Chapter 17

"Show me how (Show me how, baby)

You care (Right here, right now)

Right here, right now, right now, baby, yeah

Tell me how (Tell me all)

You loved (Tell me how you love, baby)

Before (Uh)."

Joey Bada$$ "Show Me"

Nicole

I could have sworn I left my black sandals on the shelf instead of packing it in my suitcase because I said I wanted to wear it today. I hope they're in there because I'm not going to reopen my luggage to check. I'll be tempted to add extra stuff in there and I might exceed the 50-pound limit.

"Nic Nic?" I poked my head out of the closet to see Dewayne hanging off the bed, still sleepy as h*ll.

"Yeah?"

"Why are you up when it's still dark outside?" I walked over to him and picked up my phone that was charging on the nightstand to check the time.

"Sir, it is 8:03 and there's plenty of light outside. I just shut the blinds so the brightness wouldn't disturb your sleep."

"It's already 8? Why didn't you wake me up?"

"I was letting you sleep until 8:30. You know how you can get ready in less than thirty minutes."

"Stay in bed with me until then."

"Dewayne, I'm already dressed."

"Please." He wrapped his head around my hips and nestled his head onto my butt.

"Fine. I'm not laying down all the way though. I don't want to do my hair again." I sat down on the bed with my back against the headboard. I made sure to pull my ponytail forward.

"I'm going to miss you." He sighed as I traced the outline of his back tattoos.

"Oh."

"You not going to miss me?" He lifted his head.

"I am, I am." I laughed. "I'm going to miss sleeping in your arms. We'll see each other in 19 days. Hopefully, they'll fly by."

"They better. I don't like being away from my baby." Dewayne kissed me.

"I don't either."

"So, how have I been doing so far?"

"What do you mean?"

"As your man. Am I meeting your standards?"

"You are. You're actually doing better than I expected. As you should, the way you were begging me for months to get with you."

"Now, you know you wanted me as much as I wanted you."

"Whatever. Did you have doubts about your new role in my life?"

"A little bit. I saw the love, intimacy, and peace you had in your last relationship. I just prayed that I wouldn't make any mistakes and I wanted to be able to  give all that to you and more."

"What I had with Kyle was beautiful and is hard to find these days, but I believe in you. I believe in us. You two are different. I don't want you to compare yourself to him. I just want you to be the best man you can be."

"I will. I promise."

"Is that why you've literally been in my skin since I said yes?"

"Is it that obvious?"

"Yes, but it's okay. Trust me, I love spending time with you but you don't have to try so hard. I don't want you to lose yourself. We can have date nights and hang out, while we do things we like alone or with other people."

"I'll work on that. This three weeks we'll be apart could have a positive side to it."

"Okay, time to get up and get ready. I need to get Leo together downstairs. Shawn and Tae should be here soon."

"One for the road?" When he rose up from the bed, the sheet fell and revealed Dewayne in his naked glory.

"I can't see. I'm blind." I sang like SZA, rushing out the room.

Yes, I'm running from the d*ck. I might end up missing it, but after last night, this break is necessary.

"Good morning big boy." I hugged Leo. "You remember our talk last night? I want you to be good when I'm gone. I'm going to miss you so much." I started to tear up a little.

"Nicole! I know you're not still sleeping. We gotta go h*e!" I could hear Tae yelling through the front door. I rolled my eyes and went to open it.

"You're always using your beefsucker to disrespect me. I got something for that *ss."

"Ooouuu, I'm so scared. Nicole, you can't even pop a grape. Pipe down."

"That may be true, but I know who to go when you're acting up. Shawn!" I called out to him as he was opening the trunk. Tae immediately pulled me away from the entrance.

"Can't someone joke with you? Okay, I'm sorry."

"You better be."

"Good morning, Nicole."

"Good morning, Shawn. At least someone has manners. I know you're glad you get a break from him."

"Yup. Thank you for making this great sacrifice."

"No, I should thank you for keeping Leo."

"Excuse me? I'm right here, you know."

"You know I'm just playing." When Tae turned around, Shawn shook his head causing me to smile. "Are these the bags you're going with?"

"Yes. Are they going to fit in the car?" I lifted up the handle of the bags, but Shawn stopped me from pulling it.

"I got it. They should be fine."

"Where are you going with all these bags?" Tae asked.

"Some of them belong to Dewayne."

"What's going on with that?"

"What do you mean?"

"Are y'all just messing around or together?"

"We're together. Nicole is all mine." Dewayne responded as he came down the stairs dressed in a sweatsuit.

"I guess that answers your question."

"My friend is all grown up. I'm so proud." He fake cried. "He kind of looks like a gremlin, but I know your genes will push through when y'all have kids."

"Get out of here. What's up Shawn?"

"Nothing man. You ready to hit the road?"

"Yeah, I'm excited. It's been a while since I did a tour."

"I definitely need to come to one of the shows."

"For sure. I got you."

"I think we can take these to the car in one trip. Y'all got everything?"

"Yeah. Wait, I forgot my phone upstairs."

"I'll wait for you."

"Nah, go right ahead. I'll be right out." I jogged up the stairs to my room. I saw my screen was lit up, but it then turned pitch black. I picked it up to see a missed phone call, so I called the person back.

"Hey. Sorry, I left my phone in my room."

"It's okay. You still traveling today?"

"Yeah, I'm about to head to the airport. I should land at around 2. I probably won't be that tired, so I'll try to come over tonight."

"Okay. Just let me know."

"I will."

"Have a safe flight."

"Thank you. Bye."

"Bye." I closed my bedroom door and went down the stairs. I made sure all the lights were shut off and set my A/C to 78 degrees before locking the front door.

Dewayne was waiting by the passenger door. He helped me inside the SUV.

"Thank you."

The girls and I have 14 stops on our run: NYC, Philly, Detroit, Chicago, Seattle, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Memphis, New Orleans, and Miami. Due to high demand, we had to do two seminars in LA and two in Miami. After we finish handling business in Miami, we can do a little vacation. We're not doing any in Atlanta right now because the venue we wanted is booked until October so that's when we'll do a whole week for our city.

Eva has a very sought after clothing brand, HER. The looks range from tomboy to classy to sexy. The drops are exclusive because once it sells out, it's gone. Karin is the CEO of her very successful hair company, Dolled Up. She sells all types of extensions and wigs. Even though Choyce does mostly modeling, she juggles a jewelry brand called The World is Mine. So many stylists have used pieces from her collection for editorials, magazine covers, and performances for their clients. I also have so many earrings from her brand.

Tae is going to have three hair slaying masterclasses in NYC, LA, and Miami while promoting his hair care line. Tucson will be having his own makeup training classes in Chicago, Houston, and Miami.

Dewayne's tour with Toosii, Ice Spice, and Nardo Wick is going on a similar route with a couple of additional cities for shows and music festivals. He's flying to North Carolina today.

Everybody is getting a bag this summer. That's the way it's supposed to be.

We're flying into New York and then riding in a Sprinter around the country. I'm trying to make sure we reach every destination a day early and leave the next day after we finish taking care of business.

Shawn dropped the three of us at the airport. We checked in outside and then strolled in. Eva and Karin said they were almost here and Choyce told us she was already inside.

After going through TSA, I walked over to where the gate was.

"I thought you wanted some Starbucks."

"I do, but I had to make sure my gate existed."

"Come on. Let me get you a caramel ribbon crunch Frappuccino."

"Thank you."

"Did you guys see the trailer to that new influencer show they're doing on Zeus in Atlanta?"

"A whole mess."

"I'm saying. I don't regret turning down the offer. Don't get me wrong. I think Jayda, Dream, Dess, and Nique are cool but I don't like how reality tv can give you a bad look. They'll create drama just for ratings."

"You really didn't need that. Maybe if it was Housewives or something."

"Chile, Sheree would not be able to handle you. She would be on that stuttering sh*t 24/7."

"I know Nicole would definitely be the one holding Kandi back if one of the ladies come for her."

"I'm glad you finally decided to start your YouTube channel. 135,000 followers and you haven't even dropped a video yet? Girl, you're hitting a million before the end of the year."

"Period." For the longest, I've been thinking creating a YouTube channel to make a day in my life videos, give advice and tips about being an entrepreneur, vlog, show my skincare and workout routines, and do some cooking videos, and try to do my makeup on camera. "I can't wait to start doing vlogs and stuff."

"Featuring yours truly." Dewayne smiled.

"Who said that?" Tucson and Tae wondered.

"Why can't I be in it?"

"Don't listen to them. You can, but."

"But?"

"But you have to do one cooking episode with me where you'll be wearing an apron and a chef's hat."

"I think I can do that."

"Thank you boo."

"Attention passengers of Flight 1574 to Raleigh, North Carolina. We will start boarding in a few minutes. Please do not approach until your section is called. Thank you."

"I guess it's time."

"I'm going to miss you." I pouted.

"I'll miss you too. I want y'all to not stress my baby. Stay safe and make that money."

"Don't we always?"

"I'll see y'all soon."

"Bye Dewayne."

"You better not try anything sneaky while you're touring." Tae warned him.

"Everybody ain't loose like you."

"Ooouuu!" I covered my mouth as Dewayne pulled me away. He knew he was wrong for that, but Tae set himself up.

"I want you to call me for anything. I'll book the next flight to get to you."

"You better call me if something pops off. I'll catch the next flight."

"You gon ride?"

"I'm gonna ride."

"I love you baby girl." He hugged and kissed me.

"I love you more." Once we separated, I expected him to join the boarding queue but he just stood there looking at me out a smirk on his face.

"What are you doing?"

"Let me see you walk away. I hate to see you go, but I love to watch you leave."

"Boy, if you don't get on that plane." He laughed and started walking backwards. I blew him a kiss.

An hour after Dewayne's plane departed, our flight started boarding and tell me why Sexy Red was on that flight, getting people turnt up with a little performance the same way she did at the EBT Awards. Sorry, the BET Awards.

After the flight attendants calmed things down, we were able to takeoff.

On the flight, I was going in and out of sleep. That's why I love the window seat. I can just lay to the side and not worry about being squished in the middle or being bumped into by people walking down the aisle.

"Apt 206." I knocked on the door. The door was pulled open after a couple of seconds.

"Hey Nicki."

"Hey Marc." He's called me that since our school gays. I used to hate it, but I've gotten used to it.

Remember when I mentioned that was only one person I could go to in order to figure the truth about Shirley's accusations? It was Marc. The same one who used to help me with my math and Dewayne got jealous.

I always thought he looked like Luke James. We stayed in touch after high school. Marc is from a Pashtun background. He was born in Atlanta after his parents left India. He applied to NYU for the premed program and his parents and sister moved to New York with him when he was accepted.

However, a year into his studies, he discovered his love for tech. When Marc's father found out his son wouldn't become a surgeon, his rage was a sight to see. It was the last straw when Marc came out. His father completely shunned him and banned him from coming near their family home. His mother had to sneak away to see Marc in a secluded area until his mother found out and that only made matters worst.

When the city was on lockdown because of COVID, Marc's mother caught the virus and unfortunately, she didn't make it. His father didn't even tell about his mother's death. His little sister found a way to contact him and talk about their father's plans to cremate their mother. That was the only way he got the chance to say a final goodbye. Since then, he's been on his own.

I haven't been to NYC since I came over to check on him  while he was growing. We've always talked over the phone and FaceTimed. He offered to travel to Atlanta when Kyle died, but I told him that I would be okay.

"Come in. Sorry about the mess. I've been pretty busy."

"What mess?" I looked around the living room. Other than the trash can that was nearly piling over, the place was spotless. All of the furniture was black and I noticed big brown boxes by the door.

"I guess. You want to start looking at the stuff I found?"

"Actually, have you eaten?"

"I think I had eggs this morning." He answered sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

"You think? Never mind that. You know a good pizza spot?"

"Yeah."

"Let's go." A small grin creeped onto his face. He threw on a jacket and grabbed his keys.

I thought we would have ended up taking the subway, but he said it was only a few blocks away. When we got there, I realized it was the same place that went viral for their oxtail pizza. I made sure I got a pie with half oxtail, half jerk chicken. Marc got one with half oxtail, half sweet chili chicken. We both bought some apple juice to wash it all down. We found a good spot to just eat and chill.

"I noticed the huge setup you have in the living room. Are you still working from home?"

"Not exactly. My boss had given us an ultimatum to come back into the office or be fired, so I quit. I've been a freelancer since then working at home. It has its perks. At least I don't need to be fully dressed to get work done."

"That's true. Plus, I think you would have more time to do leisure activities. Did you go see the new Spider-Verse?"

"Yeah, it was really good. I also saw The Little Mermaid."

"My girl Halle did her thing. I was so proud."

"It was alright."

Sir, we're going to have to revoke your black card right now." I held my hand out, causing him to chuckle.

"What? I'm just being honest."

"I'm thinking about going to see Barbie."

"I heard it was good. I'm down to go with you if you want."

"You sure? I don't want your usual movie partner to get mad."

"Who? Casper the Ghost? Going to the movies has always been a solo date."

"What happened to that guy you said you kissed?"

"That man was just a Tiktoker in the park asking people questions and daring them to kiss him. Nobody wants his *ss."

"Chile, that's crazy. So, there's nobody you're interested in?"

"Not really. I don't really be going out like that to meet anyone."

"What else have you been doing for fun? Did you start drawing again?"

"Nah."

"You never told me why you stopped drawing."

"I wasn't really that good."

"Marc, you know that's not true. Marvel would have scooped you up real quick if they saw your talent."

"Maybe. My Dad didn't think so."

"Still no hope?"

"Nope. That ship has sailed. I'm not tripping over it anywhere. He wouldn't me to live a lie and I couldn't."

"I think you need a change in environment."

"I've been thinking about going on a trip, but I don't feel comfortable going alone."

"Where were you thinking?"

"Maui."

"Oh my gosh. Tucson has been trying to go there for the longest. Y'all can go together."

"You trying to set us up?"

"Just give me the word."

"I'll let you know."

"But in all seriousness, you can come over to Atlanta and hang out with us. It'll be fun."

"Definitely. I haven't been home in a long time."

"North, south, east and west—."

"Home is always the best. You are honestly my favorite human being."

"Aww, thank you. You're probably just saying that."

"No, I'm not. You've been the only checking on me and putting a smile on my face."

"That's what friends are for. Your situation with your family may not change today or tomorrow, but I believe it will soon."

We finished up and went back to his place where he gave me a flash drive with everything, so I could look over them. I knew Shirley was lying. I told Marc to send her that sh*t anonymously so that she would know that the game was up. Let's see if she'll confess.

"Thank you so much. I really apprappreciate you doing this for me."

"Anytime. I know how much you loved Kyle and he was a great guy. I would hate for his name to be dragged in the mud. I hope Dewayne is stepping up to the plate."

"He is. I'm just happy that I'm in a good place."

"I'm happy for you."

"Thank you." My phone buzzed and I saw that it was a text from Tae.

"Don't let me keep you if you need to head somewhere."

"No, I'm not in a rush. Tae just sent the location of a bar everybody is at. You should come if you feel up to it."

"I'll take a rain check. I'll join y'all for something else you'll plan on doing."

"We are looking for a club to visit before we leave."

"Damn, I don't dance."

"You can still do the dougie?"

"Yeah."

"That's all you need sir."

"Alright, I'm down."

"Okay. I'll check in with you tomorrow. Get some sleep." I hugged him.

"I will. Thanks for today."

"No. Thank you for everything. I'll see you soon."

"Enjoy the rest of your night, Nicki."

"You too, Marc."

I just hope I don't have to carry anybody back to the hotel.

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