Page 63 of Free to Fall

“No,” she cut me off. “You live in a high-rise, Nas. Anybody can get access. My place is gated, private, and more secure. If you want me close, we go tomyhouse. Period.”

I nodded; jaw clenched. “Aight fine. We’ll go to your spot, but are you comfortable with me having a gun there?”

“Nasseem, I grew up in Memphis. I’m licensed to carry myself. I don’t give a fuck about no guns.”

“You got a piece at yo’ crib?”

“Several…was thinking about using one on yo ass last time you were there.” She replied matter of factly before looking back out the window. I tried to hide my smirk, even her threats were sexy.

We rode in silence the rest of the way. When we got to my place, I packed my shit up quick, threw it in the trunk of my Urus and drove us to the hills. By the time we got settled, the energy felt lighter. Being in her space, seeing her slippers by the door and her favorite candle burning in the kitchen—it felt like home.

“What you wanna eat for dinner?” Egypt asked laying down in my lap as I sat on the couch. I ran my fingers through her hair as she got comfortable.

“You.”

“Nasseem…” she sighed, rolling her beady ass eyes. “Be serious. I’m hungry.”

“Whatever you want baby, I don’t got no preference.” I laughed. “As long as I can have you for dessert.”

“I’m about to kick you out.”

“What?” I asked throwing my hands up in surrender.

“Be serious.”

“I was. Order whatever you want and while we wait, I’mma eat my meal.”

“You’re ridiculous.” She scoffed shaking her head. But I definitely noticed the smirk on her face.

I ain’t gon’lie, being back in LA with Egypt felt good as hell. There was still shit hanging over my head, but having her close, sleeping in her bed every night, waking up with her curled up next to me like she belonged there...made me feel like I had something worth fighting for. She was quiet still, soft with me but not all the way open yet, like she was protecting herself, and I ain’t blame her. I fucked up. But I was trying to fix that shit every day.

Today was Serenity’s big day, the grand opening of her dance studio in West Hollywood. I knew she’d been working on it for years but with the end of their show, she had more time to dedicate to it. Dance was Serenity’s first love, even before acting, before anything. I was happy for her; she was my little sister; not blood related but connected for life.

Egypt stood in front of the mirror in our bedroom, brushing her edges, gold hoops in her ears, this olive green knit maxi dress that hugged her body in a way that made me reconsider even leaving the house. Her stomach was still small, barely noticeable unless you knew what you were looking for, but I saw it and I felt it every time I touched her.

"You ready?" she asked, tossin’ her lip gloss in her purse and grabbin’ her keys.

"As ready as I’m gon’ be," I said, coming up behind her and wrapping my arms around her waist. "You look good as fuck."

"Don't start, Nas," she warned, smiling though.

I leaned in, kissed the side of her neck. "Can't help it. My baby mama bad."

She rolled her eyes and laughed. "You keep talkin’ like that and we gon’ be late."

We pulled up to Serenity’s studio a little after 5. The place was packed—press, influencers, dancers, folks from the industry, and of course the whole crew. Serenity looked beautiful, in all black with her hair slicked back and her face beat. Creed stood beside her, chest out, proud as hell, holdin’ Cree in one arm, and dappin’ folks up with the other. Giovanni stood between them looking every bit as part of the family as they were. The four of them were a sight to see, and I couldn’t help but to think about what Egypt, our kid and myself would look like.

As soon as we walked into the studio, we were greeted with applause, cameras flashin', people shoutin' out our names. The whole “Nasseem and Egypt are back together” narrative was practically screaming through the room, even if we hadn’t said a damn thing to the press.

Serenity made a beeline toward us, arms wide. “Y’all made it!”

“Of course we did,” Egypt smiled, hugging her tight. “Congratulations friend.”

“I’m so happy you’re back,” Serenity whispered, eyes flicking to me for a second. “Both of you.”

“Studio looks dope,” I told her. “Real proud of you, Sis.”

“Thank you,” she beamed. “Means a lot.”

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