An unfamiliar feeling exploded in my chest, and I couldn’t help but smile. This was the first time that my family ever openly supported me, so I was taken back. I couldn’t even get my words out.
“Aiight now, is that it? I gotta get ready to head out. I’ll see you in a few, bro. Congratulations again.”
“Thank you, bro. For real.”
“Legacy! Where do you want your grand piece to be revealed?” Ashley, the exhibit director, questioned.
“Mr. Porter, your private room is set up in the back. Your suit is already here, and as you requested, your drink is on ice as well. Aubrey and Jack just need you to go over the last bit of paperwork.”
“Thank you, Anna.” I nodded before glancing back at Ashley. “I want the grand reveal to be in the very front. If you have an easel or something that’s good enough. Keep it covered though, please.”
“Yes, sir.”
I scanned the venue feeling prouder than a muthafucka. The open floor plan and white walls bouncing off the pristine white floors made it feel endless and unreal. It gave a heavenly vibe as the lights poured in from above. There were no distractions. No clutter—just space. A space where I was tellingmystory. A space where each wall showcased a part of my soul. The sound of clicking heels echoed, causing me to turn around and see Aubrey approaching me.
“Did you sign the contract?” She asked.
“Yeah, I got them right here.” I walked over to the receptionist's desk to place my messenger bag down and slid out the stack of papers that I had signed earlier.
“Perfect. Let me just look them over then I’ll get these to Jack so we can start getting ready. You okay?”
I peered around at all the workers carefully hanging up my work. “I’m good. Just taking it all in.”
“As you should. You did it, Legacy. This is just the beginning.” Aubrey smiled before twisting away.
Closing my briefcase, I noticed a small white note had slipped out. I picked it up and read it with a confused expression on my face.
You’re in control of your life; Don’t let the stresses of it control you. Enjoy your day on purpose! *smile*
I reread that shit like five times trying to figure out where it came from or who left it but couldn’t figure it out. All I knew was whoever had left it, left it at the perfect time. Because I really needed that and was truly grateful for that.
Three hours later, I was dressed in my suit and drinking a glass of champagne to calm my nerves. All the guests had arrived, and the event was in full swing. Everyone was circling the venue to look at my pieces while silently nodding their heads in approval. Ashley had done her thing with the décor, and even the refreshments were top notch. Expensive ass champagne was floating around, giving all of the collectors a nice buzz. I guess to get them to open up them wallets, which was fine with me.
“Good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining us tonight as we unveil the work of a remarkable and brilliant artist, whose vision, depth, and presence have already begun to leave a lasting impression. Put your hands together for Legacy Porter,” Jack announced.
Walking into the exhibit, I was surprised to see that so many people were in attendance. Jack didn’t tell us that there would besuch a big media presence here. Then it hit me—maybe someone got wind that my family was showing up.
“Thank you all for coming out, and I hope that my work will give you a glimpse into a mind that can grasp you beyond the surface and speaks to you with every stroke of my brush.” I smiled as everyone clapped and walked down into the crowd.
I stood there shaking hands and greeting people as they moved to view my paintings, piece by piece. Soft music played in the background, giving just the right ambiance for the event. Aubrey and Jack were still going back and forth about the lighting on my larger pieces. I swear they were going at it like this was the last art exhibit on earth. No one would believe that this one painting that was on display was done right there in my hotel suite. I really didn’t want to sell it either. My pops, Senator William Porter, and my mother looked on in amazement as the cameras flashed in their faces. My grandpop stood in front of my most expensive painting with my brother, and they just stared at the canvas. After taking a few pictures with my parents, I decided to go stand next to them.
“Your work speaks power, Grandson. I can’t stop looking at this piece, it’s like the beautiful woman’s pain just draws you in. To have that kind of pain flowing out of her eyes like that and still keep her radiance is remarkable. It must’ve taken you months to pull this piece of art together.” He turned to me.
“Thank you so much, Grandpop. But, no. This piece of art was created two days ago. Met a woman and don’t know her, but the amount of pain that I saw in her just poured out onto my empty canvas. She’s beautiful on this canvas and in person.” I smiled as I thought about Ms. More.
I changed some of the features to make her less noticeable, but this painting was indeed her. Ms. More seemed okay on the surface, but I could clearly see that there were some deep issues within, and I wanted so bad to ask her if she was okay. The onlyreason I decided to mind my business was because, even though lil mama was attractive, I needed to keep that shit professional.
“Son, you have really outdone yourself. Your talent is beyond phenomenal, and we’re so proud of you,” my mom said, hugging me.
“Yes, you have really grown over the years. I thought that this was just some hobby for you. But you’ve stepped into something, and the way these people are acting over it shows that you will go far. You have our full support,” my pops said, and I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
“Wow. Thank you, Pop. That’s big coming from you.” I smiled. He stepped past me, walking toward the painting that was next to the one my Grandpop was admiring.
“This one with the split city of Philadelphia, half dark and half-light is crazy work,” he complimented.
I chuckled because my pops swore he was hip. Talking ‘bout some damn “crazy work.”
“This is raw. It’s like you painted the city just how it is and not how people pretend it is.”
