Page 76 of Love's Free Will

“Damn, Ma,” I muttered, rubbing a hand down my face. “That’s how we startin’ the call?”

“That’s how Icontinueto be your mama. You didn’t answer my text, and Princess told me you was actin’ stank again.”

“Actin’ stank?” I laughed dryly. “I been workin’. Just left a meeting with my new manager, Kylei.”

“Oh good,” she said, tone shifting slightly. “That woman sound like she got some sense. How’s everything goin’ out there in Hollywood?”

“It’s… fine,” I said, letting my eyes drift to the blur of palm trees outside. “Gettin’ shit in order. Focused.”

“You mean finally focused, huh?” I didn’t respond, she didn’t need me to. Then came the part I was bracing for. “I saw the Tea And Honey post,” she said, voice casual but not casual. “You and Averi. Princess showed me.”

I exhaled through my nose and closed my eyes. “It’s old, Ma. That ain’t even a thing anymore.”

“Oh, it was a thing now?”

“I mean yeah… I tried. Saw her a few weeks back at a party I got invited to and talked to her. Told her how I felt but she shut it down.” Queenie went quiet. “She didn’t say nothin’ back,” I added, bitterness creeping in my throat. “I told her I was in love with her, and she walked away from me. Cryin’, yeah… but she still walked away.”

“She probably walked away cause she was hurt, Royal,” my mother said gently. “And maybe scared. You don’t know what that girl’s feelin’.”

“I know what she said,” I snapped, harsher than I meant to. “She said she wasn’t ready. She told me she needed distance. That’s enough closure for me.”

“Mmhmm,” Queenie hummed like she didn’t believe a word I was sayin’. “So that’s it? You done?”

“Iamdone, Ma. I ain’t about to keep chasin’ somebody who don’t want me. I said what I needed to say to her ass. If that ain’t enough, then I don’t got shit left.”

A pause stretched across the line. Then, her voice dropped, soft and certain. “When you really love somebody, Royal… you never stop tryin’. Not really. Not if it’s real.”

I clenched my jaw. “Well, maybe it wasn’t as real as I thought.”

Queenie sighed, disappointment heavy in her tone. “Or maybe you’re just scared. Same way she is.”

“Please don’t bring this shit up again,” I said, voice quieter. “I’m tryin to move on. For real.”

“Alright Royal,” she said finally. “I’ll drop it. For now.”

I nodded, guilt curling in my chest so, I changed the subject. “Listen—I’m havin’ a listening party out here. Album drop’s comin’ fast and I want y’all here. You and Princess.”

Her tone shifted instantly, a smile in her voice. “You do?”

“Of course I do. Ya’ll been at the other listening parties, this one ain’t no different because it’s in another city this time. Cory gon’ send you the flight details. Y’all can stay at the spot with me, I got room. The place nice, too. Quiet. Up in the Hills.”

“Ooooh, baby, Iknewyou was stayin’ in the good zip code,” she teased. “I gotta go shoppin’. Maybe hit Rodeo. I need somethin’ fly for this lil event of yours.”

I groaned, laughing. “Ma, don’t go runnin’ my card up.”

“You rich, boy. Shut up,” she said. “Let me be cute.”

“Aight. Cory will hit you tomorrow with everything.”

She paused again. “I’m proud of you, Royal. Despite the heartbreak and the dumb decisions… you still pushin’. You still showin’ up.”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “I’m tryin’, Ma.”

“One more thing.”

“Hmm?”

She got quiet, then said softly, “Don’t give up on love, baby. It’s real. And when it’s good? Ain’t nothin’ like it. If you want her back… you’ll know what to do.”

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