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We never talked about what we were. Which meant I couldn’t be mad when he didn’t answer my texts right away.

Or when I was sitting in my trailer and saw a picture of him at a brunch party with a girl who definitely wasn’t me.

I couldn’t say anything. Even though I was mad, even though I was fuckin’ livid.

Still, if someone had told me three months ago that I’d be sitting courtside at a Clippers game next to Royal Teegan—in public again—I probably would’ve rolled my eyes and laughed. Not because I couldn’t picture it. But because I wouldn’t have believed I’d let him this close again.

Yet here we were. My black, oversized leather jacket was draped across my lap while I sipped from a branded courtside drink, trying to act like I wasn’t lowkey matching Royal’s all- black fit.

He was in black Amiri jeans, a designer tee, his signature iced-out chain gleaming under the stadium lights, and a fresh pair of black-and-white Jordan 1s.

I wore a sleek black bodysuit with flared leather pants and dunks, my hair was bone straight with a middle part, gold hoops dangling.

We looked like a unit. I hated how good we looked together.

“You good?” Royal leaned over, his voice low in my ear.

“Yeah.” I nodded, trying not to smile too much.

“You ain’t gotta act like you not havin’ fun.”

I shot him a side-eye. “I’m chillin’.”

He grinned, resting his elbow on the armrest between us, brushing mine. “We’re sittin’ courtside, Ave. Creed out here showin’ out, the crowd lit… What else you need?”

I sipped my drink again. “Maybe a win?”

As if on cue, Creed caught a fast break and slammed it home, causing the whole arena to erupt.

The Jumbotron flashed to our section, but I leaned in just enough for my face to stay off-screen.

Royal didn’t care. He grinned and threw up two fingers, soaking in the moment like the star rapper he wasn’t trying to be tonight.

He was just Royal. My headache. My comfort zone. My chaos and calm all in one.

When the game ended, Creed came over to dap us up and thank us for coming through.

Serenity and the kids had gone home early, but we had been able to see him finish the game, made sure he had the support he needed from his people and not just his fans.

Now that the energy was dying down, I expected Royal to drive us back to my place or his.

Instead, he asked, “You hungry?”

“I could eat.” I shrugged.

He nodded. “Cool. Let’s hit Giorgio Baldi.”

I blinked. “That fancy ass Italian spot?

He smirked. “What, you ain’t tryna have a lil pasta and wine? Those are two of your favorite things and I’m in a celebratory mood.”

“Celebrating what exactly?”

“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