Black President Season 2 Collection Page 6

  “Yes, Ma’am,” the server said. “Will orange juice be okay?”

  “Perfect.”

  Raynetta yawned as the server walked away. I never understood how the first lady could come to the table like this. Her hair was in a ponytail, clothes were wrinkled, and I doubted that she had even brushed her teeth. I was at the White House representing for my son. There was no way in hell I would be in front of anyone, not even the servers, looking like she was. Nonetheless, I left her appearance alone and tried to be nice.

  “I haven’t had a chance to speak to you since the explosion, but it’s good to see that you’re okay. Stephen was so worried about you. Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea for you to temporarily move out of the White House to begin with.”

  “Just so you know, Stephen requested that I left. He was upset with me about a few things, but now we both know his decision was a big mistake.”

  I put a piece of buttered bread in my mouth and chewed. I wasn’t quite clear about why Stephen had asked Raynetta to leave, but I knew it had something to do with Alex, based on media reports.

  “It was a big mistake, and the last thing you need to be doing is chasing after another man. Stephen is going through a lot. He needs a strong woman in his corner right now. I don’t know where the marriage stands at this point, but if you’re not willing to play the part as first lady, I suggest you divorce Stephen and get on with your life.”

  Raynetta massaged her forehead while evil-eyeing me from across the table. “Teresa, I have a major headache this morning. I’m really not in the mood for this. Your guess is as good as mine when it comes to our marriage, and just so you know, I’m not chasing after any man, period. Meanwhile, I’ve done my part playing the first lady. And I’m going to keep on doing my part. That’s because no matter what you think, I do love Stephen. I want things to work out, but everything about us is so complicated.”

  She was right about that. I couldn’t agree more. “Maybe so, but please do your part around here to make things better. I don’t know how long Stephen is going to be gone, but while he’s away, do what you can to shine on his behalf. Don’t sit around here moping. Show up and let the American people know things are good, even if they aren’t. Many of the first ladies who came before you were some of the greatest pretenders. They had some of the same issues as you, but they made the best of their time here. I’m not going to be a thorn in your side, and whether you know it or not, I am rooting for you. But you have to start rooting for yourself too.”

  Raynetta sat silent as the server placed her food in front of her. “Is there anything else I can get you, Mrs. Jefferson?”

  “No, this looks great. Thanks again. Your kindness is always appreciated.”

  The server smiled, nodded and walked away. Another server poured Raynetta some orange juice, before she, too, walked away.

  “I can’t believe you’re rooting for me. That’s the first time I’ve ever heard you say that. Make no mistake about it, I get what you’re saying about being the first lady. We do have our challenges, but I never imagined mine would be like this. I had a different vision of what it would be like in the White House. I don’t know if you realize it or not, but Stephen has been a changed man since he’s been here. He’s so angry all the time, and these ongoing relationships with other women drive me nuts. For the first time, I feel like I’m losing him. His feelings for Michelle are much deeper than I originally thought. I would put any amount of money on it that he’s with her now.”

  “Your assumption would be incorrect. Michelle was only a fling. She was there for Stephen when you kept lying and he didn’t feel like you had his back. As was that other hoochie reporter, Chanel Hamilton, who got her face cracked. I know that being with a man like Stephen isn’t easy, but you have to take some responsibility for what has been going on too. After you take a step back and look at the big picture, you’ll feel so much better. Get yourself back on track, and make Stephen regret some of the things he’s done. Not necessarily by running off and having sex with another man, but by showing that you, as the first lady, have it all together, even when Stephen doesn’t.”

  Raynetta seemed surprised by our pleasant conversation. The truth was, I had bigger fish to fry than her. While I wanted her to get it together, she still wasn’t considered one of my favorite people. But I knew that in order for Stephen’s life to get better, so did Raynetta’s.

  “I’m planning to get myself back on track, but it would surely help if Stephen wasn’t so distant and angry all the time. I guess I’ll be hearing from him soon, and, unfortunately, I haven’t even had a chance to speak to him about Joshua.”

  I gave Raynetta the scoop on everything pertaining to Joshua. Even told her about how dirty Ina was and how Levi had betrayed Stephen. Raynetta mentioned that Stephen had told her about Levi too, and she stressed how worried she was about Stephen seeking revenge. Mr. McNeil’s name came up again, and Raynetta admitted how bad she’d felt for lying to Stephen about Mr. McNeil trying to persuade her to do his dirty work. She was shocked and couldn’t believe what had been going on with Joshua. She also appeared highly upset about Mr. McNeil’s interference.

  “That man has been a pain in the ass since the first day Stephen started on the campaign trail,” Raynetta said. “Now I understand why Stephen needed to get away. This is too much.”

  “I’m glad you’re finally opening your eyes. While you have insecure, pretty-girl problems, my son is seriously going through it. You and I are the closest ones to him. I think it’s time for us to do whatever needs to be done to help make not only his world a better place, but our worlds too.”

  “I agree. But first, I think we should take charge and finally deal with Stephen’s number one enemy.”

  I couldn’t believe me and this bitch were finally on the same page and singing the same tune.

  “You are definitely speaking my language. And I have a feeling that we’re going to make a darn good team.”

  Raynetta smiled. We shook hands and continued to have a pleasant conversation during breakfast. After we were done, she informed me she was heading out later to make everyone aware that things were good with her and Stephen. As long as she cleaned herself up, her news was like music to my ears.

  I had lunch later and was sitting at a cozy café, waiting on Michelle to arrive. I called her right after breakfast and told her to meet me here. Secret Service was sitting at a few tables to my left, and I was so glad they weren’t paying too much attention to me. I reached in my purse for a compact mirror to make sure nothing was out of place and I was up to par. I wore a Saint Laurent polka dot blouse, black pants and ankle strapped heels. My salt-and-pepper colored hair was layered to perfection and not one strand was out of place. I teased the feathery bangs on my forehead and moistened my lips with more nude gloss. After I was done, I tucked the compact back into my leather handbag, then shielded my eyes from the sun with my dark sunglasses. The media considered me and the first lady fashion icons. I didn’t necessarily understand why they viewed her as one, but I definitely understood why I fit that classification. I had already spotted several photographers who were standing across the street snapping photos of me. I paid them no mind and continued to sip on my iced tea while being shaded by an umbrella.

  Michelle was late, and the second I glanced at my watch, I finally saw her. Her cocoa chocolate skin was flawless and her pretty brown eyes had to be what lured Stephen in. Her shapely figure was covered with a black-and-yellow, off-the-shoulder fitted dress. And with her natural hair held back with a band, in my opinion, she was much prettier than Raynetta was. She walked up to the table without a smile.

  “Thank you for finally making time for me,” she said. “Why did you hang up on me when I called to tell you about Stephen?”

  I nudged my head toward the chair across from me. “Hello to you too, Michelle. Please have a seat and then we’ll talk.”

  Displaying a slight attitude, she pulled back a chair and took a seat. After placing
her purse on the table, she crossed her arms and legs. “I’m sitting. Now, tell me what’s going on.”

  I finished sipping my tea through a straw, then cleared my throat. “What’s going on is you got busted with my number in your phone, and Stephen doesn’t want to have anything else to do with you. I will no longer give you any money and our little plan has concluded.”

  Her arched brows shot up. “No, Teresa. You mean your little plan has concluded. It wasn’t a plan to me, because I care deeply for Stephen. I shouldn’t have taken the money you offered me, simply because he and I were doing just fine without it.”

  All I could do was smile as I looked across the table at her. “Awwww, I’m sorry that you feel that way. But the truth is, Stephen doesn’t give two-cents about you, Michelle. He never has, and I don’t know why you side-ho’s start get all delusional and think married men have feelings. If you had just stuck with my plan, you wouldn’t have gotten so attached.”

  “I was attached before you discussed your plan with me. A side-ho I am not, and for your information, Stephen does care about me. He’s always cared, and after I give him more details about my connection with you, I’m sure he’ll understand my purpose for accepting your money.”

  I had to laugh. She was so young and naïve. “No, Michelle, he won’t understand. He’s had enough people lying to him and backstabbing him over money. You don’t want to tell him anything about your thirst for cash, and if you approach him with a bunch of nonsense and excuses, you’re going to get your feelings hurt. Now would be a great time for you to just move on like all the others have. Besides, Raynetta is never going to hand him over to anyone on a silver platter. He loves only her, and you’re going to waste your time pursuing him.”

  “I don’t intend to pursue him. All I want him to know is the truth. I owe him that, whether you like it or not.”

  “You can say what you wish, but it will go in one ear and out the other. I just hate to see a beautiful and intelligent woman like you get all worked up over a man who used you. Trust me when I say he did use you. It may have felt good at the time, but I’m sure it doesn’t now. The after effects seem like they’re starting to sting, but keep in mind that there are other dicks in the sea. From what I know, the size of Stephen’s penis isn’t all that anyway, so you should be able to find a satisfying replacement soon.”

  Michelle stood and reached into her purse. She pulled out a check and placed it on the table. “Here is every last dime that you gave me. I shouldn’t have ever taken your money and I regret playing along with this little charade of yours. By the way, and before I go, I’m not interested in other dicks in the sea. I guess you haven’t seen Stephen’s penis since he was in grade school or something, because I assure you that the size of it is enough to satisfy any woman who finds herself lucky enough to get it. Goodbye, Teresa. If you happen to see Stephen, please let him know I’ll be in touch soon.”

  She walked off as I was looking at the check she’d written out to me. “I do take checks, but I hope this one doesn’t bounce. If it does, I’ll be in touch with you, soon.”

  Michelle didn’t bother to turn around. I could tell she wasn’t the confrontational type, but more than anything, I knew Stephen was finally done with her. Raynetta could thank me later.

  First Lady,

  Raynetta Jefferson

  My conversation with Teresa left me feeling some kind of way about it. While I didn’t trust that woman as far as I could see her, she was right about a great number of things. I needed to show up and show out as first lady, so right after breakfast, I made a commitment to myself to do just that. I had finally hired another assistant, Emme. She and I spent the entire day away from the White House. My first stop was on a late night talk show with a well-known host who had me cracking up. The show wouldn’t air until later and everything was going great. He kept inquiring about Stephen, so I cleared up any misunderstandings about us.

  “As with any marriage,” I said, looking fabulous as ever. My hair was on point; it was parted through the middle with long curls flowing past my shoulders. The classy gray pantsuit I wore was an original. It melted on my curves and God had blessed me with plenty. “We have our challenges, but the president and I love each other. We want all Americans to live out their dreams and help us make this country suitable for all Americans, not just a few. That’s what we’re working towards, and we’re both excited about what’s to come.”

  Everyone in the audience applauded. The host inquired about the explosion and I commented on that too.

  “It was a tragedy. I have never experienced anything like that in my life, and I regret there are people in this country who feel like they have to resort to things like that. The American people should know that the president and his team are working diligently to stop many of those kinds of acts, before they happen. Considering what happened during the last administration, we’re already seeing much progress in the fight against terrorism. Just continue to pray for our country, and please keep the president and me in your prayers.”

  When all was said and done, the interview went well. I wasn’t sure if Stephen would see it or not, but I hoped he would. Right after the interview, I went to a new school in the DC area to speak to fifth grade students. I then attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new healthcare facility built to take care of more vets. I spent many hours there, thanking them for their service to our country. Being around so many brave men and women made me feel good. I was hyped when I left and was determined to spend more time away from the White House to attend events relating to the ones I had been to today.

  “Your schedule is all clear for the evening,” Emme said as we were in the car with a Secret Service agent. “Before we return to the White House, is there anywhere else you would like to go?”

  “No, but I would like for you to set up a meeting with someone for me, while I grab a bite to eat in the dining room. Call Alex and tell him to meet me at my office around eight. I should be done eating by then, and let him know it’s imperative that we speak this evening.”

  Emme did as she was asked. When we arrived at the White House, I had a wonderful dinner with two of Stephen’s staff members. Then I headed to my office to see if Alex was there. He was. He reminded me so much of Daniel Craig, OO7. My eyes scanned him as he stood in a tailored, tight-fitted navy suit, waiting to greet me. His beard was somewhat rugged, but his fine hair was trimmed nicely. Not once did he take his olive green eyes off me. He followed me into my office where I closed the door behind him.

  “I need you to stop calling me so much,” I said to him as he sat on the sofa. “You don’t have to call me every day, Alex, and to be honest with you, your calls are getting out of hand.”

  “I only call because I’m always worried about you. Whether you realize it or not, the president has a lot of enemies. I’m so afraid something is going to happen to you. I knew you weren’t safe at that hotel and you should have never been there.”

  “I agree, but you know I have Secret Service to protect me. I don’t need you too, but if you really want to help me, there is something you can do for me.”

  Alex crossed one of his legs over the other and tapped his fingers on his leather shoe. “What can I do for you?”

  “I want you to find out where Mr. McNeil is. I want to know everything about him going forward, and I need some very damaging information against him. He’s become Mr. Untouchable and he’s utilizing his money to hurt too many people. I just want it to stop. I want to get him where it hurts, and I need your help with this.”

  Alex stood and strutted toward me. His shoulder touched mine as he leaned in to whisper in my ear. “Tell me. What’s in this for me?”

  “That all depends on how much information you can gather and how damaging the information is. I’ll just say that the most damaging information may bring about great rewards.”

  “Oh, I’ll get you some damaging information. But you can give me a little something before I start the investigation, ca
n’t you?”

  The direction of my eyes traveled to his sexy lips. “A little something like what?”

  Alex leaned in and stole a quick kiss. I backed away from him and held up my hand. “Listen to me, okay?” I said. “I don’t want to go down that road with you again, and the last time we attempted to go there didn’t end so well. But if you get me what I need, I may have a change of heart. Regardless, I’m sure I can figure out some way to reward you for your troubles.”

  Alex raked his fingers through his hair and smiled. “You’re playing a dangerous game, sweetheart. You know the president isn’t going to approve of this. He doesn’t want me anywhere near the White House and the last time I was here I was kicked out.”

  “Well, this is a new day and you have my permission to be here.”

  Alex nodded and smiled. “Just so you are completely aware, I expect to be fully compensated for the work I do. So think long and hard about how you intend to pay me. Money won’t do, because I’m already fully loaded.”

  “I’ll worry about how to pay for your services when the time comes. As for the president, I’ll handle him. Just keep this between us, and I don’t want anyone . . . not anyone to know whatever you find out about Mr. McNeil. Can I trust you to do this for me?”

  He was blunt and truthful. “No you can’t, but what do you have to lose?”

  I shrugged. “Nothing, I guess. So get to work and keep in touch. Not every day, but at least every other day.”

  Alex seemed hyped and up to the task. I didn’t trust him, but I truly believed he was the only one who could help me bring down Mr. McNeil for good. My mother-in-law didn’t stand a chance. She was all talk and no action. Then again, she had always been about her son’s business.

  President’s Mother,

  Teresa Jefferson

  I couldn’t believe how well Raynetta and me had been getting along. I was also proud of her for getting out of the White House more and committing to her duties as the first lady. She’d gotten some information about Mr. McNeil. She wouldn’t share who gave her the information, but that didn’t matter to me. People around the White House were always snitching and leaking information. Anything you wanted to know, someone around here was willing to tell you. In this case, Raynetta trusted the individual and said we would soon know more about Mr. McNeil’s dealings.