“Reesh, please.”
They shared a laugh as Nivéa reached for another tee, adjusting its alignment before pressing it and sealing the ink into the fabric.
Meanwhile, Caresha sat quietly, watching her show on the mounted flatscreen TV. This was their usual. They could sit for hours together without speaking, both lost in their own worlds. Boredom from not interacting wasn’t even a thought for them. As long as they had each other’s presence, they were good.
Nivéa worked hard for about an hour before the bell over the door chimed again. Snapping out of her zone, she stood and walked to the front, hoping to secure another order. To her surprise, it was Crown, standing with a large gift bag in one hand and roses in the other.
“Hey, baby.” She said, her eyes lighting up like a Christmas tree as she rushed over to him. Lately, she looked at him as if he were her Superman, and he proudly embraced the role.
“Sup, ma.” Crown spoke.
As Nivéa wrapped her arms around his waist, she looked up at him, poking her bottom lip out. “Why haven’t you texted me back?”
“‘Cause I’d rather show up. It’s clear in the text you missed a nigga.”
Nivéa giggled; she hadn’t seen him in person in a while felt like. “Baby, it’s been a whole two days. My lil heart hurts.”
“You the one tryna be independent and shit, moving back to your crib. Told you your home is with me.”
Smitten, she shook her head as she batted her lashes at him. “Hush. I’m just trying to be cautious, that’s all. All this for me?”
“Yep, daddy comes bearing gifts.” Crown leaned down and kissed her lips as he handed her the bouquet of roses.
“I miss you.”
“I miss the shit out of you, too.”
“The roses are beautiful. Can’t wait to see what’s in the bag.”
Clearing her throat, Caresha walked from the back, interrupting the moment. “Oh, please. You two get a room. This is a professional business. Y’all niggas getting on my nerves.”
“Girl, hush. Don’t be hatin’ ‘cause your ass lonely.” Nivéa teased, sticking her tongue out.
“And is. I want some damn flowers.” Caresha playfully rolled her eyes as Crown chuckled.
“Sup, Reesh.” He spoke.
“Hey, Crown. Good to see you. Now you can cheer this hoe up. She’s been trying to hold it together for customers, but I could tell she was sad as hell because she misses you. Checkin’ her phone every five minutes.”
“Bitch, shut up.”
“Mmhm, I’m leaving. Gonna give you and your man some time. Call me later.” Caresha laughed as they hugged goodbye.
Once she was gone, Crown’s hand slid to Nivéa’s ass and squeezed, sending a jolt of electricity through her. She quickly glanced out the window, hoping no customers were approaching, and stole a passionate kiss from him. He looked so good in his button-up, and she loved his fresh cut. The waves in his hair were enough to make her seasick.
“Where the fuck is Mike?” Crown asked, scanning the room as he pulled away from her lips.
“I sent him on break. He should be back soon. Calm down, baby.”
Just then, Mike walked from the back and spoke as he passed. Crown didn’t respond, just chunked up his head, watching him until he stepped outside to stand in front of the door.
Nivéa shook her head, laughing, aware that Crown had a way of intimidating folks with just one look. She noticed her guards only stepped outside when he was around. If they did venture out, it was merely to perform the hourly perimeter check Crown required. Pulling away from his arms, she dumped the marbles out of a decorative vase, filled it with water, and added the roses.
“Be nice, baby. Mike is a sweetheart.” She said.
“I don’t give a fuck what that nigga is. They here to do a job, and I want ‘em to know that’s the only thing they need to focus on.”
Nivéa sighed at his mean ass, changing the subject. “Are you off for the day, or do you have to go back?” She asked as Crown took a seat behind the counter, off to the side.
