Free Almost Doesn't Count by Angela Winters

but I needed to make the right choice for myself. I’m thinking about—”
    â€œWho are you fooling, girl?” LaKeisha asked. “I remember Sherise Lynn was all about the game.”
    â€œWell, of course, I’m planning to go back soon.”
    â€œYou might want to consider a little sooner than soon,” LaKeisha suggested. “Sherise, we’re really looking for someone to head Northman’s communications on the campaign. You know how great his chances are.”
    The latest poll had him leading among Democrats, but Sherise knew all these polls changed every month. He was the newest candidate, so of course he would be at the top.
    â€œAre you asking me to join the campaign?”
    â€œI’m giving you the opportunity to join the campaign and be in charge of all his communications. Do you know what this could mean for you, Sherise, when he wins?”
    â€œIf he wins,” Sherise said, but she was already getting that pull in the pit of her stomach that came only when a great opportunity presented itself.
    If Northman won the election, she could be White House press secretary.
    â€œEven if he lost,” LaKeisha said, “which he won’t, you could write your ticket for what job you wanted next.”
    â€œDoes Northman know about this?” Sherise asked, already imagining herself in this position.
    â€œYes. He’s left the decision to me. He trusts me completely and he already told me he wanted a person of color in his communications role. You’ll be the face of his campaign for the press. He knows that’s good for him.”
    Just then, Cady, seeming to sense that she was being ignored, yelled out loud and threw her tiny set of plastic keys in her mother’s direction. The set landed on the floor a few feet from Sherise. She looked at Cady, who was reaching her arms out to be picked up.
    It hit her like a brick what she was doing and sort of amazed her at how quickly she had forgotten about her reality.
    â€œYou can meet with him next week if you—”
    â€œWait,” Sherise said. “LaKeisha, this is a big deal. I have to talk to Justin about it and think about . . . I . . . We were planning on growing our family.”
    â€œYou can’t pass this up, Sherise.” LaKeisha’s voice sounded disappointed. “The Sherise I knew would never pass this up. We’re talking about the White House here.”
    â€œI know, but . . .” Sherise no longer felt excitement. She was now anxious and upset, feeling resentment creeping in. “I just need time.”
    There was a pause as LaKeisha sighed before saying, “Let’s at least have lunch next week, okay?”
    Sherise hesitated for a second, but finally said, “Yes, let’s do that. How about the Blue Duck Tavern in West End at noon on Wednesday?”
    They set the date, and just as Sherise placed the phone down, it rang again. This time it was Justin. She wasn’t looking forward to having this conversation with him about a possible position on Northman’s campaign and didn’t intend to say a word until she knew exactly what she wanted.
    â€œWhen are you getting here?” she asked impatiently.
    â€œI’m gonna be here a little while longer,” he said, seeming to not notice or to be ignoring her tone. “Jason and Rhoda are here, too. We’re just gonna order dinner and try and knock out these talking points.”
    â€œSo when are you getting back?”
    â€œI don’t know,” he said. “Baby, I don’t want to leave yet. We’re on a good groove.”
    â€œFuck your groove,” she said. “I’m cooking dinner for us.”
    â€œYou’re such a hypocrite, Sherise. Remember when you were working on that big U Street project? You called to cancel our date nights or called me to tell me you were coming home late all the time. This project is like that for me.”
    Sherise was struck