Page 84 of A Capo’s Love: Featuring A Don’s Love

“I’d be good during the day, keeping busy, handling business, and being around my brother. When my nephews come over, I enjoy them and don’t feel so alone in my house… I guess it doesn’t feel like I’m running from my thoughts and dreams when I’m around people I’m comfortable with,” he confessed sounding anxious.

“So what all do you do?’” I raised a brow.

“I’m pretty sure Maniac done pillow-talked to you. All mafia business, baby… That part of my world you’ll never be introduced to, unless you trying to join.” He winked.

He’s definitely dangerous as hell… An alarm went off in my mind. Still, I felt drawn to him. I felt secure in his presence like not even a fly would land on me.

“I’m good with managing my dad’s lounges.” I smiled.

“Is that all you want to do?” He asked seriously.

“Some days no, most days yes. I poured a lot into Spike’s Lounge; I’m the reason why it’s so exclusive.” I smiled proudly.

“That’s what’s up… as long Spike’s Lounge ain’t stopping you from living and enjoying your twenties,” he offered.

“I know… crazy part about it is I always wanted to own and be a businesswoman. I’m good at leading and making a business thrive. When I turned twenty-one, I started saving all the money my dad paid me. I have a little bit over a million now,” I stated proudly feeling comfortable telling him that.

He was the first person I even told.

“You trying to buy your dad out?” Royal looked fully intrigued now.

“I am.” I twisted my neck sharply. “I want to rebrand and franchise Spike’s Lounge and make it more exclusive for the elite.”

“I can set up a meeting for you to pitch your plan to me and my brother.” He smirked mischievously. “I can’t promise anything since Maniac smeared his name with us… maybe we can work a payment plan and⁠—”

“Nigga, fuck you and the loan.” I cut him off.

We both fell out laughing hard from his audacity with dessert sitting in front of us half eaten. Along with the beautiful city lights behind us and the slow jazz music crooning through the speakers. We continued to talk and pick each other brains. The conversation flowed effortlessly, the vibe was on a thousand between us. I secretly prayed for more days and nights like this with Royal and also prayed for both of our peace, clarity, and closure to the things that still bothered us.

CHAPTER 21

La’Nova

12.10.26- ‘COLORING WITH NOVA’ OFFICIAL BOOK LAUNCH.

My hands wouldn’t stop shaking, which was irritating because I looked too damn good to be a nervous wreck. I stood in the back room of the venue space, staring at myself in the mirror for what had to be the fifteenth time. I could hear people laughing and talking loudly on the other side of the door.

They all were waiting for me. It felt so unreal, that I could barely breathe through it all. The beginning of this year, I was coloring quietly inside my camper trying not to drown in my own thoughts while telling myself that I would one day have the type of freedom that would release me from the control of others.

Now, people actually knew my name because they genuinely liked something that I loved to do as well as create. I no longer had to face people who chose my past as a way to control me. I had a beautiful daughter, and the man attached to her was one of the purest darkest souls I’ve ever come across. That part kept emotionally punching me in the chest because I couldn’t believe it. I inhaled the smell of books mixed with the lingering scent of coffee trying to ease my nerves. I glanced down at my shaky hands then looked back at myself in the mirror and smiled through glossy eyes.

“You deserve this,” I told myself out loud.

My eyes traced over every inch of my size twenty-six shape without an ounce of shame. The extra baby weight from Novae had settled into all the right places. My hips had spread even wider, weight went to my thighs, breasts, ass, and then my arms.

That was the only thing I’ve always disliked was how big my arms were. I had on a tailored white pinstripe blazer; underneath was a purple vest that stretched across my chest only leaving a little bit of cleavage out. My long white dress pants were pressed clean down the middle almost covering my pretty white toes inside of the flat white sandals I had on since I refused to put on heels.

My hair was pressed bone straight, stopping right at my shoulders after the overly due trim I got from having too many split ends. Every time I walked or turned my head, it swayed like it had a life of its own. I looked good and smelled as good as I looked. I topped off my classy look with diamond gold studs and minimal makeup that gave me a natural look.

But looks didn’t stop my mind from struggling to process all of this…

Coloring With Nova.

It literally started as nothing. I remember doing one random video with my Meta glasses, recording myself coloring flowers while talking softly about anxiety and healing. The plan was to simply record then listen to it to uplift myself. Days later I made a YouTube account and posted it on there then cross posted it to my other social media accounts. Within two weeks I had millions of views. People started asking about me doing shading and coloring tutorials since I made my coloring pictures look realistic.

There was so much I had planned for my ‘Coloring With Nova’ brand. I had already started working on a few upcoming ideas that I had the financial backing for.

I pressed my palms together, trying to calm my nerves while glancing around the room I was in. I had flowers and support baskets everywhere. My coloring books stacked high on the folding table serving as extra in case I ran out. I heard one of the book hostesses say something on the microphone and another wave of cheers sounded off from behind the door.