Page 60 of Grown

“Sorry,” I mumble, continuing to gaze out the window.

“Nah, I’m sorry,” he says, falling to his knees in front of me. “I’m sorry I went off on you like that. I just... get so mad at the thought of anyone taking advantage of you. You so sweet and beautiful and I gotta protect the people I love.”

Korey holds my hand, looking up expectantly at me, and my throat closes. How could someone be so angry one minute, then love me so hard the next?

“It’s OK,” I relent. “I know it’s because you love me.”

“I do,” he says, cupping the side of my face. “I’d do anything for my Bright Eyes. I want to look into these eyes for the rest of my life.”

He stares at me, and there he is. My Korey. Sweet, caring, protective as ever.

“When you turn eighteen, I’m going to marry you.”

My heart surges. The smile growing across my face reaches my earlobes.

“Really?”

He grins, bashful and shy. “Yeah. I know I’m supposed to surprise you with a ring and all. But we already know what it is. Plus, no secrets. Right?”

I nod eagerly. “Right! No secrets.”

“We gotta have a big wedding, though. No Las Vegas joint with Elvis or nothing like that.”

“OK,” I laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck.

He flicks out his wrist, holding up his gold watch. “You see this? It’s a Richard Mille custom, there’s only one like it. See those diamonds in the middle? Those were from my grandma’s ring. I’ma get them to bust this open and put it in your ring when they make it.”

“Really? You’d do that... for me?”

“I’d do anything for you! My most prized possession on my most prized possession.”

The watch is different from his other jewelry. Crisp and understated. I’ve never seen him without it.

“But before all that, we gonna go to my spot in Atlanta and record that album. You gonna love it. Gonna be living like a real princess. Nah, a queen! Have whatever you want. Even have your own room for a change. No sharing everything withall your brothers and sisters. Maybe even get you that car you wanted.”

My phone rings and I glance at it.

Mom.

I hit decline and continue listening to the life Korey plans to make for us.

Chapter 42

Group Chat: Settlement

W&W Squad (w/o the Jones sisters)

Sean:Y’all see that shit on the news?

Malika:Yup! And I told y’all. Korey Fields is a creep.

Aisha:Girl, calm down. OK? All it said was that he settled out of court with some lady. They didn’t find him guilty.

Malika:The lady said she was fourteen and Korey was twenty-three.

Sean:It’s his word against hers, tho.

Malika:Her word ain’t enough?