Bless
BLESS
The bass from the speakers thumped through the club, ringing in my chest as I swayed my hips to the beat. Sky and I were deep in the groove, twerking to Sexyy Red's lyrics, feeling the rhythm pulse through our bodies. JayShawn and Raja were right behind us, moving in sync with our hips.
Though the promoter had promised JayShawn a section in a prime location, he had only been able to seat us on the second level of the club. It was the promoter’s birthday party, so the club was packed with people all vibing to the best deejays in the city. Vibe Stone was supposed to make an appearance, so the city had come out in abundance.
Looking over the railing, I could see the excitement happening below. The second floor was getting the overflow of those who didn’t want to pay two thousand dollars for a section on the main floor.
“Why did the promoter sit us all the way up here?” I strained to speak into Sky’s ear over the thundering bass. We stood next to each other, hands on our knees, just as Sexyy Red was instructing us too.
Confusion grew lines on Sky’s sweaty forehead. “I think he hooked JayShawn up with a free section.”
“ Ohhh !” I sang as I continued rotating my ass against Raja.
Even in the middle of all this, I was struggling to stay present. Raja was sweet, attentive, and genuinely interested in me. I could feel his hands on my hips, trying to connect with me through the music. I wanted to feel something more for him, something real. But every attempt felt forced like I was playing a part in a scene that wasn't mine.
I forced a smile and threw my hands in the air, trying to lose myself in the moment.
Raja leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear. "You having fun?"
I cringed when I heard the hope in his voice. All night, I could feel Raja's eyes on me, searching for a connection that just wasn't there. I hated that I couldn't give him what he wanted, what he deserved. But my mind kept drifting back to Legacy, the memories of us together, and the undeniable pull that still held me in its grip.
I glanced over at Sky, who was laughing with JayShawn, completely immersed in the moment. I envied her ability to be present, to enjoy the now. I took a deep breath and tried to push my thoughts away, focusing on the music, the lights, and Raja's hopeful eyes. For tonight, I wanted to be here with him, even if it felt like I was just going through the motions.
As I danced with Raja, my attention was drawn to the sudden commotion below. The crowd was parting. I watched people’s expressions change to excitement and shock, their faces lit up by a big spotlight. I squinted, trying to make out what was happening. Then I saw Vibe Stone walking through the club, but what really caught my eye was Legacy walking beside him.
Legacy had always been a stunning man, but standing next to the celebrity of Vibe Stone, his appeal multiplied. He looked incredible, impeccably dressed in designer clothes that hugged his large, muscular physique just right. His jewelry sparkled in the club lighting, which added to his commanding presence.
I watched in awe as Legacy, Vibe, and their entourage made their way to the VIP section on the stage. My heart skipped a beat seeing Legacy not in his usual security uniform, but dressed to impress, blending in with the high-profile crowd. I felt a pang of hurt, realizing how distant we had become. Because how did I not know about his obvious connection with Vibe Stone? It stung to think about how much our lives had diverged, how many things we no longer shared. As I continued to dance with Raja, my movements became mechanical as my mind raced.
Raja noticed my disconnection and leaned in closer. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah, just... a little surprised," I replied, forcing a smile. "Vibe Stone actually came. Look,” I told him as I pointed toward the stage.
Raja followed my gaze and nodded, impressed. “Oh shit, that is him."
I nodded absentmindedly. My eyes remained locked on Legacy. He seemed so at ease, so confident. Seeing him here, so close yet so far away, made me yearn for the connection we once had.
“Is that Vibe Stone?” Sky’s excitement was suddenly in my ear.
I could only nod as I stared at Legacy.
“Oop!” My sister suddenly blurted out. Then she grabbed my shoulder. She turned me around to face her. Immediately, she read my expression and I read hers. “I need… I need to go to the bathroom,” she said quickly.
“Okay. Let’s go.”
Luckily, there was a bathroom nearby. And since the second floor was only occupying with the overflow, it wasn’t difficult for Sky to drag me to it and through the door. Once inside, I scooted on my high heels to the nearest empty stall. Sky was right behind me.
As soon as she closed it, I broke down sobbing. There were so many sources of my tears. I hated how distant me and Legacy felt. I hated that it was my own secrets and lies that were keeping me at bay from what I felt was meant solely for me. I was so proud that he had sobered up and become successful. But I hated that he had ruined me for any other man just for him to move on, be rich, and rub elbows with celebrities while I was suffering.
“It’s not fair,” I cried.
Sky slid her arm around my shoulders comfortingly. “What’s not fair, babe?”
“He’s fucking kicking it with Vibe Stone while I can barely have a good time with a nigga that really likes me!” My arms started to flail as I paced the small space between the toilet and the stall door. “Legacy fucked me up! He ruined me! He broke my heart and he gets no repercussions!”
“You don’t know that,” Sky replied tenderly. “You don’t know how karma is getting him back or what way karma is whooping his ass.”
I sucked my teeth as disgust painted my face. “That nigga ain’t suffering!”
“You don’t know that, boo.”
“Do he look like he’s suffering while he’s standing up there frolicking with Vibe Stone?!” I snapped through gritted teeth. Tears fell down my cheeks, surely ruining my makeup. “This nigga went from popping and snorting pills to kicking it with Vibe Stone while I’m still stuck in the fucking past!”
“Then get unstuck.” She’d said that with such ease and a mere shrug as if it would be so easy to move on past the love of my life. “He’s clearly moving on, so don’t you think you should too?”
“I can’t,” I pouted so dramatically that my bottom lip grazed my chin. “I don’t want to still love him, but I do.”
“Then tell him.”
“Why? We ruined it. Our relationship is too broken. We’re too broken.”