“She’s asleep in the other room.” Nivéa tilted the phone, letting the camera fall on the monitor next to her, where Nyla’s sleeping face came into view. Caresha’s expression instantly brightened.
“Look at her. She’s so peaceful despite the chaos her sperm donor just caused. Ugh, I swear I can’t stand that nigga. What all happened? Catch me up.”
Reluctantly, Nivéa spent thirty-five minutes detailing the entire situation, leaving Caresha even more worried than before.
“Sis, I’m grateful for Crown and his people, but you may still need to go to the police station. I’ll take you myself. Where did Boe say he was going? We have to let the cops know and get him off the streets before he tries something else. Plus, maybe the nigga he works for can get to his ass in there and leave you out of it. I’m so scared. We have to do more.”
Nivéa sighed, thinking it over. She hoped she was doing the right thing. “I know, but Crown says he’ll handle it, and I trust him. Plus, I have no idea where Boe went. He didn’t tell me where we were headed when I was with him, only that we had to get out of town. That could be anywhere.”
As Nivéa held the phone, she wondered who Boe knew that could help him, but her mind felt foggy. She didn’t know if it was the stress or the fact that Boe had made her his rock for so long that she counted out everyone else.
The women talked for another hour until Nivéa heard the home alarm deactivate and Kerri’s voice drift through the air, accompanied by Nyla’s cries. She promised Caresha she’d call her back before ending the call.
Standing from the bed, Nivéa headed to grab Nyla before walking downstairs. “Hi, Mrs. Knight,” she said as she lifted off the last step.
“Hey, sweetie. I hope I’m not intruding. I just couldn’t rest until I checked on you two.”
“We’re doing fine. I’m still shaken, but okay nonetheless.”
“That’s understandable. You’ve been through something scary.” Kerri replied, smiling as she held up two wrapped plates.
“That son of mine told me you had everything you needed, but I bet he ain’t got shit cooked in here.”
Nivéa couldn’t help but snicker. “Not a thing. But we had a big lunch, and I’m still good from that. Honestly, I don’t have much of an appetite.”
“Understood, baby. Well, I fixed you both plates. I’ll put it up, and you can have it whenever.”
“Sounds good. Thank you so much.”
“No problem. Speaking of my son, where is he? I noticed his bike was missing out front.”
“He got a call and had to go to the clubhouse at the last minute. He said it’ll be late by the time he gets back, so it’s just us.”
Nivéa didn’t realize she held a worried expression, but Kerri caught it and nodded with a sympathetic gaze. She understood; being with a Knight could be emotionally taxing.
“Yeah, well, I know what that feels like. Being the lady of a Knight ain’t no easy feat. Add President to that, and hell girl, you damn sure can’t be weak. But he’ll be okay. He’ll make it back.”
Nivéa laughed softly. “Yeah, I prayed he would make it back in one piece as soon as he left.” She gazed off. “Matter of fact, after the clubhouse incident, I prayed for him every night… even when we weren’t speaking.”
“Say what?” Kerri cocked her head to the side, caught off guard. She was already growing fond of Nivéa. “I love to hear it.”
They shared a smile, then settled into a comfortable silence as Kerri’s gaze was drawn to Nyla. “Mind if I hold her?” she asked sweetly.
Nivéa smiled and shook her head. “Not at all.”
“Great, let me wash my hands.”
Eager, Kerri rushed to the kitchen, set the plates down, and scrubbed her hands before drying them and returning. With a warm smile, she reached for Nyla, cradling her in her arms. It didn’t take long for her eyes to shimmer with tears.
“Oh, wow. Are you okay?” Nivéa asked, concerned.
“Girl, yes. Don’t mind me. These are just tears of joy.” Kerri replied, laughter bubbling from her.
“I always wanted a girl, but a few years after I had Hassan, I had to get a hysterectomy. My husband and I couldn’t try again, and it really broke my heart.”
Nivéa’s expression softened. “I’m so sorry to hear that.”
“Thank you. It was tough, but then Mo came along and filled that void. Well, until her ass flat-out told me she didn’t like shit I did or the clothes I picked out. She just wanted to fit in with the boys outside, you know?” Kerri laughed, feeling a tinge of nostalgia and sadness. “But holding Nyla feels good. It’s a blessing. She’s so precious.”
