9. Legacy
CHAPTER 9
LEGACY
S itting in my makeshift office, which I had set up in the corner of my large living room, I sipped on a Red Bull, trying to muster up the energy for the long Friday ahead. I’d never been big on coffee, but this week had been rough. It had been relentless with events and assignments piling up. My team had pulled through, but it had taken its toll. I needed a pick-me-up to survive this long Friday ahead.
Taking a large gulp of the Red Bull, I glanced at my iPad, where my therapist's face filled the screen. We were halfway through our hour-long video session, and she was giving me that patient, encouraging look she always did.
“So, let’s talk about Bless.” Ebony’s approach was always gentle but probing. “You mentioned finding out that she had moved on, that she’s in a relationship now. How have you been managing your feelings?”
I sighed, rubbing my temple. “Man, it’s been tough. Realizing that she moved on…” I paused, clearing the lump of emotions from my throat that appeared every time I envisioned that nigga kissing what was mine. “It kills me every time. I ruined things and now I know that trying to get her back would definitely be a waste of time.”
Ebony nodded with concern-filled orbs, sitting behind large, black-framed glasses. “I understand. But I’m worried about the stress this is putting on your sobriety. You’ve come so far, Legacy.”
“Yeah, I know,” I replied before taking another sip of my Red Bull. “I ain’t gonna slip, though. It’s just… she’s always in my head, you know? She’s my one true love. It’s like no matter what I do, I can’t get Bless out of my head and heart.”
“That’s powerful,” she said, leaning closer to the screen. “But it’s important to focus on what’s best for you. Have you thought about what it would mean to truly let her go?”
I leaned back in my chair, staring up at the ceiling for a moment. “Letting her go? It feels impossible, like a part of me would be missing. But I get what you’re saying. I need to take care of myself first.”
Ebony leaned forward slightly as her eyes filled with empathy. “I know it’s hard. Letting go of someone who means so much to you is never easy. But focusing on your well-being and staying grounded is essential.”
I ran a hand over my face. Then my hand rested on the smooth, curly strands of my beard. My fingers began to comb them nervously. “I hear you. It’s just… she’s the one person who ever really got me, you know? We had something real.”
She nodded with understanding. “You had a deep connection, and it’s okay to acknowledge that. But it’s also important to recognize the growth you’ve achieved on your own. You’ve built a successful business, stayed committed to your sobriety, and you’re an incredible father to your kids.”
I couldn’t help but smile a bit at that. “Yeah, the kids are my anchor. They are the main reason why I can’t mess up.”
“Exactly,” she said wearing a prideful grin. “You have a lot to be proud of. And if Bless is truly your one true love, then perhaps in time, things will fall into place. But for now, focus on what you can control—yourself, your business, and your children.”
I fell silent. Ebony watched my mind wander. The room was quiet, the only sound being the dull hum of the fridge in the kitchen a few feet away. I stared at nothing in particular, feeling that familiar ache in my chest. Bless was always there in the back of my mind, in my heart.
I sighed, releasing a slight groan. “Yeah, you’re right. It’s just hard, you know? Seeing her with someone else makes me feel like I’m losing a part of myself.”
“That’s understandable,” she said softly. “But you’re not losing yourself. You’re rediscovering who you are outside of that relationship. And that’s a powerful journey in itself.”
I leaned back in my chair, letting her words sink in. “I guess I’ve been so wrapped up in trying to get back what I lost that I haven’t really focused on what I’ve gained.”
“Precisely,” she said. “Your journey isn’t just about regaining what you once had. It’s about creating a new path forward, one that honors who you are now .”
“Remember, you’re stronger than you realize. Keep focusing on your growth and your well-being. Everything else will follow in its own time.”
I nodded, feeling a bit more centered. “Yeah, I will. Thanks again.”
As Ebony and I ended our session, my phone started ringing. I glanced at the screen as it sat next to my laptop and saw Chantel's name flashing along with the Facetime call.
“I hear you’re getting a call,” Ebony teased. “You can answer. That was our time anyway.”
“Okay. See you next week.”
“Next week…” She nodded with a smile as she ended the call.
I propped the phone up before I answered Chantel’s call so I could keep my hands free to open my email app on my laptop. “Hey, beautiful.” My eyes narrowed with admiration and lust as I took in her stunning features. The camera framed her face perfectly. Her flawless skin was glowing.
“Hey yourself.” The expression in her eyes was just as lewd as mine.
My devilish smirk played with hers. Since we’d last talked earlier this week, we’d been texting back and forth, but I could sense that she wanted more effort from me.
“What’s up? You miss me already?” I teased as my fingers tapped at the keyboard.
Her laugh was a soft, musical sound. “Maybe a little. When are you going to stop being so busy and make time for me? You’re going to have to do more than text me if you want this pussy again.”
I chuckled. Then I shook my head as I bit down on my bottom lip. “I’m sorry, baby girl. Business is booming, thankfully. Between business and the kids, I’ve been busy all week.”
She playfully pouted. “Uh-huh. So, when am I going to see you again?”
I leaned back in my chair, glancing at her. “How about tonight? I’ve got an event to work, but I got a few free tickets from my client. You want to come through?”
Her eyes lit up. “Seriously? I’d love to.”
“Cool. I’ll send you the details. It’s going to be a good time. My client is Vibe.”
Her eyes ballooned so comically that I bellowed a laugh.
“Vibe Stone?!” she shrieked.
I was still laughing at her dramatics. “Yeah.”
“You said that all casual like you were talking about a nigga next door. Vibe Stone! Oh my God! What kind of event is it?”
“He got booked to do a hosting, and he wants me to be his bodyguard.”
Her jaw dropped. “Oh my God, Legacy! That’s so exciting! Congratulations!”
I smiled coolly. “Thank you, baby.”
“And I can come?!”
I shrugged a shoulder as if it were nothing to a real nigga. “Yeah. He said it’s going to be real chill. He’s only going to be there for maybe two hours.”
“So, I’m going to be with you?”
“Yeah.”
Her brow rose dramatically. “ And Vibe?”
I chuckled, ensuring her, “Yeah, he said my guests can chill in the section with us. I got VIP tickets, so you should be able to skip the line whenever you get there.”
She was cheesing as she gushed. “Oh my God!"
“Don’t embarrass a nigga,” I warned jokingly.
“I’m not,” she promised. “I have to figure out something to wear.”
A wicked grin spread across my face. “Wear something that will make me glad that I invited you.”
“Now, I’m really looking forward to it,” she replied, her eyes locking with mine through the screen.
My chuckle was deep as I told her, “You better be.” I playfully smirked, realizing how easy it was with Chantel. She was the perfect distraction from the heaviness that usually clouded my mind. “I gotta get back to work, but I’ll see you tonight.”
“Can’t wait,” she teased.
I locked eyes with hers again, my gaze swallowing her whole as I gave her a knowing wink. “Same here.”
I stood outside Vibe’s place, still in disbelief that I was here. When the butler opened the door and let me in, a wave of awe and humility washed over me. This was Vibe Stone’s home. I’d done security for plenty of celebrities before, but none had ever been as down to earth and personable as Vibe. Since the day we’d met, he had treated me like one of the homies.
“Legacy, my man!” Vibe greeted me with a wide grin, clapping me on the back as he ushered me inside. It felt surreal. Here was one of the biggest names in the industry, treating me like one of his guys. “Thanks for taking on this event at such a short notice.”
“No problem,” I said coolly, trying not to show how impressed I was with his dope-ass spot.
“Come on, let me show you around.”
As we walked through the penthouse, I took in the sheer lavishness of the place. The living room was massive with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the Chicago skyline. The city lights shined like stars, giving the space a jaw-dropping backdrop.
“This is the living room,” Vibe said, gesturing around. “Plenty of space for parties, but sometimes it’s just nice to kick back and enjoy the view.”
He led me to the first guest room and opened the door to reveal a space that looked more like a five-star hotel suite than a simple guest room. The bed was enormous, draped in luxurious linens, and a large flat-screen TV hung on the opposite wall.
“This is one of the guest rooms,” Vibe said casually. “Even though niggas crash anywhere they want to around this motherfucka.” He chuckled, giving me a knowing look.
We continued the tour, and he showed me the rooftop deck. My jaw practically dropped. There was a pool and a Jacuzzi surrounded by plush lounge chairs. The view was even more incredible from up here with the city spread out beneath us.
“Man, this place is unreal,” I admitted, still trying to wrap my head around it all.
“Yeah, it’s something else,” Vibe agreed, leaning on the railing as he looked out over the city. “I came a long way from the lil’ nigga selling weed on the corner in O Block.”
I nodded, feeling a genuine sense of camaraderie with him. Despite his fame and fortune, Vibe was just a real, down-to-earth dude. It was a rare thing to find in this industry.
“Let’s roll out,” he announced, forcing our gazes away front he city below us.
We headed back inside. I enjoyed the sound of my footsteps echoing off the marble floors.