Chapter Seventeen
A few days later, Nivéa sat in the church house with Nyla nestled against her chest. She had finally accepted Kerri's invitation to attend church with her on Sundays and Wednesdays for Bible study. Being with her reminded Nivéa a lot of being with her mother. She enjoyed their link-ups.
Kerri occasionally ran her hand over Nyla’s hair to comfort her.
And when Nyla got too fussy, she happily took her, stood, and sang along with the choir to her.
Nivéa smiled, watching them. She felt like she had lost a mother only to gain another, and it was comforting to have that motherly touch back in her life.
They were growing closer. Kerri made it a point to call and check in every day.
While some women might find it overbearing, Nivéa appreciated her genuine nature.
She understood that with two grown sons, no spouse, and no grandchildren, Kerri often felt lonely and valued the company.
And truthfully, Nivéa felt a void sometimes too.
Before Crown came along, she’d had no one but Caresha.
After church, they headed to Kerri’s favorite downtown brunch spot, enjoying their food while talking. The weather was perfect that day, not too hot, not too cold, so they chose a table on the patio to enjoy the fresh air.
“Tell Mama don’t worry. We’re gonna have a grand time, baby girl.” Kerri said to Nyla as she burped her.
“I’m not worried. I know you’ve got her.” Nivéa replied with a smile, confident in her decision to let Nyla stay with her.
In a few hours, she'd be heading out of town with her man. And while she cherished her time as a mother, it felt good to get a break and enjoy some time for herself every now and then.
Kerri smiled, admiring her. “You look so pretty, baby. What foundation is that? I need a new one.”
“Thank you, but I’m not wearing any, just a tinted moisturizer.”
“Really? Well, I love it. Gives a glow. Share the details with your girl.”
After sharing her routine, Nivéa insisted on ordering a few bottles of the moisturizer for Kerri online.
Her business was flourishing, and with the American Express Centurion card Crown had placed in her purse, she was doing well financially.
If she wasn’t spoiling herself or Nyla, it was Caresha she was spending money on.
She didn’t mind adding Kerri to that list, even though she knew her sons would gladly buy her anything she wanted.
“So, how’s life with my son been treating you?” Kerri probed with good intentions.
“Great. Even when things aren’t perfect, it feels that way with him. Excuse my language, but you raised the hell out of that fine ass man, Mrs. Knight.” Nivéa kept it all the way real.
“Aye, I know that’s right. I did, huh?” Kerri laughed, snapping her fingers proudly.
Nivéa laughed along with her.
“I want y’all to work, Nivéa.” Kerri grew serious.
“I really do. I know it’s a lot being with him because there’s a lot that comes with him. But I’m rooting for this relationship, girl. I love you for him so much. You and Ny are a great addition to this family.”
“Aw, that’s so sweet. Me too. I mean, I’m definitely looking to make it work. It has to.” Nivéa sighed, digging her fork into a piece of waffle. Before she knew it, she was deep in thought.
Kerri studied her face once more, sensing something deeper beneath the surface.
The suspicion she’d felt earlier that morning now felt confirmed by Nivéa’s last statement.
And in that moment, she knew it wasn’t just the moisturizer giving her that glow.
That radiance came from something else entirely.
“Have you told him yet?” She asked.
“Told him what?” Nivéa glanced up from her plate, brows lifting as she played dumb.
Kerri snickered. “Girl… either you deserve an award, or your butt really doesn’t know.”
They held each other’s gaze for a moment, then Nivéa’s act cracked. She let out a nervous laugh.
“I haven’t,” she admitted.
“Why not, baby?” Kerri smiled widely, super excited.
Nivéa shrugged, her voice cracking. “I… I don’t know. I haven’t told anyone yet. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.” She paused, pushing at her food.
“I’m nervous and worried. I just… I hope I’m doing the right thing this time. I know your son is good to me. I do. But sometimes, even good things turn bad. And I can’t afford any more mistakes in my life, you know?”
Kerri nodded, understanding her hesitation.
But she had faith in them. And she knew her son.
He didn’t switch up. Whatever he loved, he took damn good care of forever.
And when things went wrong, he didn’t run…
Crown fixed the issue. He found a way to bring shit back to right, and she made sure Nivéa knew that before they left the restaurant.
By the time they arrived at Crown’s place, he had already finished at the office. He was stretched out on the couch, feet propped up, his packed luggage sitting nearby.
“Sup, lady?” he greeted Kerri, leaning in to kiss her forehead.
“Hi, son.” Kerri smiled, swaying slightly in his embrace.
“Hey, baby,” Nivéa said softly as Crown pulled her into his arms next.
The second they parted, he reached for Nyla and lifted her from Nivéa’s arms, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. She melted against his chest instantly, curling into him. Nivéa shook her head, smiling at the sight.
“How was church?” Crown asked.
“Great. I really enjoyed myself.”
“You should’ve taken the day off and come your ass with us.” Kerri fussed, pointing a finger at him.
“I’ll be there next time.”
“Mmhmm,” she replied, heading toward the kitchen.
Next to Crown, Nivéa sat down on the couch and took her time pumping. Then she met Kerri in the kitchen and poured the extra milk into storage bags, just in case. They talked the entire time, running through everything she could do if Nyla got too fussy. Kerri eventually waved her off.
“Girl, get your butt out of this kitchen and go enjoy yourself.” She told her.
Nivéa laughed and went to change into something more comfortable for the flight. Afterward, she kissed Nyla goodbye, and they headed out.
At the hangar, an attendant directed them across the tarmac while a line crew member loaded their luggage.
The pilot stood at the base of the jet’s stairs, greeting them with a firm handshake.
Nivéa took it all in before her eyes landed on Crown with even more admiration.
She marveled at how he seamlessly transitioned from a hood nigga at night to a businessman by day.
Life with him often felt like something straight out of a movie.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Knight. We’re ready for departure.”
Crown nodded. “Appreciate you, Lawson.”
Inside the jet, the flight attendant greeted them with a smile, and a silver tray balanced effortlessly in her hand as she offered them drinks. Nivéa smiled politely, declining. Crown, however, took the glass without hesitation.
“This is so nice, baby. Damn.” Nivéa said, still looking around in awe. “You brought another chick on here before?”
“Hell nah. You the first and only.” Crown replied, and she blushed.
“I love this. I’m so happy I decided to come.” She gazed out the window as they prepared for departure.
“I’m happy too. I needed you to come, ma.”
“Yeah?” She turned back to him.
“Yeah, I got some shit planned for us, baby.”
Nivea nodded, leaning over to kiss his lips.
“There’s a cabin in the back if you get sleepy and want more space.” Crown informed her.
“Okay,” she replied, but she wasn’t interested in sleeping. Nivéa wanted to stay up and savor the entire experience. She was embarrassed to admit that she’d never flown anywhere before.
Three and a half hours later, they made it to their destination.
Crown had booked a penthouse suite at one of the resorts on the Strip.
The view was breathtaking, just like he knew it would be, and it was the first thing that caught Nivéa’s attention.
She walked straight to the floor-to-ceiling windows, city lights stretching endlessly beneath her.
A slow smile spread across her face, and within minutes, she’d made herself at home, slipping out of her clothes and turning on Adele.
“Damn, don’t have too much fun without me.” Crown said, watching her move around naked.
Nivéa laughed. “Listen, I’m about to enjoy this day. Don’t be gone too long, or I might soak in that hot tub and sleep the rest of it away.”
Once she had spotted the hot tub located on the private terrace perched high above the Strip, Nivea had it in her mind that she would spend most of her time there.
“Nah, I’m just gon’ wake yo’ ass up. We got shit to do.” Crown replied, sliding into his crisp button-up and tailored slacks.
“I hear you, baby,” Nivéa’s eyes trailing over him. “You look so good.”
“You look better.” Crown hooked an arm around her waist, pulling her in, his gaze dragging slowly over her frame. “We got room service. Order whatever you want. This shouldn’t take me long.”
He stepped toward the mirror, straightening his cuffs. For a moment, he studied his reflection. He liked the man he was becoming with Nivéa. This was his endgame. He fastened his Rolex, slipped into his loafers, grabbed his briefcase, and headed out to meet his client.
∞∞∞
After walking the site, Crown and his client, Claus Garcia, returned to the conference room. Dressed in a tailored Tom Ford suit, Claus settled behind his mahogany desk while Crown took a seat across from him.
“So, Crown, what do you think? I’m trying to make wifey happy.” Claus said with a half-smile.
“I think you secured a prime location for her. The surrounding properties are established and generate consistent traffic. That works in her favor. But they’re also polished.
Elevated. Which means her boutique can’t feel ordinary.
If she’s going to sit among luxury, she has to reflect it.
That level of execution requires premium materials. It’s going to cost you.”