The Legacy Read Free Page B

customers since opening anyway. Besides, if it gets
too busy, I can always call Jessica.
    I have a sandwich and a drink delivered from the deli
down the street. I am able to take a bite or two in between
customers. It feels great being responsible for the boutique.
And after finishing the final paperwork, I am truly happy about
the way the day went. I call Jessica before leaving to let her
know how business was and tell her when I will be leaving. She
always makes me promise to do this so she will know when to
expect me. It helps her to not worry, though I actually love the
fact that for the first time in my life, someone cares enough
about me to worry. It's nice to know I matter to someone.
    “Wendy called in sick today,” I tell her. “She has the flu.”
“Yes, I know.”
“She call you?”
“Yes. She called me this morning after talking with you
because she worried about you being there alone. But I knew
you could handle it.”
    Her confident words make me smile. “Well I appreciate
your faith in me. I would have been worried if I were you.” I
almost laugh at the thought of actually owning a business.
    Jessica chuckles. “I knew you would do well, my dear. I
have complete faith in you.”
“I’ll be home in a bit.”
“You have your cell with you?”
“I do.”
“Remember to call me when you are on your way.”
“Yes, Mother.”
I can hear her laughing as I hang up the phone.
    A short while after ending the call, my jolt of confidence
slowly fades as the haunting feelings that have become my
unwanted companion begin to resurface. I hate not being able
to keep my thoughts in the present, and I wish I could leave the
negativity behind.
If I could only forget the past and move on.
    If I could truly believe it doesn’t matter, that none of it
matters. Hanging my head, I squeeze my eyes shut.
I have to get over my past. Otherwise, how can I ever look to the
future?

Three
    Ingo smiles contentedly as he parks the rented gray
BMW in front of his aunt’s home. He hasn’t seen Jessica in
about five months and has missed her terribly. He didn't call to
tell her he was coming because he loves surprising her, and she
is always overjoyed to see him. Turning off the engine, he gets
out and hauls his luggage up the front steps.
    When Jessica opens the door, she releases a delighted
squeal.
“Ingo, my boy! It’s so good to see you!” She immediately
throws
her
arms
around him and he
leans
down
to
accommodate her short frame, soaking in her warm embrace.
“It’s good to see you too, Aunt Jessica. I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too,” she says, patting his face. “Well,
come on in. Let’s get you settled. Then you can fill me in on
what’s been going on with you and the family.”
Ingo follows his aunt up to the top floor, then back to the
bedroom that has become his second home. Looking around
the cozy room, he smiles. Nothing has changed. It’s still home sweet
home . Deciding to wait and unpack later, he places his luggage
on the bed, anxious to visit with his favorite aunt. He has
always felt a special closeness to Jessica. Not only is she the
most down to earth person he knows, she is also one of the
few people who never judges him or tries to interfere in his life
in any way.
Being thirty years old, a successful photographer and very
wealthy, Ingo’s family has determined it is time for him to settle
down. Everyone he knows seems to be in cahoots with his
family in search of a bride for him, with the exception of his
best friend who lives in Italy, and they have all done their fair
share of matchmaking.
But not Jessica. She understands him better than anyone.
She truly knows his heart and the kind of woman it will take to
claim it. Sometimes he thinks Jessica knows him better than he
knows himself. Still, she never interferes or tries to push her
opinion
on
him,
and because
of
this,
Ingo
respects
her
tremendously.
Jessica carries two glasses of lemonade over to the table.
“Now, tell