"Don't matter sh*t that I'm goin' through a lot, I'ma be alright
I already know, for real
I told myself I ain't giving up till the day I die
Never, for real
Life hard, but me no want it easy on me
F*ck all who none believe in all me
I'ma keep giving my all, yeah (I am)
I'ma be forever ballin', yeah (Yeah)."
Yo Gotti ft. Shenseea "Forever Ballin'"
Nicole
"Thank you so much Micah."
"It's no problem, Nicole. It was just a quick fix." When my warehouse manger called me Friday night and told me that the garage door would not open, I was panicking. I knew that Monday morning that we would need to make local deliveries to a couple of music video sets. She had already made the service request when she informed me of the issue, but we had no idea when the company would send someone on Monday.
Thankfully, we've worked with Micah before and he came in at 7 in the morning.
"So many scenarios popped up in my head. I almost booked a flight back home."
"You wouldn't need to do that when I'm here. Just focus on your tour boss lady."
"I will. Thank you again. I'll see when I get back."
"For sure. Take care."
"Bye." Thank you Jesus. I checked my notifications and saw some new messages.
"He looks so cute." I smiled at the photos Shawn sent me of Leo. He took him to the groomers this morning.
It's our last day in L.A. and at 2 pm, we're having our pop up shop. We reserved the showroom for six hours, so we'll be there until 8 or when our stock runs out, whichever comes first. Our other pop up shops shut down within three hours, so hopefully it'll be the same today.
Everybody went to the beach around 8 except for Karin and I. I'm on my period and I feel bloated as h*ll. Karin wanted to stay in and pump.
Kudos to her for wanting to breastfeed for over a year because once a year came around, I was going to make sure my baby was eating soft foods and some solids.
I heard that kids that were breast-fed especially for long periods turn out to be smarter, but I was never breastfed according to my Mom and I turned out fine.
The crew is not back yet and it's almost 11.
After I showered, I got back in bed and I'm currently munching on some pineapple and peanut butter. It may sound disgusting, but this sh*t is good. Whenever Mother Nature comes around, I crave cold beverages and sweets.
My plastic container of pineapple nearly fell from hands when a knock on the door startled me. I would have been mad if I lost this good pineapple juice to these sheets.
"Hold on." I carefully placed the container on top of a napkin next to the nightstand and covered it with a handkerchief, after placing the jar of peanut on top.
It's really that serious. You don't know how hard it was for room service to find this for me. If Tae's eyes come across this pineapple, it's going to be gone in a second.
"I'm coming!" I rushed into the bathroom and washed my hands, checking the sides of my mouth before going to open the door.
When I pulled it open, I saw Karin standing there.
"Hey girl. You okay? You took some time answering the door."
"Yeah, I thought it was the crew that came back."
"Eva said they're on their way back. They just made a stop for food."
"Good. I could use some real food."
"Me too. How do you manage to keep your hotel rooms so clean? Mine turns into a war zone every time I try to get ready to go out."
"I don't know. I just like keeping things organized, so I don't lose anything."
"That's really good. Is it me or does it smell like fruit and peanut butter in here?"
"Is it that obvious?" I smiled sheepishly. I pulled out the items and showed them to her.
"You got pineapple in here?" She gasped.
"Yeah, I ordered it last night. You want some?" I sat on the bed.
"Yes. Thank you. You know, I loved pineapple and Nutella when I was pregnant."
"Ooouuu, I should try that combination." I closed my eyes as I took a bite of a pineapple slice dipped in peanut butter. When I opened them up, I saw Karin staring at me. "What?"
"Nic, you pregnant?"
"No." I laughed. "I'm just on my period."
"Ohhh. I was ready to jump for joy and hug you if you said yes."
"Not yet. When the time comes, you guys will be the first to know. I love seeing you and baby Halle, but I want that marriage license to be signed first before having a baby."
"I feel you. You know how I got pregnant after Dennis and I got engaged. I told him that I want my dream wedding before we have another one."
"Period. You know how some females trap a guy with a baby because they think it'll make the guy stay with them?"
"Yeah?"
"I lowkey feel like Dewayne will do that to me."
"No! Are you serious? I know that man is crazy, but not that much."
"Girl, the way he acts sometimes like he's going to die if he loses me, I wouldn't be surprised."
"I'll keep you and your uterus in my prayers."
"Thank you."
Everybody came back like 20 minutes later. By then, the evidence was gone and I sprayed the room with some Lysol.
"We got y'all some Wendy's." Choyce handed each of us a bag.
I smiled, seeing the bag. Not only because I love me a Biggie Bag from Wendy's, but it reminds me of Dewayne and I's first official date as a couple. We had dressed up so nicely that night to go to one of my favorite restaurants on Ferry Road.
It wasn't until we got there that we realized Dewayne accidentally reserved a table for the next night. I checked out other restaurants in the area and their wait times were over an hour. So, I suggested we go to Wendy's since he loves that place.
I know those employees were looking at us crazy because of what we were wearing, but I still thought it was a beautiful night. We sat in the corner of the restaurant, with an outside view of the cars driving by and those fries were nice and hot.
Wendy's definitely has the best barbecue sauce of all the fast food restaurants. Argue with your momma and not me. It just has the right balance of smokiness and sweetness. I love it.
Chick Fil A's barbecue sauce is a close second.
"Thank you."
"I got you this." Tae handed me a mini Tito's bottle that was filled with sand.
"Y'all were drinking on the beach?" I looked at him and Tucson.
"Those two were like Snooki and Deena."
"Come on. I need y'all to sober up because you two need to act like you have some sense at this pop up shop."
"We'll be fine." Tae waved me off.
"I had this crazy dream last night." Tucson said.
"Crazy in what way?"
"I don't know where I was going, but I saw myself driving and I was spreading one of those bridges that go up when a boat needs to pass underneath. I thought I could get to the other side before it rose too high, but I ended up right in the middle and I just saw myself falling straight into the water."
"You would do something like that."
"I mean, if my man told me to come over, I probably would."
"Casper the Ghost?" Tae scoffed.
"You don't know what I got going on."
"It's okay if you're lonely. That lady on the beach was obviously single."
"Oh my gosh. Don't remind me."
"What lady?"
"There was this lady like in her 30s and I could have sworn I saw her letting her poodle munch on her."
"Ewww. Is that true?" I asked the girls.
"I mean, I can't say for sure if that's what the dog was doing but I saw it really close to that area."
"That is just sick." I gagged.
"Wait, what do you mean if that's true? Are you saying I'm making it up?"
"Sometimes you like to tell lies."
"Just like you lied this morning and said you didn't feel good. You look fine to me."
"I can look a certain way to you, but I only know how I was feeling inside."
"Mhmmm. I know what was really going on with you."
"Okay Dr. Tae. Since you got your f*cking degree and know everything, what's wrong with me?"
"You're pregnant." Everyone except Karin looked at me and I couldn't help but laugh.
"That's hilarious." Tucson lifted his hand to my face and gently squeezed my jaw. "What are you doing?"
"I wanted to see if your double chin was back." I gasped. He then took the opportunity to place his head on top of my stomach.
"Tucson, don't play with me."
"Sorry. I'm just assisting in the evaluation."
"Boy, I'm on my period right now."
"That's what that smell is." Tae mumbled.
"Get out of my room." I threw a pillow at him.
"You see the way you act. That's why people don't want to be around you."
"That includes you, Tucson."
"What did I do?"
"I need to get dressed and everybody needs to get ready. Let's wrap up L.A. on a high note."
"Let's get it!"
We were able to leave the hotel after an hour. Of course, Tae and Tucson were the last ones to get in the van. If we had to wait another minute for them, they would have had to find their way there.
During the ride to the venue, my mind drifted off. I couldn't help but think about my blood type results. I'm trying so hard to push it to the back of my mind.
I want to believe that my parents just have their blood types mixed up. I mean, sometimes people forget things.
The worst scenario is that I'm really not their child. Either I'm adopted or they kidnapped me. If I'm adopted, why wouldn't I know that by note. Aren't people with adoptive children supposed to tell them the truth when they're old enough. It's not like I would run off and look for my real parents, and forget about them.
I really pray to God that I'm just overacting and everything is going to turn out fine when I mention this to them. Trust and believe, when I get back home, we're going to talk about this over dinner. I need to know whether I'm crazy or not.
"Nicole."
"Hmmm?"
"You okay?"
"Yeah, I just have a lot on my mind."
"Dewayne giving you problems?"
"No, he's good in my books. I miss him though."
"Too bad by the time he lands in L.A., we'll be gone."
"I know. Miami can't come soon enough."
"I don't care what we do in Miami. As long as we hit Snapper's, I'm good."
"Who are you telling?" Baby, I don't even like lemon pepper like that but the Snapper's in Miami on 7th Ave got that sh*t going on. That lemon pepper had my nose dripping and I loved every moment of it. That shrimp, chicken, conch, everything was bussing.
A couple of minutes later, we stopped moving and I could hear footsteps coming towards us.
"We're here!" Eva squealed in excitement.
Roger opened up the door and helped us out. People started screaming as they saw us approaching the entrance. They were really treating us like celebrities trying to touch us, taking pictures of us, and shouting out our names. I could see the line going down the block.
Today's going to be a good day.
"Hi!" I waved with a smile.
I've been putting an emphasis on the bright, bold colors from my collections. Don't get me wrong, I love the nudes, and dark shades but sometimes your face needs a pop of color. I love the way bright colors look on dark skin tones. The melanin really pops.
I have models of different ethnicities, skin textures, and sizes, so people can have an idea of what my products may look like on them. I'm also a model myself.
All of our products sold real quick and we were able to wrap up in less than 2 hours. We, of course, started around to answer any questions about running a business, business ideas, and marketing strategies.
"Thank you all for coming. This wouldn't have been possible without your support."
"Does anyone have any final questions?"
"Ari, how do you get your *ss to move like water?"
"Oh wow. I wasn't expecting that. I guess practice."
"Can you show us how to do it?"
"Well..."
"Uh huh, twerking lessons ain't free." Tucson interjected.
"Hush. I feel like everyone does it differently, but for me, I need some kind of arch in my back and then I move to the beat of whatever song is playing. You don't need to think about it too hard. You know, do your thing. These are not the right pants for this, but I promise y'all I'll do a live to help y'all."
"Thank you!"
"What are we going to eat for dinner?"
"I feel like eating something spicy like buffalo wings or some bomb *ss ramen."
"I don't mind wings. That sushi y'all had me eating yesterday was not it."
"You could have ordered something else."
"The picture looked promising."
"I got some refreshments for you guys." Our amazing driver told us as he helped us inside the van. I could have sworn I smelled chicken, but I think it was all in my head.
"You're the best Roger."
"I try." I sat down in my seat. I expected him to close the door, but he handed me a bag.
"This is for you."
"What is it?"
"Open it and see." Roger smiled before closing the door.
I pulled apart the flaps of the bag to remove the staple that connected them. I looked inside the bag to see Wingstop bag, which caused me to laugh.
"What is it?"
"It's Wingstop."
"Did you tell Roger to buy it?"
"No, but I know who did this."
"Look, there's a note on the receipt."
"For my thick and beautiful shortie. We may be miles artist, but I want you to know that you're always on my mind. I'll never leave you hungry or wanting anything. I bet you're craving something spicy right , so enjoy. I love you baby girl. From Dewayne."
"Awww." The girls and Tucson cooed.
"Not y'all acting like Dewayne did something with his big head *ss."
"And that's exactly why you're not getting anything. Not even a crumb."
"You know I'm just playing. You got some lemon pepper in there?" I shook my head laughing at Tae.
"You can't have wings without some liquor." Tucson smirked, holding up a bottle of Don Julio.
Issa party.
"Why isn't my phone on DND?" I mumbled, feeling the endless vibration of my phone. I turned on my side and answered without checking the caller id. I could barely open my eyes. "Hello?"
"My bad, bae. I didn't think you would be sleeping already." I scrunched up my face. What is he talking about. It's like 2 in the morning.
I lifted my head to look at the screen and saw that it was only 9:53. I also realized it was a FaceTime. I sat up and switched on the lamp.
"I thought it was later than this. Are you okay?"
"Yeah. I got back to my hotel not too long ago. How you doing?"
"I'm okay. I haven't talked to you all day."
"I know. I've been crazy busy today because some of the stage pieces weren't together, but I straightened it out before the show."
"That's good."
"I saw the video Tae sent me."
"Of what?"
"You dancing. You had a shot glass in one hand and a wing in the other which you were using as a microphone before you ate it up."
"I can't believe he did that. I know I looked crazy."
"You looked beautiful. Stop tripping."
"I guess. Thank you again for the food."
"You know I got you. I'm just glad you're having fun."
"Yeah." I sighed. "I miss you." I felt myself tearing up, looking at his face.
"I miss you too. Why you crying Nic? Baby." I placed my phone on the nightstand and got up from the bed.
"Hold on." I grabbed some paper towels, a bag of leftover pretzels and a Sprite from my mini fridge before hopping back on the bed. I placed my phone against the lamp and wiped my eyes.
"I'm fine. I'm just a little homesick."
"I know. I am too, but you're half way there. It'll be over before you know it. You want me to fly over there?"
"No, it's not that serious. I'm just being dramatic."
"No, you're not. It's hard sometimes being away from home and your normal routine for a long time."
"Yeah, but I'll be fine. Thank you for that."
"You're welcome. Not you grabbing a snack."
"Food makes me feel better."
"I know Tre is going to get on your *ss."
"You wouldn't dare tell him."
"My silence can be bought." He smiled.
"With what?"
"Let me see Coco and Chanel."
"Oh, that's not a big deal." I pulled my feet from under the covers and put my toes in the camera.
"Nic, what are you doing?"
"Showing you Coco and Chanel."
"Why would I call your toes Coco and Chanel?"
"They're white."
"I can't with you." Dewayne laughed.
"I know what you meant, but I think you can wait to see them in person."
"I'm gonna get that *ss real good in Miami."
"I can't wait. I see your hair has gotten longer."
"Yeah, I've been using that Doo Gro hair oil you got me."
"You see what happens when you listen to me?"
"I always do."
"Yeah right." We talked for over an hour. I don't know when my eyes closed, but they popped open when I heard Dewayne calling my name.
"Alright, Nic. I'm going to let you sleep."
"I'm not sleepy yet."
"What was the last thing I said?"
"You were talking about buying a car?"
"Not even close. You look cute when you sleep, but I don't want to hear you snoring."
"I don't snore."
"Go to sleep baby. I'll call you in the morning."
"Okay, love you."
"I love you too. Good night."
"Good night."
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