Page 75 of Free to Fall

Serenity appeared in the doorway, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel. “About time y’all showed up. Dinner’s almost ready. Y’all good?”

I nodded, shooting her a small smile as she wrapped me in a hug. “We’re good.”

Creed was at the stove, seasoning something like he was auditioning for MasterChef. “Yo! You better be glad I’m still cheffing for you, Nas. You gon’ owe me after this meal.”

“Bet. I’ll throw in some extra push-ups next time I work out,” Nas shot back, easing onto one of the kitchen stools.

Dinner was laid out like a damn Thanksgiving spread, blackened salmon, mac and cheese, baked chicken, roasted garlic veggies, and a salad I knew none of us were touching unless it was the last thing on the plate.

As we all gathered around the dining table, Serenity passed out plates while Alani climbed into my lap, hugging me close. I kissed the top of her head, heart fluttering. I was always good with kids, but lately... it was harder. The weight of what I lost sat heavy in my chest.

“You alright?” Nas murmured in my ear, eyes on me like I might shatter.

I nodded, forcing a smile for him. “I’m good.” I could tell he didn’t believe me, but he didn’t push.

“Yo,” Brodie said, leaning back in his chair as he dabbed at his mouth with a napkin. “Can we talk about how y’all really gon’ be onSNLthough? That’s wild.”

Averi grinned, sitting across from me. “It still doesn’t feel real. But it’s happening.”

Creed looked over at Nas. “You gon’ survive without Egypt for a few weeks, man?”

“I’ll manage,” he replied, reaching for my hand under the table. “I got Gio to keep me busy.”

Giovanni perked up, “We can practice boxing again! You can show me the combo you did before your last fight.”

Nas smirked, “If your moms let me, bet.”

Serenity laughed. “You can show him some light moves, but don’t have him trying to spar in school again. We already had a parent-teacher call.”

“That was once,” Gio said with a mouthful of mac and cheese. “And he had it coming.”

“Okay, young champ,” Arielle said from the other end of the table. “Violence is never the answer...but sometimes it’s necessary.” Everyone cracked up, and for a second, the heaviness I’d been carrying lifted.

Serenity reached across the table; her voice softer now. “E, how you holding up? Really?”

All eyes shifted to me. I hesitated, then exhaled. “I’m trying. This promo tour helps. It’s something to focus on. But...I think about what could’ve been. All the time.” The table quieted. Nas rubbed his thumb along the inside of my wrist under the table. “I know we said we’d try again one day,” I continued, eyes flickering to Nas, “but that doesn’t stop the grief from sneaking in. Some days are good. Some days it feels like I can’t breathe.”

“I get that,” Serenity said gently. “But you’re not alone.”

Creed nodded. “And Nas... he been talking ‘bout you non-stop. We couldn’t get him to shut up.”

“Swear,” Brodie added with a chuckle. “Said you his heart, his peace, his everything.”

Nas rolled his eyes but didn’t let go of my hand. “Y’all talk too much.”

“No,” I said softly, smiling at him. “Let ‘em talk.”

“Speaking of,” Creed said, “while ya’ll gone, Nas gon’ kick it at the crib. We can train; he can do his therapy at my place. Kids love having him around.”

Serenity looked at Nas. “And we’ll keep an eye on Egypt. She’s gonna be booked and busy, but we’ll make time for fun stuff as well.”

“Appreciate y’all,” Nas said, his voice low, sincere.

We finished the meal in easy conversation and laughter, the warmth of family around us. Later, after dishes were cleared and the kids tucked into bed, I found myself outside on Serenity’s patio, staring up at the stars. Nas came out and wrapped his arms around me from behind. “You good?”

“Yeah. Tonight helped.”

“You thinkin’ about the baby?”

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