Page 54 of Love Always, Nova Black

“Who said anything about putting on a show?”

“That’s just how it feels to me. If you love someone, you’ll be happy with marrying them without all of that.”

The more she talked, the more I became irritated.

I didn’t like the way she was trying to make it seem. The last thing I cared about was doing a song and dance for other people. But the idea of pretending like marrying the woman I planned to spend the rest of my life with wasn’t a big deal didn’t sit right with me.

“I guess we’re going to have to agree to disagree on this one,” I finally said before reaching into the pantry to grab the taco seasoning.

“We can. But just so we’re clear, if marriage is in our future, a wedding ceremony isn’t happening.

“Oh, so it’s like that? You get the final say?”

“I’m just trying to be clear.”

“Trust me, I think we’ve both done that. But, unlike you, I’m willing to compromise. That doesn’t seem to be something you’re interested in doing.”

“What is there to compromise on? I’m not having a wedding or anything that resembles one? I think that’s pretty cut and dry.”

The heavy tone in her voice rubbed me the wrong way, which I didn’t hesitate to speak on. “I’m not feeling your attitude. You need to chill.”

“I don’t have an attitude.”

“That’s exactly what you say when you do.”

“Don’t do that.”

“Don’t do what?”

“Start telling me that I have an attitude because I don’t want to do whatyouwant me to do.”

“That’s not the case at all. I’m just stating the facts.”

Rolling her eyes, she placed the top on the crockpot and walked out of the kitchen. “Whatever. This is typical man bullshit. You make a statement, I don’t agree with it, and then I’m the one with the attitude.”

“Nah, that’s not what I’m saying at all.”

“That’s exactly what you’re saying, and you can keep that shit to yourself.”

I frowned.

This was the first time I’d ever really seen this side of Nova. “Damn, you’re tripping hard.”

“I’m definitely not.”

“Yeah, you are,” I said as I met her near the couch and stood in front of her. “Since we’re so focused on clarity, let me be clear on something. I’m not that nigga that you can lump in a box with everyone else. I’m all about compromise and listening. Just because we’re not in agreement on something doesn’t mean our feelings aren’t valid. It just means we need to see what can be done to resolve and better accommodate each other.”

“You say that, but—”

Stopping her, I shook my head. “I see you’re not interested in listening, and I’m not interested in going back and forth. I’m done talking about it.”

“What?”

“You heard what I said, I’m done talking about it,” I replied before making my way towards the back. “I’m about to go use the bathroom. I hope your attitude is in check when I get back.”

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Nova