May 31st (approximately one week later)
-
"Yeah here's my thing though, the iridescent has to be on the outline of the swoop." I held the shoe up for the designer to see and he nodded, studying the where I was pointing. "Because if it's the entire swoop, it'll take away from the flag on the back, you feel me?"
"I do." He did some shit on his computer before turning it to face me which displayed a 3D version of the shoe perfectly. "Like that?"
"Exactly." I said with a snap. "You work fast man damn."
"Y/n?" I smiled at the photographer as I walked over to her. "Can we get a few more pictures with the shoes?" I nodded and kicked off my Nike slides before grabbing the shoes that were done and moving in front of the white backdrop.
The main focus was the shoes so I just pulled my joggers up and posed.. with my feet. "Hey what time is it?" I asked and about four people replied. Three am.. shit. I promised Rob I'd be back by one. "Y'all I have a sick girlfriend that's going to kill me. I know this is a lot to ask but can we please finish tomorrow?"
"I'm actually done." The photographer said with a smile. "I'll email you the pictures."
"Perfect, thank you." I then pulled the shoes off and put them back into the box before carrying them with me to the meeting table. "Lee.." He gave me a look. "Early tomorrow? Eight am?"
"Fine." He said and closed his computer. "June is tomorrow, Y/n. We've gotta have this finished by morning of the third."
I gave him a thumbs up. "And we will, I promise." I gave him reassuringly before leaving the office in a hurry.
"Hey Y/n." I nodded at the recording pap who I knew to be cool unlike the others who immediately started spewing bullshit at me. "Leaving Nike pretty late, you got some shoes for me?"
I chuckled and sat the box in my passenger seat before shaking my head. "No these are miiine."
"Y/n why'd you leave the Little Mix tour? Was it because of your relationship with one of the members?"
"Does Leigh-Anne and Rihanna have beef?"
See what I mean? Bullshit.
"Where's the babes tonight?" The guy I liked asked politely without yelling his head off like the others.
I smiled as I closed the door. "The babes? The babes is sick so I'm tryna get home and take care of her."
"Oh look at you being girlfriend of the year." I chuckled and started to round my car. "I won't hold you, take her a Starbucks medicine ball, that stuff works wonders.." I pointed at him with a nod before sliding into my car and starting it, my hand shielding my eyes from the flashes of the camera.
After managing to pull away from the curb, I started down the road to head to Robyn's house, I made a few stops to get her some stuff since I knew she'd be stuck in the bed.
"Hey boo." Melissa said, her purse on her arm as she was walking out of the house while I was walking in.
"You leaving?" I questioned and she nodded.
"Yeah, I kinda miss my own house." I gave her a look, knowing the real reason. "And I may got some dick coming or whatever."
"Uh huh, I believe that reason more. Get home safe." I said as I pulled her into a hug.
"Okay I will. Good luck, she coughin' up a lung in there." I frowned before nodding and making my way into the house and upstairs to her bedroom where I heard a rough cough, followed by a groan.
Pushing the door open, I walked in and saw her laying on her stomach with a pillow pulled to her chest. "My babbyy." I said dramatically before jumping onto the bed on top of her and pulling her into a tight embrace.
"Y/nn," She groaned and tucked her head into the pillow as I kissed over her face. "Stop before you get sick." I didn't stop. "What time is it?"
"Time for Doctor Y/ln to treat her patient, you need to take this damn cover off with your hot ass.. literally and figuratively." She let out a laugh which turned to grunt as she held her head. "What have you eaten today?"
"Um.. a mango." I shook my head and propped one pillow against the headboard and sat her up against it before sitting the other pillow on her lap.
Grabbing the bag I sat on her desk, I pulled the broccoli and cheese subway soup out and sat it on the pillow with the small pack of cracks. "Eat." She frowned and stared at it before looking at me silently. "What?"
"I'm tired."
Oh okay I guess sick Rihanna was princess Rihanna.
I sat in front of her and uncapped the soup before scooping a spoonful and raising it to her mouth. She closed her eyes and hummed as she swallowed the warm soup, her mouth then reopening. What a damn baby. I chuckled to myself before feeding her until she finished the small bowl.
"Can you hold your own tea, or do you need me to?" I teased but she grabbed the Starbucks cup and took a sip with a playful glare in my direction.
"What took you so long to get here?" She asked as I grabbed my computer, then the shoe box.
I sat back beside her with a smile. "So I was keeping a secret because I wanted to wait until I had product to show you.. and well I do now." I pulled the box out of the small Nike sleeve bag and her eyebrows shot up at the colorful box. "About a week ago I got a call from Lee, an art director at Nike."
"Mhm." She mumbled me to continue.
"And he asked if I wanted to be the fashion director for the BeTrue campaign this year." Her eyes widened as she quickly pulled the cup away. I then opened the box and pulled out one of the two shoes that would be dropping in a few days.
"Oh the little hypebeast kids are gonna eat these up." She said as she held one shoe and turned it around. "I love the color wheel, like how it blends together. You designed this?" I nodded softly and she smiled. "Look at you.. when's it drop?"
"The fifth." She handed me the shoe back before leaning over and pressing a kiss to my cheek. "I'm proud of you, baby. On the up and up." I grinned put the shoes back into the box and moved it to the side before pulling the computer onto my lap. "What are you doing now, come sleep."
I hummed and pulled up the charts for Black Mecca's progress so I could check how it was doing. "I'm just trying to figure out something." She leaned over to look. "I wanna see if I can put my money into something, like this charity. I don't wanna bite more than I can chew so.. I don't know."
She studied my computer for a second. "Here's what you gotta know Y/nn," I nodded softly as she looked away from my computer. "Never be afraid to invest babe, it may seem like you're losing money or spending more than you gain, but really you aren't in the long run. I spent sixty five million when I first started Fenty and at the time I was scammed by my damn accountant so I didn't have a lot lot to spare."
Hm, and I thought bitch better have my money was just a song..
"So you're saying going out of my own pocket is a good thing sometimes?"
She nodded. "Exactly. There's a smart way to do it though. Look at your curve." I looked back at the computer as she pointed at the arrow shit. "You have your spring collection that's been sold on three times and the summer that's already selling great, and you're dropping something with Nike? Now it's time to invest. Only do it if you're confident or if you know you can. Which is both for you."
I nodded softly and pulled the computer back onto my lap. I had a few opportunities right now that I had to weigh. I was still partnered with Tommy but I wanted to branch out a bit and try new things. Like stepping out from solely clothes and embarking on helping a charity type thing.
I had already worked out a lot of the details with my reps but now it was time to put action to the words and, since it was June aka Pride month, I wanted to get it up and running before the four weeks were up.
So, I was starting my own collection that was separate from Tommy Hilfiger that would be giving one hundred percent of the profits up to this organization in Atlanta. It was for the kids, obviously since that was what I was all about. Kids who grew up like me without a voice.. I was here to give them one.
Anyways, that paired with this Nike drop was a huge deal to me. I knew it was unusual for someone with my background to, I don't know, care so much? If that was the right way to put it.. Past me would have probably never done this, I'd be afraid of the criticism. And I guess that gave me a boost.
I didn't want to be scared to speak out and fear what people back home would think.. I just wanted to do what was right and what I would have wanted as a kid. And that was someone who understood and chose to level with me.
I hoped I could be that person, not only for the kids in Atlanta but nationwide- worldwide. Maybe I was being a bit ambitious but.. I had a feeling that this is what I was suppose to do in life.
"Babe," I looked up and Robyn's eyebrows were furrowed as she pouted. "Please?"
"Okay." I mumbled and saved up my work before closing my computer and sitting it on the desk. I then slid down and raised my arms. "I cuddle you baby." I said in a baby voice with a chuckle when a wide smile spread across her lips, her head instantly on my chest. "Goodnight princess." I whispered into her ear and she pressed an innocent kiss to my collar bone, her hands sliding under my shirt as she rested them on my skin. Something that she said made her sleep better.
I then glanced at the Alexa clock on her bedside and sighed, four hours of sleep before I was back up and working. I was about to get every drop I could.
-
The next morning
"Yeah?" I rubbed my eyes as I shook my protein shake. "What do you mean? I thought everything else was done, Lee."
"We were suppose to be but they just told me that Nike wants to add another shoe so.." I huffed and dropped my head slightly. "They said they're sorry for the inconvenience and know it's last minute. It's also media day so we have a lot of promotion to cover."
Now don't get me wrong, working for Nike was a dream come true and I wasn't one to complain but it took us five days to build two shoes. Now they wanted another one done in one and a half? I mean damn.
"I'll be there Lee, thanks for letting me know." After the goodbyes, I grabbed the tray of breakfast and carried it upstairs to Robyn's room I sat the tray on her bedside, along with the bottle of Motrin and a glass of OJ. I leaned over and pressed a kiss to her forehead before leaving the room.
As soon as I pulled the front door open, my eyes widened when I saw Aniya on the other end. "Oh damn- that's today?" I questioned and she gave me a look.
"We talked about this.."
"I know I know, my days are just so.." I sighed and shook my head. "It's okay, she in the car?" She nodded and I closed the front door behind me before following her to her car where I pulled the backdoor open, smiling when I saw Dahlia kicking in her car seat.
"I'll be back in two days."
I nodded. "Hi beautiful." I said and lightly pulled at the pink beanie on her head. A small smile pulled at her lips as her legs started to kick faster. "You're gonna have a long day with mama today, okay? But It's gonna be great." I pulled her carseat out after unbuckling it before sliding it into my car.
"Here's her diaper bag." I grabbed the bag from Aniya and slid it onto my shoulder. "If you need anything, please call me. I'll fly back in a second."
"I got it, Ni. I'm a big sister remember? I may not have remembered the burping shit but the rest I got." She nodded softly with a sigh. "Tell mama Ford I said hello."
"Okay.. let me say bye." I put the bag into the passenger seat of the car before getting into the driver seat. "Mommy's gonna miss you Lia but I'll see you in a few days, okay? I love you so so much. Be good for mama. Bye bye, my love." I smiled in the rear view mirror at the utter love and adoration that radiated off of her while talking to Dahlia. She closed the door and then came to my side. "Y/n-"
"I will call you for anything, I promise." She nodded and stepped back. "I got her, Ni."
"I know.. okay leave before I start crying or something." She said with a chuckle but I knew she was dead serious so I backed out of the driveway and started down the road. I knew this was most likely the first time she's been away from Dahlia for longer than usual so I didn't blame her.
After reaching the building, I looked around for any lingering paparazzi and, for once, the coast was clear. "It's our lucky day mamas." I climbed out and pulled the diaper bag over my shoulder before rounding the car to the backseat. I pulled a blanket over the car seat (just in case) before carrying her into the building.
It's not that I didn't want anyone to know I had a child. I just.. well.. I wasn't ready for the attention and the questions. Just not yet, it's only been a week. Not unless it was on my terms.
And that may have been a bit of a reach since as soon as I walked in, I saw a camera crew. Welp. Fucking media day.
"Heyy." I said with a smile once I walked into the meeting room and all of their eyes widened at the extra load. "I hope you don't mind, someone had to tag along today."
Lee waved his hand. "Not a problem. We've got twenty four hours.. you ready?"
I held up my hand before pulling the blanket off of the car seat and giving her the stuffed mickey mouse bear that Ni told me usually kept her quiet. Once I was sure she was okay, I gave my attention to the designers. "Okay.. let's do this."
One hour Later
"Never did I think I'd have my own pair of Air Forces.. this is crazy." I mumbled, watching the design come to life on the screen. "Look at that.."
"Mmm." I raised my head when I heard Dahlia's babbles turn to a restless whine.
"Give me a second." I pushed away from the table before kneeling in front of the car seat where she was stretching her legs out. "You wanna get out mamas?" I unbuckled her before lifting her up. "Hi baby." I gave her a kiss before letting her rest on my shoulder as I walked back to Lee. "Okay, as I was saying, I think we should put the flag on the back, like right.. there."
"I like that." He said and started to work on it while I rocked my little girl.
I felt her tiny hands hold my shirt as a yawn left her lips. "Take a nap baby, I'm here." I whispered, knowing she couldn't understand me but also knowing it was good to talk to her. I then walked around the meeting room subconsciously with a smile.
Needless to say, a nigga was softer than before and I didn't even think that was possible. Yet, here we were.
My phone then vibrated in my back pocket and I already knew who it was without looking at the screen. "You did not cook the breakfast yourself." Were her first words.
"Wow see? This why I don't cook for your ass, always downplaying me." I joked and she giggled lightly. "How are you feeling this morning?"
"A lot better. I wanna bring you lunch, send me your location?" I hummed and quickly sent her my current location before putting the phone back to my ear.
"I have Dahlia with me, and it's media day so.." she groaned. "Yeah, dress to impress."
"I do that anyways. But okay, I'll be there in a few, love you."
"Alright bye, love you too." I pocketed my phone after hanging up and moved back to Lee who motioned me over.
The shoe was just.. man it was perfect. I couldn't wait to have the physical copy and wear it. The coolest part possibly was that on the bottom left of the shoe was my signature. My signature on a Nike- can we take a minute to worship because what the fuck.
"Y/n?" I hummed and looked away from the screen at some of guys who were holding camera stuff. "We have a few things to do today, I was hoping we could go over it?"
I nodded and followed him to the table where we sat across from one another, Dahlia now sitting on my lap with me holding her up.
"Alright so obviously we have the behind the scenes footage of the process." I nodded. "And then, when possible, we want you and Lee to do an interview that'll go up on the Nike media platforms-"
"Ooo." I looked at my daughter with a smile as she gasped to herself and lightly smacked the table repeatedly. It was almost like she could understand shit, that was funny.
"Yes, we love promotion." The guy said with a chuckle before continuing. "And then, to finish it off, a live stream with interview on Instagram."
I slowly nodded. Sounded like a lot of talking. Gross. "Okay great, thank you.." I trailed off for his name.
"Harrison."
"Got it, thank you Harrison." I smiled politely before raising up and turning in time to see the doors open, Robyn walking in with a smile. "Look at my knight in shining Louboutin's."
She snorted before accepting my kiss, then looking down at Dahlia. "Hi pretty girl- hey, tell whoever editing that I don't wanna be in this shit, by the way." She said and pointed at each member of the camera crew. "I sue." She added jokingly before looking back at Dahlia.
Rob pouted as she softly bopped the infants nose. "She's so cute, oh my goodness. Can I hold her?" I nodded and handed her over with a smile, watching her let out a sob-like sound. "She's so preciousss ugh my God. Hi Dahliaa."
With her now taken care of, I moved to her everything done so I could go home as soon as possible.
"I look good?" I asked the guy behind the camera with a smile and he chuckled, giving me a thumbs up. "Don't have me looking bummy man." I added while fixing the mic box that rested on the bag of my jeans. "Get them angles."
"I got you." He laughed out and I sat down in the chair next to Lee, the cameraman-slash-producer standing behind the monitor. "Alright so basic interview, I'm gonna ask a few questiones about this campaign and the products.
"Wait." I raised my head and Rob knelt in front of me, Dahlia in one arm while she held a makeup brush shit with the other hand.
"Nooo." I mumbled but she waved me off and ran it under my eyes. "Babe-"
"I'm telling you. You look good but those bags under your eyes will pop on camera." She gave me a look. "Trust me." I mean she was the makeup queen so I just let it go. After a few minutes of brushing or whatever, she pulled back and ran her eyes over my face. "You have some beautiful ass eyelashes. You outta-"
"Nope." I cut off and she pouted before raising back up. "Okay, we're good."
The interview was straight forward as hell. Discussing the designs, the inspiration, all the boring shit I know you don't wanna hear about. But it was fun for me.. in a way.
I leaned forward as Lee started to talk about how our visions collided into one and as he did, I looked behind the camera into the meeting room at Robyn and Dahlia. My girls..
Rob was holding a bottle to her lips and my baby was staring up at her with those eyes that had me tripping over my feet, so I knew it had the same effect on her. Especially because she was a lot more into baby shit than me.
A smile crossed my lips when Rob's smile widened and looked up in my direction. I winked, making her face heat up slightly as she looked back down. Ha, still got it.
"And what are you guys trying to give the fans with this campaign?"
I lowkey forgot I was in an interview. "Um it's the Be True collection so I think we definitely tried to stay true to that.. idea." I spoke up. "Wear what you wanna wear and how you wanna wear it. There's no limit when it comes to fashion and I definitely encourage stepping out of the box."
I smiled at Lee as he nodded and pointed at me. "What she said."
After the closing of the interview, we were back up and walking into the room again. "Can we take a quick lunch?" He nodded but went straight to his computer. Nigga never stopped working.
I dropped onto the lounge chair with a groan as I rubbed my neck. "Hungry?" Rob asked and I nodded softly. "I got In n Out."
"You're the best." I said and grabbed the bag from her before giving her a quick kiss.
In the middle of eating the bomb ass burger, I heard a soft sigh come from Robyn. "Oh g- Y/n.." I looked over and saw her looking at her phone. I saw the look in her eyes so I shook my head.
"I don't wanna know, don't tell meeee." She handed me her phone anyways. "What now man?" I sat half the burger down and saw a thread from The Shade Room. I wasn't even surprised anymore.
@TheShadeRoom: #TSRExclusiveDetails Apparently Drake and Y/n have something more than Rihanna in common. They both "hiding the world from their kids" not vice versa. Alexis Fords, Y/n's ex girlfriend Aniya Ford's sister, went on a very long Instagram live rant.. see our next post for the full story.
@TheShadeRoom: Earlier yesterday Alexis Ford took to Instagram and had some heavy words to say about the up and coming entrepreneur #Y/n. "For two years I tried to get my sister away from her. She was cheating everyday and treating my sister like sh*t. But now she's not even claiming her child yet everyone thinks she's so damn innocent. She's not and needs to be cancelled." What do you think #Rommies? Is #Y/n cancelled?
@Breeezy: I mean y'all ain't been know Y/n was sus? You can tell with the way she carried herself when she first got exposure. One cocky asshole. Surprised Rihanna claimed her publicity
@6ix9ine: It's true. She got a whole kid
@spacejamspamz: I just wanna know what's up with these famous niggas and babies like whyyy can't y'all just take care of them motherfuckers??
@Navies: I would call cap but when she pulled up the phone and showed MESSAGES between them- I was like well fuck.
@iamsafaree: Aye lmao message said "Alexis: Y/n I'm tired of you hurting my sister. When's it gonna end? Y/n: Lol" that nigga coooold
I dropped my head back on the couch and set the phone on my chest. "Why is it one fucking thing after another yo? Shit is exhausting." I huffed out.
Leave it to Alexis to wanna take shit public. She was a goddamn clout chasing bitch and it pissed me the fuck off.
"Babe," I nodded softly at Robyn as she rested her hand on my stomach. "Don't worry about her, okay? Obviously the people in this room see you with Dahlia so you don't have to stress about Nike pulling back."
"I'm not worried about that. She's being disrespectfully and tryna blemish my name, I don't play that. You know that." She nodded softly.
With the anger running through my body, I felt like I could punch someone. That was until I felt a hand on my cheek.
Looking down, I saw Dahlia staring up at me calmly so I leaned down and pressed my lips to her forehead. "I'm here for you, babygirl, okay? Forever." I whispered, feeling the anger leave in an instant.
I knew the truth. Fuck what Alexis had to say.
____
Different forms of drama is okay guys.
Social media about to be HEAVY next chapter. Clap back Y/n time? Clap back Y/n time.