Free Legacy: It's Never Black and White in Love and Business by E.W. Brooks

was to take their rightful place at the top and that feeling drove them both more than love. 
    ***
    Lena laid back in Marcellus’ arms as she thumbed through the society section of The Charlotte Observer and he read the business and politics section. He reached over to the night stand to take a sip of his coffee, but found himself struggling to hold on to the cup as Lena began to scream. 
    “What in the world is wrong with you?” Marcellus asked, trying to keep the warm liquid from spilling over onto the white sheets. 
    Lena found herself speechless now and pointed to the picture gracing the cover of the section. Marcellus spit out his coffee. 
    “What the fuck is this?” He asked looking at a picture of his brother and Tesha Edwards on the front of the damned lifestyles section. 
    “It says they’re getting married and . . . oh shit.” Lena remarked. “Their engagement party is today at five.” 
    “How in the hell did Tesha link up with anyone this rich?” Lena asked. 
    “I can only imagine.” Marcellus responded, trying to hide his aggravation. 
    Lena waited for Mandell to tell her that James was his half-brother, but he never did and that made her all the more content to follow her father’s advice and hold the most important information until it could help her as well. 
    “Who is this guy she’s marrying?” Lena asked, trying to push her hubby to tell her the truth, but just as a politician, he stuck to the script he created so long ago. 
    “I’m not really sure, Babe.” 
    Lena grimaced as she listened to another man she loved lie to her. Her first instinct was to pull her Baby 380 from beneath the mattress and plug his shoulder with a bullet, but she decided against it. Instead, she smiled as she pressed her husband even harder for the truth. 
    “Oh, my. Call me crazy, but you two actually favor.” Lena chuckled as she pointed to the picture. “See he has your nose and eyes. Are you sure you aren’t related?” She pried. 
    “Get outta here. We do favor, but he’s far too dark to be related to me at all.” Marcellus said as he fixed his messed hair back into place. 
    Lena watched the liar lying next to her fidget as he laid lie on top of lie. Finally, Lena had enough. She couldn’t sit there another minute. 
    “Do you know what I hate most?” Lena asked. 
    “What is that, Baby?” Marcellus asked, following Lena to the door and wrapping his arms around her. 
    “I hate that this woman is still trying to steal her daughter’s limelight? Why won’t she just let her be happy? Instead she has to have an engagement party one week before Edwina’s. How fucked up can you be?” 
    “Calm down, Baby. The world is full of people who just want to live. They live life on their own terms and don’t check anyone else’s calendar or schedule when they do. It’s all about them. Tesha is like that. You aren’t afraid that her party will be nicer than yours, are you?” 
    Lena punched Marcellus in the chest, playfully. “Boy, Bye. There is no way that hood booger bitch can throw a better party than me.” 
    Marcellus laughed as he pushed his wife’s buttons. 
    “Lena, why didn’t you tell me that Edwina was your former husband’s daughter?” The inquiring mind asked. 
    “Probably for the same reason that you didn’t tell me that James is your brother. I could ask how your brother is dark skinned and you are white, but it is obvious that the two of us have kept too many secrets to open this can of worms now.” Lena told her husband. 
    “Things aren’t always in black in white when you’re trying to create a legacy, Lena.” 
    “I guess you’re right, but let me tell you this, Mr. Marlowe. The next time you hide something this serious from me, I am gonna wipe the crack of my ass with your campaign.” 
    Marcellus looked at his wife, completely shocked at this side of her. He had never heard her use such language, but somehow he knew Lena St. James was not to be