Page 87 of Love's Free Will

“The fact that my album is finally comin’ out in a week. And that I got you on my arm again.”

I didn’t respond. Just followed him toward the VIP exit, where his driver Andy already had the car waiting.

Dinner was warm-lit and quiet, the perfect contrast to the chaotic energy of the arena. We sat across from each other, a bottle of red wine breathing on the table, a candle flickering between us.

“The seats were dope; I have been to a few of Creed’s games but never sat courtside. I usually sit with Serenity and the kids in the family section or in the box,” I smiled, poking at my ricotta gnocchi.

“I told you; Kylei’s rollout plan is crazy. Label wanted me to be out and about, seen at certain events.” Royal said, swirling his wine. “Album drops in a week, but she got me all over the city doing press, podcasts, and some shit with Hennessy next week. Beats shoot the week after.”

I nodded. “You’re a busy man. When exactly will you be making time for me?”

“I’mma always find time for you mama.” He replied. “I wanted to ask you something anyway.”

“Ask me what?” I asked taking a sip of my wine.

“I wanted to ask you if you would be my date to the album release party next week.”

I paused, caught between the flutter in my stomach and the wall I kept rebuilding every time we chipped away at it.

“Okay,” I said finally, quietly. He grinned like he’d just won the lottery. “What about the listening party? It’s the day after tomorrow. Do you already got a date for that?”

“Yeah, I do actually.” He replied and I was taken aback. “Let me explain before you bug out on me. Queenie and Princess coming in town tomorrow morning. They’ll be here for the listening party and will be staying until after the album release.”

“Oh really?” I asked with a wide grin. “I would love to see them. I mean, I know we’re not technically together or whatever and I don’t want to overstep?—”

“Nah, it’s cool. I’m sure they would both want to see you. What you have in mind?”

“I was thinking maybe you can bring them to my set, andthey can come tour the studio. And after that, I’ll take them shopping and have a self-care day. I know you’ll probably be busy with last minute stuff so I can at least keep them busy for you for the day.”

Royal stared at me for a second, visibly moved. “You sure?”

“Yeah, I’m sure. I know Princess likes the show so I’m sure she would enjoy seeing the set. I finish shooting tomorrow around 2pm.”

Was I giving girlfriend energy without the title? Maybe. But they were his family. And a part of me, no matter how bruised, still loved the way they loved him.

Royal reached across the table, resting his hand over mine. “Thank you.”

I squeezed his hand back, then slipped my fingers away and looked down at my plate.

That night as we were laying in my bed, it just felt right. Royal had passed out sleep next to me, but I was going over my lines for the episode we were going to be shooting the next day, when I got a notification on my phone; an Instagram post from Tea And Honey. Needing a moment of distraction, I clicked on the link and saw the headline:

Tea And Honey Exclusive

They said it was just a phase... but we knew better. Last night, rapper Royal Teegan and Actress/Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Averi St. Claire were spotted court side at the Clippers vs. Kings game—looking VERY cozy. If that wasn’t enough, sources confirmed the pair grabbed dinner at LA hotspot Giorgio Baldi immediately after the game.

No signs of Royal’s date from the last Clippers game (we haven’t forgotten that IG model fiasco). This time, it was just the two of them. So, the question remains: are they back on? Or are they stuck in an on-again/off-again loop? Either way… we’re watching.

#RoyalAndAveri #ConcreteRoses #ClippersGameLove

23

ROYAL

LAX was its usual kind of chaos—screaming kids, tired travelers, drivers holding signs, and suitcases, fighting for air. But through all that noise, I spotted Queenie and Princess right away, standing by the carousel with a cart full of designer luggage.

My mama had on a black sweatsuit trimmed in gold with some Louis Vuitton slides. Princess was dressed like she was going straight to a photoshoot—crop top, baggy jeans, Bottega boots, and her braids down her back. Both looked like they belonged in a spread for Jet Beauty of the Week if that still existed.

I was trying to be incognito; most times people didn’t give a damn about celebrities floating in and out of LAX but you could never be too sure. So, I had my cap low over my head, hood up with dark shades on as I made my way towards them.

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