Streets

29. Glitter and Gold

Glitter Boutique
Saturday
3pm

Days have gone by, Adina left the mess of dealing with her family home being burned down to Derek who told her he would deal with it. The debate was amazing and just like assumed, Derek won the love of the Grove and Darnell looked like a fool. Adina was in her office inside her boutique that was selling out of lingerie faster than she thought, she was remembering how Derek won the crowd over with his speech and Darnell had nothing but promises that the people didn't even want.

Adina stood backstage watching Derek smoothly take over the mic after the mediator asked the question of, 'What are you gonna bring to Grove City if you win this election?' He didn't even stutter a word. "I would bring dignity. Money and jobs to those who need it, no longer will the people of the Grove feel the need to wait hand and foot for things they need. Our schools need more funding, libraries need up to date books. Houses needed to be tended to, more centers for our youth to be able to learn and have a place away from crime and corruption. Better yet the Grove needs to be a true sanctuary for those who have been discriminated against, and violated by Mob City. They don't care about you there they only care about what you can do for them but let me do for you. I will take care of all needs and make sure that there are opportunities at every corner so our children will have a great education, so your husband's and wive's will have money to pay these bills, so our son's and daughter's can build a better future for this city. This city will be bigger and better and it will be done the right way." The crowd ate up his words with delight and they quickly quieted down for Darnell to say his piece, the quiet response as he spoke showed how the city felt about him and his ideas. "All I can say is, I was born and raised here, I know the Grove and he doesn't. I can get things done and all he has is like every other politician is empty promises." Darnell was quickly interrupted, "You are gang member! Selling drugs, the very drugs that has torn this community apart and he has already began building the community centers! All you have done is create more madness." Adina felt bad deep down cause Darnell wasn't cut out for this life and she knew it just like he did.

She couldn't believe how amazing Derek was with the people of the grove, they were falling at his feet almost and he was so humble about it. She was so lost in thought she didn't hear the door to her office open, "Your mother would be so proud." Adina looked up to see Sheila walking into her office, "You don't know nothing about how my momma would have felt, she would have been too drunk to notice." Adina replied back with harshness in her tone. Sheila knew how Adina felt and she knew she had every right to feel that way, "Adina I know you don't care for me much, I understand that but please understand what me and your dad had, it was business mostly. My father saw potential in Raymond, without seeing the very visible flaws." Adina didn't care what this woman was saying, "What can I do for you Sheila?" Adina asked with a great amount of attitude, "Well, I noticed your dating the soon to be mayor of Grove City, and you are also in business with Nicki. The owner of the soon to be strip club that's gonna be across the street." Adina exhaled quickly losing patience, "Yes. Yes I am. So how can I help you?" Sheila smiled as she sat down at the chair sitting across from Adina's desk. "No it's how can I help you? This market is incredibly competitive and everyday a piece of land is being sold to the highest bidder and it just sits there, untouched. Now you have vision, and if you can build a brand that's saying something. Talking billboards around every major highway reaching all the way to Atlanta." Adina didn't want to do business with someone like Sheila, she already shown signs of being a venomous snake. "Why would I want to do business with you?" Adina asked and Sheila smiled, "Because we both want the same thing. To see Raymond come down off that high horse that he has no business being on. To show him who the top dogs really are in the city." Adina thought about it, other than the obvious there really isn't a reason for her not to take Sheila's offer, "I will think about it. Only think about it. I'll get back to you." Sheila understood but she knew Adina wouldn't resist, "I'll be in touch. And Adina.." Adina looked up at her as Sheila walked to the door, "I really am proud of you." She left and Adina couldn't help but feel strange about the way she said that.