Page 2 of River & Crown
Her brow arched, and her lips parted slightly, stalling time. Flickering her gaze toward the ground, she brought it back to me, giggling.
"I mean, that's a little forward, don't you think?"
"Maybe." I shrugged. "Wassup?"
"You tell me since you walked over here."
"Honestly, I came over here not really knowing what to say but knew I had to say something," I chuckled, realizing just how fucking lame I sounded.
"Then why come at all?"
"You're worth the trip."
"Smooth." She giggled. "Real smooth. I bet it works with all the girls."
"Wouldn't know." I shrugged, scratching against my curls. "Never said no corny shit like that before."
"It's not corny. I'm Emily."
"Everyone calls me Crown, but you can call me Cortez."
"Crown, huh? Where did that come from?"
"It's some my mom used to call me. She tucked me in at night and spoke greatness over my life."
"Oh yeah? What greatness did she speak of?"
I rubbed my hand against my jaw. Not 'cause a nigga was lying, but it'd been a minute since I spoke about my mom with anyone.
"You don't have to if?—"
"You carry the strength of generations in your veins. Their greatness is yours. Their mistakes are your lessons. Keep your heart pure and your mind free. Stand tall, rise above, and all things will be yours. The crown doesn't have to be visible to know that your spirit is kingly."
"Wow, she has a way with words."
"Had," I corrected.
"Oh." That pretty ass smile of hers fell from her lips, taking my heart along with it.
"I've dealt with it. I'm cool. No need for the somber look. I'd rather see you smile."
It took a second, but the corners of her mouth eventually curved, and my heart rose.
"Well, Cortez. If everyone calls you Crown, I'll do the same. I don't think I'm special enough to?—"
"Fuck out of here. You're not ordinary, so what does that make you, Emily, if not special?"
Her lashes fluttered, lowering her gaze. I smirked 'cause if she felt what I did, then I understood the need for her to look away. Reaching out, I pinched her chin, slowly bringing her attention back to me.
"Emily," I spoke softly yet sternly.
"Cortez," she croaked.
"Let that be the last time I hear you say some disrespectful shit about yourself."
"But you don't know me. How can a stranger be special?"
Taking Emily's hand into mine, I brought it to my chest. Her nails raked against my hoodie, trying to escape from what I needed her to feel.
