It didn’t.
“I wouldn’t give it to anybody else. You earned it. Every year you stood beside me… every decision… and every time you chose loyalty over everything else. I trust you, and I don’t say that phrase too freely. Trust isn’t something I hand out because of time; it’s built in moments, in pressure, and in situations where most men fold… and you never did. I’ve watched men talk a good game and crumble when it mattered. I’ve watched loyalty switch sides when money got involved… when fear got involved.” A small shake of his head. “You never moved like that. You stood ten toes down when it was easy and when it wasn’t, and when it benefited you and when it didn’t. That’s rare.”
He leaned back, letting the words settle.
“And when something is rare, you don’t gamble it, you protect it. That’s why this goes to you.”
Those words meant more than any material possession he could have passed on.
“I appreciate that.”
“No,” he corrected, shaking his head slightly. “Thank you. And if you ever decide to step away from it, you make sure the next man is cut like you… not just skilled butsolid.”
“I will,” I promised, determination flooding through me.
Alejandro nodded, leaning back slightly as if he needed a moment to gather his thoughts.
“As for my daughter, you take care of her… witheverythingin you. Make sure to give her the life I couldn’t. I’m leaving you more than enough to make sure that the both of you will always be good.”
“I got her.”
“I know. That’s why I ain’t worried.” He cleared his throat, and transitioned the conversation. “When the time comes, my lawyers will handle everything legally.”
I nodded.
“As for the business, you already know how to run it.”
“I won’t let you down,” I promised.
And I meant that.
He searched my face one last time, an unspoken understanding passing between us. “I know you won’t.”
We discussed a few more serious matters until Alejandro politely suggested that he needed his rest. I stood reluctantly, walked out, and found the nearest bathroom. Once inside, I locked the door, and that’s when the emotions hit me.
I leaned over the sink, gripping the edge, allowing the tears to fall freely.
They say men ain’t supposed to cry, but that man was more than a boss; he was the closest thing I had to a father. So knowing I’d be losing him soon? Yeah… that stirred up something in me.
I dropped my head for a second, let it out, then I got myself together… because that’s what he would expect.
When I stepped back out, I almost walked right past Ajori’s mama.
“Excuse me!”
I turned and noticed her flagging me down.
She looked nervous but determined.
“Hey!” Vanessa greeted me as she drew closer. “I’m Ajori’s mother, Vanessa!”
“I know,” I replied simply, trying to keep the conversation cordial despite knowing what I knew about her.
She hesitated. “I heard you and my daughter are… dating.”
I rubbed the back of my neck slightly. “Yeah… you could say that.”
She smiled. “I’m so glad that she’s found someone. She looks so happy. I wish I had that kind of bond with her. She hates me.”
