Second Chances (Ricky + Nini)

chapter 26 - oh the things i did

"I did something." Ricky sensed the anxiety in her voice, and it made him anxious too. "I just sent you a link, why don't you open it." 

It was a link to the Photography Weekly blog. He had been following them since forever and he actually applied for an internship with them back in college, but he didn't get it and ended up taking a TA job instead. He clicked on it, and one of his photos is featured on the front page. He couldn't believe it. 

"You're not saying anything." Nini said. "Please say something." 

"What did you do?" Ricky asked flatly. It's not that he didn't want his photo on the website. It's the fact that she didn't ask him first. 

"I contacted a buddy of mine who works there, and they really liked your photo." 

"You should've asked me first, Nini." Ricky said coldly. He hated the fact that his girlfriend had to beg her friend to put his work up on the website. "You just called in a favor, huh? Do you think I'm incapable of getting it myself or something?"

"Ricky, of course not. That's not why I did it. I'm sorry. I didn't think it through, I should have asked." Nini said. Ricky could hear the panic in her voice. "I was just looking over your work for the project and It's beautiful, babe. When I texted you, you just brushed it off like you always do. And I wanted to do something to show you that it really is amazing. I'm so sorry."

"I think I can be the judge of the quality of my own work, Nini." Ricky said. "I've been in the business long enough. Why do you have to meddle? Are you just sick of being with a nobody from Salt Lake? Is that it? Don't I have a choice?" 

He knew he was being harsh and she didn't deserve that. But he was just so self-conscious and he felt like he didn't earn this. She was just trying to help. He knew that. But in the heat of the moment, he just felt so insecure. 

"No. You're not a nobody, Ricky. I'm sorry for what I did, okay? But you're never going to be a nobody to me." Nini said. "Look, I'll even talk to my friend and have it taken down if that's what you want. Whatever I need to do to make it right." 

Nini was crying by now, Ricky could tell by the thickness in her voice. He was still so pissed at her but he couldn't stand to hear her cry. So he walked away. 

"Listen... I have to go do some... errands. I'll talk to you later, Nina."

"Babe-"
_____________

"Happy Birthday, Kourt!" Nini jumped on her friend's back forcing Kourtney to give her a piggyback ride.

"Nina! I swear if you don't get off my back, you're not invited to my birthday dinner."

Nini immediately hopped off and dragged Kourtney to her office. "Come here, I got you something.." She opened her desk drawer and took out a small box. "For the birthday girl."

Kourtney opened the box. It was a pair of gold plated jade earrings that Nini had seen in passing the other day. She'd thought it would be absolutely perfect for her bestie.

"Neeners! They're beautiful. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!" Kourtney said jumping up and down and hugging her. "You're definitely invited to my birthday dinner, and any future dinners!"

"Did I hear something about dinner ?" EJ walked in the room. Giving Kourtney a bear hug and wishing her a happy birthday. "Am I invited?" 

Nini and Kourtney looked at each other and Kourtney nodded.