Page 2 of Out of the Shadow

“Really? Name one.”

I search my memory and don’t have to go far. “Diego. I’ve been a Big Brother to that kid for ten years, helping him through some difficult shit.”

“I’m glad he got his act together. But that’s on him, not on you. You, personally, haven’t done squat with all the gifts you’ve been given. And now you’re on drugs? This is the final straw. I’ve tried so hard to give you the benefit of the doubt, but I’ve been enabling you. My own father was a fuck up, and you’re headed down the same path. I’m done, King. Done. I’ve already called and cut off your trust fund. I’m not giving you any more handouts. I love you. I do. But you need to get your shit together. Get a job.” He disconnects the call.

I stare at my phone in disbelief. What the fuck just happened? No way in hell did he really cut off my allowance. Heart racing, I call up my trust fund’s administrator. “This is King Hunte. I’m calling because I just received an unusual phone call and I need to check that everything is still in order with my trust fund?”

The woman on the other end of the line clears her throat. “Mr. Hunte, I have been advised by Mr. Braxton Hunte that you are no longer to receive your monthly payments. I’m sorry.”

I don’t say another word, just kill the call. He did it. He really did it. And it’s all because of his bitch of a wife. The saintly Sara.

And Trevor. Like a douche, I asked him to join me in Mexico because we hadn’t hung out in a while. The very first night, he offered me the coke—which I did, thinking it was a one-time thing to kick off our vacation. Unlike me, he kept partying the whole trip, so much the others noticed his drugged-out rude behavior. I practically begged him to stop and go to rehab because, after all, it was my “loan” he was snorting. His response? “Fuck you, I’ll party if I want to!” Look where that’s landed me now.

Blinded by rage, I call him, but it goes straight to voicemail. “You asshole. You had to get snow in Mexico. Have you seen whatThe Gossipposted? Now I have to deal with a pissed-off Braxton Hunte.” I hit the red button and toss my phone across the bed.

Ice runs through my veins. Where am I with money? The condo is paid off, so no worries there. Same for my car, although I was thinking of getting a new one since the Lamborghini is already over two years old.

Retrieving my phone, I go on my bank app and pull up my balance. I have five grand. And that’s it. No more allowance coming in at the end of the month.

At least I still have my social media sponsorships.

The sound of a text arriving draws my attention back down to my cell, and it’s from one of my sponsors. I open it and find out they’re canceling my contract under the “moral turpitude” clause due to that damn photo. A second sponsor texts, but I don’t have to read it to know they’re following the same path.

Now what the fuck am I supposed to do for money?

Dad’s parting words about getting a job ring in my ears.

What can I do? I guess I could be a personal trainer, but how much does a job like that pay? And don’t they have to be at their jobs at least five days a week? I hold back a gag and collapse back onto the feather-light bed.

My phone rings again. It better be Trevor so I can give him a real piece of my mind. I roll over on my bed and check the screen. Despite the shitshow of a morning I’ve had, I can’t help but smile at the sight of Diego’s face. Forcing an upbeat tone, I answer, “Hey, Diego. How’s it hanging?”

“Good. I meanrealgood.”

I’ve known Diego since he was eight when a bunch of my buddies decided to join Big Brothers. While the rest of my friends dropped out, I made a real connection with the kid. Maybe because he was being raised by a single mother, although his mom took an interest in him. Perhaps it was his dad, who only showed up for birthdays and Christmases but didn’t care to know the super kid he had spawned. Diego’s situation hit home.

Sitting up, I rest my head against the grey upholstered headboard. “What’s up?”

“I got in.”

I suck in my breath. “I knew NYU wouldn’t turn down such an accomplished scholar.”

He chuckles. “I know that’s what you said and all, but until I received their letter, I couldn’t even let myself hope. I followed your advice, and it worked. And you want to know the best part?”

“I can’t imagine what could top you getting into the college of your dreams, but hit me.”

“One word. Scholarship.” At his words, a tiny piece of my heart expands.

Not able to remain in bed any longer, I throw the covers off my naked body and pace around my bedroom. “Way to go. That’s super, Diego. I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you. I mean that. If it weren’t for you, I don’t know what I’d be doing right now.”

I scoff at his praise. “Really, you did everything. I only gave you a couple of nudges in the right direction.” Slipping commando into a pair of workout shorts, I ask, “What did your mother say when you showed her the letter?”

“After she finished crying, she hugged the shit out of me. I’ll be the first in my family to go to college.”

“I know. The world’s going to be your oyster, man.” Diego has always been interested in filmmaking-. I’ve been able to hook him up with some of my friends in Hollywood, who gave him practical experience. Now, he’ll be able to hone his skills and make the necessary connections to become a great director someday. I feel like calling Dad back to tell him. Ihavedone something good.

“And I can’t thank you enough for offering to cover the cost of my room and board and books. The scholarship only covers tuition.”

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