“Told him what?” Nivéa glanced up from her plate, brows lifting as she played dumb.
Kerri snickered. “Girl… either you deserve an award, or your butt really doesn’t know.”
They held each other’s gaze for a moment, then Nivéa’s act cracked. She let out a nervous laugh.
“I haven’t,” she admitted.
“Why not, baby?” Kerri smiled widely, super excited.
Nivéa shrugged, her voice cracking. “I… I don’t know. I haven’t told anyone yet. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.” She paused, pushing at her food.
“I’m nervous and worried. I just… I hope I’m doing the right thing this time. I know your son is good to me. I do. But sometimes, even good things turn bad. And I can’t afford any more mistakes in my life, you know?”
Kerri nodded, understanding her hesitation. But she had faith in them. And she knew her son. He didn’t switch up. Whatever he loved, he took damn good care of forever. And when things went wrong, he didn’t run…Crown fixed the issue.He found a way to bring shit back to right, and she made sure Nivéa knew that before they left the restaurant.
By the time they arrived at Crown’s place, he had already finished at the office. He was stretched out on the couch, feet propped up, his packed luggage sitting nearby.
“Sup, lady?” he greeted Kerri, leaning in to kiss her forehead.
“Hi, son.” Kerri smiled, swaying slightly in his embrace.
“Hey, baby,” Nivéa said softly as Crown pulled her into his arms next.
The second they parted, he reached for Nyla and lifted her from Nivéa’s arms, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. She melted against his chest instantly, curling into him. Nivéa shook her head, smiling at the sight.
“How was church?” Crown asked.
“Great. I really enjoyed myself.”
“You should’ve taken the day off and come your ass with us.” Kerri fussed, pointing a finger at him.
“I’ll be there next time.”
“Mmhmm,” she replied, heading toward the kitchen.
Next to Crown, Nivéa sat down on the couch and took her time pumping. Then she met Kerri in the kitchen and poured the extra milk into storage bags, just in case. They talked the entire time, running through everything she could do if Nyla got too fussy. Kerri eventually waved her off.
“Girl, get your butt out of this kitchen and go enjoy yourself.” She told her.
Nivéa laughed and went to change into something more comfortable for the flight. Afterward, she kissed Nyla goodbye, and they headed out.
At the hangar, an attendant directed them across the tarmac while a line crew member loaded their luggage. The pilot stood at the base of the jet’s stairs, greeting them with a firmhandshake. Nivéa took it all in before her eyes landed on Crown with even more admiration. She marveled at how he seamlessly transitioned from a hood nigga at night to a businessman by day. Life with him often felt like something straight out of a movie.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Knight. We’re ready for departure.”
Crown nodded. “Appreciate you, Lawson.”
Inside the jet, the flight attendant greeted them with a smile, and a silver tray balanced effortlessly in her hand as she offered them drinks. Nivéa smiled politely, declining. Crown, however, took the glass without hesitation.
“This is so nice, baby. Damn.” Nivéa said, still looking around in awe. “You brought another chick on here before?”
“Hell nah. You the first and only.” Crown replied, and she blushed.
“I love this. I’m so happy I decided to come.” She gazed out the window as they prepared for departure.
“I’m happy too. I needed you to come, ma.”
“Yeah?” She turned back to him.
