Chapter 2
My mother, Alexandra Porter, was the Attorney General of Pennsylvania, and together, she and my father were damn near the Barack and Michelle of Pennsylvania, running shit with a tight fist. Coming from a line of greatness, I guess it was already understood that I’d become a political figure in one way or another, but me being me, I wasn’t going for that shit; it just wasn’t in me.
I wanted to stand on my own. I didn’t want my life being reduced to serving the people and discussing foreign policies.
Needless to say, I shook the damn table when I decided to forge my own path outside of the family tradition.
My pops couldn’t believe that me, a Porter, had taken a liking to art.
It was such a gamechanger that my baby brother, Logic, didn’t even have a choice but to go to law school.
In my pops’ eyes, at least one of his sons had to continue the family legacy, and honestly, I’d much rather it be Logic than me.
To protect my family name, I didn’t deal with the day-to-day operations,.
Instead, my right hand, Gizelle, was the face of the organization.
Only a handful of people knew who I was and the role I played which made it easier for me to safeguard my family ties and effectively run my empire.
So, it was safe to say that I loved Zelly more than anything in this world and trusted her with my whole life.
Most niggas would find it challenging working side by side with a woman, especially one as fine as Zelly.
Not me. If anything, I fucked with her more because she was a woman.
In my experience, women didn’t have the same jealousy as men.
They didn’t care about the money or moving up the chain and were able to see shit that most men were too arrogant to notice.
Zelly was cold as fuck with it too. She was harder than most niggas I knew and would kill a muthafucka in the blink of an eye for playing with me.
Shit between us was platonic, and we’d never crossed the line with each other.
Like I said though, Zelly was bad as hell in every sense of the word.
She had a rare beauty that was so damn stunning, you couldn’t help but stare.
Not to mention, she had the body of a fuckin’ stallion.
Add in her gunplay and she was a hood niggas dream and nightmare, all at the same damn time.
“So, everything went smooth? No hiccups with check-in, right?” Zelly asked as I finished unpacking my bags.
I was going to do it last night, but I was tired as hell when I made it back to the hotel.
That’s why I was sitting in my car when Ms. Lady was getting in her car.
I had to shake my head just thinking about shorty, because that woman is beautiful as fuck.
If I had time to entertain another woman on my roster, it would damn sure be her, but I don’t. So, that’s the end of that thought.
This presidential suite here at The Luxe was on point.
I had to make sure I called my brother to thank him for having our travel assistant book it for me.
I’ve stayed at The Luxe in other cities, but never here in New York.
He said every time he came to the city this was where he stayed, and I could easily see why.
I mean, I wasn’t a stranger to luxury hotels and suites, considering I was always on the go.
Wanting to get that homely feeling and my own privacy, presidential suites were all that I booked.
The level of hospitality here was top-tier, and every time I visited New York, this would be where I stayed.
I was here for business with the Prestige Art Gallery and planned to be here for a week.
So, my comfortability was something that I never wanted to be concerned with.
“Yeah, everything was straight.”
“You brought your sheets, right?” Zelly questioned, and I laughed into the phone because she knew me so damn well.
“Yes, I brought my sheets, girl. Damn. What’s with the third degree?”
“Nothing,” she said. “You just…you seem a little bit off.”
“I do? Damn. This shit got me a little bit nervous, Zell. Ion know why either; it’s not like I’m new to this. I’ve been painting for years now, but the anxiety is killing me, man.”
“Well, that’s because this is a major deal.
Not to mention a multimillion-dollar one, at that.
PAG has the ability to showcase your art on a level that hasn’t been reachable.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Legacy.
They see something in your work, and with the connections they have, they can take you to the next level.
So, those nerves you’re feeling are perfectly normal; that just means that you know what’s all at stake and that this is real.
But you’ve got this. Remember who the fuck you are—you’re Legacy muthafuckin’ Porter. ”
“That part.” I smiled and tightened my tie around my neck.
“Damn straight. Call me as soon as the meeting is over. Good luck,” Zelly told me, and I nodded like she could see me.
“Thanks, homegirl. I’ll hit you later.”
“Okay.”
After disconnecting the call, I gave myself a once-over in the closet mirror and nodded in approval.
I chose to wear a black-on-black Armani suit with Armani leather dress shoes.
My AP watch sparkled on my wrist, while an iced-out Cuban link chain hung around my neck.
I had my barber, Sly, get me right, so my line-up was crisp and razor blade sharp while my waves were heavily on swim.
Looking and feeling like a million bucks, I grabbed my phone and wallet, then headed out of my suite after letting my driver know to pull up to the front.
New York traffic was totally different than Philly’s.
It was like the stoplights were only a few seconds and everyone was rushing to get through that bitch.
Luckily, the restaurant that we were meeting at was only a few blocks away, so we made it there in just under fifteen minutes.
Walking in, I buttoned my suit jacket and scanned the upscale restaurant for my lawyer’s face and found her seated in the back.
We locked eyes just as I walked up to the table and Aubrey immediately stood up with a bright smile.
“Legacy. Right on time.” She smiled.
“Yeah, my apologies. I wasn’t expecting traffic to be so heavy this early in the day.”
“No worries. You’re right on time. I’m Jack and I represent Prestige Art Gallery. Well, the New York location at least,” he said, shaking my hand nice and firm.
“Legacy Porter; it’s nice to meet you, Jack.” We all took our seats as I unfastened my suit jacket.
“Did you want a drink or an appetizer?”
“No, I’m good. Thanks.”
Jack nodded subtly before sliding over a brown folder.
“Well, let’s get down to business then. We’ve already drafted up a contract and provided the dates of the gallery’s Solo Exhibition, where we’d like to feature you as our solo artist. Our showcases do feature other artists, but your work would be the spotlight of the night.
Our guest list is quite extensive, with some of our very influential guests.
We have a nice selection of our private, institutional, and corporate collectors in attendance.
Most of whom are known for spending a pretty penny on their favorite pieces. ”
“So, how many exhibits are you asking for?” asked Aubrey.
“Typically, we ask for a decent variety, so ideally about 10-25. Each piece is curated and focused, giving you a space to stand out,” Jack explained.
“Were you able to take a look at the accommodations we’re asking for?”
“Yes, and they’re all doable. All you need to do is sign the contract and we’re good to go.”
Aubrey nodded before skimming over the contract again.
“I’d like to discuss the 60% commission.
As we covered most of the costs and have done our own marketing, I’m thinking 50/50 is more reasonable.
That will cover all event costs, insurance, and you’ll even make a nice profit as well.
Before you say something along the lines of ‘this isn’t something that’s ever been negotiated,’ I’d like to let it be known that I’m a very good friend of Eathel, who oversees Lakeson these are our terms, Jack. Take it or leave it.”
I was smiling wide because Aubrey looked like a passive, pretty face, but shorty was a pitbull in a skirt. Like a shark, she could easily smell blood in the water and never ever backed down from a fight. So, it was a no-brainer when Jack smiled before extending a hand for us to shake.
“You have yourselves a deal,” he said. “I’ll have my people amend the contract and send it over today.”
“Sounds good.” Aubrey grinned.
“Legacy, you’ve hit the lottery with this one here,” Jack laughed.
“Don’t I know it.”
After a successful meeting, I went back to the hotel and headed straight to the VIP Lounge to unwind at the bar with a few drinks and wings.
Aubrey secured me a once in a lifetime deal where I not only had been given a half million advance, but I’d also see 50% of all sales on my artwork.
Shit like that hadn’t been done, and damn sure not for an up-and-coming Black artist like myself, so I was happy as fuck and so damn grateful for shorty standing on business the way she did.