Page 77 of Hood Legacy

“You’re out there playing ball with Hood in the street,” Mama said, nodding. “I can see y’all future now clear as day, and it's beautiful.” A tear fell from her eye, but she didn’t wipe it away as she watched us. “He loves you. You love him. Love each other through life and into death. Trust me when I tell you, it’s an amazing feeling.” Mama turned the phone to us playing basketball. “Hood, ask that girl to marry you.”

The room went dark, and a spotlight shone down on Legacy and me. I cleared my throat and smiled at her.

“Easy or hard way?” I asked her with a chuckle.

“Easy,” she answered with a laugh. “It’s always been easy.”

I slipped the ring on her finger, stood, pulled her to me, and kissed her. Legacy wrapped her arms around my neck and held on to me tight. The room erupted in noise, and I pulled back from Legacy to look at her.

“Either way, it would have ended the same,” I said, resting my head against her.

“He ain’t a 9-5 nigga, friend,”Xoey said as we walked outside. She looped her arm through mine and laughed. “I mean, not at all, but I love that for you.”

“I mean, did you think she had a choice?” Mercy said, linking our arms. “He wasn’t playing about his Point Guard.”

“I had my doubts for a second,” Xoey answered with a shrug. “I mean, he’s a damn team doctor; who would’ve thought that he could turn up like that?”

“His nickname is literally Hood,” Mercy replied and rolled her eyes. “That’s like someone saying that you are calm.”

“Bitch, I am!” she replied. Mercy and I shared a look and then started to laugh. “I’m a calm, gentle soul.”

“That has never met a nigga that can tame you,” Mercy said, and I nodded in agreement. “You intentionally drive men crazy so they don’t get to know you.”

“We all have our challenges,” Xoey replied. “Plus, he would let it be known if he wanted me. The niggas I’ve dealt with in the past get one good look at the real me and run for the hills.”

“You’ve never let anyone get close enough to experience the Xoey that we do,” I said, and she shrugged. “That’s not fair to you.”

“Everything changes when they find out I’m a St. James.” Xoey pulled us to the steps, and we unlinked our arms and sat down. She leaned back, resting her elbows on the step behind her, and sighed. “Do you know how exhausting it is to be a St. James? The pressure is a lot.”

“Trust me, I understand,” Mercy said. “Being a DeCorte ain’t easy at all, especially since that shit came out about Corinthians. We are about to be on the warpath.”

“It’s going to be exciting, though,” Xoey shrugged. “At least you have that.”

“I don’t think so,” I said, shaking my head. I watched as Corinthians stood next to her car, talking to Four. Since her secret had come out, he’d been working overtime to handle it, but I knew because of Mercy that he was hitting roadblock after roadblock. The frustration was evident on his face, and I felt for them. “She’s hurting.”

“And he’s angry because of it,” Xoey said, nodding. “He’s a fucking Number and can't get a hold of who he needs to. Once he does, it's going to be a blood bath.”

“You say that so casually,” I replied, and they both shrugged. “I’ll never get used to this world.”

“What world?” Xoey asked with a laugh. “You make it seem like this is the black mafia or something.”

“You think it's not?” I reared back in surprise, and they shook their heads. “How many family dynasties are here right now?” I started counting on my fingers. “The Lincolns, Rush brothers, DeCortes, Strongs, Carlsons, Stones, St. James, and shit – even the Blackmon’s.

“Who are the Blackmon’s?” Xoey asked.

“Them,” Mercy answered as she nodded at the black SUV next to Corinthians and Four.

When a tall, dark-skinned man with a mug on his face exited the car, I groaned for no other reason than I knew Xoey was about to show out. He adjusted his suit, rounded the car, and opened the passenger door. Purpose exited the vehicle, spoke to Four and Corinthians, and approached us.

“FBI, this is no disrespect to you, but your date is fine as hell,” Xoey said, standing and hugging her. Mercy and I exchanged looks, stood, and started laughing.

“Date?” Purpose questioned, and Xoey nodded. She laughed, shook her head, and pointed to the man beside Four. “That’s not my date.”

“Who is it, then?” Xoey asked with new interest.

“That’s Gift,” I answered as I crossed my arms. “He’s the cop that showed up to my house the first time you sent the police.”

“The one you described to me on the phone?” Xoey asked without taking her eyes off Gift. “Friend, your description didn’t do him justice.” Gift turned to us, his dark eyes sweeping over everyone before stopping on Xoey. He licked his lips and gave his full attention as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. She tilted her head to the side and then nodded. “Oh yeah, this is about to be fun as hell.”

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