NEW HEARTS OLD FLAME

Prologue

New York, New York

Summer 2009

With a broad smile on his face, Drew Watts hurried up the steps to his apartment. He could barely contain his excitement and elation for that evening. He and his girlfriend Nina Baxter were celebrating the opening of his first club, Stallions. After twelve long months of building, the project was finally complete. Drew had endured numerous meetings and several obstacles along the way.

Many times he thought about walking away, but Nina wouldn't let him. In fact, she had been his only support system. When Drew told his father about his plans of becoming an entrepreneur, he laughed at the thought. He accused Drew of being foolish and ignorant. Calling Drew's idea of entrepreneurship, a fleeting crap shot. He became angry when Drew didn't choose the path that had been so carefully laid out for him.

Watts & Watts Law Firm. It had been established by Drew's grandfather Andrew Watts. All the men in Drew's family were expected to become lawyers and work there. Drew considered the idea of becoming a lawyer unappealing. He wanted something different for himself, he wanted to establish his own legacy.

With that in mind, he took his trust fund and used a portion to start up his own business. When his father found out, he became livid and disowned him. Drew didn't care, he was happy to cut the string. The only part he struggled with, was being away from his mother. He could only talk to her on the phone, and whenever his father came home, she would end their conversation.

Drew didn't hold it against her, he understood. His mother had always been obedient. Drew's father had a stronghold on her and his brothers, but never him. He was proud of that, and despite the negativity from his father, the opening of Stallions was a success.

Turning the key, he opened the door to the small apartment and entered. The cozy one-bedroom was all he and Nina could afford for now. With it being just the two of them, it had been all they needed.

"Hey babe, are you home?"

"Yeah, I'm in here."

Drew grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and walked towards the bedroom. He stood in the doorway and gazed at her. She was sitting at the desk writing on a sheet of paper. He thought of the first time they met. Their freshman year of college, before he decided to drop out.

He remembered every detail, including the day of the week. She sat under a tree, reading a book. Drew recalled how the sun shined through the leaves, adding a radiant glow to her pecan tan skin. She wore a floral sundress, with a pink flower tucked in her thick curly brown hair. Drew had been hesitant to approach her, she looked so smart, beautiful, and completely out of his league.

There was also the fact he was white. Although he didn't see race as an issue, he wasn't sure if she felt the same. When she smiled and allowed him to sit next to her, he became overjoyed. Upon talking, he learned she was a premed student and from Virginia as well.

Fast forward six years and they were still together. Nina was currently in her last year of med school and set to start her residency at one of the local hospitals. The future was definitely promising for them.

Drew walked closer and peeked over her shoulder. "What are you writing?"

Nina covered the paper with her hands. "It's an assignment for one of my classes."

"Why don't you want me to see it?"

"Because I'd rather you wait until I'm finished."

"K, I'm going to take a shower, feel free to join me." Drew kissed her temple before leaving.