It's Above Me Now.

23: Upward & Onward

"Alright fellas, listen up!" Drew announced. "The Troupe's first event is upon us, and the decided theme is Black History/African Awareness. We've only got a few days to brand and create the best African Heritage event this city has ever seen. Although event planning is my hired area of expertise, I'm still open to hearing any ideas you might have pertaining to how we can make this event not only successful, but one to remember. This is a big deal for Troupe, and we need all hands on deck. Now, any thoughts?"

I drummed my pen on the table and waited patiently for feedback from my friends. The guys and I were having our first meeting at Troupe to discuss this activity the organization was partaking in. Seeing that this was the first event Troupe was hosting, we had to make it as prosperous as possible. I sat back in my seat, glancing around at my freshly enhanced friends who were now wearing prim suits and jotting down notes. They each looked focused and eager to participate. This is what I liked to see.

"Let's talk food." Jacques piped up. "Good food always brings people together. I'm thinking we should look into more local vendors to collaborate with instead of the high end caterings. The local based food spots will be able to contribute to the cause because they already specialize and can be easily equipped to the theme of the event, and in return we assist them by pouring funds in their businesses which overall helps the community."

Dylan nodded. "I completely agree. And speaking of locality, I think we should also incorporate black artists of all spectrums in the area to perform and display their work. By doing this we can give them the recognition they rightfully deserve, and give them a platform to showcase their talent."

There were murmurs as the guys started discussing more, and I decided to take a back seat and let them do their thing. I loved seeing my brothers in action, and they were handling their new occupations exceptionally well. I was so fucking proud of them.

Hearing heels clicking and clacking distinctly, I swiftly looked up, and for a moment I thought Hanschell had dropped by. Unfortunately, it was only Missy, the very cheerful assistant my parents hired to help me with all things regarding The Troupe. She was charging my way with a huge grin plastered on her face. And she honestly looked like she was on cloud nine. I really wanted to know what drugs she did, because I was tryna be on whatever she was on.

Missy quietly opened the glass door of the boardroom we were currently in, and briskly walked over to me. Bending over to whisper in my ear, she told me gently that a pregnant lady was waiting in my office to speak to me urgently. My mind landed on one person alone. Glancing over at Mario, he seemed thoroughly engrossed in the proceeding with my brothers, and unaware of whatever foolishness was on the rise. What was this fresh bullshit? I already knew Karin's eldest was connected to it.

Reluctantly, I excused myself from the meeting and walked out with my assistant. Following closely behind Missy, I gaze around the Troupe with pride. The feeling of happiness will always resonate with me when it came to The Troupe, for it always kept me motivated and content. Nothing could ever cease the joy that this recreational center gave me. Not even my pregnant ex Chanel, who was seated in one of my office's guest chairs.  

Chanel and my eyes linked, and she folded her lips in. She was definitely over six months pregnant, and I tried to keep my negative thoughts at bay. The woman I once loved looked absolutely exhausted and perturbed, and I hated that a part of me wanted to relieve those stresses. I hated that I still even cared.

"Thanks Missy. I'll take it from here." I announced. "Reschedule my 2p.m meeting, I don't know how long this will take."

Missy nodded, and disappeared quickly. It was just Chanel and I alone in my office now, and I shut the office door tightly to keep our privacy. Walking slowly to my desk, I sat in my seat and gave her my undivided attention.

"Mario doesn't know I'm here." Chanel panted. "And I'd like it to stay that way. I'll keep this brief. I know you probably have a million things to do."

Reaching into the mini fridge at the end of my desk, I located a small water bottle and handed it over to Chanel. She nodded her thanks, and gulped down the entire thing. I watched her as she indulged in her beverage, staring at her full in the face. It's crazy how life changed, for I always envisioned her on my arm forever. Now that was all a distant memory.

"You probably hate me." Chanel gasped. "I don't blame you. But I came here to plead with you, because I know that you're a man of great means now. You're attached to one of the most wealthy families in the country, and I hope you aren't using your new found prestige for ill intent. I'm asking, no, begging you...to drop whatever you got going on with Mario. Mario's not saying anything, but he's on edge about this partnership between you two. We all know it ain't genuine. Chance, I fucked up. Big time. But don't act like you didn't give me many reasons to step out on your inconsistent ass. You never kept it real with me, admit it. I was wrong for sleeping with Mario. But a bigger gift came out of it. I'm extremely grateful and excited for my little boy. So please allow my child to have a father. You're hurt, I get it. You feel betrayed and you want everyone to pay. Trust me, I understand. But we both know what it feels like to not have a father in our lives. I don't want my son to go through the same thing. Let the Mario shit go. I don't know what you're planning but I know you Chance, you always take it too far. You always like to get the last laugh. But a child's involved now. You ain't gotta do it for me, but do it for an innocent child who did not ask to be here, and had nothing to do with the situation. Please."

I leaned back in my seat, thoroughly shocked by this cry from Chanel. I made her step out on me? Man, I've done heard it all. She was so wrong about so much, it was laughable. I really had them all shaking in their boots, but I wasn't enjoying it as much as I should. Chanel had a total misconception of who I was as a person, it was an insult to the man I was becoming. My previous actions, and how I handled things in the past were so beyond me. I didn't even know that version of myself anymore.

"You don't hold that much influence Chanel." I finally said. "Hiring Mario wasn't out of spite. This isn't about you. I have no plans of retaliation on your baby daddy. You have my word. We're good."

Chanel nodded, and groaned uneasily as she rose from her seat. She looked as though she was truly in a lot of pain, and I silently prayed that she and her child had a safe delivery. Chanel struggled out of my office, but turned to look back at me one last time. Her hand was sealed on the door knob, and tears swelled in her eyes.

"I'll always love you, please don't forget that." Chanel whispered.

Chanel turned her back and left before I could say anything, and I'm glad she didn't linger, awaiting a response. I didn't feel much emotion towards Chanel, and that's how I knew I accomplished inner peace with our situation. She wasn't meant to be on this journey with me, and I've came to terms with that. I actually wish her and Mario well with their union and unborn child, I ain't a hater. Mario's doing something for her that I clearly couldn't, and I tip my hat off to him. All my being, energy, and focus was now on my business, my growth, and sustaining my sanity and wealth. And I was determined to let nothing come between that.