There was a live band on stage playing music, a group of patrons enjoying themselves, but I would definitely fit in with the diverse yet stuffy looking crowd.
“Marilyn,” I called over the music when I spotted her behind the bar with her usual red vest on top of a white button up.
“She’s good,” Marilyn waved me over, and the two young men in black suits relaxed, granting me entry.
I sauntered over to the bar and claimed the first empty seat I could find. Tipping phenomenally well had finally paid off for something.
“Where have you been? I was missing my favorite customer,” Marilyn bubbled, placing a chilled martini glass on a napkin in front of me.
“I’m divorcing my husband. He had three kids behind my back,” I confessed, rummaging through my clutch for my credit card.
“Whew, I’m sorry to hear that. Don’t worry about your card. This is an open bar event and it’s about over, so they good and lit in here,” Marilyn expressed, preparing my drink.
I placed my card back in the slit in my purse and got comfortable in my seat. I leaned forward and buried my face in my hands, dragging my palms down slowly as if I could wipe the stress away.
“I know it might seem like your world is crumbling now, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Plus, you are stunning. I’ve seen countless men hit on you at this bar with that big ass rock you used to have on your finger. Now that it’s gone, you’ll be beating them off with a bat and a better man will come along and treat you right.”
“I remember you telling me you have been single since your divorce, so how can that be so true?”
“I’m single because my kids are six and seven. As soon as they are eighteen I’m back in these streets. My kids are my focus right now, but I’ve had plenty of men come around trying to play step daddy. You’re different. Your boys are grown, right?”
“Just about. My youngest is in his senior year of high school.”
“Yes, and I’m so proud of your older son. I saw a segment about him come across my TikTok account. I was likethat’s my fave customer’s son. A MLB star in the making,” she beamed.
All I could do was smile, because the comments that Yaseer guy made had me wondering if he knew something I didn’t. His disrespectful ass had me on edge. Marilyn finished preparing my drink and went to serve another patron that sat at the bar. As I finished my drink, the music stopped playing, and I heard a voice play through the speakers in the restaurant. My headsnapped around towards the stage because there was no way that Yaseer guy was up on that stage.
CHAPTER THREE
Yaseer Haynes
TING! TING! TING!
I gently tapped the silver spoon against the glass. “May I have your attention please?” I spoke into the mic after the band ceased their music. With a confident smile on my face, I scanned the crowd of my employees and paused for a millisecond when I noticed an unfamiliar woman peering at me from the bar. Although she had on a dress, it wasn’t the kind that matched the elegance of everyone else at this black tie event. Still, I kept my focus and continued with the speech.
“I know y’all ain’t come here to listen to me yap tonight. Y’all came to eat, drink, and sleep good in these company-issued hotel rooms for the weekend,” I started, and the entire room erupted in laughter.
“Fifty years. That’s no small milestone. It means everything to me and my family. Especially when you know this firm’s true history. My father started Legacy Wealth Management solo, just a rented desk, and a Rolodex full of names from old college and high school football teammates that didn’t want to take his call. He blew out his knee his freshman year of college and losthis scholarship. Had to go home to community college and re-evaluate his life.
My father built this company from the ground up at a time when there weren’t many black faces in this field. Back when the game wasn’t numbers, it was about access, and he had so many doors closed on him just because of the color of his skin, but he kept showing up. He made motha fuckas see him. Forced them to respect him. And those who didn’t want to do either of these things had to get out of his way.
My father built this company on excellence and the type of discipline that’s not in you. It’s on you. It survives and thrives in spite of all obstacles thrown your way.
Today, we are not only celebrating fifty years. We are celebrating legacy and my father’s vision. And I appreciate every last one of you for being a part of this journey thus far. To fifty years!” I raised my glass and smiled at my parents, who were just a few feet away from me.
“To fifty years!” the room cheered.
The band started playing a rendition ofLegacyby Jay-Z as I scanned the room again, overwhelmed by the joy of the moment and the proud expressions on my parents’ faces. Then my eyes landed on her again. She was the only person in the room not clapping, casually sipping her drink while her eyes bored into my soul.
I was used to women staring after recognizing my face, knowing I had a bag, ready to drop to their knees just to say they had me. But this one? She looked like she’d blow my head off if a gun were within arm’s reach. I let my gaze linger on her for a moment, trying to decide if she was a disgruntled ex-employee or some shit like that. She turned around, and the bartender already had another drink prepared for her.
Stepping off the stage, I unbuttoned my jacket and approached my parents, Freddy and Victoria, who beamed with pride.
“That was beautiful, baby. We are so proud of you,” she grinned, gripping my face to kiss my cheek.
“Y’all knew I wasn’t going to fumble this moment. Y’all built this and I’m just carrying the baton.”
“You are doing more than carrying it,” he slapped me five and pulled me in for a hug. “You ran with it and hit a fo’ flat. No, I didn’t agree with every decision, but damn if they didn’t come with some great outcomes. I’mma always keep it honest.”
