almost falling off of the countertop.
Mink jumped when someone knocked on the door. She spun around in circles for a few seconds wringing her hands, unsure what to do. Finally, she took the drug vial, syringe, and elastic band and stuffed it all back inside the evening bag. Then she helped Gayla into a stall, sat her on the commode, and shut the door. Trembling like crazy, Mink composed herself and went to unlock the bathroom door. She smiled politely at the three ladies as they filed in and powdered their noses and went into other stalls. Mink pretended that her hair and makeup needed retouching as she carefully rummaged through Gayla’s evening bag for a comb and compact.
She was relieved when the ladies left to return to the party. Mink rushed into the stall. “What the hell is wrong with you? You just took drugs in a public restroom!”
“It’s just a little taste of smack, honey,” she slurred with a goofy grin on her pretty face. Her eyes were low and glossy. “A lot of political wives and politicians take a hit sometimes to help them deal with stress. Cocaine is played, sweetheart. Heroin is the shit. You should try it.”
“I don’t do drugs,” Mink whispered through gritted teeth.
“Well, maybe you should. I see that desperate look in your eyes. You’ve got issues just like me. The mayor’s wifey needs a hit to take the edge off. You’ve been home taking care of babies and standing by your man in public. When was the last time you had fun?”
“I don’t know,” Mink answered truthfully.
Gayla snatched her purse and removed the vial, the elastic band, and a new syringe. “Just chill and let me take you to a place you’ve never been before. Enjoy the flight. If you don’t like it, so be it. If you do and you want some more, call me.”
Chapter Nine
Mink’s body stiffened as she forced her mind away from the past. She refused to relive that first time she’d ever felt heroin enter her veins and poison her bloodstream. Although it was one of the most euphoric feelings she had ever experienced in her life, it was the beginning of the endless chase of a high that she would never capture again. It had been a very costly chase that had nearly caused her to lose everything she loved. Mink rubbed her hands up and down her bare arms
as a sudden chill washed over her.
“Are you okay, baby?”
“I’m fine,” she lied, smiling at Josiah. “I’m kind of tired, though. Can we leave soon?”
“Yeah, baby. Just give me another fifteen minutes to work the crowd one last time.”
Hand in hand, Atlanta’s first couple strolled around the ballroom smiling, shaking hands, and making small talk. As they neared a section of tables in the middle of the ballroom, Mink decided to do the one thing that she’d made a conscious effort not to do all evening. She stole a quick glance at Charmaine Lomax, the wife of Josiah’s opponent. For some unexplainable reason, the woman intimidated Mink. Josiah said he couldn’t understand why. Yes, Charmaine was a pretty pecan-tan woman with light brown eyes. Her build was tall and slender, which most brothas would never prefer over Mink’s curvy hourglass figure. Plus, the first lady rocked beautiful sandy curls while the woman who wished to replace her on the political scene had invested in the most expensive auburn Brazilian wavy weave that money could buy.
According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution newspaper, the two women were equally educated; each with a master’s degree. They’d come from similar middle-class backgrounds, and both were mothers who had placed their careers on hold to support their husbands’ political aspirations. Seemingly, the two women were equal on all fronts. But Mink was willing to bet a million dollars that Charmaine Lomax wasn’t a recovering addict. Sure, Gayla Fordham had convinced her that heroin and cocaine were prevalent amongst political figures and their spouses, but Mrs. Lomax didn’t appear to be the type to snort, smoke a pipe, or shoot up.