Unthinkable (4)

Elijah’s nostrils flared as he once again heard Nicki’s answering machine. He slammed his phone down on his desk and then leaned back in his chair. Nicki was becoming quite the bitch and if his father taught him anything it was bitches need to stay on a tight leash. “She wants to play...” Elijah mumbled as he stood up and snatched his jacket from the back of his chair. He threw his phone is his pocket and then rushed out of his office.

“Mr. Prescott, you have a meeti-”

“Cancel it.” He called over his shoulder to his assistant. He felt like the fool and the last thing somebody was ever going to make Elijah Prescott out to be was the fool. After getting on the elevator he looked down at his hand and twirled his wedding band. “Til death do us part.”


- - - -

“Stop stalling and make a decision.” Nicki ordered as Drake took small sips out of his glass of wine. He pulled the glass from his face and put it down on the small coffee table slowly.

“Hit. Me.” Nicki rolled her eyes as she flipped a card over from the deck.

“Bust!” Nicki exclaimed. Drake glared at her as she did her little victory dance, wiggling her fingers in his face.

“You’re a cheater.” He said grabbing both of their plates from the table. Nicki got up, following him into the kitchen.

“Don’t be a sore loser Aubrey. It’s so unattractive.” She bumped him with her hip, pushing him away from the sink. She ran water in the sink as Drake hoped on the kitchen island watching her. “Where’s the soap?” She asked.

“At the bottom.” Drake answered as he grabbed an apple from the bowl. Nicki hummed as she bent over to look in the cabinets below the sink.

“There’s none.”

“I know. Just liked the view.” Drake nodded at her as she stood up and crossed her arms over her chest.

“You’re a perv.” She closed the cabinets and tugged down Drake’s shirt that she wore, making him laugh.

“It’s in the one by the fridge.” She moved across the kitchen to get it, then moved back to the sink.  “Can I ask you something?” He bit into his apple.

“Shoot.” Nicki answered as she squeezed soap into the dishwater.

“How did someone like you become married to someone like him?” Nicki sighed. She’d asked herself that same question time and time again.

“Uh... I guess I was needy. It was around the same time that my parents were getting a divorce and here was this guy that promised he’d always be there and I could talk to him about my problems. I wanted to get away from my parents and here I am.” Drake nodded. It made sense. “Can I ask you a question?”

“I’m all ears.” Nicki turned around quickly with a smirk on her face and Drake held his hands up. “I made that one too easy.” The both of them laughed.

“So, what’s someone like you doing single?” Drake raised his brows.

“Oh? I’m single? Let me call-”

“Don’t even think about it.” Nicki pointed a knife at him and he held up his hands. “You can call all of your little hoes once I leave.” She turned up her lip as she placed the knife in the dish rack.

“Will do.” He said with a grin, making Nicki glare at him. “Just kidding mama.” Nicki turned back around to the sink. “I guess because I’m always busy and I never found the woman that I felt I would be able to come home to.”

“What about now?”Nicki asked ‘nonchalantly’ placing her plate in the disk rack.

“There’s this one chick. She’s pretty cool, a cheater at Blackjack, but I really like her alot.” Drake tossed his apple in the trash. Nicki smiled as she dried her hands and turned around to Drake,

“Why you smiling like you farted? Oh... You thought I was talking about you?” Nicki mouth dropped open making Drake laugh. He hopped off the counter and pulled Nicki to him by her waist as she pouted. “You know I kid.” He lifted her chin with his finger and looked into her eyes.  

“You’re the biggest jerk I know.” She planted a kiss on his lips, placing her hands on the sides of his face. Soon she was sitting on the counter and Drake was in between her legs, rubbing the sides of her thighs as their tongues got better acquainted. They separated for a second so that Drake could get Nicki’s shirt off.

- - - -

Elijah rang the doorbell then placed his hands inside of his pockets, waiting for a response. 3 minutes passed before a light clicked on in the house. Soon after he heard the locks click and a confused Jimi opened the door. “What are you doing here this time of night?”

“I’m sorry to bother you sir. I was wondering if you’ve seen Ta- I’m sorry, I was wondering if you’d seen Onika?” Elijah cursed mentally when Carol appeared next to Jimi in the doorway. They never had a good relationship.

“What do you want?” Carol asked tightening her robe. Jimi looked down at her.

“I got it. Go back to sleep.” He kissed the top of her head. She gave Elijah the dirtiest look before turning on her heels and walking back into her house. Jimi stepped out of the doorway, onto the porch with Elijah and closed the door behind him.

“No. I haven’t seen Nicki. Have you called her?”

“Yes sir. I’m worried about her.” Elijah answered. “It’s unlike her to not pick up the phone.” Elijah put on his best worried face, to bad Jimi was an expert at reading bullshit.

“Yeah it is unlike her.” Jimi nodded. Elijah sighed before turning on his heels but Jimi caught his arm. “Onika’s my babygirl, you understand me?”

“Yes sir.”

“I will kill for that girl, do you understand?”

“Yes sir. I would do the same.”

“Happy to hear that. I’m sure she’s ok. Get home.” Jimi gave Elijah’s arm a tight squeeze before letting him go and watching him leave off the porch. Jimi turned back into the house, closing the door. He was greeted by an angry Carol.

“Get Nicki on the phone Jimi. Get my baby on the phone now!” Jimi knew there was no use in trying to calm his wife down. She knew how stubborn Nicki was and she knew that if she called she would get no response so it had to be Jimi.

- - -
“I’m going to love having you here.” Drake said as he helped Nicki out of the shower. She grabbed the towel he was holding out and wrapped it around her body before he did the same with his.

“You’re such a boy.” Nicki kissed his chest, wrapping her arms around his waist.

“You’ve called me at least 10 names tonight and not one of them have been flattering. Not even after I gave you the best dick of your entire life.” Drake said cockily with good reason. She looked up at him, her bottom lip wedged between her teeth. “You’re perfect.” He kissed her forehead.

“You’re enchanting.”

“You’re beautiful.”

“You’re fascinating.”

“You’re precious.”

“You’re...” Nicki laughed as she tried to think of something. “Aubrey.”

“And you’re a loser.” Drake laughed. “Sleepy?”

“Yes.” Nicki answered followin Drake out of the bathroom. Drake went into his closet as Nicki sat on his bed. “Get me a shirt!”

“Why?” Nicki giggled at him and then rolled on the bed as she heard her phone buzzing in the nightstand drawer. She was planning to turn it off, knowing that it would be Elijah. She looked at the phone and saw it was Jimi calling. She debated on whether or not she wanted to answer because it could possibly ruin a good night. She answered the phone with a sigh.

“Hello?” Her eyebrows stitched together when she heard her mother yelling in the background over what Jimi was trying to say. “Wait. Tell mommy to calm down. I can’t hear you.” Drake came out of the closet in a pair of boxers and leaned against the archway watching Nicki’s facial expression change. Her whole demeanor change. “Ok. I will. Love you too. Bye.” She let the phone fall to the bed as she looked down at her lap.

“What’s going on?”

“He’s coming to kill me.” She said as a whisper. Drake got into bed and laid down. He pulled Nicki down so that she was laying on his chest.

“No one’s coming to kill you baby.” His hands rubbed circles on her back. “Calm down. I got you.” It was never that simple.


What next?

Unthinkable (3.5)

`

“Do you know him?” Carol looked at Jimi as they stood in the doorway of Nicki’s bedroom. Jimi shook his head ‘no’. Nicki’s foot was pushed into Drake’s cheek and Drake’s was holding onto her ankle. Only half of Drake’s body was on the bed, his feet on the floor.

“Should we be concerned or take a picture?” Jimi asked slowly pulling his phone from his pocket.

“She’s waking up.” Carol pushed Jimi down the hall as she saw Nicki fidget. Nicki peeled one eye open and then the other as she noticed the pink walls, making her remember where she was and what happened last night. She looked down at the bottom of her bed to see Drake. She smiled and wiggled her toes against his cheek, propping herself up on her elbows so she could see him. He stirred a little but didn't wake up. She did it again, this time Drake pushed her foot away from his face and turned over. She moved her foot to do it again but he turned over and looked up at her with tired eyes.

She tried to suppress her smile. “Hungry?”

“Sleepy.” He mumbled pulling Nicki down the bed by her ankle, making her squeal. He laid his head on her thigh. Instinctively, her hand started to rub circles over his curls. “Just give me 10 minutes of this and I’m cool.”

“2. I didn’t get up to use the bathroom yet.” Nicki bargained. Drake nodded as he drifted back off to sleep. As she rubbed his head and listened to his light snoring her mind couldn’t help but drift back to everything that happened last night. From Elijah’s mysterious call to enjoying her first slice of pizza in 3 years. With Eli she could never guess what was going on in his head and she was beginning to think it was the same with Drake. To be honest, she didn’t really know much about the guy but yet she was falling hard and fast. Her mind was telling her to slow down but it’s hard to listen when your heart is running full speed.

“What’s on your mind?” Drake asked, snapping Nicki out of her trance.

“Nothing, why?”

“For one, you’re rubbing my eye.” Nicki moved her hand back to his head.

“Nothing. I was just- nothing.” It was about 6 months too soon and she didn’t know if she was sure to say those 3 words that could freak any man out. “But my bladder would appreciate it if you would get off of my thigh.”

“Tell your bladder I still got a cool 10 seconds.” Nicki smirked and rolled her eyes.

“Boy move. I smell my momma’s cookin.” Nicki said pushing Drake’s head off of her thigh. “You can use the bathroom in here. Towels in the closet, new toothbrushes in the cabinet if my mother didn’t move them.” She spoke a mile a minute.

“You’re so fat.” Drake laughed as he got up from the bed.

“You have big ears. We’re even. Now do what boys do in the morning so I can eat.”

- - -

“Their coming, act natural!” Carol waved her hand around to Jimi as she struck a pose against the fridge and Jimi pretended to be reading the newspaper.

“Yeah, right cause that’s what y’all do on any other morning.” Nicki spoke sarcastically pulling Drake in the kitchen by his hand. Carol and Jimi dropped their poses.

“Who are you?” Carol asked blatantly as she and Jimi waited for an answer from the unknown man standing in their kitchen.

“Oh, me? I’m the pizza guy.” Drake answered earning a slap across the chest from Nicki.

“Mom, Jimi, this is Drake. He’s my... friend.” Nicki answered. Jimi sucked his teeth.

“I believed the pizza guy line more than I believe that.” Drake nudged Nicki. She rolled her eyes and took a seat at the table waiting to be served. Carol still wasn’t satisfied with answers and wasn’t as easy going as Jimi appeared to be.

“...Well..ok. Drake are you eating breakfast with us?” Nicki looked at him for his answer too.

“No, I can’t, sorry.” He could see the disappointment over Nicki’s face. “I have to go to work. I’ve been neglecting some things long enough.” He wasn’t slick. Nicki knew what he was talking about.

“Oh really, where do you work?” Carol asked, placing Nicki’s plate in front of her.

“I’m an investor.” He answered earning a nod from Carol.

‘It was nice meeting you Drake.” Carol said as she held out her hand. Drake shook it.

“Nice meeting you too.” He then went to shake Jimi’s hand. He looked at Nicki and she got up from the table to walk him to the door. They walked outside and stood on the porch.

‘I know you’re going to see Elijah.” Nicki crossed her arms over her chest, looking up at Drake.

“That is apart of my job isn’t it?”

“Just make sure you keep it about the job.” She said sternly pointing a finger in his face.

“Yes ma’am.” He grabbed her finger and kissed it making her smile.

“Stop doing that.” She whined.

“Doing what?”

“Making me smile when you know damn well I don’t want to smile.”

“Can’t make any promises.” Drake countered. “Pick you up from here when I get from work?”

“Sounds like a plan.” Nicki stood on her tiptoes to meet his awaiting lips.

“Now go eat breakfast.” He kissed her forehead and she went back in the house, smiling like she’d just hit the number.

“Friend huh? Look at her Carol. Look like the gal could break out into song and dance.” Jimi said as he watched his daughter take a seat across from him. Carol peeked over her coffee cup at Nicki.

“How long have you known this guy?” And here comes the interrogation, Nicki thought.

“For a while.” She lied as she picked apart her bacon.

“What’s a while?” Carol questioned.

“Long enough.” Nicki mumbled.

“Where’d you meet him?”

“At one of Eli’s meetings.” Nicki slowly looked at her mother’s disapproving face. She done messed up now. Why couldn’t her mother be like one of those ‘it’s your life you have to make your own mistakes’ parents?

“So this guy knows you’re married?” Carol rose her eyebrow. A habit that Nicki received also.

“Yes he knows.”

“He just doesn’t care.” Carol concluded. She wasn’t a fan of Eli either but marriage is marriage. Nicki sighed. Any way she puts it her mother would judge her. There was no use in trying to explain anything to her. “Are you and Elijah getting a divorce?” Nicki sighed. It’s not that simple. No one will understand until they’re in the situation.

“Did that work out for you?” Nicki questioned pushing her plate from in front of her. Carol’s mouth dropped open.

“Alright. That’s enough.” Jimi tried to defuse the situation.

“No. Let her talk. She think she knows my situation and everything that happened.”

“You left daddy!”

“Me and your father weren’t meant to be married.”

“No. You didn’t want to be married to daddy. He was nothing but good to you!”

“You’re father was... your father had problems Onika that you know nothing about!”

“So you started fucking Jimi!? I guess it’s true, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Nicki didn’t see it coming, but she felt her mother’s hand fly across her cheek. She was shocked and angry at the same time. She sat in her seat holding her cheek and looking up at her mother who was hovering over her.

“Don’t you ever in your life talk to me like you lost your damn mind. I'm your mother.”

“That doesn’t always make you right.” Nicki countered lowly as tears threatened to fall from her eyes. Jimi looked at the two in shock, he’d never seen this side of either one of them. Carol took k  a shaky breath and leaned on the table, letting her tears flow freely.

“You’re father was abusive Onika. And before you say he wasn’t, I’m telling you he was. You’re father tried to kill me. That’s why I’m so scared for you in this whole situation. I know the mistakes I made and I don’t want you to make those same mistakes. Handle one situation before you jump into the next.” Nicki half believed everything her mother was saying. Her father had a temper but he wasn’t crazy. Eli had a temper, but he wasn’t crazy. “I’m sure Drake is a nice man but you need to deal with the situation with Elijah first. If Drake is as good as you think he is, he’ll still be around.” Nicki’s heart rate accelerated at the thought of Drake leaving her.

“Mommy, I’m not you.”

“I guess you’re right. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. You’re just as stubborn.” Carol shook her head. “I just pray you tell a different story to your kids. I’m going to start the laundry.” Carol said moving around Nicki and walking out of the kitchen. Jimi looked at a crying Nicki who was still holding her cheek.

“Listen to your mother Nicki. She’s full of experience.” He got up from the table to go and find his wife, leaving Nicki alone. It wasn’t until now that Nicki realized the reason she was so hell bent about not getting a divorce. It was because she told herself long ago that she wouldn’t be like her mother and give up. The question now is, is it really giving up or saving a life?

- - - -

“Mr. Graham, nice to see you.” Elijah greeted Drake as he opened the door to his office.Drake mumbled something as he walked in. On the car ride over to the office Drake had time to think. It wasn’t like him to get so involved with women, especially not a married one. But Nicki, Nicki deserved so much better than what she was getting. Drake’s eyes fell to the flowers sitting on Elijah’s desk.

“For Tanya.” Elijah quickly explained.

“That’s good. Very few men think about the little things when they get married. I commend you.” Drake nodded his head at Elijah.

“Yeah, my wife’s a good woman. She deserves nice things.” Elijah looked around his desk for a folder. There was no need for Elijah to have to tell Drake Nicki was a good woman. The more that Drake looked at Eli, it made his skin crawl and his hands itch. His mind went back to the defeated look on Nicki’s face when she told him about the shoe incident, the way she scrubbed that closet floor and how she ate that pizza like she’d been deprived all of her life. “Are you married Mr Graham?”

“No. Not married. I think I’ve found someone with potential.”

“Take it from me, marriage is not all that it’s cracked up to be. It’s a lot of work. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times Tanya and I have fought. And it’s definitly true what they say, once you get married your sex life dies.” Drake couldn’t believe that this man had the audacity to put Nicki’s business out there like that. “I mean before we got married-”

“I have to get going in a few so can we just start?” Drake asked.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Elijah apologized before opening up his folder. Throughout the whole meeting, Drake didn’t listen to a word Elijah was saying. He had told Nicki he wouldn’t do anything to Eli and it as becoming harder and harder to keep his word. Elijah handed the folder over to Drake as he finished talking.

“Thank you Mr. Prescott.”

“Please call me Elijah.” Both men stood and shook hands. Drake glanced at the flowers on the desk before heading to the door. He opened it and before he walked out he turned around.

“You might want to reconsider your gift for Nicki. She’s allergic to flowers.” The door closed behind him as he walked out.


*Rest of the chapter later when I come

Unthinkable (3)

`

“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.