Chapter Ten #3
“Looks good on you, son. Your grandfather would’ve loved seeing this day. Hardest nigga I knew, but I remember you walking across the stage for kindergarten, and his old ass cried like a baby.”
That statement hit Crown deep, and he chuckled.
“I know. I appreciate you for taking the time to come.”
“Oh, you know I wasn’t missing this. Might arrive late, but you know what we say.”
“Better late than never.”
A street nigga and president, Crown understood better than anyone that they had to stretch their time to everyone important in their lives.
“Facts.” Prophet smiled, then looked around the venue until his eyes landed on who he believed was Nivéa. He whistled charmingly. “That has to be her. You lucky muthafucka, you.”
Crown chuckled. “Keep yo' eyes off my lady, P.”
Prophet laughed at that.
“Then you better handle yo’ business and take care of her. Always a real nigga waiting in line, ready to handle that.” He made clear, and Crown knew better than to take it to heart.
“Aight, fuck around and find out. She already met her a real one. Don’t play ‘bout her either.”
“Ahh, I hear that.”
The two chuckled in unison before Prophet got serious, patting Crown’s beard like a proud father might.
“You did good for yourself, youngin’. Take me to her. I wanna meet the baby, too.”
A few moments later, Crown walked Prophet over.
“Baby, this is Prophet. My grandfather’s best friend I was telling you about. P, this my wife, Nivéa.”
Nivéa smiled politely and extended her manicured hand. “It’s so nice to meet you, Prophet. I’ve heard nothing but great things.”
“Same here, miss lady. Welcome to the family. You’re even more beautiful than your husband described.” Prophet replied, completely ignoring her handshake as he pulled her into a warm hug instead.
“Nah. Anybody my grandson loves this much gets more than a handshake from me.”
“Thank you so much. I love hugs.” Nivéa laughed softly as they rocked side to side.
After a while, Prophet stepped back and looked between her and Crown. “Y’all look good together.”
“Appreciate it, old man.” Crown replied.
“Take care of him. ‘Cause the world he comes from’ll drain a man dry if he lets it.” Prophet then told Nivéa seriously.
Nivéa glanced at Crown as she nodded. “Trust me, I will.”
“Now, let me meet baby girl. Where is she?”
“Shit, she wit’ Grammy.” Crown replied, tossing his hand up to signal Kerri to come over and stop hogging Nyla from everyone.
Not long after Prophet spent time with Nyla and caught up with Kerri, the DJ called everybody’s attention toward the dance floor for Crown and Nivéa. It was time for their first dance.
“A nigga don’t usually dance, baby.” Crown said, reaching out his hand.
“I know, and I’m honored that you feel that much for me, Crown Knight. I love you.” Nivéa addressed him by his street name, showing that she understood the hardness he normally held.
“I love you, too, ma.”
She smiled as she placed her hand in his, and the room softened as her favorite song filled the venue.
“Sometimes it's soft as a misting rain
that gently touches my soul.
It cools the fire that burns in me.
And I simply lose control.”
Crown pulled Nivéa close while everyone gathered around, watching them sway slowly to SWV.
The solo dance went on for four minutes and twenty-five seconds.
Then, as the song ended, everyone joined them on the floor.
The amazing track list filled with slow jams continued, creating a warm, intimate vibe before the DJ shifted gears, blessing the crowd with The Snowman.
The beat kicked in, and the entire right side of the building, filled with the Knights, went wild. Kerri laughed, watching them, and stepped outside to the patio with Nyla so they could enjoy the moment away from the rowdiness. She didn’t want baby girl around all that energy.
“I got a bitch named Banana, pussy bananas.
Swear I gotta say it again, pussy bananas.
My little cool ass bitch, she from the West Side.
She let me hit from the back, say that's her best side.” Danger tapped Crown’s chest, rapping along to the lyrics, fully aware of how much his big brother loved Jeezy. It was a special request he had made to the DJ.
“Call it her vet side, I call it her wet side.
And every time the bitch cums, she yell out Westside.” Smoky chimed in, throwing up the dub.
“One Thursday night met her at Crucial's.
You already knowing the rest, the head was crucial.
Do this little thing with her tongue that get me so hype.
You should see her lips when I'm done, them shits be so white.
FNH off in my pants, that barrel so long.” Crown came in last, positioning his hands as if he were holding a gun.
“Each and every time that she call, that shit be so hard.”
Nivéa, Caresha, and Tanya laughed, bobbing their heads to the beat as they watched them in their element. As the music played on, everything else faded away. There was no club or street business…no worries about Nivéa's past or insecurities. It was just them, enjoying a good time with their people.
But then, eventually…the atmosphere shifted. Because in Crown’s world, peace didn’t last long, unfortunately.
The newlyweds stood on the balcony, savoring each other’s presence, when Danger approached. The infectious smile he once wore was gone, replaced by a worried expression. Crown took one look at him and said,
“This day is reserved for my wife. I’m not leaving her side. So, whatever the fuck it is, go handle it.”
Without another word, Danger left to go find Smoky, and they headed to his place so he could park his car and get his bike.