My Legacy to Build (Sequel to Past Lovers)

Chapter One

"Grayson, time to get up! You have to take Finn to school early for his project today." Demi pounded on my door as I rolled over on my back, sighing from lack of sleep. I stayed up late last night studying for my AP exams. They won't be a piece of cake, and I have to do well for my college applications.

"I'm awake, I'll be down in a minute." I heard her stomping away, so I rolled myself out of bed and started toward the bathroom. I quickly showered and did my hair and makeup before going into my closet to find something to wear for the day. Pulling out my black dress and blue blazer, I ran back into the bathroom to see if I looked alright. Today is huge because Tio is taking me on a college tour of the The Levin College of Law at University of Florida— one of the only schools with a pre-law program in the state. Naturally, I've been hiding it from both of my parents. Demi would've had a meltdown and my mom wouldn't have kept it from her if she knew. But Tio was over the moon to hear it, and he was more than happy to come.

"GRAYSON, I'M NOT TELLING YOU AGAIN. GET DOWN HERE AND TAKE YOUR BROTHER TO SCHOOL." I rolled my eyes as she screamed at me and grabbed my bag, my keys, and everything I needed for the tour.

I ran down the stairs seeing my mom in the kitchen with Finn and Annalise. "Good morning, Monkey." I smiled softly as she kissed the top of my head before turning her attention back to my little sister.

"Good morning Mom," I said, grabbing something to eat from the fridge and pulling a mug down from the cabinet. "Finn, do you have everything you need? I can't be late today, AP exams start this morning." He absentmindedly nodded his head, not even looking up from his phone. I rolled my eyes, turning my attention back to getting coffee.
Demi walked in shuffling through the mail right as I raised the mug to my lips, seemingly content to ruin my day. She didn't even look up as she said, "Grayson, I signed you up for WWE tryouts tonight. Don't let me down." I felt the anxiety crawl up my arms as a growing storm settled over the kitchen.

I willed my voice to stay strong, explaining, "I can't tonight. Tio and I have plans after my exams, and I can't cancel them. We've had this planned for weeks." Demi's eyes finally snapped up to me, but I sent my mom a pleading look before she could argue.

My mom saw the rising tension and cut in, "Baby, you can't just spring this on her last minute. She has a life too, you know." She looked back at me saying, "Sweetheart, go with your Uncle and we'll see you when you get home." I smiled at her in thanks, but Demi stared at me coldly, not giving up just yet.

"And what's more important than this family's legacy in WWE? What takes priority over continuing it? Please, tell me. I'd love to know." She crossed her arms, giving me the look of disappointment I'm all too familiar with. I looked at her and then at my brother who was staring at me.
"I don't have time for this. We need to go." I grabbed Finn by his wrist and rushed us through the kitchen and out the door.

I heard Demi's voice booming after me, her accent heavy and laced with venom, "GRAYSON, YOU GET BACK HERE." I willed myself not to turn around, slipping into the state of apathy that had gotten me through many other mornings just like this.

I was hoping for some peace on the ride there to refocus myself on the day ahead, but my brother's voice snapped me from my thoughts. "So, spill."

"What are you talking about?" I said, trying to deflect the question.

He looked at me incredulously. "Come on, tell me. I know you and Momma don't get along, I just want to know why." My eyes filled with shock, realizing for the first time that my baby brother isn't a baby anymore.

"I appreciate you asking, but it's nothing you need to worry about. It's my burden to bear, it doesn't need to fall on you." I sighed, pushing back my long blonde hair as I turned into his school.