Hearing him say that caused me to look over at him because that’s exactly what I was going for. On one side of the painting, Philly was shining bright. I showed a side of the city being showcased with its luxury high-rises and city hall. Then the other side was the shadows in the dark; the corner stores, the police on every corner, abandoned buildings, blood on the concrete, and these young kids out here doing shit before their time. That was the side that they tried to sell you and the other was how folks were really living, and there wasn’t nothing wrong with it. Because some of the most influential people came from out of the hood.
“I would like to buy this painting,” my grandpop spoke, still staring at the painting he was admiring.
“Yes, I would like to buy this one,” my pops pointed at the painting of the city.
Both paintings had a healthy price tag at $100,00 a piece. I spoke with my family for a little while longer then I made my rounds around the room. Before the night was over, I had already sold all of my paintings and made a hefty bag. It was truly a dream come true.
5 /FOREVER
I’d been sitting herenervous as hell, praying that I didn’t get into any trouble for leaving that note for Legacy. It was only a little pick-me-up affirmation, but still, I had never done no shit like that before. It wasn’t even in me to move like that, but I just felt bad after hearing him so upset. And I swear, when he started yelling, that shit had daggers shooting through my chest. Not because I was scared of him, but because I could hear the stresses of life in his voice.
I didn’t even expect to see him that morning since four people had called off from work, so I had to step in and help out. I didn’t want things so far behind that we wouldn’t be able to catch up. If the rooms weren’t ready, our guests wouldn’t be able to check in on time. That was a bad look, and in the end, it would fall back on me. So, when I was needed, I was there. I’d always told myself that even though I had this position, I wasn’t bigger than the program.
On two separate occasions had I overheard Legacy yelling at someone on the phone which seemed so out of character for him. One day, I was passing by the gym and once again he was in a heated argument on his earpiece. He was so on edge, and it sounded like he had the weight of the world on his shoulderswith no one around to ease the load. I knew that feeling all too well; walking around like everything was fine when it’s really not. I just wanted to give him a little encouragement, something small that might make a difference, even if it was just for a moment.
So, when he went downstairs on the service elevator, I went into his suite to “clean” and make his bed. Since I knew that he was working out, I figured that he wouldn’t be back for at least an hour. Still, my heart was in my ass beating fast as hell, like I was doing something I had no business doing. I grabbed my notebook off the cart, I always kept it with me while on the floor doing room inspections because I liked jotting things down and making notes of the inspection. I used the same book at home to write down my private thoughts. I absolutely loved it, and when I used it up, I’d get another one.
Even though I was nervous, I wanted to give him a little encouragement. So, I wrote him a small note of affirmation. I had no business being in his bag, nor should I have even cared that much. Now I was sitting at home, staring at my phone like The Luxe was about to call and tell me that I was fired. Like security had pulled the cameras and caught me slipping or Legacy Porter himself was about to pop up and ask me why the hell was I in his personal things.
“Mommy, why you keep looking like that?” Tahanii asked, peeking at me over her tablet.
“Like what?”
“Like you stole something and you about to go to jail. If you did, I’m not going with you. The cops can take me to Aunt Jaz’s house. I’m too young to be that stressed and a criminal.” She shrugged, clearly letting me know her ass ain’t no rider. This little girl was a damn mess, and she hung around her aunt Jaz too much because she sounded just like her.
Me and Jaz had been friends since high school. We went to separate schools since Jaz went to a private school and I was in public. She was two years younger than me, but when she wasn’t being petty, she was just as mature. Being an orphan, I didn’t know who my parents were since I was given up when I was a baby. It’s crazy because I grew up feeling like nobody wanted me. When I had my daughter, I promised myself and her, that I would always love and protect her because I never wanted her to feel like I had. I think that’s why I had such a hard time, so afraid of rejection that I couldn’t live my life and find love. I guess that’s also why I was so in love with the idea of love. I dreamed and thought about the shit so much that it was heartbreaking at times. I watched the girls on TikTok boasting about their relationships and wanted that for myself. Eventually, anyway. After finally calming my nerves and realizing that no one was coming to cart my ass off to jail, I was able to relax. I spent the rest of the night journaling and thinking about the road that lay ahead for me.
I receiveda call from the concierge, letting me know we were finally able to go into Legacy’s suite. The moment I walked in, everything looked normal. His place stayed spotless, and honestly, I appreciated that because it made my job easier and quicker. Nothing was out of place; he had everything organized and smelling good. I wondered if his home smelled like his suite too.
I made my way into his bedroom, stripping the sheets from the bed when my eyes landed on his wallet sitting open on the nightstand. I tried so hard not to look, but the curiosity was killing me. His picture on his driver’s license on the flap partcaught my attention, anyway. When I noticed that we shared the same birthday, I just knew that it had to be some sort of fate. I mean, really, what were the odds? Then his driver’s license photo—my God even in that little ass picture he was fine as hell. The type of fine that just didn’t make any kind of sense. I remember talking to him one day and he told me that he was in town for an art show, so I made a comment about his wife being proud of him and he said he wasn’t married. Nor did he have a girlfriend. How, was my only silent question.
I instantly looked away from his wallet, trying to focus on my work. I started straightening up the room again, fluffing pillows, making the bed tighter than before, but my mind kept drifting back to that ID. Back tohim. To the way his voice sounded when he was upset. To the stress I heard buried underneath all that anger.
I knew it probably sounded weird. Crazy even. But I swear my intentions weren’t bad. I wasn’t trying to be creepy or disrespectful. I just… I didn’t want to forget his face. This man did something to me, but I would never approach him in that way. I was too shy to ever do that, and I wouldn’t be able to take the rejection.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I pulled out my phone, and quickly snapped a picture of his license. The second the flash-less click went off, guilt punched me right in the damn head. I hurried up and finished cleaning the suite and damn near tripping over my own feet rushing out of the penthouse.
“Fuck, Forever,” I whispered to myself once the elevator doors closed. “What the hell is wrong with you?”
Once I was back in my office and changed back into my business attire, I decided to walk outside to get some fresh air. I never really took breaks, but I needed this one. I was a little under the weather today. It was a beautiful day, and just as Itook a seat on the bench, Mr. Porter was walking up to enter the hotel.
“Hey. I see you out here getting some of this sun,” he said, taking a seat beside me on the bench.
The second he sat down, my nerves were all over the place. I was trembling so bad, and I prayed he didn’t notice it.
“Y—Yeah… yes. I needed a little break,” I said softly, forcing a smile while keeping my eyes straight ahead. I couldn’t pull myself to look in his direction.
He chuckled. “It’s good to take breaks. I’m glad I ran into you. Do you know who all has been in my room?” He asked, and my damn chest almost caved in.
“The only people that have access to your suite are housekeeping and your concierge,” I answered, trying my best not to sound nervous.
“Yeah, I talked to him already. He told me I should speak with housekeeping management if I had any concerns. And I know you’re the manager so that’s why I asked.” He paused before looking directly at me. “Can you tell me who cleans my room? I know y’all have assigned staff.”
“Is there something wrong? Normally, we don’t give out employee information for security reasons. But if something is missing or if there’s an issue with the cleaning, we’ll definitely address it.”
“Nah,” he said quickly, shaking his head. “Nothing’s missing. Honestly, whoever cleans my penthouse has been doing an amazing job but okay. I appreciate you. It was nice seeing you.” He smiled. Hearing him say that sounded so final. “Enjoy your day,” he told me before standing up from the bench and heading inside the hotel entrance.
The second he disappeared through those glass doors, I finally let out the breath I’d been holding.
