Page 78 of Heavy Is The Crown

Kenyatta shook his head. “Man…this house, this dog…you really out here living different.”

Krys lifted a brow, playful. “You jealous?”

Kenyatta just smirked. “Nah. I just know you ain’t as lowkey as you act.”

She dismissed him with a wave. “Whatever. Can you go get changed?”

“Sure, Bae. Let’s go show me off.”

Krys chuckled, shaking her head. “You meanus.”

Kenyatta leaned in slightly. “You ain’t gotta hype me up. I know I’m the main attraction.”

Krys rolled her eyes. “Just put the damn outfit on, Yatta.”

Kenyatta grinned. “Yes, ma’am.”

To them both, that sounded a little too natural.

Chapter 19

Trinity Bay Arena was packed to capacity, the energy buzzing as graduates, families, and friends filled the stands. The stage was set at the center, draped in the school’s colors, black and gold banners hanging high, the words Class of 2025 shining in bold letters across the screen.

Krys adjusted her sunglasses as she and Kenyatta made their way inside with Kaliyah, who gripped her dad’s hand tightly, taking everything in.

“You sure we even supposed to be here?” Kenyatta asked, leaning toward Krys.

“Would you relax?” she told him. “We belong everywhere.”

He exhaled, tugging at the designer shirt she got him. “I just ain’t been in a stadium like this since—” He caught himself, shaking his head.

“Since what?” Krys pressed.

Kenyatta glanced at her. “Since my last court date.”

Krys burst out laughing, covering her mouth when people turned to look.

“Not funny?” he muttered.

“It is. Just—” she composed herself. “Try not to look like you ‘bout to get sentenced.”

Kaliyah tugged at his sleeve. “Daddy, look! That girl’s shoes light up!”

Krys followed her gaze and asked with excitement matching hers, “You want some?”

Kaliyah’s eyes widened, looking at her, then at Kenyatta.

“She don’t need those,” Kenyatta muttered, but Kaliyah had already locked onto Krys, newfound admiration in her eyes.

Krys winked. “We’ll talk later.”

Kenyatta exhaled through his nose. “I see what you doing, Bae.”

“Me?” Krys said innocently. “I’m just building rapport with my future stepdaughter.”

Kenyatta choked. “Man—”

“Shh,” Krys whispered, eyes twinkling. “Ceremony’s starting.”

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