The front door opened before I could knock. A tall, dark-skinned man stood on the other side. I recognized his sexiness immediately from Aria’s photos.
“Rhythm,” he said, like he already expected me. “Come on in.”
When I spoke, “Hi,” I could hear how nervous I was. I was so out of my element.
He smiled. “I’m Legend.”
“I know,” I blurted, then corrected myself. “I mean… I’ve seen you on Aria’s page.”
He looked at my kids. “What’s up, big man?” he said to KJ. “You ready to eat?”
KJ nodded fast. “Yes.”
Legend crouched a little toward Kinsley. “Hey, pretty girl.”
Kinsley stared at him, then held up her tablet, like she was showing it off.
Legend laughed. “Okay. I see you.”
My shoulders dropped a notch. I appreciated him acting like he already knew us.
He curiously looked at the car seat I was carrying.
“I took an Uber,” I explained.
He nodded and took it from my hands. Then he put it in a corner near the front door.
“Follow me,” Legend told me. “Everybody in the den.”
We walked through the estate, and I worked hard to keep my face normal as I took in the high ceilings, expensive chandeliers, and artwork that I knew cost six figures each.
Legend glanced back. “Aria can’t stop talking about you and your work.”
My eyes widened with a smile. “Really?”
“Really. Your work has a point of view. Your color story is intentional, your composition pulls you where you want people to look, and the texture makes the pieces feel lived-in. That ain’t hobby painting. Collectors pay for that.”
I was visibly taken aback by his knowledge of the arts, and he laughed, saying, “I’m a collector.”
I nodded slowly, but inwardly I was baffled how this big ass, gangsta-looking nigga was an art collector.
We reached the den, and it was full. Football was on the big TV. Toys were everywhere. People were laughing with drinks in hands.
Aria saw me and lit up. “Rhythm!” She hugged me like we were already cool, then started introducing me to everyone.
When she introduced Saint, he stepped forward and suddenly got very formal. “Good evening, Ms. Brooks. We are honored by your presence on this blessed holiday.”
Everybody laughed.
I froze. “Hi…?”
Aria waved a hand. “He’s being silly.”
Then Aria turned. “And you already met Sincere.”
My breath hitched as Sincere walked up, and I realized I had not prepared for him being here. He looked good. He smelled good. When he hugged me, it was quick, but his arms closed around me, and I had to force myself to let him go.
“Good to see you,” he said close to my ear.
