Page 15 of Falling Into Gravity

“Look at you, mogul wife energy.”

“I’m tryna leave my kids ownership, not just memories.”

That made Aku pause. “Yea - that part.”

She couldn’t wait to have kids. To move different, build different, so they could dream louder. She’d watched her parents hustle from dust and doubt, crafting something out of what the world swore they’d never have. She wasn’t just working for now, she was planting seeds for whoever came after.

Siasia adjusted her focus. “But you been up, too. Don’t play.”

Aku gave a little smile. “It’s been moving, for sure. Ever since Little Lunar made me Noodle’s official stylist when he was pulling her outta that child-star box… I ain’t had a slow season.”

“Oh, that red carpet look?”

“Yup. She was in that sculpted black gown with the chrome lids…changed everything. People kept asking who styled her, and Lunar was like, ‘It’s Aku - my family.’ After that, I couldn’t stop even if I wanted to.”

“You haven’t modeled since then?”

Aku shook her head. She’d never been a true model, just an ‘it’ girl with a decent following who clothing lines like to put in their clothes. It started when she was the brand ambassador for her Mama’s hair line. “I just decided to stop and transition into full-time styling and brand consulting. Plus, I was already connected—being on the influencer scene early, knowing the right photographers, being loud on social…it all lined up.”

Siasia nodded. “You deserve it. You got the eye.”

“I’m tryna build a showroom…hire a team…do some digital courses. Maybe even branch into design one day.”

“You let your assistant go?” Siasia looked over at her.

“Girl no, I could never do all this alone! Niah is still around but I want her to be a full on stylist soon. I’m only one person and repeat clients, plus new ones are keeping me booked and busy.”

“You gon’ kill it, boo. And when you do, I’m tryna shoot your campaign.”

“Say less,” Aku smiled, warmth blooming in her chest. “It’s gon’ be some shit our kids flex about one day.”

Siasia looked around at her and Qamar’s children then at Aku. “I think y’all got enough to flex about.”

Aku snickered. “Don’t we though.”

It was true. Luna took hardships and gave her family, a home. Javen stood on what Lunar told him he could be. The two of them didn’t just only create the foundation for everything the family was, but they took Lunar’s dream and created generational legacy to brag about in their old age. Shit their kids’ kids’ kids, would eat off of. Aku just wanted to give her kids those same bragging rights.

“Still chasing love?” Siasia pulled her back to the present.

The crowd roared as a smooth play was made.

Aku rolled her eyes. “Girl, I ain’t chasing no more…if I fall, I fall.”

Qamar’s team won in the last five minutes. The goal was slick—a mid-air header that curved like magic, shutting the stadium down, making the crowd rise to their feet, cheering. Belinay threw her popcorn as she jumped up from her seat, QJ lost his damn voice, and Esmeray calmly gave one clean clap, like it was expected. She always had faith in her daddy…felt he could do any and everything.

They went to their Airbnb after the game.

They could’ve stayed at the Beach house since no one else was there, but Qamar liked his own space. Probably because he jumped from house to house so much growing up, depending on his mood.

The rental was clean and spacious. The neighborhood was quiet and the house looked expensive with floor-to-ceiling windows and a heated pool in the back. The fridge was fully stocked, and there were fluffy-ass towels folded and luxurious looking.

Qamar strolled in fifteen minutes after, still in his warm-up gear, locs pulled back, sweat drying on his forehead. “Damn near broke my back for that goal,” he said, pulling off his shirt. His body was inked up but the moon on his back always gave Siasia butterflies.

“And you still ain’t humble,” Aku said, laying on the couch.

“Never that.” He grinned, grabbing a bottle of cold water. “Com’ere niece,” he reached for her, taking her into his arms. “What you been up to?”

“Nothing,” Aku smiled big. She loved when her family loved on her. It energized her so she could move through the world with a smile on her face and love in her heart. Aku treatedeveryone with respect - ‘cause she believed in treating others the way she wanted to be treated. “Just working,” she answered, still in his broad arms.

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