Page 26 of Love You Like That

I wasn’t embarrassed by my upbringing at all. But I was nervous because Ezra wasn’t the type to code-switch like I was accustomed to doing. He was loving, smart, and talented, but also tatted, blunt, raw, and deeply him. And that’s exactly why I was with him. Still, I needed him to understand the assignment. So, when I called him as I finished doing my edges in the mirror, I was direct.

He picked up on the second ring. “Congrats again on graduatin', baby.”

“Thanks babe. It still feels like I'm floating but I'msoglad it's over.”

The moment my name was called, it felt like my lungs finally expanded all the way for the first time in so long. I walked across that stage with my head high, my heart full, and a soft tremble in my hands I tried to hide. Years of clinicals, cramming, breakdowns, and sleepless nights had all led to this. I did it. I really did it.

The applause blurred into a hum, but when I looked out and saw my parents standing and clapping—my father with a proud nod, my mother dabbing her eyes—I felt a small, long-overdue weight lift from my shoulders.

Afterward, I hugged my classmates, took a million photos, and floated through it all in a daze. But deep down, I knew this was only the beginning. There was still the NCLEX, pressure, and expectations. But at that moment, under the sun in my cap and gown with honor cords, I let myself breathe. For once, it wasn't for survival, but in celebration.

“I'm proud of you, wit' ya fine ass. I saved every pic you sent me.” Ezra said, and I blushed, soaking in the moment and then I cleared my throat.

“So, uh... just making sure we’re still on time. You said you’d be ready by six.”

“I’m ready.”

I hesitated. “And you dressed… accordingly?”

He was quiet for a second. “I mean, I ain’t in a tux or nothin’, but I ain’t in no sweatpants either.”

“Ezra…”

“What?”

I sighed. “Please tell me you at least have on a collared shirt?” He didn’t say anything but I couldfeelhim. “I’ve told you how my parents are,” I added quickly. “ I’m not asking you to be someone you’re not, I swear. I just want you to meet them halfway.”

His voice came out lower now. Slower. “You think I can’t hold my own 'round ya folks?”

“That’s not what I said.”

“But that’s what you meant.”

“No, it’s not. It’s… Ezra, please. I’m already nervous as hell about this.”

There was another pause and then came a deep sigh. “Aight,” he said. “I’llstep it up.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m doin' this shit for you and you only.”

“I know,” I whispered. “And I appreciate it, babe.”

My incense burned low in the corner as I finished getting dressed, the soft thump of Heather Headley playing from the Bluetooth speaker. My apartment smelled like honey and sage, my floor-length mirror covered in sticky notes with affirmations scribbled in my handwriting.

I stood in front of it, smoothing my hands over the pale green satin dress hugging my hips, whispering to myself, “You are fine. You are focused. Your edges are laid. And this is going to go well.” Then, I grabbed my keys and purse, said a quick prayer under my breath, and headed out to pick him up.

E z r aw a sw a i t i n goutside his apartment building when I pulled up. And Lord... he looked dangerously fine. Not in the usual T-shirt and sweats way. He’d cleaned up—still Ezra, still raw—but elevated. Black linen button-down, sleeves rolled, a pair of tailored slacks instead of jeans. His chains were still on, of course, and a diamond stud was in his nose where there was usually just a tiny hole. I also noticed the diamond stud in his ear, too. His locs were freshly retwisted and pulled back into a low bun and his beard was full, lined up perfectly.

I rolled the window down, lips curled. “Well, damn, Mr. Lowe. You clean up nice.”

He smirked and slid into the passenger seat. “I know.”

The ride started quietly and tense. He scrolled his phone. I drummed my fingers on the wheel. “Are you mad?” I asked after a few blocks.

“Nah,” he said. “Just thinkin’.”

“About?”

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