Butterfly Weeks

Dip and Nicki were out shopping again that week. This was the first and last week that Nicki had stayed over at her house and they had been making moves all week and going shopping as if they didn't have things to do. Dip would keep tabs on Nicki and report back to Safaree. It was the end of January and it was time for their business meeting. Of course, everyone would be there and they hoped everything was going to go smoothly. Dip marveled at the dress that Nicki had on. It was a black sleeveless, one shoulder black figure fitting dress that she had dressed up in all gold accessories and a nice gold pump.  She looked up then back down as Dip just stared as if she had seen God for the first time in her life.

"What? You don't like..."

"Bitch, if you weren't like a sis to me, I'd fuck this dress into your skin."

"Oh my... You think he would like it?"

"Bitch, he'd be stupid not to love it."

They both signaled for the girl at the register. Her eyes roamed over Nicki and she smiled admiring her body in the outfit. 

"That looks perfect on you."

"Thanks, I'll take it and any other color of this dress you have."

"Really?"

"Positive."

Dip and Nicki responded. The dress made her feel sexy and the attention she was getting boosted her ego. Actually, this week had changed her for the better. She had finally been able to live on her own and provide for herself. She had even found a condo near the home she bought for her mom. She loved it and had it decorated white and black with lots of pictures of herself on the wall, her family and one of her and Safaree.  

"Dip, we're going to be late... Come on."

"We won't, we'll make it there."

"You sure?"

"Positive, just pay for this stuff and lets go."

Nicki laughed at her now rushing her. Nicki paid for the things and grabbed the bags that had her clothes neatly folded up with a free bag if you spent over 500$ in the store. Nicki walked out the store in the new outfit and every man's head the turned to watch her. Dip laughed as a man bumped into a wall watching her. They got in the car and headed to the meeting that they were now officially late for.

Nicki was irritated that Paula once again had the floor, Safaree wasn't speaking up and Dave and Dip were just sitting there like mules. She stood up and hit her fist on the table getting everyone to turn her way. Paula rolled her eyes and folded her arms across her chest. She didn't too much care for Nicki anymore after their last encounter which Nicki had told her to get the stick out of her ass and stop trying to run everyone else.

"I'm not a fucking product or an object, I don't belong to shit, Paula. And from this day forward everything involving me, needs to be run by me. I'm not doing the People's interview because that's not my thing and it's not my time. The Men's magazine, I'll do and I want a new manager, new style team and accountant."

She stated looking towards Safaree. He nodded his head then wrote it down. She stepped around and headed for the board that Paula had up that was mapped out for the next few weeks, press, interviews and other things.

"I'm not doing any press, none. There's ten interviews, I'm only doing these four, I don't want to be in a cigarette commercial, I'm not promoting that. I'll do the wine commercial and I'll model for the clothing designers. Give him my measurements."

Nicki grabbed her bag and waited for anyone to say something, but none of them said anything just stared at her with amazement. Safaree had a smirk on his face as he wrote down what she had said. He knew she had the boss in her and he loved it. Nicki shrugged then walked over to him and placed her hand on top of his. He looked up masking his smirk with a straight face.

"Meet me."

She grabbed the pen from his hand and wrote down an address. He looked at her to see if she was serious and the look she was giving him read nothing short of seriousness. She placed it back between his fingers then tapped his shoulder. She looked back at everyone else around the table before asking.

"We done or you guys still want to listen to the lecture because I'm out? Safaree be there by 5 or you won't be getting in."

She clutched her purse tightly in her hand as she walked out with Dip following behind her. They both walked down the office building hall towards the elevator. The heels were irritating her feet along with the ringing of Paula's voice. Dumb bitch. She sighed heavily then kicked off her shoe one at a time and quickly stepped into her house shoes that she snatched out of her bag.

"Woah, Miss Feisty, I've never seen you like this before. I like this new you."

"This isn't new, I just let someone muse me for two years too long."

"Webb?"

"Sure."

She answered not really wanting to talk about him to tough. Dip sensed it and didn't question her anymore. They both stepped off the elevator and walked down the first row of cars then made a quick left towards Nicki's Pink G35. Once both were situated Dip began a conversation that they both weren't expecting.

"What changed you? You never been the boss leveled girl you are now."

"A good guy wanting more for me than for himself and at the same time, I'm ready to be on my own and have my own, so I don't have to depend on a nigga no more."

"Is that why you moved into your own place?"

"No, I moved in to my own place because now I can finally afford to do so and it's a new found freedom."

"I like your mind. You remind me of me."

"You? I'm far from you.."

"In the mind, you aren't. What I do with my business, you aren't too far behind, but you aren't ready for the stuff I do."

"Really?"

"Really, better ask your boy."

"Who? Faree.. Please, he's so sweet."

"You really don't know that man.."

Dip laughed while looking over at her puzzled face. 

"Safaree ain't always been the man he is today. He sweet on the ladies, but he's always been a one woman man."

"What does that mean?"

"How do you think he knows how to flip money? It ain't cause he was a cute little rich kid with a silver spoon in his mouth. His Dad was King of Crack and moving weights."

"What?!"

Nicki came to a halt in the middle of the street then made a whole U-turn because she had missed their street. Dip laughed weirdly as the car began moving slowly down the right street. Nicki looked over at her then stopped completely.

"Why doesn't he talk about his father?"

"The same reason none of us do. Nan raised us and that's our father. Back in the day, it was Safaree, Webb, Dave and I.. Leslie and Paula didn't come in until we were in high school selling crack to the other high schoolers and shit."

"Really? Safaree selling..."

"He was the best at it and most of the time all he had to do was smile that damn smirk." She shook her head. "My Dad was King of the Mafia, who sold drugs to his dad and that's how we became cool. They wanted us to marry, but I liked girls even then and he was cool with us being friends. We family."

"How did you start all these businesses tho?"

"That was the plan, always... Girl, drive."

Nicki laughed and started the car back up and headed towards Dip's house.

"Safaree wanted to be on top of shit like his father, but legally.. So he found ways to make the money flip were it couldn't be tracked down and the FEDs couldn't take none the shit he bought for his family. I on the other hand was too deep in, I'm a Mafia princess and that's with you forever even if you're clean."

"So you're clean? You still get him to flip your money tho?"

"Because I'm not clean."

She tapped her nose and chuckled. Dip was as dirty as they got. The Mafia money and riches were deep rooted into her mind, that wasn't the life she was giving up. By the eleventh grade her and Safaree had decided to go to school to be lawyers just to trick the system, but things changed once they got there. One of them had to be clean in case of a bust down and because Safaree had family and a new fiancé they decided on him. Everything had been good since then, but Webb was still heavy in the game and trying to keep them down with him. Neither of them pressured into it and kept their eyes on the plan at hand without him. 

"Lloyd's a good dude don't get me wrong, but he ain't up for talking too much about his past and family."

"He'll come around, Nan told me."

Dip simply nodded because she couldn't say  Nan was wrong. Nan was a reader and she knew people, if anything better than they knew themselves. They pulled up outside of Dip's house and sat in silence before she spoke up before getting out of the car.

"I might show you a few things or more about business and when to stick your hand in and take what's yours,"

"I'm all ears."

They both laughed as she shut the door. Nicki backed out the drive way and raced down the street towards her home. She had two hours to get ready for her visitor.

Nicki was laying on her stomach on top of him as they stared at each other. Nicki wanted to show him her new place and all the pictures. He hated the picture of them because he looked upset in it, but she adored it. She ended up cooking for them both then they watched movies and snacked. 

"Nicki, yo, move your leg off my dick."

"Small balls, I didn't even feel anything on my leg."

"Right."

He stated as she smirked while pulling herself up on his body. He laughed at her looking like a small child on his chest as she looked up at him with her big browns. He rubbed through her hair and kissed her forehead.

"I'm glad you let me come."

"You said you were ready. I'm surprised it was so soon."

"It's been a week and nigga was going nuts not being able to call you up until I was fully ready. Where we at tho?"

"Friends. You owe me, I'm not forgiving that easy. Plus, you aren't ready. You just missed me."

"For real?"

"For real."

"I'm a show you."

"I'll believe it when I see it."

She yawned then wrapped her arms securely around his neck and with in second all he could hear was her light breathing. He rubbed a finger against her jaw and looked down into her soft face. He shifted then moved over to the side gently letting her slid onto her bed. He grabbed his keys and slid on his shoes. He kissed her forehead then took a piece of receipt paper out of his pocket and wrote a note:

I left through the back door.

I'll see you in a couple of weeks.

I'm going to show you, I'm ready.

For real this time.

[The Week After] 

[January 25- 31]

Monday was a drag that morning in Nicki's house. She was doing a phone interview about what inspired her to market and dance at bars and such across the nation. The interview was going well, as Nicki's manager,  Brittany and PR, Tom sat next to her kind of coaching her on what to say and what not to say. To simply keep it short with these interviewers because they could twist things. After she was done with the interviews she looked down at her personal phone and sighed. He hadn't called in a week and it was annoying her that he didn't spend the night last time they were together. She had read the note, but wasn't expecting him to go MIA. He wasn't returning her calls, text or pages. That was annoying and upsetting her.  She couldn't go over to his place because he hadn't been there since she left and the condo was just temporary so she didn't know where he was.

"Still no call?"

"No, I'm worried.. I didn't mean to run him off."

"You didn't, he'd be crazy to run from you, he may just be taking some..."

They both looked towards the door as the bell began ringing. The person at the door kept ringing it until she got to the door. There was a man with a dark beard and a straw hanging out of his mouth. She kept the door closed and talked to him from behind it.

"Who are you?"

"This is a Sing-A-Gram for Onika Maraj."

"Huh?"

She looked out to see four more black guys come around the corner and start humming some country song. She bust out laughing from behind the door then opened it to see if there was someone else out there. They smiled then the tune changed and they began singing a harmonized version of All My Life by K- Ci & Jo Jo. She was amused to say the least as the older black guy took pictures of her then placed his camera down around his neck. He removed the fake beard and straw from his mouth to show a finely cut older guy.

"This is for you."

He passed her a card and she opened it right away. There was a sketch on the card of her and Safaree when they were in the carriage. She awed before opening it and finding an invitation on it.

At midnight be at the Park

On the fourth day of the second month.

Your favorite park.

Catch a cab and don't wear heels.

    - SLS

Realize

Safaree lifted up his leg as he sat on the gym bike. He adjusted the speed and began pedaling and watching the door for his guest to appear. He got up to 35 miles per hour and slowed down the sped back up to go up another five. He pulled off his top and threw it on the floor. His nerves were kicking in just like the first time he had encountered her in the seventh grade. When love was innoncent and they both were pure. That summer was the first time he had bust and the first time he had popped a cherry. He could remember that night like it was yesterday.. One of the only memories he actually didn't forget or force to the back of his mind. He was startled from his flashback at the sound of her voice close to his ear. 

"Hi, Baby."

"Hi, Leslie."

He slowed the bike down the reached over and hugged her tightly. She smiled as she rubbed his back before he pulled away. He stepped over the bottom of the bike, grabbed his shirt and followed behind her to the showers. He turned on the water in one of them then stepped inside of it and closed the curtain as she stood outside of it and leaned against it waiting for him to get out. He threw his bottoms out of the curtain then began speaking to her.

"Nice flight?"

"Better than usual. Where we having lunch at?"

"Marcus' spot. I was thinking we'd have some chicken fredo like old times, cool?"

"Great."

She answered as he stepped out in a towel. He looked her over then headed towards the locker room with her following close behind. He sat down on the bench in front of his locker and unlocked the lock then pulled out his change of clothes. He pulled his boxers up over his leg and to his knees before qstanding and letting the towel drop. Leslie stared at his manly penis then looked up at him. He shook his head then fixed his briefs and pulled his pants up over his waist. She reached out and touched his leg then pulled him towards her. She leaned forward and kissed his clothed package.

"Remember when I first gave you top in high school."

He looked down at her and pushed her head back. She continued to grab at him as she reached for his zipper and unzipped his pants. He shook his head no then stepped back, but she grabbed his pants rim and yanked him forward. She pushed the briefs a little and out popped his large friend. He yanked back and hopped back quickly.

"Yo, calm down... I'm not fucking you."

"You don't have to, right now. I want to make you remember how good I am."

"I don't need to alright, can we just talk first before all this."

She nodded then picked up his shirt and handed it to him. He snatched it out of her hand and in that moment, he remembered exactly why they were together. She always needed sex and if he really thought about it, she had always been like that even when they were together. Those thoughts made it much easier to let her go. He put on his watch then his fitted and grabbed her hand. She smiled happily as they made their way through the gym where everyone watched them.

Leslie had driven a cab to the gym from the airport, so they were currently in Safaree's car on the way to the restaurant. She kept staring at him as he focused on the road. She was still madly in love him and wanted to work it out because she was changed and ready to be married. She could look at him and see that he was still angry with her, but she had planned on getting him over that and had the perfect way to do so. She placed her hand on his and he looked over at her then back at the road. He shook her hand off of his and huffed. He was ready to get this over with. Why the fuck did even want to meet with her? What the fuck kind of crack was I smoking even entertaining her shit again? It was the fear of him actually moving on with Nicki without having closure with Leslie. He had brushed her under the rug back then and tried to keep her there, but he knew that was no way to handle what happen between them. 

He pulled up into the restaurant and took out the wad of money that he had stashed in his car. He smiled at the stash area being one that Nicki taught him about. He laughed at her knowing how to stash money better than him. Leslie looked at him strangely then shook it off. As they both climbed out of the car and walked into the restaurant where they were seated at their old hang out spot. She sat close and waited for the food that she knew he had already ordered. He looked over at her and put his hand around her like when they were just friends. She frowned and lowered his hand, but he put it back over her shoulder.

"So, what did you want to talk about?"

"Us, Leslie."

She smiled big, but it quickly faded away.

"There is no, us... Anymore and never will be again."

"Who is she?"

"Huh?"

"The look you use to give me was the look you got when you were messing around in the car. Who is she?"

"Is that important, right now? 

"She's the reason you're changing your mind about us giving it another try."

"No, YOU'RE the reason, I've changed my mind. You're a sex addict, Leslie."

"I'm not tho, I only want you! I've only wanted you."

"Then why you fuck all them other niggas?"

"Because you weren't there! We were suppose to go to school together, we were suppose to have a family by now, you weren't suppose to leave me when I needed you the most!"

She cried wiping her face with the napkin that was on the table in front of her. She looked off trying to gather herself, but broke down again.

"You know what it's like trying to feel what you first had? You were my perfect, I fucked up, trying to find it in those other guys until I could have you again, but don't leave me again please?"

He shook his head then looked at her. Her face was really red with her mascara running down her face. He could see the truth in her face and she was telling it, but that didn't stop her from being addicted to sex. If he wasn't around at her every back and call, she'd fuck someone else for the satisfaction. 

"Leslie, you need help... Not me. I'm sorry, I did this to you. I shouldn't have taken your cherry before you were ready.. Mentally or whatever."

"Safaree, please..."

"You're good, I'll call you later about a program. You'll realize it isn't me that you want."

He kissed her cheek as the waiter came back with their favorite dishes when they were young. Her lobster tail with mash potatoes and his chicken wing platter with extra everything from fries to veggies. He placed a fifty dollar tip in the waiters hand and told him to get her a cab straight to the nearest hotel near the airport. He got in his car and headed towards his house. He kept glancing at his watch and looking up at the road. He had twenty minutes to get to a fifty minute drive to his house from there. Shit, I'm not... Oh. He thought as he grabbed his phone.

"Samuels &...Maraj Residents?"

"Ty, it's Lloyd... Do me a favor!"

"What is it?"

"Stall Nic, I need her there.. I'm still in NY.."

"Why? You didn't.."

"Not now, Ty, come on please."

"Got you."

He replied before hanging up. Living on the city lines of New York was really an obstacle right now. He knew her friends would probably be there, but it really didn't matter. He was going 120mph in a 45mph street zone. He turned onto the Highway and continued swerving and speeding towards his destination where hopefully she was still there.

Nicki was in her room packing up her clothes when Ty came in with juice, almonds and a movie. She frowned as he sat down on the bed with the tray on the nightstand. She sat down on the edge of the bed and looked at him without saying a word. She didn't know how she felt about leaving him, he was a good friend to her.

"You could always stay here with me."

"Will Safaree still be here?"

He smirked a little then sighed and grabbed the almonds. He passed them to her and she began eating them like they were going to jump out of her hand. He could tell she probably hadn't been doing much eating or was just hungry that minute. 

"You need to talk to him. You and I, both, know he's afraid... This Leslie shit was just stupid on his part, but it may bring something more clear to the table."

"Like what? That he isn't over her? That I wasted my time on him?"

"No, that maybe he wasn't going in the right direction. Home is here with you."

"Obviously it's not. He didn't even care enough to make it right."

"Are you sure?"

He asked knowingly. She stuffed more almonds in her mouth then stood up to go pack some more things into her bag. She came across a picture of them on the rooftop at the condo. It was beautiful because he was looking at her and she was looking at the camera. It was the last day of the tour and everyone wanted to go out and celebrate, but Nicki had decided to cook for everyone and they loved it. That was the first night, one of his friends had told him to wife her. She smiled, but frowned at the sound of Ty's voice breaking her from the memory.

"Don't be mad at him forever... You guys are best friends & this is a new year. That was last year."

"Just a month ago tho."

"Okay, well let's talk about..."

"I don't want to leave, I want him to realize that it's us that are meant to be."

"You don't think...."

"I know that?"

She looked up to see him standing in her doorway. He rubbed his hands together then licked his lips before approaching her. He grabbed her cheek and rubbed it as tears fell down her face. Why the fuck am I crying?

"Nicki, it's a lot with being your man and it's a lot with being my girl. I'm not trying to rush us and I don't want to slow us down either, but we're moving too fast. You aren't really ready and neither am I. I don't want to be your Webb replacement and I don't want you to be Leslie's rebound or whatever. Sitting at the table across from her made me realize that I'm sending love letters to the wrong girl. It's you I want, but there's a time for us..."

"When is that?"

"I'll let you know."

"Another seven months?"

"Nicki." He laughed. "This is what I'm talking about. Webb gave you exactly what you wanted and I'm doing the same, I don't want you to have to depend on me because that's what you're used to.. Even if you move, just be in arms distance."

"You want me to leave?"

"I didn't, but on my way here.. I thought about how I was just being Webb in a pretty boy way tho."

She smiled then pulled him closer. He wrapped his arm around her and they began kissing. She lifted up on her toes and sighed against his lips. He pecked her lips again then they looked at her stuff that was packed.

"I'm moving in with Dip. I'll be there until you're ready."

"I'll be over tomorrow to pick you up."

"No, I'll see you, when you're ready."

He looked confused at her, but her face showed she was serious. She turned around and pulled away from him. She grabbed her purse and the bag she had packed. She understood what he was saying and it was exactly what Nan had told her the day she ran to her crying. You just have to deal with the cards that are given to you, you can't play what you don't have and you don't play the best cards before it's time. Safaree was her best card and she was his and right now was time for them to be played. He walked her out to the car and helped her put her bag in the trunk.

"Don't have another bitch in my room."

"Yes, ma'am."

"I'm not playing with you."

"I gotchu."

"Call me tonight before you go to bed."

"Can I get a kiss."

"No."

She answered laughing. He leaned into the car window and she kissed his lips then his cheek. He smirked as she pushed him back then drove out of the drive way. The next few weeks were going to be interested for the both of them.

All For Show

Safaree read over the press release that Paula had issued out soon after the tour was over. It was about the relationship between Nicki and him being one of just friendship and business. Nicki walked into the living room with two cups of coca. She placed one in front of him then reached for some marshmallows. She slid to the floor before going back to helping him sort out the papers that he had collected over the last few months. There was personal papers, articles, newsletters, love letters and all kinds of other papers. She grabbed a piece of paper that had December 03' at the top with Leslie next to it. Nicki frown then handed it to him. He grabbed it then looked down at her as if he had been busted. Nicki looked away and continued to sort out the papers.

"Nicki."

"It's fine."

"Okay." He said slowly still looking over at her. He instantly regretted being a man at that moment and not caring about her feelings.

"Faree! It's not fine! You guys are writing each other love letters! What about us?"

"I don't know..."

"You don't know, seriously? Thanks for crushing my heart!"

"Nicki, hear me out first, me and Leslie had been started back talking before I even knew you... I can't help that I love you both."

"Fuck you! You were just going to keep... You love me?"

She asked realizing what he said and the way he had said it. He helped her stand to her feet and pulled her onto his lap. He sighed then looked up at her as she looked down at him with her hair flowing over her shoulder into her lap. He brushed it back and tugged on it to keep it behind her ear. Her confused face made him love her even more. He pulled her face close and kissed her deeply when things began to pick up, he turned away.

"I do love you. A lot, yo. I just don't think this is our time. I Should've told you about Leslie, but I had already told you, I was over her so..."

"You lied? Kept it a secret."

"I didn't lie, I was over her.. But she contacted me and I kind of missed her plus you said you wanted Webb back..."

"I don't want him... I want you."

She stated with her head against his head. He wiped at her face that was frowned up with tears falling down it. He sighed then cleared his throat. 

"I don't know who I want and I'm not going to lie to you about it."

Nicki stood up and stormed out the room. She didn't understand what she didn't have that Leslie did. She grabbed a bag and began putting clothes in it as angry took over her body. He is really trying to play me for a fool like I'm dumb. He walked in and shook h the grabbed the bag from her hand and she punched his chest.

"Give me my bag!"

"You can't leave, yo."

"Yes, the fuck I can! Gimme my shit!"

"Nicki... Please?"

"What do you want from me?"

"I need you here.. Please."

"Why? Why?"

"You know why!"

"Ask Leslie!"

She snatched the bag from his hand and continued to pack as he stood and watched. He had told her that he loved her being around and that she made him feel good and the house feel like a home. She closed her bag and grabbed her keys then headed for the door. He grabbed her arm, but she snatched away and continued out the door. He followed behind her and watched her leave. He grabbed his phone and called Nan.

"She left."

"Safaree?"

"Nan, she left. I don't understand..."

"What happen?"

"She found out about Leslie."

"I told you, to tell her."

"How? She gets jealous even when I talk to a stranger female. This is a woman from my past, Ma."

"Safaree, you think that matters when she loves you? If you just would of told her up front, would you be sad right now? You think she'd be gone right now?"

"No, I fucked up.. She didn't have to leave."

He stated sadly and low. He dropped down into the seat and sank into it. He listened to her speak and lecture him. He was deeply in his feelings. He knew he owed Nicki his hundred percent, but Leslie was scratching at his back wanting to be back in. Plus, Nicki had said she wanted to remain friend because she was still talking to Webb. He listened to Nan as she began to talk to a female in her background. It was Nicki and she was crying. He frowned at her voice sounding horse. He grabbed his keys and hung up on Nan.

"Nan, why does he still love her?"

"Nicki, the same reason you still love Webb."

"I don't..."

"Nicki."

"Nan, but I don't love him like Faree loves her. He would go back to her!"

"Do you really believe that? Or are you just upset?"

She asked placing the phone down. Nicki sniffled then wiped her face. She didn't believe it but she didn't not believe it because it could be a possibility. The letter was detailed about love and hopefully getting back together. She wanted him to herself and Leslie could possibly have him back because he still loved her.

"Nan, I just need a break from him. He does everything for me and his love is everything to me and that's all I want. I don't want half of him. He's scared to love me because of her."

Nan didn't say anything because if was true. Safaree was scared, but Nicki was the first woman he loved since Leslie and the only woman he cared about since his mother departure from his life. Nan touched her face and rubbed her cheek.

"He loves you, I know this... I told you to give him some time."

"How much? I can't keep doing this.. I don't want to be in the friend zone anymore."

"You're rushing a beautiful thing. Calm down."

Nicki chuckled then placed her hand on Nan's cheek. She smiled then sighed heavily. They sat down and Nan fed her and calmed her down. Nan was sweet on her and loved her to pieces because unlike Leslie, she loved him and only him. There was no games when it came to her feelings and there was none when it came to his. Right now, he was just confused by Leslie's sudden return to his life. She was his first love and she would always be, but Onika was who he wanted to be with in the long run and his heart belonged to her. He was fighting it and he would continue to until Leslie leaves for good. Nan hoped that Nicki would put her foot down in time before it grew beyond them all.

Paula had called an emergency meeting at Safaree's house. Nicki hadn't been there in a week and really didn't feel like being there, but here she was sitting a ways from him as they both listened to Paula. Paula had opened her big mouth and told the media that they were dating. They both groaned when she told them that. Nicki didn't want to be around him and all he wanted was for her to come home. She looked up to see a picture of them hugged up in a frame over the fireplace. She started to smile until she thought about where they were right now with each other.

"Look, I know you guys are friends, but you could fake it for atleast two months then break up."

"Nope. I'm moving to Atlanta soon, so..."

"When did you decide that?"

He asked sadly. Paula frowned and everything seem to be coming back to her at once. She knew this scene, she knew it too well. Dave stepped back then over as she counted to herself. Nicki rolled her eyes at him then turned towards the wall.

"Yesterday, me and Webb have decided to get back together."

"You serious yo? Over that little shit from a week ago?"

"Little shit counts when it turns into big shit!"

"Calm down, Safaree... I told you about this!"

"Paula, fuck what happen to you! That had nothing to do with me!"

"But it effected our business! Our bond! Look at this shit..."

"PAULA YOU RUINED MY MOTHER'S MARRIAGE & NEARLY MY LIFE! This ain't the same!"

"Fuck you, you both can fuck off! I'm out and I'm puillng out the deal! When that little bitch runs out and leaves you... Don't call me!"

"Safaree, bruh, fix up.. All this shit for the show. You can't keep acting when your real emotions are showing."

He repeated what Nan had told them when they tried to pretend in front of her. She could see through them just like they could now see through each other. Webb, Dave and Safaree had all grew up raised by Nan. It was Nan who tried to keep them close their families even when then didn't want to be. Safaree looked over at Nicki and grabbed her hands.

"I'm sorry, just... Come home so I can fix it and we can be friends again."

Nicki snatched her hands away from him and stood up throwing her purse over her shoulder.

"Stop putting on this act as if you really give a fuck about me! This isn't a stage and I'm tired of the act... I'll be moving out this week."

She stated calming herself as she let out what was on her heart. She walked out the door. He watched her leave again, but didn't feel like chasing her. He would let her cool down then go after her. Right now, he had to make everything right starting with Leslie.

Feeling Us

Nicki was on her last week break before the tour ended in late December. She decided to go visit her family and had convinced Safaree to come along. They were both now sitting in the car staring out the window. Neither saying anything just silently in their thoughts. It had been some years, since Safaree had been back in Queens and even longer for his travel through Brooklyn. He was beginning to regret letting her talk him into coming, but he was here and there was no turning back. She reached over and grabbed his hand and held it. She was nervous about seeing her family after not seeing them these last few months. She was kind of embarrassed to have Safaree meet them this way, but if he accepted her as is then he would do the same for her family. She scooted closer to him and kissed his neck. He turned to look at her and she smiled, she grabbed his face and turned his head towards the window and kissed his neck a little longer. When she was nervous, he was use to her touching him, but she was going too far. He put his hand between them and pushed her over. She shrugged and quickly scooted back over and this time, she placed her lips on his neck and sucked on his neck up to his ear which she nibbled on. He tried to focus and get her to stop, but his ear was his spot. His dick began to jump as she continued teasing him by sucking his earlobe then going to his neck. She was beyond nervous and messing with him was easing it. He placed his hand on his private area trying to push it down, but she scooted into his lap and continued her game. This time moving to his full lips. He sucked in a breath as she swallowed his bottom lip.

"Uh."

She pulled away and stared at his lips. She smiled at the look on his face. He was still in shock. She wiped his mouth with her hand then leaned back towards the cabbies front seat that was seperated by a plastic glass window. After coming back to reality, he pushed her over to the chair then closed his legs together and stared out the window even more in his thoughts than before. Nicki had made him hard just by her lips and that drove him crazy. What the fuck was she doing to him? Was she doing this on purpose, trying to break his rule that he told her was a no no. The car came to a stop and he nearly jumped out while it was moving. She watched him grab their shared suitcase and stood waiting for her with his head down. She could see him talking to himself or his friend. She walked up beside him and placed her hand on his forearm.

"I'm sorry, I was just... Nervous, I didn't think it was a big deal."

"Well, it kind of was.." He huffed looking away. He wasn't mad at her, but at himself for being hard now even at the look of her. He had to look away. She had changed their relationship in that moment. She knew exactly, what she was doing. She wanted him just as bad as he wanted her now. "Can we just go."

She nodded then they walked towards the house. He walked behind her like a puppy with his head down. He licked his lips as her plump ass came into his view. What the fuck? He thought throwing his head back, this can't be happening to me. His thought were interrupted by the door opening to Onika's twin. 

"You didn't say you had a sister?" 

He questioned looking at the lady behind the screen, who just looked at them. She looked just like her, but her gaze on them was much more warm than Nicki's gaze that she gave him. 

"I don't. This is my mommy."

"What?"

He choked on nothing but shock. Her mommy? He looked around and shook his head, this can't be her moms. The lady opened the door and pushed it open without a word. She simply let Onika in the house and as Safaree began to follow, she pulled it closed. He was taken back as she stared at him with anger now taking over her face.

"You the young man, that took my daughter away from me?"

"Ma'am, I..."

"No, mommy.. He helped me and took me away from Webb... This is Safaree. He's my manager and lawyer."

"For what?"

"My Dance Act. I told you mommy, I was going to be back once everything was better."

She stated excitedly. She placed her hand on her mothers and gently open the door for him. He was hesitant to walk in at first but her mother then pushed the door open wider with a beautiful smile on her face. Nicki looked even more like her as he stood facing them both. He extended his hand out to her, but she refused it and hugged him tightly. Nicki smiled then stepped over towards them.

"Mommy, I got you a surprise."

"What child?"

"Safaree helped me find you a new home."

"Huh? I can't move today honey... I..."

"You don't need anything, but your personal pictures and stuff, no clothes, no furniture or anything in this place. I got you guys a whole new wardrobe, silver appliances and I hired an interior decorator to come by and get your taste on how you want your home to be..."

"I can't leave your father..."

"Mommy, I did this..."

"We can get him into a rehab center that won't let him leave until he's well recovered, I have connections."

Safaree chimed in before the two ladies began to argue. He knew that was a soft spot for them both and in order for things to go both their ways.. Then he would keep the peace and help out. Nicki shook her head no, but he ignored it completely and turned to her mother.

"I promise, if he isn't back on the right track then I'll buy you this home, fix it up and you can come back here with him. Just at least go see the home Nicki bought you."

He pleaded staring at her. She smiled and grabbed his chin. She kissed his cheek then disappeared back down the hall without a word. He looked confused then looked over at Nicki, who was huffing. He shrugged at her and she rolled her eyes as she stepped up to him.

"Why did you promise her that? We've..."

"Because I keep my promises. Nicki, don't fuss at me like I'm a child."

He stated looking down at her. She moved over to the side then rolled her eyes as her mother walked back in with her two year old brother. He smiled big as he reached out to her. She grabbed him and kissed his cheeks as he squealed. Safaree walked back out the door as the limo rolled up outside the house. Her mother looked at them then shook her head, no.

"Mommy, it's fine."

"Onika, we're in NY!"

"So, you won't be here anymore. Come on and get in the car."

They sat around the furnished house after taking a tour of it. Carol loved it. Nicki loved seeing her happy. They decided to go back to the house in the morning to get their pictures and stuff because they would go out to eat tonight then retire to bed. Carol had called her eldest child and invited him to eat. Nicki walked towards the guest room and stood at the doorway watching Safaree transfer their clothes to the dresser then sat down on the bed and read over his messages.

"Are you staying to eat?"

He looked back then shook his head. She frowned as she stepped inside the room and closed the door behind her. She walked over and crawled across the bed and placed her hands around his body and placed them on his chest.

"You should really stay, for me."

"Nah, I have something to take care of plus, that thing you pulled earlier... Nic."

"I. Said. I. Was. Sorry!"

"Nicki, you crossed the line."

She huffed and pulled her arms from around him before he stood up. She frowned not being able to be held by him or have his affection was killing her. It had been five months and he still acted like he didn't like her. He looked at her and grabbed her face, pulling her lip out of her mouth.

"I'll be back in the morning before you guys go back to the old house, alright?"

"Sure." She answered emotionless. If he was going to have his wall up, then so was she.

"Fix your face, yo.. Call if you need me or whatever." He looked her over then pulled her into a hug. She wrapped her arms and legs around him and bust out laughing when he lost his balance and fell on her. They both looked up when Carol walked in to tell them that dinner was ready. She smiled then closed the door back.

"Mommy!"

Nicki called out as Safaree jumped to his feet. He fixed his clothes then walked out the door with her following close behind. She walked around him to hug her brother and his family. She had missed them all and just for them to be in the same home all together, made her happy. Safaree stood off to the side on his phone again. Nicki was annoyed by his physical presence being there, but not his mind. She snapped at him and he looked up at her as she nodded for him to come closer.

"This is my brother, Jelani, his wife Lisa and their daughters Kellsie and Leeah. This is my friend, manager and lawyer, Safaree."

He shook their hands then quickly turned back to his phone. He looked up and leaned into her and whispered "I got to go" in her ear. She waved him off and turned back to her family.

It was three in the afternoon, Safaree hadn't shown up like he said he was. Nicki was now irritated as she tried to relax in the bed. Her mother came into the room and looked up and down at her daughter, who was gloomy today. She could tell that this boy had a place in her heart and mind because all day she had complained about him not showing up. Then Jelani had showed her an article of a press statement that said they were dating and there was pictures of them hugged up and his hand on her thigh. She couldn't stand it because he had lied and said he wasn't going to do it.

"Onika, you shouldn't stress yourself over him..."

"He said he would be here. If it's not him missing my shows, it's him missing meetings or other things. He'll probably miss my wedding on purpose just to hurt me!"

She stated annoyed. She frowned as her mother laughed at her dramatics. She reached over and placed her hand on her daughters face and kissed her cheek. If she knew anything from vibes, she knew that the young man hadn't stood her up on purpose. 

"Did you try calling him? Maybe something happen..."

"Like, what? Oh my God, mommy."

She panicked grabbing her phone. She dialed him and he answered after the second ring. He didn't answer right away because he was talking to some female in the background that laughed loudly. Nicki listened harder and heard smaller voices of little girls. 

"Wassup? You need something?"

"Where are you? You said you'd be here this morning!"

"Damn, I forgot.. I'm sorry, do you still need me? I mean..."

"No. I guess you're alright... Bye."

She hung up before he could say something else. She was hurt and looked up at her mom, who was staring at her with sympathy. They both looked down at her ringing phone and his picture popped up. She ignored it not wanting to hear his lie or worse the truth. He went to visit his girl and kids. That's why he gave her the home, probably. Trying to keep her on tab. He had to know that she loved him and wanted to be with him. 

"Nicki.."

"No, mommy.. He's with his ex fiancé."

"I'm sorry, baby."

"It's fine."

She said turning over on her side. She grabbed her pillow and held it tight against her chest. She huffed hearing her phone ring again. She grabbed it and placed it to her ear. She smiled big at the voice coming through the phone.

"Bitch, we coming over! Don't move!"

"Candi!"

"See, you later!"

She laughed then sat up and looked at her smiling mother. She wrapped her arms around her neck and they both laughed.

"I knew you missed them... Plus, Safaree called earlier and said you might need company."

"Huh?"

"While you were hanging up the pictures, he called. I answered it and we had a good convo. Why didn't you tell me you guys were living together?"

"I know you didn't like the idea of me living with Webb, so..."

"He isn't Webb."

Her mother stated knowingly. Nicki's eyes bucked then rolled at her mother's statement. She smiled at her mother's approval of Safaree and their living arrangement.  

"What's his name?"

"Huh?"

"TT told us, she heard a guy in your background the day you called her upset."

TT raised an eyebrow as Nicki blushed putting the spoon in her mouth. They all laughed at the look on her face, but then their faces all snapped back towards the door when they heard a male's voice as he pushed the door open. Candi looked back at Nicki, who looked down as he came in then stopped seeing the women looking at him.

"I'll just come back later."

"No, come in... We were just talking about you." Candi stated as the girls fell out in a fit of giggles. Nicki was now blush red in the face as he made eye contact with her.

"Uh, okay.."

He rubbed the back of his neck and stepped back into the room. Candi pointed to Nicki then smiled back at him.

"You trying to fuck my friend?"

"Candi."

"I'm just asking."

"Uh, no."

"No? Why the fuck not?"

"TT!!"

"We're just friends... I'd like to keep it that way."

"It's 03" and niggas still doing the friend to get in your panties shit?"

He laughed at Candi's bluntness. He could tell Nicki was embarrassed by the look on her face, but she knew her friends. He smirked then looked back at Candi, who was still going on about niggas lying.

"I'm not that guy, but if I was feeling your friend, she wouldn't know until I want her to know."

"So you gone play with our girl's feelings? You know she feeling you..."

"I know, but who said I ain't feeling her?"

He asked looking at her as her head popped up. She smiled big exposing her dimples as her friends awed. Candi shook her head then snapped her fingers in a Z formation.

"How long you been feeling my girl? Cause that ass is mine Monday through Saturday."

He chuckled along with the girls laughing. Yo, shorty wild tho. He thought as he laid across the bed near Nicki. She smiled down into his face as he stared up at her. All of them sat on the Cali King Sized bed and talked. Of course, Candi kept directing her talk about Onika and Safaree. 

Later that night, Safaree came out of the bathroom in his pants and socks. Nicki had showered and was laying on the bed watching TV. He went over to the nightstand and looked down at his phone. Nicki looked back at him and smiled as he sat on the bed and tossed his legs up on top of the cover.

"You aren't going to sleep with me?"

"Nah, I'm sleeping on the pull out your mom put out for me."

"Faree."

"Watch the movie, yo."

He laughed at her pout. They hadn't made it official, but they both knew how the other felt. Safaree felt like Nicki wasn't ready for a relationship. Nicki was ready but she would wait for him to come around. They both knew it was because he was scared. He just wouldn't admit it to her, not yet. She grabbed his hand and pulled him close to her. He sighed knowing he wasn't going to win with her, so he pulled the covers back and got under them with her. She pressed her body against his and they both fell asleep comfortably for the first time in months.

The House

Nicki was on stage for the second night in mid October. It was an outdoor men's club house. It has about ten long tables and a stage that was placed in the middle. She stood firmly on it and moved her hips to the right then to the left then rolled her body forward. The crowd went wild as she began whine her hips lower then came back up and gripped the pole and used her upper body strength to pull herself up. She lifted her legs above her head and grabbed the pole with her legs and rolled her body side to side. Safaree watched from the crowd with amazement at her new tricks. He hadn't been watching her shows the last few weeks because he was behind the scenes making sure that money was right and adding up correctly. He watched as she fell down into a split then pushed up on her hands in a handstand stance. With her legs spread she flipped backwards and the music began to play as she danced around and he laughed at her using the dance moves he had taught her when they were on his rooftop at his condo. He watched a few more minutes then headed back to the office. His account and Lawyer sat on the sofa when he stepped in. They both had smiles on their faces as they looked over the computer screen they were looking at.

"Lloyd, you should really think about marketing her and this..."

He looked at the screen and looked at her as if she was crazy. There was an article about him possibly sleeping with Nicki, along with the fact that he had invested in her and that she was his new business plus some. He grabbed his phone, but Paula quickly took it from him. He knew there was more because she knew exactly what he was about to do. She grabbed the laptop and the books and showed him exactly what she was trying to do. Everything important or urgent was in red, blue was up for tossing and yellow was shared ideas or possible change. He looked over the red and frowned at the picture of him and Nicki on a celebration brunch two days ago.

"I'm not going to start a fake relationship because of the media... You know how I am..."

"But this could be a good thing! It would bring in more money because there would be more talk about it and scandal. Like? Everyone wants to know the dirt on the manager fucking the client! You guys could even do a dance duet."

She snuck in the last part looking him over. Dancing was something that used to matter to him, but now that was the last thing on his mind. Paula pushed her lips to the side and thought for a few minutes. He looked at his watch then back up at her and she began smiling before she spoke a new idea to him.

"What about the other marketing suggestions? Cookie Sastification Shirts, Mugs, VIPs and other things?"

"VIPs?"

"Yeah, we think it would nice to, you know, have her interact with her fans..."

"You want her to be in a VIP room with a bunch of thirsty niggas... Paula, get real."

"So? That's more money in our...."

"Paula, you know that's not how I do business! I need my client as comfortable as possible. And you really don't know her.... That's not a possibility."

"She loves fame..."

"Being in a room full of niggas is different from fame... Paula don't be stupid."

She sat on the chair across from where he stood and pouted. Any other time, he would go with her flow and start a marketing campaign, but this time he wasn't and she couldn't figure out why and what was happening to the old Lloyd. They all looked towards the door as Nicki rushed in with a big smile plastered across her face in her robe. She pushed up on her tip-toes and wrapped her arm around Safaree's neck. He smiled and hugged her back.

"You finally came to watch me dance!"

"I've seen you dance before... I saw you doing my move."

"You like?"

She asked looking up at him with big doe eyes. He melted seeing her face so bright and happy. Paula saw their affection and new exactly what it was now. He was falling in love with her and she couldn't have that. This was interfering with business. She cleared her throat interrupting their whispering back and forth. Nicki turned to her with attitude which they all saw, but nobody addressed it. Safaree smiled loving this new side of her. 

"I heard you guys discussing something when I came by earlier, but I didn't want to interrupt."

She looked up at Safaree and smiled with her head titled to the side. He let her go and she furrowed her eyebrows not liking the frown on his face. She looked back to his lawyer and accountant, who didn't look moved then turned back to him. He wasn't sad, but she knew he had something on his mind. She rocked side to side before huffing loudly at the silence. She whipped her head around with her body following towards Paula. Nicki vibed her and sized her up. This was the first time, she had met her and she couldn't figure out, why she didn't like her. Who is this bitch?

"Hi, Nicki... I'm Paula... I'm Lloyd's accountant and business advisor."

"Hey."

"We're just purposing new ideas to your manager. Would you like to see them?"

"Yes."

She said with a serious demeanor. She walked over to the computer and looked quietly over the documents that were on the screen. She read the article then looked back at Safaree. She turned her attention back to the screen then shrugged. She didn't really care about the article, but she thought the marketing was boring and wanted something bigger than just cups, T-shirts and such for men. She cleared her throat then stepped back into Safaree and grabbed the back of his head and pulled him down to her level. She whispered in his ear as he nodded then she tightened her robe and left out the room.

"We'll discuss it tonight then I'll get back to you guys with a contract... Write up yours and we'll see.."

Paula smiled finally getting what she wanted. She grabbed up her briefcase and stuffed everything back into it then went and hugged Safaree then left.

"What was that about?"

"What?"

"You and Shorty..."

"Nothing... She just said we'll discuss it over dinner."

"Ya'll dating? What's up, Bruh?"

"Dave..."

"Bro, you got that look again... Chill before you lay your heart out there again."

"I'm good.... It's not like that. It's just been cool to have a friend around the house..."

"She's staying with you?!"

His lawyer shouted in a questioning way. He began to pace the floor as Safaree stayed quiet not knowing if he should answer or just chill. He didn't know that he had already landed one foot in the door way of mixing business with pleasure. Any type of relationship besides the one of professionalism with Nicki was pleasure. Safaree knew this, but he couldn't shake her and leave her on the streets with nothing. 

"I can't believe you? Four years and this is when you want to fuck up?"

"We aren't sleeping together..."

"It's only a matter of time... You need to kick her out."

"Serious, G?"

"As ever... If Paula knew this... You'd be dead right now. What have we taught you? Nothing!"

"Business before Pleasure.. Money by all means, but am I suppose..."

"You could've paid for her a hotel or rented one out to her... You knew..."

"I wasn't thinking, G, but I promise on my father, we never fucked."

"You need to get her moved out before someone catches wind of this and it be all over the papers."

"Alright."

"I'm not playing."

"I got it."

He said lowly as Dave grabbed the door, shaking his head on his way out. Nicki stepped in soon after with a smile on her face. She closed and locked the door. She walked around and sat on his lap with a plate in her hand. She sat it on the desk and pulled the foil off and revealed a plate of spaghetti, garlic bread and corn. He looked at her then at the plate again. She grabbed the fork and swirled some of the spaghetti on the fork, grabbed the bread and placed it to his mouth that open and ate the foods together.

"You like? I made it for you... I know you said you love spaghetti and... Well, I can make it."

She smiled as he grabbed the fork from her and began tearing up the food. She loved watching him eat, it made her feel good that a man enjoyed her cooking. He would open his mouth to take a bite of bread the stuff his mouth with more food. He was down to his last bite of bread and spaghetti and looked at her for more. She went to put the bread in his mouth and his lips wrapped around her fingers and she slowly took them out. She bit her bottom lip watching him lick his lips. In the moment she realized how turned on by him, she really was. She stood up quickly and smirked.

"When did you make this?"

"Yesterday Night, I thought you were coming back to the condo but you didn't.. So I saved you some."

"Sorry,  I had to go check on things before tonight."

"I figured you were busy."

"So, was this dinner?"

"Yeah, you want to talk about it now?"

"Yeah...."

"I want to be in the loop of everything.... Teach me."

"Teach you?"

"Boss Shit."

"So you're ready?"

"Huh?"

"You finally growing up... I was waiting.."

"Oh, hush... Just teach me."

"Rule # 1, be in control of everything. Know what you want when you bring something to the table even if it's nothing.. What do you want?"

"A different Marketing Plan and prices... She's crazy to charge people 25$ for a fake autographed T."

"It's just to get your cut back from the money you spend."

"If you sell for less, you can double the money spent though."

"Smart thinking... What about... Marketing?"

"What about Calendar spreads, posters, lighters, beers cups... I mean, my crowd is mostly men why get them a keychain or shirt with me on it? That's not really that manly... & what about advertising though... Men's Magazines."

"You've been hiding these great ideas?"

"I've been studying you and how you do your business... I love it."

"I'll write up a contract for it... How much do you want to earn?"

"Sixty percent, twenty for you, ten for Dip and ten for the kids at the hospital."

"You sure about..."

"Positive, I know it's my dance money... But it's better than nothing."

"Alright.."

"Yay!"

She shouted feeling like a boss. She watched as he typed on the computer then backspaced a few things. She was excited about her knew found boldness. Well, it had been there, but over the course of two years with Webb had slowly turned her into her mother. Silent, letting everything just happen and not being who she really was, but Safaree made her be her and let her be her. He never judged her or got mad when she messed up. She looked down at the calendar on his desk and read over the marked dates. November 4th had Dinner Date on it. Who was he having dinner with? Probably another client or something.

"You having a meeting with a client on the fourth?

He looked at the calendar then back up at her and shook his head. She tilted her head then furrowed her eyebrows.

"Meeting my ex girlfriend for her birthday..."

"Oh, so you won't be at my show?"

"I'll be there, the dinner is before..."

"Oh, okay... What about the article? The rumor..."

"I don't think it's a good idea."

He stated not looking at her. She rolled her eyes then moved around to sit down on the desk. She looked over him then sighed as she looked over some papers that lay next to him. He smirked as she began humming and reading the article that had the picture of them walking hand in hand towards the theater before her next show. 

"You got something you want to say?"

"Why won't you fake date me?"

"Business and Pleasure... I've crossed the line already with you living with me."

"Oh."

She shrugged then looked up at him when he continued to talk.

"Have you thought about getting your own place?"

He asked looking up at her. He really didn't want her to move out, but he knew it was only a matter of time before she may end up like Paula and he couldn't afford another situation like that.

"I have, I liked that place in Atlanta... I was thinking about moving there, you know... After this Dance Tour."

"That's cool..."

"Are you trying to kick me out?"

"No. I was just wondering..."

"Maybe you should move to a new a place... I mean, that house is big for little old you."

"It's my Dad's home away from home. He spent many of nights there... Working and trying to provide for us, but he always had his whores there... That's why I can't raise a family there. It's a place of broken trust and dirty memories."

"Dirty memories?"

"Yeah, but I don't want to talk about it."

"Maybe you should, but today.. I won't pressure you."

She stated jumping down from the desk.

"One day, you'll be in my home and I'll show you a real house."

She smirked before disappearing behind the door. He laughed at her then shook his head. She was something else.

The next morning they were at the house. Nicki had decided to finally put her money into the account that Safaree had opened for her because now it had reached over a million plus tips. She walked down the hall in her swim top and skirt to his door. She knocked on the door and was surprised to see a girl come out of his room in a dress. It was a little after three in the morning and the girl was just as shocked. She quickly looked away from her and hurried down the stairs towards the kitchen. He came to the door and cocked his head to the side.

"Wassup?"

"Oh, I just... Never mind..."

"No, wassup?"

"Nothing.... I'll tell you later."

"Nic?"

"No. I'll talk to you later."

She stated awkwardly as she walked back to her room. She felt the jealousy rising in her chest and tried to fight it, but it was going nowhere. She made it to her room before arguing with herself about her feels.

"Nicki, get yourself together."

She couldn't pep talk herself, so she grabbed her phone and called her friend TT from the block. She listened to it ring and ring as her temperature rised in her body. How could he? He didn't see that she loved him? That almost every night she wanted to be wrapped in his arms and snuggled. 

"Hello?"

"TT, it's Nicki."

"Nicki, where are you? Your family has been looking for you. I miss you girl..."

"TT, I'll explain later... I really need you to find me a place to stay in Georgia."

"Georgia? Nicki... We don't get to see you as is and now you want to move down south?"

"Please?"

"Nicki, talk to me..."

She whipped around and hung up the phone. He stepped inside and reached out to her. She was crying and didn't understand why? They were just friends.

"Nic?"

"Faree, please... If you wanted to be with your whore, you could've been up front with me."

"Huh? My whore? I'm single, Nic. I told you that!"

"Why was she in your room in that little ass skirt?"

"Calm down, stop crying and shouting."

He said calmly walking up to her. He grabbed her face and made her look at him. He smiled at her jealousy. He wiped her face then kissed her cheek. She smiled a little but quickly dropped the smile and folded her arms across her chest.

"Who is she?"

"She's my massage therapist. I have her come here at two forty every morning before you wake up. She puts the therapeutic candles in your room."

"Oh.."

She smirked then looked away from him. He laughed a little then grabbed her face again and made her look at him. She smirked as he got closer to her face. She went to say something when he hugged her tightly around the neck and messed up her hair. She wiggled away from him and punch his back as he laughed at the pout on her face.

"Don't be so jealous, I wouldn't disrespect you even though I don't owe you a damn thing.. You ain't my bitch."

"Bitch? Is that what you refer to your girlfriend as? I wouldn't want to be your girl.."

"All of you are bitches.."

"And all of you are good for nothing ass niggas."

"Is that right?"

"Correct!"

"Whatever, what did you want to tell me?"

"Um... Promise you won't get mad..."

"Promise."

She walked to the bed and reached under it and pulled out the four suitcases. She unzipped them and pushed them open to show him all the money. He looked at her then at the money. It was easy a million dollars finely smooth out and wrapped in rubber bands. She pulled out her money machine that she ran her money through to count her stash and showed it to him. He smirked at her.

"So you're just sitting on 1.2 million? Plus 20 Million in your bank account.. Smart."

"This is just tips and dance earnings."

"Damn, why are you showing me this?"

"I want to add this to my money and buy my mom a new house."

"So? Just go deposit it."

"Like this?"

"Yeah, no-one will question you. I'll go with you."

"I owe you! Big time!"

She hugged around his neck tightly. He laughed then pulled away. She grabbed a stack and placed it in his hand. He shook his head and handed it back to her.

"I don't want your money."

"What do you want? You've done all this for me... How can I repay you?"

"You're already repaying me, just by being here."

He stated as he squeezed her hand. She smiled blushing while exposing her dimples. He poked one and watched her crack up. For all that mattered to him, this was their home and she could stay forever. He just liked her being there and she had even dressed up the dead house with colors and pictures. He admired her family pictures and his own family pictures, she'd found going through the attic. To him, she was this house. This was a home.

Questions & Answers II

"Ty, why does he stay in this big ass house alone?"

"He doesn't, you're here and I'm here."

The maid answered as Nicki sat in the kitchen eating her home cooked breakfast. Her and Ty had become close over the two weeks, Safaree had been gone. Ty even accompanied her on her trip to Philly. She had a show there for fifteen Guys, who were celebrating a win. She looked up when Ty began talking again in his flat voice as if he was remembering an event and telling it to her right out of the scene.

"He hasn't and isn't always cold."

"Could of fooled me.."

"He obviously is, I look at how he is with you... His sister was you at one point until she died."

"Huh?"

"A dancer. She danced. Until one day... She was found in her boyfriend's trunk."

"Is that why he didn't want to do business with... Me?"

"That and he really wasn't looking for an investment. There's so much you don't know about him."

"Can you tell me? He obviously isn't going to tell me."

"Secrets are how this should remain."

"Why? Why is he so secretive?"

"The same reason you are." He stated matter-of-factly. He grabbed her plate that had a small amount of waffle and eggs on it, but she had swallowed the turkey bacon whole. She sat back in her chair and sighed looking over at him. He was right, she was just as secretive as him. She still had her money in the suitcases underneath the bed and didn't allow any of maids to clean her room, she did it herself. 

"Back to your question, There's a story behind this home. One, I believe he should tell you."

"Was it for his ex fiancé?"

She questioned watching him closely, but he shook his head. He chuckled even. He turned to face her as he placed the dried dish back in it's place. He walked over to her and sat next to her. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently before sighing. He didn't understand why she wanted to know so much about him that she could easily find out just by exploring the house, but he wouldn't tell her that and get themselves in trouble.

"She lives in the home he bought her, this isn't it."

"He still loves her?"

"That I couldn't tell you."

He stated getting up. She frowned wanting to know everything that Safaree wouldn't tell her. She didn't even really understand his family business and why he was a lawyer instead of taking what was rightfully his. She stood up and grabbed her keys off the table and headed for the door. She was going to get answers, some way and some how. The sun was on full blast as she stepped outside before realizing she didn't have her car anymore. She groaned and mumbled to herself. Why had she not gotten another car? She turned and jumped as Ty stood in the door way with a smirk on his small slim face. He moved to the side then headed towards the garage.

"Can't go anywhere without a ride. Did you open the envelope?"

"No, I don't want..."

"Open it."

He stated looking at her blankly. She grabbed it out of her pocket and slowly opened the seal not to mess it up. She opened it to three cards. She looked up then back down, then up again confused. Ty took the card from her and pulled out the first card, that had her name on it. It was a bank card, how did he get all of her info to open an account in her name? He pulled out another one, which was the gate key, but it had a gold strip across the back which gave her access to all the rooms in the house. She beamed as Ty handed her the key and the bank card. He lastly, pulled out another card and this time pulled her behind him to the safe box near the garage. He put the key in and the safe opened to six pairs of car keys. He pulled out the one with the note and handed it to her before discreetly putting the last key into his pocket. He shut the door back and watched as her eyes roamed over the note.

"I know you miss you Pink Car, but I got you something better... Go to the garage and check it out."

She read out loud before grabbing the knob and pulling the door open. In the garage next to his Black BMW, Red Drop Top and Red Benz sat a Pink Infiniti G35 and a Pink Infiniti G37. She squealed and ran up to the cars and touched them both. The pink on these cars were much more beautiful than the pink that was on her old car. She grabbed the door of the G37 and got in. She touched the black on black interior and beamed even more. She pulled out her phone and dialed him.

"Hello, Safaree Samuels speaking..."

"Samuels? I like it.. I'm guessing that's your real name?"

She quizzed. He excused himself from the meeting before speaking to her.

"Yes, but what do you want?"

"Thank you... For the cars."

"You're welcome, but I'm in a meeting."

"You shouldn't put business before family and friends.. What if..."

She looked at the phone that was now hung up. She felt a wave of sadness come over her. What if he was doing this for his family just like her? Maybe that's why he never brought them around. She shook it off and hit the button for the garage to go up then sped down the driveway and out of the gate.

Nicki was seated across from Nan, who had her arms across her chest. Nicki was more blunt with Nan when it came to him and Nan was even more blunt when she turned her down. Nan wasn't stupid and she knew her boundaries when it came to his private life, if he wanted you there.. You'd be there. Nicki obviously wasn't mature enough to be there and Nan could tell that she wasn't her true self because she could see the fire growing it her, the true Onika. Nan would wait on it just like Safaree was.

"Why not, Nan? How am I suppose to keep living like this?"

"Don't... Be as blunt with him as you are being with me." She shrugged staring across the table. "If you thought about it, you're closer to him than you think."

"I'm really.... Not."

"You live  in his house, he gave you keys, he bought you cars, he let you meet me and he even told you a little about himself... You're closer than you think."

"Nan, that's not enough.."

"Is it because you love him? Or is it because he isn't like Webb, an open book of lies?"

She questioned looking over Nicki. Nicki sat back in the chair and thought about it. She didn't know why she was exactly, so worried about him, but she knew she didn't love him. He had done nothing for her that was love. It felt like she was nothing but business. He had even denied their friendship after he said they were. He could be a liar just like Webb, they are best friends.

"Nan.. I don't love Safaree... He's just intriguing but difficult. How do I be around a man, who treats me like a deal and not a person? Say.. He's being nice to me..."

"Love comes in all strengths. Love doesn't have to be an intimate thing, it could be casual and friendly... Do you know that?"

She asked peering over the rim of her glasses at her. She knew Safaree and it was love that guided him to do everything that he was doing. It wasn't a deep love, it was friendly as if he finally had someone to take care of and mold. He wanted nothing more than to help her, help herself without sex being involved and Nicki couldn't see that. Friendship to Nicki turned quickly into a love affair because she was searching for love through intimate affairs. Nicki shook her head, ignorantly. She didn't know and she wouldn't liewing so.

"Don't be blind all your life to love... The simplest things can be love and the coldest people can love the hardest."

"Nan, I just have one question that I need an answer to." She quietly asked not looking up at her. Nan grabbed her face and made her look up at her.

"Ask me and I'll be totally honest."

"Does he not love his family or do they not love him?"

"Blood is thicker than water.... But water is 75% of the body and 50% of blood."

"Huh?"

"People can always come between you and your family, not just people, but things... He doesn't not love them and they don't not love him, but people have different outlooks in life. Do you understand?"

"Kind of..."

"Simply like this, Death put a wedge between them. He buried his head in school and taking over the family business that was left in his name, but his mother wanted to sell it and he wouldn't. Now, they don't talk, but he still keeps in touch with his sisters and neices."

"OH, what about his dead sister?"

"His half-sister? He barely knew her, but she died around the same time as their father."

She spoke. She sensed that she had already been told that bit of info, so there was no use in hiding the detail. She kissed Nicki's cheeks then left out the room. Nicki needed time and she could tell by the look on her face. Nan made her way to the back of the store and called Safaree. She had to let him know about this and to talk him into doing something about it.

Nicki was surprised to see him on the porch when she got there. He was in his shorts with no shirt on. He walked down the stairs in his house shoes and over to her car. His chest was nice and she couldn't help, but stare as she stepped out. He chuckled at her obvious stare then made his chest bounce causing her to look up at him then she too laughed.

"I hear you been asking about my past.."

He stated not beating around the bush. Ty came out and got into the car and parked it in the garage. She looked away from the serious look on his face. He sat on the porch and stared at her as she just stood there. The silence was comfortable as they both sat in their thoughts until he began speaking again.

"I'll answer you, if you answer me."

"Deal." She stated excitedly as she sat next to him.

"What do you want to know?"

"What's your real name?"

"Safaree Lloyd Samuels, yours?"

"Onika Tanya Maraj. I like your name.. It's different."

"Yours is beautiful..."

"Do you think I'm beautiful?" She asked bluntly looking over at him.

"Yeah, you remind me of my sisters... Sometimes."

"Why don't you have pictures of them in your home?"

"This isn't where I want to stay and build a home, a family. Why did you move in with Webb?"

"I loved him, I still do... I miss him." She stated quietly. "What happen, with your ex-fiancé?"

"I told you.."

"You told me the summary of it." He sighed then looked at her. 

"She cheated on me as soon as she got in college. She told me, but it still hurt... She continued to do so until I came to visit her and shit hit the fan.. I caught her in bed with another guy. She begged me to come back, but I couldn't look at her without wanting to hurt something. After months of begging, she finally gave up, I got the deed to the house and told her, she can do whatever with it and that's that."

"Do you still love her?"

"I have love for her.. But hoes can't be loved." He stated staring out at the setting sun. "You going back to Webb?"

"I think about it... I get lonely at night and ache for him, but I know..."

"He's moved on."

"I know."

"Then why still want him?"

"He's the only thing I know right now. I'm not a popcorn ho... I've only been with three guys in my twenty years of living."

"I'm twenty-two."

"Really? I thought you were like twenty five."

"I just turned twenty-two last week."

"What?"

"July 4th."

"Wow? And you weren't going to say anything..."

"My birthday isn't important anymore... I have everything I want.."

"You don't want a wife & kids?"

"Some day, what about you?"

"Yeah, I want to give my husband life."

"Why do you want to know me? My personal life?"

"I admire you. Your strength, I've never had a guy friend, so strong and level headed. You're different.. Do you really love me?"

She asked lowly, but he had heard her. He could tell that she had been wanting to ask him, but she didn't know how. He thought this way was cute. It showed her boldness, but yet her soft side. He looked over at her as he thought about it and how to be careful with her feelings. He didn't want to lead her on and he didn't want to lie to her.

"I do, but merely as my friend. I never lied to Nan about you being my friend. It's only been two months since your move in, but you've brung out a side in me that I thought was dead.. I'm comfortable with you around. You make coming here, to this empty house... Worth it."

"Nan told me that you loved me, I thought she was lying. Secret?"

"Shoot."

"I love you too. You make me feel safe even when you're down the hall. Just to know you love me, for me and there's no sex involved... Makes me like you even more. Friends?"

"Friends."

He smiled and embraced her as she held out her arms. He swooped her up and they walked through the house and into the living room where above the fireplace was a picture of him and his family and on the mantle were pictures of her dancing and at the spa and other places. She smiled and squeezed tightly around his neck. They both sat on the sofa and talked. They talked about everything and anything that came to mind. It was as if they were learning each other again.

Questions & Answers

Safaree sat on the side of the stage as Nicki made her exit. It was their first week in Atlanta and they have made it through the week with ease. Nicki even went to class to learn how to belly dance because she had fallen in love with the Black Satin outfit in Nan's custome shop. Nan made all of her outfits in two weeks, enough for three weeks. Of course, she had help but all the designs were hers and all her employees were in the US. Her fabrics were of the best England fabric and styles. She never let her future daughter-in-law go out in anything cheap. Even tho, Safaree and Nicki didn't know they had a connection, she did.

"You looked great out there. You can finally go home tomorrow and be with your boyfriend."

"If only I had a boyfriend to go to, I would, but I'm going to see my family."

"Family?"

"Yeah, don't you have one? Everyone... Has family."

He shrugged then walked off the side of the stage as she walked behind him in her Pink Genie Outfit. She had become very lively and colorful in the past week since she had moved in with him. Just being in his home, made her excited. He had even let her put a picture of herself up on the wall in her room. He secretly enjoyed her being there, but he wouldn't let her know that. Having someone else there constantly, made it less lonely there. She grabbed his hand and held it as they made their way down the stairs. He liked her, but he viewed her as a little sister. 

"We should go to the bar and have drinks."

"We should stay inside and pack up to head home."

"We're going out and that's final." She stated squeezing his hand a little tighter as she pulled him along the back exit. They hadn't done anything fun and she thought it'd been fun to get him out of the hotel.

Hours later, she was dressed in a pair of ripped jeans and a pink tank top. She had on pink heels to match. Her hair was up in a large bun with two Chinese sticks in it. She smiled at her reflection then turned around to grab her black purse and black jacket. She walked over to the joint door and knocked on it. To which, she got no answer. She began to knock some more and still no answer. She finally decided to just walk in. She opened the door and Nan was seated in a chair with her feet up next to him in the same position. She giggled at the image before her. It was the cutest thing.

"You guys are cute."

"Join us."

Nan replied pointing to the other chair. She figured that this had already been planned, so she joined in with them late. She looked at them and saw no similarity between the two and wondered why he called her Nan. She sat back as an Asian lady came in and removed her shoes. She rubbed her feet for a few minutes then placed them in the water and let the jets massage her feet from every angle.

"I know you didn't really want to go out on those dancing feet."

"I did, but this is much better."

"I know it is. My Grandson believes you been working hard and what are friends for?"

"Friends?"

She questioned looking over at him. He smirked then cleared his throat looking over at her.

"We are friends, aren't we Onika?"

"I mean, yeah... Sure."

She answered trying to mask her excitement. She had gotten his friendship within the first week of them working together. She felt like dancing, but the massage on her feet felt wonderful. She reached over and squeezed his hand. He laughed as she squealed like a child. It had been awhile, since she had a genuine guy friend, any friend as of a matter of fact. She let it go then stared over at him as if he were the best person in her world right then. Nan smiled seeing the admiration beaming from Nicki. Nan decided to make an exit since it was twelve in the morning.

"I'll catch you kids in the morning and don't stay up too late... We got a flight to catch."

She mouth off as she walked towards the door of the hotel. After she left, they both sat in an awkward silence for a few minutes until Nicki looked over at him and saw that he was staring down at his phone. She got up from her chair and stood over his shoulder to see an eldly woman, two younger women, a man and two little girls.

"Is that your family? They're handsome."

"Thanks."

"I didn't read you for a father..."

"I'm not.. That's my mother, two sisters, my neices and brother-in-law."

"Why don't you have pictures of them up in your house?"

"I don't know, why do you care? Did you have pictures of your family in your house?"

"No... But..."

"Because it isn't your house to decorate."

"Huh?"

"I guess you thought that Webb was a family man?"

"He is... We were going..."

"To get married, have his kids and move to wherever you want to go, right?"

"Yeah." She mumbled looking away from him. She looked back up as he burst out into laughter. She hated being laughed at especially by him. It was as if he knew everything, she didn't know and that made her upset. She began to walk away when she felt a pull on her arm and looked up at the apologetic look on his face,

"I hate to see you getting played, but it's funny. You're like a little sister to me and it's just jokes. Don't be so serious."

"How do you know he really doesn't love me?"

"Has he given you the key to his place? Has be made room for you inside his home? Has he taken you anywhere outside of New York and what you're familiar with? If most of the answers are no, then..."

"I really love him, it's just taking him some time, to come around. He's even supporting my dream now..."

"Now? What about when you're traveling the world and have no time for him? I know Webb, that's my best friend."

"I've known him for two year and some months and you've never been around... Until now.. And you know Dip.. So where do you hide out?"

"I'm a business man and lawyer, I can't be knowingly hanging out with a Drug Dealer, daily and it not be suspicious and as Far as Dip, I'm always around her.. She's my partner.. Who do you think flips her money for her?"

He raised an eyebrow at her.

"But you're one to question me. You've never been brought up in conversation and you're dating them both."

"What? Both? You have me all the way fucked up, you just really jumped out the window with that one. I'm not into Dip at all... She's my manager and that's where the line stays."

"I swear... You guys were dating. My bad, G."

"G? I like chill, Faree."

"Faree?"

"You don't like that Nickname?"

"It's.. Cool... Nic."

She smiled the grabbed his arm and pulled him towards his bedroom. He yanked back and stared at her as she twisted the knob and turned to face him. His face was sour as if she had done something wrong. She placed her hand on her hip and held on to the knob with the other.

"I'm not trying to have sex with you! Come on and put on your shoes."

She had convince him to go on a walk through the downtown area when a horse caridge passed by. He stopped the driver and paid him for at least four hours of ride time and they got in. She snuggled close to him as the breeze of night became cooler over time. Her legs were up under his as they both watched the quiets streets talking.

"What made you agree to manage me?"

"Dip really, I wasn't looking into investing my time into talent... I was looking for a new business to invest in and she thought this would be a better thing for me."

"Why?"

"Secret?"

"Sure."

"I'm a dancer too. None of that ballet shit or whatever, but I can dance."

"Want to get out and show me."

"Nah, maybe some other time."

She smiled at him, knowing there maybe a next time where it's just them talking and exchanging dance moves made her happy. She laid her head on his chest and reached up and touched his face, she trailed her hand down his neck and over his pack before dropping her hand lazily in her lap. She then tilted her head back and looked up at him.

"Were you married?"

"Engaged, why?"

"The big house. You had to buy it for someone to decorate."

"Yeah, well... Things just don't work out that way."

"Did she leave you?" She asked smally. She placed her hand in his and compared the size. She loved the bigness of his hand. She intertwined their fingers as she waited for an answer, but a few minutes had passed and still no answer. She leaned off of him and stared into his face, but it was blank. "You don't have..."

"She was my middle school sweet heart. Six years we were together, engaged straight out of high school then went our seperate ways in college.. We tried to make it work, but she was already doing her dirt.. While I was dumb enough to be loyal and bought the house prematurely. Anyways, she called it off and continued to do her."

"Wow, sorry.."

"Why did you start dancing?"

"Family issues... Boyfriend issues... I love the excitement and attention. If just for one night, everything is about me, eyes are on me then I'll take it how it comes."

"Family? Ha."

"Yeah, why you so against it? Family can be bad at times, but it's a bond that can't be broken by petty stuff and never repaired."

"I love my family, but I don't see them as much... My father died and left me all the businesses even though I became a lawyer.."

"At least your father isn't stealing from you."

"Huh?"

"My dad is a drug addict."

"That shit cray. Nan was like that before she got clean and started her clothing company."

"Is that..."

"Nah, she just took me in when my father and I's relationship tore apart."

"Oh." She mumbled getting more comfortable now with her legs on his lap. She snuggled closer to him. He placed his arms around her and held her now sleeping body close to his own body. He instructed the driver to take them back to the hotel. The driver looked over his shoulder and smiled at the two. Safaree was looking out at the sunrise as Nicki lay comfortably in his lap. It reminded him of back in Jamaica when he had taken his neices on the Safari through the forest and they had fell asleep in his arms.

The next morning, Nicki woke up in her hotel bed and the night before flashed through her mind. It was great, he was great. If anyone told her that she would have a friend like Safaree come into her life, she wouldn't have believed themhe first dude in a long time, that hadn't wanted her for just her body. He needed a friend just as much as she did. She grabbed her pack bag that had turned into three packed bags then walked over to his door and knocked. He opened the door in his button up shirt and suit. He grabbed his large bag and walked out behind her into the hallway. She grabbed his hand and held it as he shut the door. He laughed at the smile on her face. 

"We should have dinner when we get back to NY."

"I'm not flying back to New York with you, I have business to take care of in LA."

"LA? As in California? Can I go?"

"Business."

He said sternly looking at her. She rolled her eyes and dropped his hand. She walked a few steps ahead of him and pouted. He was unmoved by her display and continued on behind her as they made their way to the limo. There was a group of guys standing by the exit as she came and asked for pictures. He stood to the side as they took selfies with her then the guys scattered all over the parking lot towards their cars. He smirked at the big smile on her face. Fans recognized her and she loved it. It changed something in her that moment. In that moment, was when she realized that she had the power to make men do what she wanted. A blaze was ready to be lite inside of her. She threw her bags in the trunk then walked over to the opened door and smiled at the driver, who blushed in return.

She looked over at Faree, who was pressing buttons on his blackberry. He was focused on the conversation by the way his eyebrows furrowed and his jaw clenched tightly together. She looked down into her lap then back over at him. They were getting closer to the house and it was about nine in the morning. She sighed for what seemed like the millionth time that morning. He looked up from his phone then up at her, but she diverted her eyes to the window as if she hadn't been staring at him. He just stared back until a smile crept across her face.

"Wassup, yo?"

"Nothing." She mumbled crossing her arms.

"Talk! You been doing all that hard ass breathing since we left Atlanta, say it with ya chest lil nigga."

Her eyes bucked then she uncrossed her arms and pointed at him before speaking with lots of attitude. "Don't ever call me a nigga again and you've been ignoring me the whole ride." She pouted.

"I been hearing you, you just ain't been saying shit. You got a problem, speak up."

"I do, it's you! We were just friends..."

"Look, Onika.. I told you this, us.." He stated pointing between them. "We're just business."

"Fine, so you lied? You lied to Nan?"

"What?"

"We are friends, aren't we Onika?" She mocked deepening her voice. He chuckled then stretched his legs out in front if him. He instantly regretted putting on for Nan, but truth was, he didn't lie but he wasn't hundred percent either. Of course, there was some type of relationship between them more than business, but he didn't feel like dealing with her emotions. It was just too much. He sat back with his legs crossed at the ankle and stared out the window until they pulled up to the house.

He hurriedly got out and went inside as the guy maid went and got the bags out of the car. She helped him as she grabbed her small bags and Faree's jewelry box. She walked down the pavement slower than ever and up the stairs. She looked back towards the gate and saw two big trucks pull in. She quickened her pace towards the house. She stepped inside to see Safaree walking back out. She placed the items in her hands and on her arms on the floor and turned to him.

"Where are you going?"

"I have to catch my flight to LA."

"You haven't even packed!"

"I don't need to."

He stated over his shoulder. He reached inside the bowl on the table that sat by the door and grabbed a pink thing from Nicki's view. He walked over to her and placed it in her hand with a small envelope. She looked down into her hand and smiled at the Pink key that had Queen across it and the envelope the size of a gift card. She hugged him around his neck tightly before kissing his cheek. He pried from her grip and stepped back, wiping his face. She didn't care, she had one thing that she didn't have in her last relationship. She didn't care what he thought, but they were friends. He had said it and in front of his Nan, so he wasn't lying.