Page 48 of Love's Free Will

A few dayslater were stepping up to the wrap around porch of my parent’s home. Royal, in his black tailored button-up and slacks, looked better than any man should be allowed. He smelled like Tom Ford and trouble. I told him not to dress up, but he insisted and now that he was standing in front of melooking all good, smelling all good, all I wanted to do was get him back to the apartment and obey.

“Stop looking at me like that.” He smirked as I rang the doorbell.

“Like what?”

“Like you tryna get fucked, because I’mma make that shit happen.”

“Whatever Royal.” I couldn’t help the blush that appeared on my face.

He tilted my chin up before placing a soft kiss on my lips. “You look good too baby.”

Before I could respond, the door opened, and my parents appeared on the other side of it. The moment we entered their home the energy shifted.

“Hey Ma, Daddy.” I said kissing both of them on the cheek. “This is Royal. Royal, these are my parents.”

And even with the sleek decor, the cold-ass marble floors, and the sterile smell of lemon cleaner, he looked comfortable. Like nothing and nobody here could shake him. I wish I could say the same for myself.

“Royal,” my mother greeted sharply, lips pressed so tight they looked like they needed to be peeled apart. “Nice of you to finally join us.”

“Evenin’, Mrs. St. Claire,” he said, cool and respectful. “Thank you for having me.”

“Mm.” She gave him a once-over and turned without another word. I swear she made a sound like she just smelled something sour.

“Welcome, son,” my dad offered. “Make yourself at home.”

Royal nodded and gave him a quick dap, smooth as hell. “Appreciate it, sir.” I glanced over at Royal, embarrassed by my mama’s rudeness. Before I could apologize, he winked at me. “Don’t even worry about it, Mama, relax.” I nodded as he kissedmy lips one more time before gently tapping my ass to get me to follow behind my parents.

My younger brother Elias and his girlfriend Rose were already seated at the dining table, and Candace, her baby bump and Brandon showed up a few minutes later, right behind us.

Candace clocked Royal immediately. Her jaw dropped a little. “Oh my God… you’re Royal Teegan?”

Brandon rolled his eyes with a low chuckle. “Candace, chill.”

Rose smirked. “You know I’ve had Westlake Ave on repeat.”

Royal gave a small smile. “Appreciate that. That was the first song me and Ave worked on. That one was personal.”

“Well, I think it’s dope. Real…intimate,” Rose gushed.

“Thank you. That was the goal.” He glanced at me with that slow, unreadable expression he always wore.

Allison’s mouth twisted like she’d sucked on a lemon. “So, touching,” she muttered, just loud enough. “But let’s see how well, touching lyrics feed a family.”

I shot her a look. “Mama.” She acted like I was pregnant or even thinking about getting pregnant tomorrow. This shit with Royal was still very fuckin’ new and the last thing either of us were thinking about was kids.

“Allie,” my daddy sighed shaking his head.

“I’m just saying,” she added with a sip of her wine. “We can all enjoy a catchy tune or two, but real life requires more than rhymes and melodies, doesn’t it?”

“Please, stop,” I said through gritted teeth.

“I’m fine,” Royal replied calmly. “She got a point. Music don’t raise kids. But neither does bein’ miserable in a pretty house.”

Elias choked on his water. Brandon blinked. “Whew.” Candace gasped, clearly trying to keep from laughing.

My mama slowly turned toward him. “Excuse me?”

He gave her a polite smile. “I meant no disrespect, ma’am. Just sayin’, success ain’t one-size-fits-all.”

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