Page 15

AVERI

T he drive back to my condo was mostly quiet. Not uncomfortable quiet, but that kind of silence when you’re both thinking about the same thing and neither one of you wants to be the first to bring it up.

Royal had been in a surprisingly good mood after our meeting with Logan—probably because Logan loved the music we’d been working on.

And also, because Logan agreed with me that Westlake Ave would be Royal’s first single from the new album.

It was my favorite, because he fought me so hard on changing it and I won.

Still, I could still feel the weight of our unspoken conversation between us. So, instead of addressing it head-on, I pulled into Foo Chow-one of my favorite Chinese spots close to my house, ordered us some food, and headed home.

Walking into my downtown LA condo felt like a breath of fresh air. I had missed this place—missed the city, my space, my bed, my routine. Royal followed me inside, looking around like he was taking mental notes.

“Damn Ave,” he muttered, nodding in approval. “I was expectin’ this shit to be all bougie and uptight.”

I rolled my eyes, setting the bags of food on the kitchen island. “And what does that mean?”

He smirked, walking past me to collapse onto my couch like he owned the place. “I don’t know. You just give ‘spoiled rich girl’ sometimes.”

I scoffed pointing to the door. “Nigga, get out.”

He laughed, kicking his feet up on my ottoman like he was settling in for the night. I shook my head, trying not to smile as I grabbed two plates and set them on the counter. Despite my nerves, he fit too well into my space. Like he belonged there, and I honestly didn’t mind it.

We ate in my living room, sitting across from each other on the sectional, the TV playing low in the background. It wasn’t until I finished my food that I finally found the nerve to say what I needed to say.

“Royal,” I started carefully.

He lifted a brow, his fork hovering over his plate. “What’s up mama?”

I swallowed, then sighed. “I don’t know how to act around you anymore.”

His eyes locked onto mine, his expression unreadable. “What you mean?”

I fidgeted with the hem of my hoodie. “I mean… after what happened between us, I just—” I exhaled.

“I was afraid of what I was feeling. And I didn’t know what to do with that.

So, I ran.” He sat back, nodding slowly, processing.

I bit my lip. “That’s why I left for Toronto. I needed a break from you.”

Something flashed across his face—maybe frustration, maybe understanding. Maybe both. I braced myself for him to be mad, but instead, he smirked. “So, you ran away cause you like me?”

I gave him a flat look. “You’re so fuckin’ annoying.”

He chuckled, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees.

“Nah, I get it,” he admitted. “Shit… I wasn’t expectin’ to feel this way either.

” My breath hitched slightly. He liked me too.

I didn’t know why that shocked me—I guess I thought I had been alone in this.

Royal ran a hand down his face. “Ain’t gon’ lie, you got me fucked up, Ave. ”

“I do?” I let out a small laugh batting my eyes, but he was serious.

“I like you. More than I should.” He exhaled heavily. “But I ain’t tryna rush nothin’. I just… like being around you.”

My stomach fluttered. That was all I needed to hear. “Me too,” I murmured.

We locked eyes for a moment, the energy between us shifting again. This wasn’t just sex. This was something more. And for now… we were both okay with just seeing where it went.

Serenity and Creed’s backyard BBQ was exactly what I needed. It wasn’t just about the food—it was the company, the love, the ease that came with being surrounded by my people. And tonight, Royal was one of them.

I won’t lie; I was a little nervous bringing him here. This was my real family—not the one I was born into, but the one I chose. I didn’t know if Royal would fit in. If he’d even want to. But to my surprise, he did. Effortlessly.

He played with my nieces and nephews allowing them to jump on him, listened to Gio rap to his songs and raced Bryce and Braden around the backyard purposely letting them win.

He was already chopping it up with Brodie, Creed, and Nasseem, his usual cocky smirk in place.

“So, Royal,” Brodie started. “Averi said you’re working on a new album?”

Royal nodded, sipping his drink. “Yeah, been puttin’ in work. Tryna take my sound to the next level.”

Creed flipped a steak, nodding. “That’s what’s up, man. You workin’ with Ave on it?”

Royal smirked, glancing at me. “Somethin’ like that.”

I rolled my eyes. “Something like that,” I mimicked under my breath, which only made him chuckle.

“Yeah, we collabin,” he clarified, still watching me like he knew exactly what he was doing.

“And how is that goin’ for you?” Nasseem asked, grinning like he already knew the answer.

I was about to speak, but Royal beat me to it.

“A headache,” he muttered. “She don’t listen. She always got somethin’ to say. Stubborn as hell.” My friends laughed, already knowing that’s exactly who I was, and I didn’t care.

I scoffed. “Like you’re not the most difficult person I’ve ever met?”

Brodie laughed. “Yeah, that sounds about right. Ave do got a smart-ass mouth.”

Creed smirked. “That’s why we love her short, mean ass.”

Royal shook his head. “Y’all really be lettin’ her talk to people crazy, huh?”

Nasseem shrugged. “Shit, not gon’ lie we all be talkin’ crazy to people. Probably why we all friends and get along so well.”

Royal chuckled, and I realized something right then. He wasn’t just fitting in—he was vibing. The tension I expected to feel was nowhere to be found. Instead, he was out here laughing, joking, bullshitting with my people like he’d been here before. And I liked that way more than I wanted to admit.

While the men held it down at the grill and the kids went to play in the playroom, me, Serenity, Arielle, and Egypt sat at the patio table, drinks in hand, catching up.

“So…” Serenity started, giving me a look. I already knew where this was going. “I told you before you left LA,” she reminded me, sipping her drink. “You were gonna come back with a rapper on your arm.”

I sighed, shaking my head. “I hate you.”

Egypt cackled, setting her glass down. “Look at you, though! You went from ‘I don’t wanna work with him’ to ‘this my man.’”

I gasped, but Arielle smirked. “I mean, is she wrong?”

I groaned. “We’re not putting labels on anything, okay? We’re just seeing where things go.”

Serenity and Arielle exchanged looks and Egypt smirked. “Translation: You like him.”

I gave them all a flat stare. Because, yeah, I did like him, a lot.

I sighed, swirling my drink. “It’s just crazy how we started. I swore I wasn’t gonna work with him. He was a complete asshole to me for no reason. Now?” I gestured toward the grill where he stood, laughing with my people like he’d known them for years.

“Now, you all in,” Arielle teased.

“I wouldn’t say all in,” I muttered.

Serenity hummed. “Mmm-hmm.”

I sighed. “Despite his reputation, he’s actually… a good person.”

Egypt leaned forward. “And fine as fuck.” We burst into laughter, and I couldn’t even lie. Because yeah. That too.

After dinner, the men headed downstairs to Creed’s man cave—which was just a code for room with a giant TV, video games and way too much expensive liquor. That left us in the kitchen, cleaning up.

“Alright, Averi,” Egypt smirked. “Time to practice.”

I groaned. “Right now?”

“Right now.”

She led me to the baby grand piano in the corner of the room, and I sighed before pressing the first key.

Serenity had decided on Make You Feel My Love by Adele.

I started singing, my voice soft but steady, feeling the weight of the words.

It wasn’t until I reached the chorus that I felt something… A presence.

I glanced up and froze. Royal was leaning against the doorframe, watching me, a slow smile spreading across his face. I felt heat rise up my neck.

“You sound good, mama,” he murmured.

I playfully rolled my eyes, looking away. “Why you eavesdropping?”

He smirked. “Just admirin’ the view. I gotta get you on one of my songs. Give me one hook; please.”

“Not happening Royal.” I shook my head. “I told you, I?—”

“Write and produce but don’t perform,” he said sarcastically before walking over to the piano bench and sitting down next to me.

“I’m doing this as a special favor.”

“Well shit, if I give you some special favors can I get one in return?”

“You’re annoying.” I laughed before focusing back on playing the keys. “But we’ll see.”

Egypt wiggled her eyebrows, and I fought the urge to laugh and throw something at her.

When we finally left Creed and Serenity’s an hour later, Royal was quiet in the car. Not weird quiet—just… content. As we pulled up to my building, he glanced over at me.

“Your friends cool people,” he said, voice low. “Glad you invited me.”

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me. “I’m glad you came.”

We got out of the car, heading to my building and took the elevator to the 8 th floor and made our way back to my unit. Just as I unlocked my door and we stepped inside, I felt Royal’s hand wrap around my waist.

I barely had time to react before he pulled me close, pressing his lips to mine. It was slow, deliberate, intoxicating. When he pulled back, he studied me, searching my face.

“This feels right,” he muttered.

I exhaled. “Yeah, it does.”

Then, without another word, I grabbed his hand and led him to my bedroom.

Serenity and Creed didn’t half-step when it came to their vow renewal.

The venue was a dream—an outdoor waterfront estate, the ceremony set against the backdrop of the glowing sunset over the water. The air smelled like fresh flowers and the lightest touch of sea breeze, a soft, warm wind weaving through the tall cypress trees surrounding the estate.

Lavender florals cascaded over ivory pillars, twinkling fairy lights laced between them, giving everything a romantic, airy glow.