Page 71 of Love's Free Will

Egypt’s voicefilled the Aaliyah booth at LA Records, smooth and full of aching as she sang the chorus to “Notice Me.”

“You walk in the room, I forget how to breathe...

You ain’t gotta say it, I know what you need...

But you don’t see me, boy, you never do...

Wish I could be the one you’re runnin’ to…”

I closed my eyes, chills crawling up my arms. She was killing it. The song hit even harder now.

When she came out of the booth five minutes later, her cheeks were flushed. “That felt good.”

“You sound amazing,” I said, voice low, still caught in my feelings. “You brought it to life.”

“Girl, you wrote it,” she reminded me, tugging off her headphones. “I’m telling you Ave, your pen is unstoppable, no wonder LA Records wanted you on their team so bad. But of course, I been knowing this since college. I’m so glad we’re collabin on my album.”

“Same.” I smiled.

We decided to break and headed down the hallway to grab snacks from the café. We were halfway back, and I was flipping through my social media when I heard Zay’s voice behind me.

“Look who it is.” I froze. If Zay was here that could only mean Royal wasn’t too far behind. I turned around and there he was, standing in the hallway in a black hoodie and sweats like he hadn’t shattered me weeks ago. Zay stepped forward first, giving me a quick hug. “You look good, Ave.”

“Thanks Zay,” I said, barely hearing myself.

Royal stayed back, quiet, eyes on me like I was a ghost. He looked... better. Not completely healed. But better. The silence that radiated between us was almost unbearable until Egypt broke it.

“Hey Royal, long time no see.”

“What’s up Sis.” Royal smiled giving her a hug. “Heard you got signed, congrats.”

“Thank you.” Egypt replied. “How you been?”

“I’m good just been working.” He replied before glancing over at me. “What’s up Ave.”

I bit back a smart response, instead going with; “Hey.” Short and sweet. “Well, we should get back to the studio, so much work to do…” I tried to pull Egypt along, but Royal’s voice stopped me in my tracks.

“Can we talk?” he asked.

My first instinct was to say no. But Egypt gave me a subtle nudge. I sighed. “Fine. But quick.”

We walked up to the rooftop lounge, the LA skyline stretching out before us in soft golden light. I stayed standing while he leaned against the railing. With my arms wrapped around my body, I waited for him to talk.

“How you been?”

“Good.” It was a damn lie, but he didn’t need to know that.

“You look good Ave.”

“Thanks.” I was being short with him, didn’t have time for the bullshit. He chuckled; my stubborn nature was kicking in on overdrive. I wasn’t cut for this small talk, wanted him to get to his point. So, I asked; “Why are you here?”

“I’m in town for a few months,” he said. “Got some things I’m working on.”

I nodded. “Good. You look like you’re doing better.”

He looked over at me. “I’m trying. Every day it’s a struggle, but I’m definitely trying.” There was a brief silence before he continued. “Look Ave, I just wanted to say I’m sorry, for everything. The way I treated you... the shit I said... pushing you away. I was hurting, and I took it out on you. I knew you didn’t deserve it, but I did it anyway.”

I swallowed hard, my throat tight. “I know you were grieving. I never blamed you for hurting. But you made me your target, Royal. You blamed me for something I would’ve given anything to change.”

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