“Good. Your secrets are safe with me.”
Crown leaned in and kissed her, slow and sure. When he pulled back, his thumb traced over her lips.
“What about you? What was it like growing up?”
Nivéa shifted slightly, pulling the blanket higher against her chest as she curled up on the couch.
“My mama worked all the time, juggling multiple jobs. I hated seeing how tired she looked when she got home. We didn’t have much, not even family. As you know, my father was murdered. And she lost both her parents before I was born. But like your people, she always made it work.” She smiled faintly, reminiscing about those memories.
“That’s why you move the way you do. You’re built from resilience, ma.” Crown told her.
She looked up at him. “I guess so, huh?”
“I wish I could’ve met you a few years sooner. I would’ve taken some of that weight off you, baby. Helped out.” He reached over and tapped her thigh.
Nivéa blushed so hard as she pressed closer to him. Crown gently positioned her head against his chest, where his heartbeat steadied beneath her ear. He made her feel incredibly happy…he was her safe space, too. And she prayed it would always be this way between them.
Chapter Seventeen
Afew days later, Nivéa sat in the church house with Nyla nestled against her chest. She had finally accepted Kerri's invitation to attend church with her on Sundays and Wednesdays for Bible study. Being with her reminded Nivéa a lot of being with her mother. She enjoyed their link-ups.
Kerri occasionally ran her hand over Nyla’s hair to comfort her. And when Nyla got too fussy, she happily took her, stood, and sang along with the choir to her. Nivéa smiled, watching them. She felt like she had lost a mother only to gain another, and it was comforting to have that motherly touch back in her life.
They were growing closer. Kerri made it a point to call and check in every day. While some women might find it overbearing, Nivéa appreciated her genuine nature. She understood that with two grown sons, no spouse, and no grandchildren, Kerri often felt lonely and valued the company. And truthfully, Nivéa felt a void sometimes too. Before Crown came along, she’d had no one but Caresha.
After church, they headed to Kerri’s favorite downtown brunch spot, enjoying their food while talking. The weather wasperfect that day, not too hot, not too cold, so they chose a table on the patio to enjoy the fresh air.
“Tell Mama don’t worry. We’re gonna have a grand time, baby girl.” Kerri said to Nyla as she burped her.
“I’m not worried. I know you’ve got her.” Nivéa replied with a smile, confident in her decision to let Nyla stay with her.
In a few hours, she'd be heading out of town with her man. And while she cherished her time as a mother, it felt good to get a break and enjoy some time for herself every now and then.
Kerri smiled, admiring her. “You look so pretty, baby. What foundation is that? I need a new one.”
“Thank you, but I’m not wearing any, just a tinted moisturizer.”
“Really? Well, I love it. Gives a glow. Share the details with your girl.”
After sharing her routine, Nivéa insisted on ordering a few bottles of the moisturizer for Kerri online. Her business was flourishing, and with the American Express Centurion card Crown had placed in her purse, she was doing well financially. If she wasn’t spoiling herself or Nyla, it was Caresha she was spending money on. She didn’t mind adding Kerri to that list, even though she knew her sons would gladly buy her anything she wanted.
“So, how’s life with my son been treating you?” Kerri probed with good intentions.
“Great. Even when things aren’t perfect, it feels that way with him. Excuse my language, but you raised the hell out of that fine ass man, Mrs. Knight.” Nivéa kept it all the way real.
“Aye, I know that’s right. I did, huh?” Kerri laughed, snapping her fingers proudly.
Nivéa laughed along with her.
“I want y’all to work, Nivéa.” Kerri grew serious.
“I really do. I know it’s a lot being with him because there’s a lot that comes with him. But I’m rooting for this relationship, girl. I love you for him so much. You and Ny are a great addition to this family.”
“Aw, that’s so sweet. Me too. I mean, I’m definitely looking to make it work. It has to.” Nivéa sighed, digging her fork into a piece of waffle. Before she knew it, she was deep in thought.
Kerri studied her face once more, sensing something deeper beneath the surface. The suspicion she’d felt earlier that morning now felt confirmed by Nivéa’s last statement. And in that moment, she knew it wasn’t just the moisturizer giving her that glow. That radiance came from something else entirely.
“Have you told him yet?” She asked.
