Page 13 of Crown: Phase 3
“Perfect. Then let’s get started.” Julie was already pulling out her wallet.
Nivéa could barely contain her excitement as Julie walked to the counter to finalize the order with her credit card. Her heart raced at the thought of what this could mean for her business. The financial boost alone was huge, but the exposure fromhaving two hundred women connected to a major conference wearing her work was priceless.
∞∞∞
Later that evening…
It was date night, and Nivéa was genuinely looking forward to it. After their return from Vegas, Crown had promised her that he would carve out time for at least two dates every week, and so far, he had kept his word.
Having a nigga with money and real respect in the city came with perks Nivéa was still getting familiar with. Everywhere Crown took her, people showed love, moved accordingly, and made sure everything was right without them having to say too much.
This made the third restaurant Crown had taken her to, where a section was already set aside. But tonight was different. They had Nyla with them, most date nights would include her.
The rooftop was completely cleared out, set up just for them. Arranged in a cozy, intimate way that felt personal rather than formal. Crown had made sure of that. He wanted the evening special, especially after hearing her good news.
“Congratulations again, ma. I’m proud of you. A women’s conference is big. But I’m not surprised. You’re a go-getter.” He said, sitting across from her.
Nivéa blushed. “Thank you, baby. You really believe in me.”
“Hell yeah, I believe in you. Your shit is dope. What you thinking about doing for the customs? What you need from me?”
“She wants the same aesthetic, so I’m thinking I’ll expand the neutral-tone palette, and have you draw models that fit her style a little more. Maybe some older women, some corporate women, entrepreneurs. I’m definitely switching up the quotes too. Something geared more toward leadership, ownership, and building wealth. Julie is a boss chick for real. I want the message to reflect that. I also want hers to stand out the most. She has this beautiful, rich, dark complexion like Reesh. We have to make her model the same.”
“Yeah, I can see that. Make sense. What kind of quotes?”
“Stuff like, ‘A seat at the table was never the goal. Ownership was.’ ‘Bosses don’t wait for opportunities. They create them.’ ‘Build the room they tried to keep you out of.’ Things like that.”
The corner of Crown’s mouth rose as he nodded proudly.
“Aight, ma. I see you. A nigga feelin’ that. Real shit.”
Nivéa snickered, thinking she was extremely blessed. Crown was her biggest hype man. Then her smile deepened as she watched Nyla shift slightly in his arms, letting out a small sound before settling again. He adjusted her gently, keeping her close. A warmth tightened in Nivéa’s chest, and before she knew it, her thoughts slipped out.
“How did I get this?”
Crown tore his eyes away from Nyla and looked up. “Get what?”
“This.” Nivéa nodded toward him and Nyla. “You. All of this.” Her gaze drifted to her ring before she motioned around the five-star restaurant.
“It feels like just yesterday I was single, struggling to hold on to my sanity as a first-time mother and business owner. Now I’m sitting here pregnant again, married to a good man who spoils my baby and me rotten, and my business is finally taking off.”
Crown held her gaze for a moment, then said firmly,
“You deserve all of this and more. I promised you the world, and I’ma give it to you.”
“I hear you, baby.” Nivéa believed his every word.
They stared at one another until their server approached quietly, setting their food down before stepping away just as smoothly.
“Stop thinking so much and eat, woman. You’ve been saying you hungry since you got home. Feed my baby.”
Nivéa laughed softly. “Yes, sir.”
As she picked up her fork, Crown leaned back slightly in his chair, still holding Nyla with one hand while eating with the other. Nivéa hurried, scarfing down as much food as she could, trying to rush so she could take her from him and let him enjoy his meal.
However, Crown wasn’t having it. He stopped her as she reached over and told her to relax and enjoy her dessert.He had Nyla, and it would always be like that.The city lights stretched behind him and his attention never left the table. Everything he cared about was right there.
Once they left the restaurant, Crown took them to Satin Hills Park. They settled onto a family swing, chatting as they enjoyed the evening. When Nyla started to fuss, they decided to walk the trail. It wasn’t until they were a mile in that she finally closed her eyes, falling asleep against Crown’s chest.
