Page 22

“Where is Aceyn?” I asked Pyrite as he walked me to Aceyn’s car. He handed me the keys and stuffed his hands in his pocket. “What’s with the look?”

“He went to his parents’ house,” Pyrite answered, and I nodded. He took a deep breath, blew it out, and ran his hand over his beard. “What do you know about Mrs. Arlene’s health?”

“Nothing,” I answered and gave me a single nod. “Why?”

“When’s the last time you saw her?” he questioned.

“A month ago,” I said after I thought about it. “We texted almost daily up until a week ago. I’ve been busy and haven’t gotten a chance to check in, but she knew that my schedule would be busy with practice, so she told me not to stress about it.”

Pyrite crossed his arms over his chest and looked around before returning his attention to me. “What did Hood tell you about her health when he was a kid?”

“That she was sick a lot,” I replied, and he kissed his teeth in annoyance. “Pyrite, just say whatever you need and stop beating around the bush.”

“She’s dying,” he said, and I stepped back in surprise.

“Wait, what?” I said, shaking my head. “Hold on, what do you mean, she’s dying? I was just out of the country with her. We talked daily until recently. She never mentioned she was sick. Aceyn never said she was sick, either. And now you’re telling me that she’s dying?” My eyes filled with tears. “What do you mean, she’s dying? From what?”

“Cancer,” he answered, then stuffed his hands into his pocket. “She decided not to do chemo this time and just enjoy the time she had left. Hood–”

“This time?”

“This is like her fifth battle,” he sighed. “I don’t know the full details of where it is, but she’s been fighting for a while. Hood’s daddy called when y’all were dealing with that shit with Michael; that’s why Givens and Yeti came and got him. It ain’t looking good.”

“And you let me stay!” I yelled. “Why didn’t you tell me?” I turned around and pulled the door open.

“I didn’t want you to panic, you were already dealing with that shit with Michael, and I didn’t know where your head was.”

“That wasn’t your decision to make, Pyrite!” I yelled at him as I threw my purse into the car. “That man is the love of my fucking life, and you made the executive decision to keep me in the dark about what he was going through.”

“If he wanted you to know, he would’ve called you,” Pyrite replied, and I laughed.

“I have his fucking phone, Pyrite!” I grabbed my purse from the driver's seat, dug into it, and pulled Aceyn’s phone from inside to show him. “He must’ve dropped it when Givens and Yeti dragged him out! He couldn’t call me! And honestly, he shouldn’t have had to call me; I should’ve been there!”

“Shit, my bad,” he sighed and wiped his hands over his face. “I didn’t know! My mind has been on dealing with the fucking Baker and what we got going, so I’m trippin’.”

“You’re damn right, you are!” I replied, then threw everything back into the car. “I know you’re dealing with whatever, but please don’t get fucked up because you’re holding onto information that has to do with my man.” I got into the car and started it. “Now, move the fuck out of my way so I can be there for my nigga!”

Pyrite stepped out of the way just as I put the truck in gear and pulled off. I would’ve hit his ass if he didn’t move, and he knew it. I sped out of the parking lot and headed toward Ms. Arlene’s house.

Ten minutes later, I pulled into Ms. Arlene’s driveway, shut off the car, and got out. When I reached the front door, Pop opened it and hugged me.

“I didn’t know,” I said as tears filled my eyes.

“I know, she didn’t want you to,” he said, then kissed my forehead. “She wanted you to experience her as the mother of the man you love and not the dying mother of the man you love.”

“Pop, I’m so sorry,” I sighed as I wiped my eyes. “If I’d known, I would’ve been here.”

“It’s okay,” he nodded as he closed the door. “We got to say goodbye, and she went peacefully.”

“Where is Aceyn?” I asked, looking around.

“He’s in his room.”

I hugged him, holding him tight so he would know he was loved, and then I let him go to find Aceyn. His room door was closed but unlocked; I pushed it open, stepped inside, and closed it behind me. Aceyn was staring at the ceiling in the middle of his bed. I leaned against the door, bent down, unlaced my shoes, and stepped out of them. Only using the moonlight coming through the window, I went to Aceyn and climbed into the king-sized bed. I rested my back against the headboard, and Aceyn put his head on my lap and wrapped his arms around my waist.

“My mama is gone,” he mumbled. “My fucking mama is gone.”

“I know, baby.” I kissed his head and prayed my voice didn’t crack. Aceyn needed me to be strong for him right now so he could mourn his mother properly. I ran my hand between his shoulders, and we sat in the dark, lost in our thoughts. When the warmth of his tears hit my pants, I had to bite my lip to keep from crying out loud. This man, this strong-ass, crazy, loving man, was broken, but he trusted me enough to freely show his emotions without the fear of me seeing him as weak. My heart slammed into my chest at the thought of how powerful that was. I was his safe space as much as he was mine. He’d already vowed to protect me, and he had without hesitation. Now, it was my turn to protect him.

Sometime during the night, he’d fallen asleep, but I’d stayed awake to make sure I would hear him if he needed me. The sun shone through the window, and I noticed a letter on the bed next to us with my name on it. I picked it up and opened it.

Legacy,

First, let me say I am sorry. Sorry you had to find out like this, but I asked Bowlin and Hood not to tell you I was dying. Hood told me about your biological mother and how not knowing her but knowing she was sick affected you. He also told me how fucked up your other mother is. I will say this: the visit that me, Mary DeCorte and Nadine Elders paid to her was well worth it. And before you ask, no, they won’t tell you anything; being a dying woman has its perks, and I’ve sworn them to secrecy. Just know that as your mother-in-law, I handled that light work.

From here on out, if you need motherly advice and love, look to those two women. Nadine will step in where I can’t as your mother, and Mary will as your grandmother. Mercy and Xoey are your sisters; add Bright to that list, too. She might be bossy, but she is loyal and loves you just like them. You are not alone in this world. You have family and have for a while.

Now, on to my son; he is going to mourn my death hard. Allow him, love him as only you can. Remember, he is spoiled, but his love knows no bounds, especially his love for you. He’s going to mess up a few times because he’s hardheaded, but understand, baby, he loves you so fiercely that even I’m in awe of it and am a little sad that I won’t be here physically to witness it.

If I had to pick a woman to love my son, you would have always been who it was. Even before I met you, it would've been you if I had to describe someone. Watching you the last few months so effortlessly be you and get to know you has been my blessing. You are perfect, Legacy. Every flaw, quirk, and mishap you’ve faced has shaped you into an amazing woman that I am honored to know will carry on my family.

Please take care of Bowlin for me, too. I’ve already told Hood, but I’m also telling you this. Bowlin isn’t as strong as he pretends to be and will need you both to help guide him through this. Allow both my babies to cry, hold their hands, make sure they eat, and don’t stay angry at God for this. It was my time. I am ready. And I will be watching over you all.

One more thing, this won’t be your last letter from me. I wrote you, Hood, and even Bowlin’s ass letters for every moment I could think you would need one. I may not be with you physically, but I will be with you forever.

I love you,

Mommy.

I put the letter on the bed and bit into my hand to keep from crying out loud and waking Aceyn. My heart broke again as I stared down at Aceyn as he slept. Arlene’s love shaped him into the man he was, and even though I’d only known her for a few months, I’d gotten the opportunity to experience that love and knew it was powerful, and she’d be eternally missed.

* * *

“You okay?” Vine asked as she sat on the bench next to me. I nodded, not trusting my voice yet, and took a deep breath. “You know it’s okay to admit if you aren’t. We get it.”

“I’m good for right now,” I answered as I unlaced my shoes. Pyrite had given me a few days off to help Aceyn and Pop plan the funeral for Ms. Arlene, and today was my first day back at practice. When I walked into the gym, the ladies rallied around me, hugged me, and told me they would do whatever I needed. “But thank you for checking on me.”

“I would’ve done it sooner, but Mercy threatened everyone,” she smiled, and I laughed softly. “Straight out pulled her gun out and said that she would end not only our season but our lives if we stressed you out.”

“I’m sorry about that,” I said, shaking my head. I wasn’t even surprised by Mercy’s behavior, nor did I have it in me to be upset. “I’ll talk to her about that.”

“Don’t,” Vine laughed. “I have a brother who acts just like her, so I completely understand it.” she gently bumped her shoulder into mine. “Just know that we got you. If you aren’t ready to step on that court in a few weeks, we will completely understand, and if you are, know that we will play our hearts out.”

“Right,” Mercy said, sitting on my other side. She threw her arm over my shoulder and pulled me to her. “Vine, you cool, but she’s my best friend; find you someone else.”

“Damn, you can’t share?” she asked with a laugh. “I’ll give her back.”

“I share her with Xoey and all her personalities,” Mercy said, shaking her head. “That’s enough.”

“Listen, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but Archer, Helix, and I had a meeting yesterday after you tried to run point in practice and came to the conclusion that, one: that can’t ever happen again. Don’t get me wrong, you have handles, but you aren’t her.” Vine pointed to me and smiled. “And, two: you’re going to have to share her. We didn’t just come here to be on your team.”

“No,” Mercy said, shaking her head. “It’s not happening.”

“Sorry, Cap, but it is,” Vine laughed as she stood. She tapped Mercy on the knee twice and smiled. “We are the starting five, remember that.”

“But I’m the captain,” Mercy replied.

“But, she’s the point guard,” Vine replied, then dropped her goggles onto her face like I do and turned to walk away.

“I love the fact that she has no clue you and Givens are a silent owner,” I laughed and shook my head.

“I know,” Mercy laughed. “I’m going to trade her if she keeps talking shit, though.”

“No, you aren’t,” I laughed, and Mercy shrugged. “Plus, you have to admit that she’s one of the missing pieces we were looking for.”

“She’s alright,” Mercy said, waving me off, which only made me laugh harder. “You doing okay?”

“I’m alright,” I answered with a nod. “I’m more concerned with Aceyn and Bowlin than I am myself. I only knew her for a few months, which is nothing compared to them.”

“I understand,” she said, nodding. “What are you doing when you leave here?”

“Going to my house to grab some more clothes, then heading to Aceyn’s house.”

“Givens and I will come to the house in the morning before the funeral for extra support,” she said. I returned to the court to watch Vine and Archer play one-on-one.

“I appreciate you,” I said, resting my head on her shoulder. “I don’t know what I would do if it weren’t for you.”

“Live a boring life,” she answered with a giggle. “That 9-5 shit you are always yelling about.”

“True,” I laughed. “And now that I think about it, I can agree that the 9-5 is boring.” I lifted my head, reached under me to grab my gym bag, and stood. “I’m going to go drag Aceyn out of his office and take him home. “I’ll call you later?”

“Okay,” Mercy said, standing. We hugged, and then I left the gym and went to Aceyn’s office.

I knocked on Aceyn’s office door and waited for him to answer. He pulled the door open with a mug on his face, and I stepped into his space. “Hi,” I greeted him, resting my chin on his chest and looking up at him.

“Hey,” he replied, then kissed me. “You done?”

“Yes, sir,” I answered, wrapping my arms around his waist and pushing against him to make him walk backward. “Are you ready to go?”

“I have a few more reports to look over before I can head out,” he said, shaking his head. “You can go to the house, and I’ll meet you there.”

“I rode with you, remember?” I said, shaking my head. “I can wait; I’m good with that.”

“Baby, you ain’t gotta wait,” he sighed. “I don’t even know how long I’m going to be. “

I let go of his waist and cupped his face. “Aceyn, I’m going to wait, okay?” he opened his mouth to say something, and I pulled his face down to mine and pushed my tongue into his mouth. Over the last few days, he’d been stuck in his head, and while I understood that he was hurting, I needed him to realize that I was here for him and that he wasn’t alone. “I’m going to shower."

“Alright, Point Guard.” He rested his forehead against mine and sighed. “I appreciate you.”

“I got you, baby,” I said, then kissed him again. “No matter what, I got you. You took care of me when I didn’t realize I needed it. Let me take care of you.” He nodded, then kissed me again before I let his face go.

I grabbed some yoga shorts and a top from my bag, then went to his ensuite to shower. Once I handled my hygiene, I came out of the bathroom to find him sitting at his desk with his eyes closed and swaying. The lights were dim, and music played from his phone. I put my clothes in my bag, rounded his desk, and sat facing him. I put my feet on the arms of his chair to keep him from moving.

“I need you to tell me what you need, Aceyn,” I said, watching him. “I’m here, but I need you to tell me what you need from me.”

“I just need you here, baby.” He wiped his hands over his face. “That’s all I got for right now. I just need you.”

“Okay,” I said, nodding. “But if you need more, tell me, okay? I don’t know your pain, but you aren’t alone.”

“Thank you, Point Guard.” He ran his hand up my leg and stared at me. “You know you pretty, right?”

“Yes, Aceyn.” I sat forward and grabbed the collar of his shirt to pull him to me. “You tell me every chance you get, and I thank you for it.”

“Because my mama told me to tell my favorite girl how I felt instead of being mean to her,” he replied.

“You should give Pyrite the same advice,” I giggled. “I saw him earlier and he had a black eye. I’m guessing the Baker got out of the cuffs?”

“Yeah,” he laughed. “She beat that nigga ass.” He wrapped his hand around my throat and gave me a sexy smile. “That’s his problem, though. My focus is on you and making sure you’re happy.”

“I am, but please believe I’ll beat your ass, too, if need be,” I laughed.

He laughed, let my throat go, then grabbed my waist and pulled me into his lap. “Threaten my ass with a good time again,” he said, staring me down. I could feel his dick get hard through his shorts and mine. I circled my hips and then traced his lips with my tongue before pulling him into a passionate kiss that made me feel like I was suffocating, but in the best possible way.

Aceyn reached between our bodies and put his hand into my shorts, and pressed against my clit. “Shit,” I hissed. I grabbed onto his shoulders, lifted slightly, and he pulled my shorts off, then pushed his down and pulled his dick out. I lowered onto his dick and had to rest my forehead on his shoulder while my body adjusted to his size. Once I was ready, I rocked my hips, and Aceyn held onto my waist. “Fuck.”

“Ride this dick, Point Guard,” he grunted as he fucked me from below. “Take this shit, baby.”

“Aceyn,” I moaned as my eyes rolled into the back of my head. I shook my head and then cupped the back of his neck. “No, shit!”

“No, what?” he questioned. “Huh? You trying to hold out on me again?”

“No,” I moaned when he grabbed a handful of my hair and pulled my head back to make me look at him. “No, I’m not holding back.”

“Then what the fuck are you saying no for?” he wrapped his arm around my waist, stood, and laid me back on his desk. “Huh, Point Guard, what are you saying no to? You want me to stop.”

“No!” I grabbed his shirt in case he tried to pull back. “No!”

“Then what do you need?” he asked as he pumped into me. He grabbed my ankles and pushed my legs open wider. I watched him as he watched his dick slide in and out of me. “What you need?”

“Hood,” I moaned as I slapped into his chest. My nails scraped against his shirt, and he laughed. “I need Hood.”

Aceyn stopped moving and stared down at me before nodding and stepping back. “Turn the fuck over,” he said, and I did as instructed. I bent over his desk, and Aceyn put my hands behind my back and held them as he pushed back into me. “My office ain’t soundproof, and I don’t give a fuck, either. I’m about to fuck you, and every muthafucka in here gonna know from the way you scream my fucking name.” He slapped my ass, and I hissed from the pleasure. “You wanted Hood so you about to get him.”

“Yes, sir,” I moaned as he started to fuck me harder. I looked over my shoulder at him and bit into my bottom lip. “Yes, sir.”

* * *

“You aren’t dressed yet?” Mercy asked, walking into the bedroom. I looked up from securing the strap on my shoe and shook my head. “Why?”

“I didn’t get much sleep last night because of Aceyn,” I sighed. “He was up pacing, and when I did get him to sit down, his leg bounced nonstop. He didn’t fall asleep until seven, and we had to be up by eight-thirty.”

“He’s scared,” she said, nodding.

“I know.” I stood and adjusted my skirt before walking to the bathroom. “I didn’t make it to my house last night and had to call Mahogany at the last minute and ask her to bring me something. Luckily, she doesn’t live too far from here, and one of her stores is on the way here. She dropped this off and rushed back home to get Junior ready so they could get to the gravesite in time.”

“Here, let me,” Mercy said, walking into the bathroom and taking the brush from me. “The only thing I need for you to do today is be there for Hood and Bowlin. Givens, Pyrite, and I will take care of everything else.”

“I don’t even know what I’m supposed to be doing,” I sighed as I looked at her through the mirror. “Ms. Arlene had damn near everything done before she passed. We only had to go in and do minor stuff.”

“Because she knew how stressed you all would be,” Mercy replied. She was doing her best to do something with my hair, but one thing Mercy was not was hair-inclined. “I love you, but this is not my ministry.”

“I know,” I laughed softly.

The bedroom door opened, and her cousin, Corinthians, entered the room. She looked at me, then at Mercy, then back to me, and shook her head before putting her hand out for the brush.

“Madea told me to come check on y’all, and I’m glad I did,” she said, taking the brush from Mercy and waving her out of the way. She quickly pulled my hair into a slick bun at the base of my neck and secured the knot. “It won’t last all day, but it’ll do for a few hours.”

“Thank you,” I said, nodding.

“We’re family; we look out for each other,” Corinthians replied. My eyes watered at hearing her say that. Ms. Arlene told me in her letter that I had family, and it was starting to dawn on me how right she was. Mercy was the closest thing I had to a sister, and her cousins treated me as if I were one of them. She hugged me, kissed my cheek, and turned to leave. “See you at the gravesite.”

“Okay,” I said, nodding.

“Love y’all!” Corinthians said, then walked out of the room.

Mercy took my hand, and we walked out of the room and left the house. Aceyn stood next to his car with Pop and Givens. He was dressed in a black fitted suit, with his everyday iced-out watch, studs in his ears, and his signature L necklace. I let go of Mercy’s hand and wrapped my arms around his waist.

“You okay?” I asked softly. I knew he wasn’t, no matter what he said.

“I am now that you’re by my side,” he answered, kissing me. “Let’s get this over with.”

“I’ll drive,” I said as I let him go. Aceyn shook his head, and I put my hand out for him to hand me his keys. “Aceyn, let me do this, please. I don’t want you behind the wheel right now, and since you refused to get a driver or use the family car that handled everything, you need to let me do this.” He kissed his teeth and stared down at my hand. “Baby, I need to do this for you, okay?” He lifted his head to the sky, sighed, nodded, and handed me his keys. “Thank you.”

“I’m driving,” Pop said, and I cut my eyes at him. He knew I expected him to be in the car with us because we discussed it this morning. “I’m going back to my house after the service and don’t want you going out of your way.” He kissed my forehead. “My son will need all your attention when he y’all get back here. Please give it to him. I’ll check in later.”

“If you don’t check in, I’m coming to find you,” I threatened him, and Pop nodded before walking to his car.

“We are going to be behind y’all,” Givens said, dapping up Aceyn and hugging me. “Pyrite is already there, waiting.”

“Appreciate it, bro,” Aceyn said.

“Don’t mention it,” Givens said, leading Mercy to his car.

Aceyn opened the door for me, and I got in the car. I watched as he rounded it and then got in. I started the car, put on my seatbelt, put it in drive, and pulled out of the driveway. Even though I was the driver, Aceyn rested his hand on my thigh and relaxed in his seat.