His BackBone

By Your Side

Roman's POV

Even though Alexa and I decided to end it, that wasn't good enough for Naomi, she completely blew me off. I sat in my office, and thought about what I should do. I sent her a quick text

Me: Are you still in the office?
Naomi: Yes.. did you need something sir?
Me: Yeah, come here please..

Naomi appeared at my door, and sat down in front of my desk. "What's going on?"

"Spend the night with me. We don't have to do anything. I am just so lonely. I miss you." Never in my life have I been this vulnerable. Right now I just need a friend. It was getting close to Mariama's birthday and every year since she passed away, it's extremely hard for me to cope with.

"I just want to relax and go home. I was serious when I said I was done with you. It's the best I can do for both of us. I want someone I don't have to sneak around with." Naomi admitted.

"May 21st.."

"I know her birthday is coming soon. Do you want to go to her grave again this year and release balloons?  Like we did last year?"

"No.. I don't think I should."

She walked over to me, and sat on the edge of my desk. "Why didn't you tell me you were grieving ? I don't have an issue with laying with you tonight. Whatever you need me to do. You know that I got you Roman."

"Thanks Naomi." I said lowly. She hugged me, and I wanted to cry in her arms. She rubbed my back, and I felt the tears coming down. I didn't even care anymore, I just let it all out. Naomi held me while I cried for awhile. It was the first time I cried in a long time over my wife.

"Baby.. its fine. Just let it all out. I can hold you for as long as you want."  She whispered in my ear.

I looked up at her, and she wiped my tears away and she kissed my forehead.

Naomi's POV

I climbed in Roman's bed, and we didn't say anything to each other. He was like this last year around her birthday because it was the first one since her passing. Mariana, was a sweet woman, and she loved Roman so much. I sometimes feel conflicted about my feelings for him, because I knew his wife.

He stretched his arm out, and I laid in his arms. "Roman, I wish there was someway we could be together. I don't want to be a secret."

"I know that's something I think about everyday. Trust me. Unless, we got married on a whim? I don't know."

"Uh, let's be realistic here. I am not sure if it's in our Florida constitution that we can't date. I can check tomorrow. But, either way you know that would interfere with re-election. Maybe we can wait until after."

"I think that's a good idea." He said, kissing me.

The Next Day

I was a little early and I saw Cody and Amani talking. I wonder what they were up to. I actually liked them together, even though I didn't really like Cody.

"Hey !" I greeted them both and returned to my office. There were white Lillies on my desk with a card. "Thank you for being there for me last night. " - Roman

I smelled the flowers and they were so beautiful ! I walked in to thank Roman, but he was already talking with Cody.

"I'm putting in my two weeks notice and joining Congressman Ali's team. He's encouraging me to run as Lt. Governor. Something you didn't think I could do."

Oh shit, Mustafa was recruiting everyone. He's officially become the enemy. "I'm sorry I'll come back later." I said, turning around.

"No, Naomi come in here. It's time the three of us have a real ass conversation! Close the door behind you."

I obeyed and sat in front of him, looking confused at Cody.

"Now, I just announced my run again for office and Cody wants to leave with Mustafa. Naomi you've ran campaigns before you're good with numbers since you're a consultant. Does Mustafa have a good chance at beating me?" He said, looking at me.

"No, with the changes you have made, with bipartisan efforts you're one of the best governors of Florida in history." I added.

Roman directed his attention to Cody who didn't say much. "Why are  you leaving huh? You feel threatened by Naomi? You don't feel appreciated it? What the hell is it? Spit it out!" Roman growled.

I was a little taken back by his tone. Still I twiddled with my thumbs waiting for him to answer.

Cody sat up in his chair. "You know Roman I've known you for years and we graduated from college together. I knew that you would go far and I would support you. But, I'm tired of being in the background. So, no this isn't about Naomi. I'm ready to run and going to help Mustafa win against you."

"Fair enough.. Grab your thing and get out of my office. Leave all your keys and access cards with Amani. See you in the primaries." Roman said, looking on. I was absolutely speechless. Our office was being torn apart.  Cody stormed out of the office.

"Are you gonna leave me too?" He asked.

"Of course not. My loyalty lies with you." I said, wanting to kiss him but I decided to return to my desk. Amani hadn't said a word, and I wish she would have given me a heads up.