Unthinkable (3)

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“And then I got so caught up, I nearly let all the food burn up last night, but the sad part about it is, I have to wait until next week until they show the second part.” Carol continued talking, her back towards Nicki, who was pinching the sides of a place mat as she sat at her mother’s table. She had about 2 hours before Elijah would be back from work. She had snuck out of the house this morning to her mother’s house and was now debating whether or not she wanted to go back to her ‘home.’ “Nicki are you listening to me?” Carol turned around, drying her hands on a towel.

“I’m sorry Ma, there’s just a lot on my mind.” Nicki bit her lip as Carol raised her eyebrow and pulled a chair out from the table.

“Want to talk about it?”

“I rather not.” Nicki answered. Carol ticked her tongue.

“Fine Onika. I’m here if you need me, but for now, you can cut up these potatoes.” She grabbed the bowl of potatoes soaking in water and put them in front of Nicki. “I’m going to call your father and see when he’s coming home.”

“Stepfather.” Nicki corrected jokingly.

“Hush child.” Carol slapped her shoulder before leaving out of the kitchen, chuckling. Nicki sighed. Here she is, married and scared to go home. On top of that, she has this new guy who she thinks she’s falling for but he’d come into her life in the wrong time. It’s not right for her to drag Drake through her drama. It wasn’t fair to him. Her life is her’s to deal with, no matter how much she wanted Drake to come in and save her. Elijah was becoming more of a monster with everyday that passed.

Nicki didn’t realize she was crying until a tear dropped onto the table. She covered her face with her hands and cried silently, hiccuping uncontrollably. She was tired, ready to give up. Let Elijah do what he want. Her self-esteem shot and her hope drowned, there was nothing left to do. Hearing her mother’s footsteps , she patted her hands against her cheeks and inhaled one good time. “All done?” Carol asked.

“Yea.” Nicki answered, pushing the potatoes towards her mother for her to inspect.

“Still the best.” Carol complemented. “Would’ve thought you living in that house with all those maids you would forget what I spent years teaching you.” Carol side eyed her. “Are you sick?” Carol asked suddenly. “Your eyes are red.”

“Allergies Ma.” Nicki answered, adding a sniffle for affect. That didn’t stop Carol from placing the back of her hand on Nicki’s forehead, making Nicki wince when she felt the spot where the shoe Elijah had thrown hit her face.

“You’re not hot.” Carol said removing her hand. “Could be all this make-up. Since when did you start wearing make-up Nicki.” Carol quickly grabbed the towel on the table, already having an idea about why  the make-up was caked on so thick  but wanting to make sure.

“Ma!” Nicki dodged the towel.  Carol held her hands up in surrender and dropped the towel on the table. She grabbed the bowl of potatoes and took the towel. There was an awkward silence between the two women. Carol softly pulled out the draw and picked up a pretty big sized knife.

“I’ll tell you like this Onika. I don’t care who’s kitchen you’re in, all of them have these.” She twirled the knife around in her hand. “Every bedroom has a lamp. Every bathroom has a pair of sharp tweezers. Every house has a working phone and every woman has a breaking point. And then there’s that special woman who knows when to say ‘enough is enough’ and that’s the kind of woman that a man should be afraid of.” Hearing the front door shot, Carol became quiet and continued cooking as Nicki sat at the table.

“Onika you’re home.” The thick accent of Jimi came through the kitchen as he walked in. He could feel something wasn’t right in the kitchen.

“Yeah, I was just leaving.” Nicki said getting up from her chair, grabbing her bag.

“No she wasn’t” Carol glared at her. Nicki sat back down in the chair. “I was just telling Onika about how we haven’t seen her in a while and I made sure to keep her bedroom the same way she left it. Very comfortable place to sleep.” Both of the women still holding intense eye contact.

------

Nicki laid in the dark in her old bedroom, her phone continuously lighting up as she got back to back phone calls from none other than Elijah. She pulled her blankets up to her chin like she did when she was younger. She felt the phone vibrate against her thigh again and decided to turn it off. She lifted it up to her face and saw it was Drake. She sighed and pressed answer.

“Hello?”

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Drake questioned.

“I uh- Nothing.” She shook her head as if he could see her. “What are you doing?”

“About to order some pizza, what are you doing?”

“Laying in the dark in my old bedroom. Well sorta dark. What was I thinking when I painted this room bright pink?” She giggled along with Drake.

“Do you like pizza?”

“Yea, I haven’t had any in the longest. I’ve been dying for pineapple pizza.”

“That’s a little disgusting.” Drake commented.

“Whatever.” She laughed.

“Hold on for a second.” Nicki heard the line go silent and she began to hum as she waited for Drake to get back on the line. About 3 minutes later she heard his voice.

“Stevie Wonder?” He asked. Nicki smiled that he had recognized what song she was humming.

“You’re such a creep. Why wouldn’t you say you’re back on the phone?”

“Because I’m such a creep.” The both of them laughed. “I’m about to send you a pizza, what’s your address?” Nicki sat up in bed, placing her back against the headboard.

“I don’t have money to pay the pizza guy Aubrey.”

“Which is why I didn’t ask you to, Onika. Text it to me. I’ll call you back.” Nicki hung up the phone and did as she was told. Why oh why couldn’t Drake had come into her life before she met Elijah? Now she was stuck in this marriage and there’s no way she wanted to drag Drake along with her. That would be selfish. Then again he could turn out like Eli in the future. Who was she kidding ? Eli couldn't hold a candle to Drake. When her and Eli began dating, her parents were going through their divorce. She was in the rebellious stage.  Even now if she were to pursue a relationship with Drake, she would only be running from her problems with Eli. Before she could think anymore into the situation, her phone rang. She answered thinking it was Drake.

“Hello?”

“Glad to know you’re not dead.” Nicki’s heart rate accelerated as she heard Eli’s voice. “Where are you?” Nicki didn’t respond. “Alright fine. I don’t want to play this game with you tonight. When you feel like coming back, come back, alright?” Just like that he hung up. To anyone else that would’ve seemed like an innocent phone call, but Nicki knew better. She ran a hand through her hair and sighed. She laid in the silence of her old bedroom until she received a text.

Delivery man at your door.

She smiled to herself before slipping out of bed and put on her slippers. She trudged down the steps to the front door. She laughed as she opened it to see Drake with a pizza and a piece of paper taped on his shirt that read ‘Pizza Guy’. “Your z’s look more like s’s.” Nicki said through her laughter.

“That’s cause my pizza is so good, I call it pissa.” Drake joked back.  Nicki smiled at him, he was truly a one in a million. “Glad to see I can make you smile.”

“Thank you Aubrey.” Nicki took the pizza in her hand. “I don’t usually invite pizza guys in, but you’re so cute.” Nicki turned on her heels and Drake followed her, closing the door behind him. Nicki took the pizza to the kitchen and she grabbed a slice before leading Drake up to her room. “My first time sneaking a boy up to my room.” Nicki said, flopping on her bed.

“My first time in a...” Drake looked around, “glowing room.” Nicki half heard him as she brought the pizza up to her mouth and closed her eyes as she took a bite. “Is it good?” Drake asked sarcastically. She held her hand up so he wouldn’t ruin her moment. Drake sat down at the edge of the bed.

After swallowing she finally spoke, “You don’t understand the last time I had any greasy foods. This is like heaven.” Drake stared at her as she was in food heaven.  She was so beautiful, her dimples sinking into her cheeks every time she took a bite. She finished and caught Drake looking at her. She stuck her tongue out at him. Drake shook his head and grabbed her feet, putting them in his lap.

“So you want to tell me why you’re here?”

“I thought you didn’t like to hear about Elijah?” Nicki said, sitting up, now uncomfortable.

“I don’t, but if it has anything to do with your red eyes and how you answered the phone earlier, then I would like to know.” Nicki let out a breath and Drake started to rub her feet.

“Re-Remember the whole lotion in the closet thing?” For some reason Nicki was scared to tell him. Drake nodded. “After the party, he found it and,’ She looked down at her lap.

“And what?”

“He threw his shoe at me.” She was speaking very low, so Drake had to read her lips. “So I left in the morning and came here. My mother is making me stay here.” Drake and Nicki were both silent for a while.

“We did it your way and now it’s my way, ok?” It wasn’t a question and Nicki knew it. It was more like a ‘do you understand’. “You stay with me. I don’t want you to go back to that house.”

“Drake, I- I don’t want to drag you into my mess.”

“You didn’t”

“And I’m not looking for anything serious.”

“Never said you were.”

“Do you have an answer for everything?”

“Pretty much.” Drake didn’t want Nicki to see Elijah, but that didn’t mean Drake wasn’t planing on ‘running’ into him pretty soon.

Unthinkable (2)

“Yeah I am!”

Nicki laughed, the phone between her ear and her shoulder as she thumbed through the clothes in her closet. Drake laughed skeptically at her. “Onika, be real with me. You’re probably laying down, watching TV or something.”

“Actually sir,” They both laughed at her suggestive tone. “I’m picking out my outfit right this moment.” She pulled a dress from between the rest and held it to her body.

“So what are you wearing?” There was a little shuffling on Drake’s side of the phone. Nicki moved to the mirror in her closet, as she held the dress over the towel, she cocked her head to the side examining it.

“What are you, a phone sex operator?” They shared a laugh before she cleared her throat. “I think I’m going to wear a little black dress.” She answered. “But as of what I’m wearing now? A towel.” She smirked.

“It’s all fun and games until somebody’s something gets hurt.”

“Wow, Drake, my something, how unlike a third grader you sound.” The knocking on the door seized Nicki’s laughter. “Hold on.” She placed her phone down on one of the shelves in the closet, then scurried out into the bedroom and opened the door to find Gina, one of the helpers in the house, standing expectantly.

“Mr. Prescott says he’s waiting on you, guest are starting to arrive.” She informed her looking at the towel wrapped around her body and the shower cap on her head.

“I’ll be down in a second.” Nicki answered. “Thank you.” She closed her door then jogged back to the closet to pick up her phone to hear the sound of Drake in pain. “What happened to you?” She whispered.

“I just choked myself with this tie.” He answered, making Nicki roll her eyes. No matter how many times she tried to explain to Drake over the phone, in the 4 days they’d been communicating, that clip-ons were his best friend he still didn’t get it. “Why are you whispering?”

“I have a feeling someone’s listening.” She knew Gina was still at the door, more than likely with her ear pressed firmly to it at Elijah’s instructions. “See you later?”

“Hope so.” Nicki smiled broadly at his response. They said their goodbyes and immediately a heavy weight was dropped into Nicki’s stomach. Elijah and Drake were going to be in the same room with each other, not just any room but her home. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was going to go wrong. She hoped not. Her infatuation with her and Drake’s relationship is what she’s been looking for in her relationship with Elijah but it never happens. Drake, unlike Elijah, listens to her,actually cares what she’s saying. Even when she knows she’s talking way too much, he waits until she’s finished and then gives his input.

They’d been sneaking to talk to each other on the phone whenever they could get the chance. The sneaking more on Nicki’s part. Nicki got dressed, let her hair down and placed on her jewelry before descending down the steps where a good number of people were mingling. Her foot didn’t touch the landing before Elijah had his arm wrapped firmly on her waist. “What took you so long?” He said through a smile, trying to make it appear to everyone that he was happy.

“Had trouble with my zipper.” Nicki talked through her pearly whites, only moving her lips slightly as she waved at the guest. Her breath got caught in her throat as Elijah squeezed her hip bone discreetly.

“I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but this lying thing has got to stop.” She bit her bottom lip as his nails pressed deep into her skin. “I’d advise you to fix your attitude and be on your best behavior tonight.” He guided her into the center of the room where he began introducing her to his colleagues.

- - - -

Nicki was annoyed and ready to just go to sleep. It could be the fact that these 3 women are around her who she was told to entertain or the fact that Drake hadn’t arrived yet. What she had been dreading, she now wanted so badly. She discreetly checked her phone to see that they were an hour into the mixer. “I must say Tanya, I love the decor in this house.” One of the ladies said as she sipped on a wine glass.

“Thank you. I would love to see your house one day.” Nicki said, she knew if she started talking material things, the 3 ladies wouldn’t shut up about what they owned and what their husbands bought them, never giving her a chance to speak which is what she wanted. Just when she was losing hope she could hear Elijah greeting someone at the door, since everyone was here she figured it had to be Drake. “Excuse me ladies.” She maneuvered her way to the front door where one of the helpers were taking Drake’s jacket. Nicki smirked at  Drake’s shirt being loose at the top, no tie in sight. He looked uninterested in whatever Elijah was saying.

Drake looked behind Elijah and caught Nicki’s eyes, he let his eyes roam over her dress and the back to her face, she was drop dead gorgeous. Elijah turned around to see why he wasn’t the center of attention anymore. “Oh, Aubrey you remember my wife Tanya.” Elijah motioned his hand in back of him, welcoming Nicki to his side. Again, his hand flew to Nicki’s waist.

“Yes, I remember.” Drake extended his hand. “Nice to see you again Tanya.” Nicki placed her hand into his, she wasn’t sure if he felt it but a tingling sensation moved through her palm.

“Nice to see you too Mr. Graham.” They didn’t know they were gazing into the other’s eyes until Elijah cleared his throat and Nicki quickly snatched her hand back from Drake’s and diverted her eyes to her shoes. Drake looked around the mixer and he immediately wanted to go. This looked boring. How anyone could bare this was beyond him. He couldn’t care less about meeting these people but he told Nicki he was going to come so he kept his word.

“I apologize, but where is your bathroom?” Drake asked.

“Tanya, show Mr. Graham to the bathroom please. Hurry back ,dinner is about to start.” Elijah demanded.

“Sure.” Nicki smiled, but not too much. “Right this way Mr. Graham.” She motioned behind her and Drake followed her as she led him up the steps. As soon as they got to the top and out of sight Drake turned to her and smirked. “What?” Nicki asked, her arms across her chest.  

“Who am I speaking to? Tanya or Nicki?” He questioned.

“Shut up you ass.” She pushed passed him,walking towards the bathroom.

“Definitely Nicki.” He said matter-of-factly. “So this is your house?” Drake looked around at all the paintings on the wall and stopped at a black and white one that was of a girl in a loose fitted shirt that dripped from her shoulders. She was hunched over, a small smile on her face while in her eyes there was a storm brewing. “What’d you pay for this? A couple thousand?” Nicki turned around noticing Drake had stopped. She backtracked until she was by his side and they were looking at the painting together.

“No. All I paid was for a couple of paintbrushes and paint.” Nicki answered sliding her hand across her painting. Drake looked between her and the painting as his eyes tripled in size.

“You painted this?” He gestured to the painting.

“Why is that so hard to believe Mr. Graham?” She cocked her brow playfully. “But yeah, I had to basically beg Eli to put it up for me.” Drake hated hearing Nicki say Elijah’s name. “Sorry.” Nicki apologized when she saw Drake advert his eyes away from her.

“It’s cool. So what is it?”

“I call it : Puer et Peur”

“What’s that mean?”

“Afraid and scared. I figured El-” Drake shifted uncomfortably. “He didn’t have enough interest in my painting to want to go and look it up. Well let’s go get you to the bathroom.” Nicki grabbed onto Drake’s hand. She knew the next question would be why she painted it and she didn’t want to get that deep. Maybe some other time, but not while she was expected to entertain Elijah’s guest. Drake knew what she was doing also.

“Wait. I want to see some more paintings.” He protested.

“Maybe later.” She tugged on his arm, pulling him in the direction of one of the many bathrooms. Drake pulled out of her grasp and pushed open a door to his right to reveal a bedroom. As he went to take a step in, Nicki grabbed onto the back of his shirt, planting her feet into the ground. “You can’t go in there.”

“And why not?” He smirked. Nicki bit down on her bottom lip. It was always Elijah’s rule that no one was allowed inside their bedroom except the two of them. He called it sacred place, just for them. It was one of the few things that made Nicki think Elijah actually had real feelings towards her. Nicki sighed and let go of Drake’s shirt.

“Come on.” She moved in front of him and led him into the bedroom, locking and closing the door after he was in. Drake took a running start and then dived onto the California King bed. “Rude.” Nicki shook her head with a chuckle.

“I’m such a daredevil. I could get you into a lot of trouble.” He smirked.

“Oh really?” Nicki walked slowly towards Drake. “Don’t tell anybody... but when I was younger..” She climbed on the bed beside Drake. She wrapped one arm around his neck while she was up on her knees and leaned into his ear. “I ran..with scissors in my hand.” Drake placed a hand on her waist.

“No!” He gasped, placing his free hand over his mouth.

“Oh yeah and I won’t even tell you about the time I crossed the street without looking both ways.” She kissed his neck. “Yup, doesn’t get any more dangerous than me.” She placed another kiss on his jaw. “Still think you can handle me?” She kissed his lips. Drake grabbed onto her hips and flipped her over so that he was now hovering over her.

“You know when you go trick-or-treating?” He kissed her neck as he ran his hands up her thigh. Nicki nodded trying to concentrate on what he was saying but the feeling between her legs was making it more and more difficult. “The bowl said take one...” He nipped at her collar bone. “I emptied the whole bowl and stepped on the fresh lawn...” Nicki gasped as he cupped her ass bringing her bottom off the bed and closer to him. “, at the same damn time.” He kissed her lips softly then released her.

“Who are you and what have you done with my liddle Aubrey?” She placed her hands on both sides of his face, crashing their lips together. Pulling away they just stared at each other. Nicki wishing she could stay in this moment forever. Things were so much easier with Drake. She could be herself. Silly, goofy Onika without Elijah telling her to stop being immature or stupid. It wasn't all about image with him.

“You’re so beautiful.” Drake said lowly, pushing a piece of Nicki’s hair behind her ear. Nicki blushed, turning her head to the side. “You’re so bashful.” He laughed, rolling over on his back. Nicki rolled over and laid on his chest.

“If I told you that I wanted you to take me away from all of this, I wanted to be with you... what would you say?” Nicki spoke in a low voice as she played with the hem of his shirt.

“Whenever you ask me, I’m ready.” Drake kissed her hair, taking in the scent of her shampoo. The two laid in silence until there was a knock on the door. Dinner! They had totally forgot. Nicki jumped up quickly along with Drake.

“In the closet.” She whispered, pushing him towards it.

“What? Am I your dirty little secret? Hit it and quit it huh?” Nicki tried not to laugh as Drake kept whispering. “You make me feel like such a dirty little whore.” Nicki clapped her hand over her mouth as she was about to laugh. She pushed him into the closet and closed the door. Another impatient knock came to the door. She ran a hand through her hair and turned around quickly as a loud boom sounded from the closet. She ran to the door and ran a hand over her dress before cracking the door and here stood Gina. Nicki rolled her eyes slightly, this lady took her job way too seriously.

“Mr. Prescott sent me up here to check on you. He says you’re taking entirely too long and that--”

“I get it.” Nicki cut her short. Gina’s eyes widened, Nicki had never cut her off, talked smartly or disobeyed Elijah. “I’ll be down in a second.” Nicki quickly closed and locked her door back. She walked over to the closet where she could hear Drake humming ‘Trapped in The Closet’ She opened her closet where she was waiting with his hands folded. “There is something seriously wrong with you.”

“So I’ve been told. Who was that at the door?”

“Maid. What was the ‘boom’ in the closet?”

“I don’t know, when you pushed me, I hit something.” Nicki smirked and walked into the closet to search for damage. Her smirk turned into an ‘O’ , looking at the fallen lotion bottle that she had left in the closet earlier. It had spilt out over the carpet.

“No, no, no , no .Shit” She grabbed either side of her hair and gave it a tug before getting down on her knees, grabbing a nearby shirt and scrubbed at the spot.

“Nic, calm down. Just use some-”

“No! You don’t understand.” Nicki whipped her head from Drake and then back to the stain. She put all of her strength into scrubbing the stain. This couldn’t be happening. Drake looked down at her going ape shit on this stain like she had just committed murder. Damn, she was serious about her carpet. “He’s going to kill me.” She said under her breath.

“Damn, Nicki, you act like he’s going to beat you.” Nicki continued to scrub at the lotion, it seemed like it was just growing and on top of that she had just ruined a shirt that he brought her. Yup, he was going to fuck her up. Drake looked at the serious look on her face. “Nicki.” She slowed down her pace and took a deep breath trying to calm her nerves. Drake swiftly, leaned down grabbed her by her waist and stood her up. He turned her to him. “He hits you?” Nicki looked into his eyes before looking to the side, tears forming in her eyes. “Onika.” He demanded sternly.

“Only sometimes.” She answered looking down. Drake clenched both his jaw and his fist. Nicki looked up to see the angry look on his face. When he turned to leave the closet, Nicki grabbed onto his shirt. “It’s ok.”

“The fuck it’s not!” He vexed. “The little bitch put his hands on you!?” He asked more in a confirmation. Nicki tried to quiet him down. “What!?” He pushed her hands from his shirt and turned to leave again but Nicki caught his pants.

“Stop it Aubrey!” She said tight lipped.  “I’ll handle it, ok?” She questioned.

-- - - - - -

Everyone at the table was laughing at one of Elijah’s corny jokes. Nicki sat by his side, Drake was across from her and everyone else in attendance sitting around them. If looks could kill, Elijah would have a toe tag and Drake would be going to prison. Nicki was nervous, shaking and taking unnecessary sips of her water.

“Elijah, I noticed the art and things around the house, you paint?” One of the woman asked,shamefully flirting. Elijah glared at Nicki.

“No, Tanya does. I told her to put those things away. She swears she Picasso, more like Picas - no. ” His joke was dry but that didn’t stop the whole table from laughing at Nicki’s expense. Drake’s jaw twitched as he looked at Elijah who felt like he was on top of the world.

“How did you two meet?” Someone asked, as if Elijah and Nicki should have never crossed the same paths.

“Tanya would you like to tell the story?” NO! She did not! She hated the story.

“Sure.” She sat her glass of water down on the table. “I had car trouble and Elijah offered to help and 3 years later we were married.” She summed it up.

“Tanya was driving something that looked like it came from WalMart,” Elijah took over the story. “she was just sitting in her car like a lost puppy without a clue as to what to do.” Like you did? “ I was coming out of a meeting and I saw her. She saw me driving my Bentley and you know the rest.” Did he just slick call her a Gold Digger? “Call it fate.”

“Or bad luck.” Drake muttered making Nicki kick him under the table even though she was thinking the exact same thing.

“Excuse me?” Elijah questioned. Drake had half the mind to say what he was thinking, but didn’t because of Nicki.

“I just noticed how late it’s getting.”

“Dessert should be ready, Tanya why don’t you go check?” Nicki pushed her chair back.

“I’ll help.” Drake pushed his sat back, he couldn’t be at that table for another minute. The two walked to the kitchen and Nicki’s pushed Drake’s chest. “What?”

“Or bad luck” She mocked as she picked up the trays moose that were on the counter.

“I’m not about to put up with this asshole for long.” Drake said taking the trays from her.

“So what are you saying?” Nicki asked, licking chocolate off of her thumb. How could something so simple be made to look so damn good Drake thought. “You’re going to leave?”

“No. You are.” Nicki almost choked on her own saliva. “With me.”

“It’s not that simple Drake.” She said opening the drawer to collect extra silverware.

“Why not?”

“It’s complicated. Besides, I’ve only known you for 4 days. What are your intentions with me?” She smirked but Drake kept a straight face. She always tried to get out a situation by making jokes, this time it wasn’t going to work. “One day.”

“After I sit these on the table, I’m gone.”

“Why?”

“Why would I stay?” Drake asked. There really was no reason for him to. “To sit across from the bitch ass nigga who I want to kill? Nah.” He shook his head.

“Fine.” Nicki sighed. She used her tip toes for height and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “But don’t be mad at me ok?”

“I’m not.” Drake answered. The two went back into the dining and true to his word, Drake left after making up an excuse.

- - - -

“Onika. Did you spill something in the closet?”

Fuck! She closed her eyes tight as she lay in bed, maybe it’d make her go to sleep faster. “Tanya!” He shouted from the closet, still no answer. Then it went quiet. Nicki was relieved until she opened her eyes and saw the bottom of one of Elijah’s shoes connect with her face.

Unthinkable

“Baby, what are you doing?” Nicki turned around from the window, her camera tight in her hand. “No, no. Not tonight Tanya. The camera stays here.” Elijah told her fixing his tie. Nicki sighed and placed her camera into it’s case and sitting it on the dresser. She smoothed her dress down with her hands, she didn’t particularly like it but Elijah did. “Wear those heels you wore for the board meeting last year.” He instructed, shrugging on his suit jacket.

“Only if you promise to rub my feet tonight, those things hurt Elijah.” Nicki said, despite her words she moved to the closet to get the stilettos.

“I don’t need this tonight babe. I’m already stressed enough, I just need you to be on your a-game and maybe you can help me.” Elijah was trying to get a new investor in his advertising company, this person was supposedly one of the top investors in the tri-state area and this would mean big business for Elijah and his company. After a few minutes, Nicki emerged from the closet in the heels. She walked over to Elijah and fixed his tie for him.

“It’ll work out baby, don’t worry.” She patted his chest when she was done, then grabbed her clutch off the bed.

“I hope you’re right.” He told her taking her hand and leading her out of their home. Nicki felt a tinge in her heart when she left behind her camera, she took it everywhere just incase she saw something that she got inspired by. Though she doubted this meeting would bring anything interesting, they were always filled with the same, stuffy, old people who loved to brag about their accomplishments and look down on everyone else. Usually all she had to do in these little meeting things was put on a smile and keep up her posture. She was just the pretty thing to look at.

“I hope so too.” Nicki said under her breath. Whenever something didn’t go Elijah’s way he would gain a temper, one that he would take out on Nicki.

- - - -

Walking into Tao, Elijah’s hand swallowing Nicki’s tiny one as he told the host his name. She hurriedly gathered two menus. “Follow me sir, the rest of your party has arrived already.” She told them. Elijah tugged Nicki to the side of him and placed his arm around her waist securely as both a warning and a sign of possession. When they first started dating, Nicki thought his possessive ways were cute but now she found them quite annoying.

“If I get this, there’s a bracelet in it for you.” Elijah mumbled in her ear. Nicki placed a fake smile on her face, one she would have to use anyway.

“Here you are sir.” The host said, gesturing to the table. Nicki’s eyes doubled in size at the young guy sitting at the table, he was too far into the conversation with the woman on the side of him. She was beautiful, but looked a too old to be his girlfriend but then again, Elijah did have 6 years over Nicki. She took in his casual attire, a black polo shirt and a pair of dark jeans. She had to refrain from licking her lips at his arms that looked like whenever he wasn’t busy looking good enough to eat he was lifting weights. It was a breath of fresh air from all the suits that Nicki was used to seeing. Elijah cleared his throat making his presence known. The young man and the older woman stood up.

“I’m Elijah Prescott.” Elijah held out his hand.

“Aubrey Graham, this is my beautiful mother Sandi Graham. I hope you don’t mind her joining in on this meeting.” A feeling of relief came over Nicki for some odd reason and she prayed her face didn’t lead onto it. He looked down at his mother and she smiled up at him. Nicki had already fallen in love with their relationship. Unlike Elijah’s mother who acted as if she was the Queen of England. That’s another story.

“No. That won’t be a problem at all.” Elijah said already pulling out his chair. Sandi and Aubrey both shared a confused glance.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what’s your name?” Aubrey asked Nicki, their eyes locking. Nicki’s heartbeat accelerated , what the hell was her name? She was tempted to say ‘Anything you want it to be’ or ‘Mrs. Graham’ but that would’ve been highly inappropriate.

“Oni-”

“Oh this is my wife Tanya.” Elijah answered, glaring at Nicki for her slip-up. He’s always told her that her middle name Tanya sounded better than Onika. She resented that, she loved her name.

“O...kay. Well, shall we get started?” Aubrey asked and then pulled out Sandi’s seat so that she could sit down. Elijah and Nicki both pulled out their own seat and sat just as Aubrey did.

“Hello, I’m Anya and I’ll be your waitress for the day. Can I start you off with drinks?” The young woman clicked her pen. Nicki looked over down at the menu and she wished she could have a Sprite, she yearned for it. Like always, she closed her menu and slid it to the edge of the table.

“We’re ready to order.” Elijah said. “I’ll take the black pepper sizzled filet mignon with udon noodles and a sweet tea and she’ll have a tao temple salad and water with lemon.” He concluded closing his menu. Sandi and Aubrey’s eyes both shot to Nicki who held her fake smile on her face the entire time, hoping they didn’t hear her stomach growling. After Aubrey and Sandi ordered, they started to talk business and Nicki just sipped from her water.

“So what do you think Tanya?” Sandi interjected, bringing Nicki into the conversation. Nicki was taken aback, this had never happened before. It wasn’t like she wasn’t capable of handling herself but when Elijah reached under the table and squeezed her thigh she knew she wasn’t allowed to talk.
“My wife isn’t a part of this ma’am.” Elijah answered.

“I’d like to hear what she has to say.” Aubrey said looking at Nicki. When his tongue glided over his pink lips Nicki was ready to jump him, but instead she crossed her legs.

“Well, “ She gulped when Elijah pinched her leg. “I think Elijah has worked pretty hard to solidify the company's status and had achieved a great deal of success. I’m sure with you will be very pleased investing into a business that already has a huge amount of success because there’s a greater chance that things will work out for the better.” She let out a sigh of relief as Elijah released her skin from between his fingers.

“Well. I have to go to the ladies room, Tanya, join me?” Sandi asked suddenly, rising from the table. Nicki looked over at Elijah and he nodded at her. So she got up from her seat and followed Sandi into the bathroom. Sandi stopped at the sinks and began fixing her hair and Nicki stood against the counter. “Those shoes are very...high. Your feet not hurting sweetheart?” Sandi asked concerned, she could see the pain all over Nicki’s face.

“No. I’m fine.” Nicki lied looking down at her feet.

“You can be honest with me hun. Don’t worry I won’t tell your husband.” Sandi said with a hint of amusement in her voice. “How long have you and Elijah been married?”

“2 years. We were dating for 3.”

“Mmm, Newlyweds. Still trying to figure this thing out.” Sandi looked at Nicki’s reflection from the mirror. “You’re a very beautiful girl.”

“Thank you.”

“Smart too. Elijah should be happy.”

“He is.”

“Are you?” Nicki was silent, she didn’t know how to respond. “Well let’s get back before Aubrey sends out a search party.” The two laughed at this and walked out of the bathroom only to be stopped by Aubrey himself. “How rude, Aubrey. Left that man at that table by himself.” Sandi teased, she already knew Aubrey didn’t care for him.

“He’ll be fine. Hey ma, can I talk to Oni-tanya for a minute.” The two of them chuckled at the slip up they had both caught earlier. “If that’s ok with you.” He glanced at Nicki who bit her bottom lip.

“Sure.” She answered, right now she didn’t care what the repercussions would be when she got home tonight, or even in the car. Sandi left the two in the hallway as she went back to the table with Elijah.

“So what’s your real name?” Aubrey leaned against the wall, one hand in his pocket. Nicki leaned on the wall opposite of him so they were facing each other.

“Tan-”

“Don’t give me that shit.” Nicki was taken aback by his new found husky voice, quite sexy. “C’mon, what’s your birth name.” He pushed himself off the wall and came closer to her. She tried to back up but the huge wall prevented that from happening.

“O-Onika... Nicki.”

“Everyone calls me Drake.” His sweet breath only inches away from her mouth, she wanted nothing more than to capture the essence of this moment on camera. “So Nicki, I’m going to be straight with you cause I done had enough of your ‘man’,” He spoke in a sarcastic tone. “I’m about ready to go, but I thought I should let you know I’m investing and it doesn't have shit to do with what he was talking about but everything to do with you.”

“What? That’s great but you shouldn’t invest because of me, do it cause you have a legit reason or you believe in the company.” Drake chuckled a bit and then moved so that his body was pressed against Nicki’s. He could feel her heartbeat jumping. He grabbed her hands and pinned them above her head against the wall. Nicki’s breath got caught in her throat and it felt like her heart had dropped to her panties because she felt the pulse there.

“I want you Onika.” His voice low and filled with lust. “Let me make this clear, I don’t share what’s mine and from now on that’s what I consider you. Understood?” When she didn’t answer Drake pushed his hips harder against her making her release a moan. “Understood?”

“Mmm, yeah.” She answered lowly. Drake moved his lips to her neck, he flicked her tongue against her skin making her whole body shudder, she hadn’t felt this feeling in months and she was getting it from a guy she hadn’t known but for two hours, but she felt a connection to him. His lips sucked in her skin then nibbled on the sensitive area. “Dr- Drake.” She tried to pull her wrist from his hold but couldn’t.

“Yeah?” He kissed up from her neck, then along her jawline, leaving each spot tingling. “Talk to me baby.”

“Somebody could see us.” Drake lifted his head and their eyes met. Her eyes were screaming out ‘Save me’ and he felt the urgency to let her know he heard her loud and clear. His placed his lips on top of hers. Nicki closed her eyes, opening her mouth , allowing his warm tongue to explore her mouth. He pulled away slowly and placed his forehead on hers.

“The shit that I could do to you.” He bit his lip making Nicki blush. “Come on, let’s get back to the table.” What the hell did she just get herself into?

- - - - -

Getting settled into the car, Nicki clicked her seatbelt on and waited for Elijah to finish saying his goodbyes and thank yous. She caught Drake’s eye, staring at her, she looked down at her lap, trying to hide the huge smile on her face. First task when she got home, change panties. When Elijah got into the car, he was all smiles. Nicki looked down at a text that she just received.

Bye beautiful

She looked up from her phone and out of her window at Drake who winked in her direction. He had gotten her number from Sandi. Sandi pretended that she was interested in going on a lunch date with Nicki soon so that she could ask for her number and then gave it to Drake obviously. “Who’s that?” Elijah asked. Nicki’s head snapped to Elijah as he pulled off from the restaurant.

“My mom.” Nicki answered, making Elijah roll his eyes. They didn’t have the best relationship.

Drake, don’t think that I just go around kissing people or anything, cause I don’t.

Nicki felt the need to let him know, she may have come off easy and that’s the last thing she was. Elijah’s the only man she’s been with her whole 22 years of living.

You think I do? There’s something about you.

Nicki smiled at this. “I’m glad he decided to invest even though you almost fucked it up Tanya.” Nicki’s cocked her head to the side at Elijah’s statement. If it wasn’t for her he’d be ass out right now. She just shook her head.

“Sorry.” She answered.

“Don’t let it happen again. And why didn’t you come back when the woman came back?” He asked, already having forgotten Sandi’s name. Nicki sighed.

“I was using the bathroom, she finished before me.” They stopped at a red light and Elijah turned in his seat to face her.

“Using the bathroom? You were gone entirely too long.” He accused her of lying, even though she was she felt offended. “Don’t do it tonight Onika. I’m in a going mood and you know what that means.” He placed his hand on her thigh and then sped off when the light turned green. Nicki was no way interested in Elijah sexually at the moment. He hadn’t been satisfying for a while now and it would be rude to have sex with him while wishing it was Drake the whole time.

Wish it were you instead of him :/

She surprised herself by her forwardness but it was true.

It’ll be me soon enough

Hope so

“Would you stop texting!? Damn.” Elijah was getting agitated. Here he is, just got maybe the biggest investor of his career and all Nicki could do was text on the phone, to her mother nonetheless, who didn’t like him. He always felt like they were talking about him.

“Fine.” Nicki answered, She discreetly checked her phone as another text came through.

See you at your house on Thursday

She had forgotten. Elijah had insisted that he host a dinner at their house so Drake could meet some of his colleagues. How was she going to do this? It was exciting but wrong all at the same time, nit to mention dangerous.

Short Story : Hate That I Love You

Whoop! Whoop! So these comments I have been getting have been making me all giddy inside ^_^! Now onto what you guys are using me for : ‘Picture Perfect’ *sigs* People, listen. I’ve wrote a few things for it but I don’t want to post it because I don’t feel like they’re up to par. Reason for that is, I have everyone’s personality down pact except Mr. Drizzy Drake. Like I know Nic, Ava and Josiah.. I know what makes them tick, makes them happy, their favourite food... all that good stuff, but with Drake, I figure he has to be more than just the nice guy all the time. So I must spend more time with him, listen to his music 24/7, watch interviews, so that I can make it believable  and most of all better. I know some of y’all are like STFU and just write the damn story and to those of you who are thinking that...

Stop being an impatient heffa and chill the hell owt! :p

But seriously , I think this Short story is helping me see Mr. Graham in a different light. So if you comment on this maybe (maybe) it’ll boost my energy for PP! I



Seventeen year old Onika looked around the unfamiliar house, arms crossed and scowl on her face as she trailed behind Robert. He was visibly uncomfortable, never spending more than 5 minutes with his own daughter in her whole entire life, but now they were forced into this awkward arrangement. “Uhh, this is the kitchen. I don’t really cook, usually take out.” Robert shrugged. Nicki looked around the small kitchen and rolled her eyes, typical. “Do you like Chinese?”

“No. I hate it.” Nicki spoke harshly. “Can you show me to my room?” She asked. Robert looked down at the floor and then back up at Nicki.

“Sure babygirl.” Nicki gagged at his term of endearment. He led her through the narrow hallway to the back of the house, to a small, plain room. A twin sized bed, stripped of its sheets sat against the pale walls. A small white dresser sat in the opposite corner, and against the window was a tiny brown desk with a lamp. “It’s not much, but it’s the best I could do on such short notice.” Robert rubbed the back of his neck. “We can get more stuff when I get pa--”

“It’s fine.” Nicki cut him off, stepping into what she now knew to be her room.

“If you need anything, I’ll be down the hall.” Robert, not knowing what else to say, backed up out of her room. Nicki quickly slammed the door and let out a ear piercing scream. She sat on the bed, that she thought just might have bugs in it.

“Ma, why you leave me?” Nicki asked looking up at the ceiling. “I don’t even know this man! He doesn’t know me. I’m living in a house with a complete stranger who thinks just because we share some of the same DNA, he’s my father. He hasn’t been in my life for 17 years, I’m basically grown. I can take care of my damn self. This house looks like it should be repossessed or something. I just wish you would come back Mommy. I miss you.”  Nicki took off her jacket and laid it out across the mattress so that her head wouldn’t have to touch the filthy fabric. She then laid down. Robert stood just outside the door and had heard Nicki, he felt terrible. He’d have to make it up to her, make up for the years he was absent in her life. When Carol died, he was the first one to step up and say that he wanted to have custody of his teenage daughter, finally get to know her. He was young and dumb when Carol gotten pregnant and he left.
----
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me” Nicki groaned as she heard loud music playing from a car outside. She opened her eyes and rolled them, realizing that this all wasn’t just a scary dream but her twisted reality. She swung herself from the bed and walked to the chipping window. She noticed she could see clear through the the window of a house across the street. “Need some damn blinds in this bootleg ass house.” She muttered. She was about to turn around when she noticed a boy coming into the room, a sexy boy at that. She watched as he closed his door then snatch his shirt off of his body. Nicki smirked and licked her lips, this could be fun. She studied the mountains of abs and muscles that made him look so...edible. She took in a breath as he went to take off his basketball shorts. She was so into it, she didn’t notice when he stopped and squinted his eyes to see better. She didn’t notice he was staring right at her. When he rushed to the window and snatched his blinds closed Nicki fell to the floor in embarrassment.

“Oh my god. Maybe he didn’t see you Onika, maybe you’re being paranoid.” She ran a hand through her hair and let out a breath. That’s what she gets for being a creepy stalker. She picked herself up from off the floor and looked around what she considered to be a jail cell. What could she do here but die a slow and miserable death. She sat back on top of her jacket that was across her bed. She just sat there for a while, until she heard Robert call her name. She wasn’t going to answer, but decided she was hungry and he may have ordered some food.

Walking out of the room and down the narrow hallway, she cursed herself and considered running when she saw the boy from across the street in the doorway and Robert talking to him. ‘Why me GOD?’ “Come here Nicki.” Robert looked back. Nicki slowly, with her head held high, walked over to them, standing a few feet away from Robert as the boy stared at her. “Drake, here, says he caught you staring at him, a little earlier.”

“Me? Staring?” Nicki’s strategy was simple; denial.

“Don’t try and play dumb, I saw you!” Drake accused.  Nicki’s eyebrows scrunched together at his harsh tone.

“Why would I stare at you!? Please, humor me!” Nicki placed a hand on her hip.

“Such a damn liar! You need to get some curtains or something!” Drake said.

“Alright kids, calm down.” Robert stepped in. “I’ll get this situation solved. Drake won’t you go back over to your house, we won’t have this problem anymore. Nicki, there’s cereal, you can grab a bowl.” Nicki rolled her eyes and went into the kitchen and grabbed the box of cinnamon toast crunch from the top of the fridge. She watched the door as Robert and this Drake kid said a few more words to each other until he had left. She watched as Robert closed the door and walked over to her. “Aye, just like your pops. No milk.” Nicki looked down at her hand stuck deep inside of the cereal box.

“I guess.” Robert sighed and went to the back of the house. He’d have to try harder.  After Nicki was finished she grabbed the LV bag she had brought with her, from by the door and was bringing it back into her room when she heard the sound of something banging. Stepping into the room she saw Robert nailing a pillowcase to cover her window. She scoffed and plopped her bag onto the bed. “I wasn’t watching him.” She argued defensively.

“I believe you. Now he can’t accuse you.” Robert reasoned, collecting his nails from off the desk. “And it gives you your own privacy.” With that Robert walked out of her room. Nicki shrugged and grabbed some things to take her shower with. After her shower she dressed in her dark true religion jeans, Victoria Secret PINK crop top and her LV sneakers. “You look nice.” Robert complimented as Nicki walked into the tiny living room.

“Thanks.” She mumbled and sat on the couch across from the Laz-y boy that Robert was occupying. He knew that Carol had money and he could never make Nicki feel as ‘luxurious’ as Carol made her.

“What’s your favourite food?” Robert suddenly asked. Nicki glanced his way and shrugged.

“Spaghetti , I guess.” She answered.

“I’m not saying it’ll come out like your mom’s, but I’m going to go pick up some food from the store..you know to eat for dinner tonight, since you’re not a fan of Chinese food.” He stood up, grabbing his keys out of his pocket. Instead of even acknowledging his presence, Nicki leaned forward grabbing the remote from the coffee table and switching channels on the TV. He once again sighed and left out of the house. Nicki watched a few episodes of The Backyardigans, giggling to herself at them. She turned her head to the door when she heard a lawn mower cutting on. She stood up , going over to the window, she could see Drake getting ready to cut the grass. This was her chance to set the record straight.

She fixed her shirt and walked out of the house, walking briskly across the street. Drake who looked like he was having a hard time with the mower, looked up when her shadow blocked his light. “Can I help you?” He asked with attitude.

“I don’t appreciate you telling Robert that I was staring at you. You got some fucking nerve!” Nicki screamed. Drake stood up straight, wiping the sweat from his forehead and looked down at Nicki.

“Listen, you can try and play your father but don’t come over here trying to lie to me. Tell yourself what you have to for you to sleep at night.” Drake told her. Nicki was upset but impressed at the same time. Most guys would give into anything she wanted, beckon at her call, but this Drake character act like he could careless.

“You-”

“Save your breath and just leave. Don’t you have some fucking shoes you need to be organizing?” Drake asked sarcastically. Nicki placed her hand on her hip.

“Nigga, you don’t know me!” She vexed.

“I don’t have to know you to know what you’re about. You’re some spoiled little girl who’s used to getting everything she wants with the snap of her fingers. You come here with your ‘Im better than everyone’ attitude and expect everyone to fall at your feet. Looking down on everyone who don’t have the latest shoes or somebody who doesn’t drive the fastest car. A basic rich girl who’s been dropped off in the middle of nowhere. Newsflash Dorothy :  This isn’t Kansas anymore..in your case Beverly Hills. The world doesn’t revolve around you! You can’t throw a fucking hissy fit and everybody run to save you. I don’t know how it worked from where you're from, but you’re in Compton now. ” Nicki felt belittled. She felt like running, but in true Nicki fashion she masked her hurt.

“Now it’s my turn.” She stepped closer to him, so that their chest was only centimeters away from each other. “You’re an asshole with a temper problem who doesn’t know how to get his point across without yelling. A nigga who’s mad at the world, but NEWSFLASH: This world ain’t do shit to you but let you live in it. You walk around all day upset at the small shit in life when other people have problems that you may never in your whole life get to experience, but you act like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Think somebody owes you something, me nor anybody else does. And let’s get one thing straight, I’m from Queens nigga and the next time you get slick at the mouth, I’ll make sure you never forget it.” When Nicki stopped talking the two had an intense stare down, each wanting to do nothing more than to hit one another.

“Aubrey! Lawn! Now!” Nicki looked over to see a buff man that resembled Drake, barking out orders. Drake glared at Nicki once more before trying to start the mower again.

“Bye.” Nicki waved as if they’d just had a friendly conversation and walked back across the street, Drake’s words still ringing in her ears. What hurt the most is that some of it were true, but she wouldn’t admit it to herself.