“Do you believe that, Montana? See, that’s what I mean about the political parties. They’ve got the wrong idea. So what Colin Powell is black? The day-oh day-oh guy was right. Colin Powell is a house slave but then the day-oh guy is a field slave. What’s the difference? They’re both slaves. See, that’s where we go wrong. Personally, I don’t aspire to be a field slave or a house slave. I aspire to own the house and the plantation that the house sits on and hire them to be the slaves. That’s how we win. That’s how we rise.”

The car zoomed and Langston fumed as he debated with call-in guests, one after another. Finally, we arrived at his townhouse.

“I’ll get your bags.”

“Thank you.” Thinking to myself, You should have done that in the first place, Duke man. We made our way up the pristinely manicured walkway leading to his house, where we paused before entering.

“Montana, it’s perfect that you’re here, especially since my date Stephanie cancelled at the last minute because her mother was in a car accident. She knew how important this evening was and after the dinner, she would have had plenty of time to make it to the intensive care ward. Well, she cancelled on me, so now”—pulling out his electronic Rolodex, scanning through the names—“I’m cancelling her. Delete. You know Montana, funding is the only thing standing between me and my seat in the United States Congress. Montana, I’ve realized good family men make good congressmen. It’s no coincidence you’re here. Out of all the woman that I know, and trust me, I do know many, I couldn’t think of anyone who would represent the potential of family more than you.”

Suddenly I felt bad for all the nasty things I had called him in my head. He had just killed two birds with one stone. A double shot—potential and family, both were music to my ears. Like a Vegas slot machine, my heart skipped a beat as the rattling sounds of coins began clanging in my ear.

His front door opened. Running to his legs, panting, licking, obviously full of affection, was the cutest little toy poodle. And what looked like the perfect play buddy for my Muggly.

“Hey there, Juicy. Yeah, girl. Come here, Juicy.” Awww, Langston had a dog. A cute little warm and fuzzy dog. This was a side I hadn’t seen from Langston. He was caring. Cuddly. “Yeah, girl. I missed you too.” He cooed, petting and stroking the toy poodle.