Page 70 of Love's Free Will

“I think it went good, first couple of episodes are going to be bomb.” Egypt replied. “I hate them bitches cancelled our fuckin’ show.”

“Same,” Serenity replied. “My mama said she and the other producers fought hard for us but in the end, CW said fuck it.”

“But cheers to bigger and better opportunities for all of ya’ll.” Ari said holding up her glass. We all clinked to that.

Egypt passed her phone around with a smirk. “So… I might be signing to LA Records.”

Serenity's eyes lit up. “Wait, seriously?!”

“Nothing’s official yet,” she said, but her smile gave her away. “But we’re talking. It’s looking really good.”

I grinned. “You deserve it. That voice of yours? They’d be stupid not to sign you.”

She nudged me. “Only reason they even looked twice is because of that song you wrote.”

“You’re welcome,” I teased, sipping my drink. “But for real, I’m proud of you.”

They kept talking about Egypt’s deal and Serenity’s studio opening, Arielle jumping in to share updates from her firm—but my mind was drifting. Back to Atlanta, back to that night...Back to him.

Royal Teegan was the last man I ever expected to fall for. Yet here I was… missing the hell out of someone who tore me apart.

“You good, Ave?”

I blinked, looking up to see three sets of eyes staring at me. Serenity’s brow was raised.

“You’ve been quiet,” Egypt added.

I swallowed the knot in my throat. “I’m good. Just thinking.”

Arielle tilted her head, that damn lawyer intuition kicking in. “Thinking about him?”

I hesitated. Then nodded. “Yeah.”

Egypt exhaled softly. “You miss him.”

“Of course I do,” I whispered. “I know I shouldn’t, but... it’s hard not to.”

“If he came back tomorrow,” Arielle asked gently, “like... really came for you, would you give him another chance?”

I took a breath, my eyes stinging. “I don’t know. I want to say no. I should say no. But... part of me—” I paused. “Part of me just wants to be close to him again.”

“He hurt you bad,” Egypt reminded me, her voice firm but loving.

“I know,” I nodded. “That’s why he’s blocked. I’m trying to move on. Protect my peace. But…”

“You were in love with him, weren’t you?” Ari asked.

I looked down at the condensation on my glass. “Yeah. I was. Even if it was short-lived... it was real.”

The room was quiet for a moment. Then Serenity reached for my hand across the table. “I get it. Just... don’t forget what you deserve.”

I smiled at them, grateful. “I haven’t. I just wish he didn’t still live rent free in my head.”

Seconds later, Sevyn popped his head in the room like perfect timing. “Ladies. Dinner’s on me tonight. And I better see y’all at my place Saturday for game night.”

“Yes, sir!” Ari called, already reaching for the lemon pepper wings. “You’re the best, Sev.”

He winked and disappeared, and we wrapped up the night with laughs and leftovers.

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