I glanced over at Chippy, who nodded.
“His dad is Councilman Sims,” Paris added, trying to take back control of the conversation.
“Ronald Sims? He’s running for Congress, isn’t he?” I was keenly aware of New York’s political landscape and the players in all five boroughs, especially Queens. Ronald Sims was definitely a player who was on the rise.
“Yes, he is.” Trevor smiled.
I was sure he was hoping for a quick thaw between us, but he’d forgotten one thing: Paris was my daughter, and I knew his only objective was to get her into bed. He was going to have to show his face around here a hell of a lot more, and preferably on days I wasn’t conducting a board of directors meeting, if he expected me to thaw.
“So, no, I don’t need anyone to buy me a suit—but my father could really use your support in his reelection campaign,” he added.
I let out a hearty chuckle that filled the room, and then glanced over at Orlando and Harris, who both nodded their heads and discreetly began to type into their iPads. “You know what, young man? I admire your moxie—or rather your swagger, as it’s called these days. I’ve always been one to preach involvement in family endeavors to my children. Good to see your father is of a like mind. We’ll have to see what we can do for our future congressman.”
I nodded at Paris, who seemed pleased as she placed her arm in Trevor’s and led him toward the door. While not quite up to the level of her sister, perhaps there was some hope, after all, when it came to Paris’s choice in men.
Chippy leaned over and whispered in my ear, “Dear Lord, LC, has Paris lost her mind and invited that man to sit in on one of our board meetings?” I glanced back over toward the door and, to my dismay, watched Paris and her new friend take two empty seats by the entrance. Why the hell she would have that man sit in at one of our board meetings was beyond my comprehension. Perhaps Chippy was right; she’d lost her damn mind.
“Uh-huh, that’s exactly what she’s doing.” I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves, because I was known to have a very explosive temper. Why couldn’t that girl be more like her brothers and sister and just use common sense? Ain’t no way London or any of the others would be stupid enough to invite a stranger to one of our private business meetings. I was about to storm over there when Chippy took hold of my wrist.
“She’s only doing this to impress you. You know she usually doesn’t date guys like him. She wants you to see she can pick a smart man like London,” Chippy mouthed softly. “We might not be able to speak as candidly as we’d like with him in the room, but let’s see how it goes. The kids all know better than to discuss anything beyond the basics in front of a stranger, so it won’t matter. We can always ask him to step out of the room if we get on a topic that’s not for his ears. The rest we can discuss tomorrow in private.”
I glanced over at Paris, who was leaning up against the boy, with her head on his shoulder. She really didn’t have a clue, and that scared me.
“Besides, Trevor ... and his father could be useful to us one day.”
I looked over at my wife, a little shocked by her response. “You sure about this?”