Saturday, June 30, 2012

Discovery & Surprises


Okay I know you guys hated me for that cliffy, but I'm back so don't hate me anymore. Hope you like it ^.^

Previously...
She smiled and leaned down to peck his lips, but he grabbed the back of her neck and inserted his tongue into her mouth. She moaned as their tongues wrestled. They didn’t notice a key turning in the lock.

Just then, Safaree walked and saw them making out. He stood there in shock for almost an entire minute.
“I’mma just go head and wait outside. I don’t wanna interrupt anything.”
“OMG! Faree!” She hopped of Drake’s lap as her cheeks turned red. “Why didn’t you call me?!”
“I’m sorry, Nic. I just didn-“
“It’s okay, you just have to promise me that you won’t tell a single soul.”
“I won’t. Ya’ll can finish saying your goodbyes. I’ll be in the car.”
“Thank you, Faree.” She gave him a friendly hug and turned back to Drake as he left.
“Now, where were we?” He gave her on last kiss and hugged her tightly.
“Alright, let’s get out of here.”
“They walked to the elevator hand in hand. When it stopped at the ground floor, they got off and walked to SB’s red continental Bentley. She got on her tippy toes and planted a kiss on his cheek.
“See you later. I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you too, babe,” he said as she got in the car. He shut the door behind her and waved as they drove away. He got in his red Ferrari and drove to his house in San Fernando Valley.

He ran upstairs, changed his clothes, and then went to set up his MacBook on the coffee table. He opened it and saw he already had a video conference request waiting. He accepted it and 40’s face popped up on the screen.

“Aye, nigga! Where you been at? You almost an hour late.”
“My bad, man. I got caught up at Nic’s house and the time just got away from me.”
“Wait, you said NIC’s house? Bro, did you hit?!?!”
“Nah, man, it ain’t like that, but she’s finally mine.” He beamed proudly into the small camera.
“Aw, man, that’s great. You been chasing her for like 4 years now. I’m so happy for you man.”
“Thanks, bro, but you can’t tell anyone yet, aight? We don’t want too many people to know.”
“I gotchu, bro, but let me play this beat for you.”
“Let’s hear it!”40 played him a couple beats and they exchanged ideas for about another hour and a half.

Meanwhile, Nicki and SB rode to the meeting in an awkward silence.
“Faree?”
“Yeah?”
“Are you mad at me?”
“Naw, Nic, just a little disappointed that you didn’t bother to tell me.”
No, no, no, it just happened!” She vaguely described to him the events that took place yesterday and that morning.
“So…do you forgive me?”
“Yeah, of course. But next time ya’ll decide to damn near suck each other’s faces off, let a nigga know. All that mushy, gushy stuff ain’t ignant enough for me.” They laughed and chatted until they arrived and took their seats in the conference room.

The meeting lasted about 3 ½ hours and Safaree drove her back home.
“See ya later, Faree!”
She ran upstairs to her apartment and pulled a Louis Vuitton duffel out of her closet. She threw in dresses, shirts, jeans, skirts, sweats, socks, thongs, boy shorts, bras, and shoes. Then, she headed to the bathroom to pack a smaller bag with toiletries and make-up. She tossed that in her duffel, zipped it up, grabbed the keys to her Bentley, and hurried out the door.

The drive to Drake’s house was a little over half an hour. When she arrived, she walked up the wide porch steps and rang the doorbell. He opened the door and smile at her before leaning down to kiss her softly on the cheek. Even that simple gesture caused butterflies to flutter around her stomach.

He leaned his forehead against hers and whispered against her lips, “I missed you,” while wrapping his arms around her small waist. She reached up, wrapped her arms around his neck, and gave him and Eskimo kiss.
“I missed you too.”
She gasped in surprise as she felt her feet leave the ground.
“What are you doing?!” she exclaimed with a laugh.
“I told you I would have a surprise waiting for you,” he said as he carried her inside, up the stairs, and into his bedroom. He placed her down and pointed at the bed.
“Look what I got you.” She saw the leopard print bikini.
“Ooooh, me like.”
“I got it custom made for you. It was inspired by the body suit in Beez In the Trap and the bikini in the Starships video. Just like…damn.” He took a deep breath and shook his head. She laughed.
“Thank you, Aubrey. I really love it.”
“Why don’t you go try it on for me?” He winked.
“Okay.” She sauntered seductively into the bathroom.
“Meet me downstairs when you’re done.”
“I’ll do just that.” She stripped out of her clothes, put on the bikini, and adjusted her wild curls around her face. She walked down the stairs and found a trail of rose petals leading from the bottom of the staircase to the back doors. She walked through them and saw his pool. It was surrounded by beautiful statues and there were waterfalls pouring into it.

As she was admiring the view, she felt Aubrey’s strong arms wrap around her waist. She turned around and started tracing his abs. She noticed he had on gray and blue trunks.
“I’m guessing your intention is to get me wet?” she asked with a smirk.
“I didn’t have to bring you out here to do that,” he said with lust dripping from every word.
“Well, before you do that…you gotta catch me first!” She broke free from his strong grip and dived gracefully into the pool. He laughed and jumped in after her. She evaded him for quite a while until he finally cornered her in a cave behind one of the waterfalls. He pinned her against the wall and whispered in her ear, “I win.”
“Oh, really? What’s the prize?”
“You.” He threw her over his shoulder, she shimmied around to his back, he swam across the pool, and ascended the pool steps. He brought her around to the front and attacked her lips as he climbed the stairs to his room. She clung to him like her life depended on it.

He put her down in the bathroom and got her a towel and a loofah out of the closet.
“Can you go get my duffel out of the car?” she asked him.
“Sure, where are your keys?”
“In my purse.” She pointed at the bed.
“Alright, be right back. Go ahead and shower without me. I gotta do something right quick.”
“Ok, boo.” She got in the shower, he jogged downstairs and out to her car, and grabbed her duffel. After he put it on the bed he went to get his clothes. Meanwhile, she was singing If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys.

Some people want it all
But I don't want nothing at all
If it ain't you baby
If I ain't got you baby
Some people want diamond rings
Some just want everything
But everything means nothing
If I ain't got you, Yeah

He just listened to her beautiful voice for a couple minutes before going back downstairs. He went into his home theater, browsed through the shelves, and set up The Notebook. He knew she would love that. He headed to the guest bathroom to shower.

Nicki got out of the shower, dried off, and put on a pair of PINK boy shorts and some sweats. She found one of Drake’s red OVO sweatshirts in his closet. She piled her wet hair into a bun on the top of her head. She went downstairs and found him in the home theater with a pair of basketball shorts and a wife beater on.
“Care to join me?” he asked while gesturing to the seat beside him.
“Gladly.” She plopped down next to him and he draped his arm over her shoulder.

“Nice sweatshirt,” he said, “You know where I might be able to get one?”
“Well, there’s this guy. He’s about 6’2, light skinned, GORGEOUS. I think he’s a rapper or something. He could probably hook you up.”
“Hmmm, I’ll have to find his contact info and get me something like that.” He smiled a goofy grin and she busted out laughing.
“You’re stupid, you know that, right?”
“Thanks, love you too, Nic.”
“Don’t try to play me, Aubrey. Start the damn movie.” He pressed play.
                “Remember when we first met?”
                “How could I forget? I bumped into you, apologized, and you ran away,” he said with a laugh.
                “Hey, it’s not my fault.”
                “And…why…is…that?” He punctuated each word with a kiss to her neck, collar bone, or the base of her throat. She breathed out deeply.

                She told him about David and he listened intently.
“…but anyway, boo hoo, sad story. I’ve moved on and I know he would’ve wanted me to be happy. And you make me happy…so yeah.”
“Wow, that’s crazy.”
“Yeah, I know.” They got comfortable as the previews ended and the movie started. He dimmed the lights with a remote control.
“Awwww, The Notebook! I hope you got tissues.” He reached over to his other side and handed her the box.
“Always prepared.” He winked and she pecked him on the cheek.

Every time she started to cry, he would hug her tighter and kiss away her tears. Eventually, she found the perfect spot with her head nuzzled into the crook of his neck and his arms wrapped securely around her small frame.

                Near the end of the movie, he noticed her dozing off and poked her in the side, "You gonna fall asleep on me again?" he asked.
                "Sorry," she yawned, "I'm just so tired."
“Oh, yeah. Well, just head upstairs and take a nap. I’ll come get you when dinner’s ready,” he suggested.
“You’re a lifesaver,” she quipped and pecked his lips before skipping up the steps. He turned off the movie, went straight to the kitchen, and started on her favorite: Boneless Chicken Stew.
He was done in about an hour so he went upstairs to the bedroom. He crawled up the bed, pushed up her shirt, and began placing kisses from her belly button to her panty line. She woke up abruptly before he could go any further.
He got up and said, “I knew that would do the trick,” then chuckled.
“You were right, I’m awake.”
“Come on and eat. I made your favorite!” They walked downstairs, out the back door, and when they got to the patio her covered her eyes.
“Follow me and keep your eyes closed,” he whispered in her ear. He took her by the hand and led her across the yard to a more secluded area.
“Okay, open your eyes now.” She did as he said and saw a table set for two with candles, two bowls of what looked like soup, and a plate of toasted French bread in the middle.
“Oh my gosh! Aubrey…this is amazing.”
“Only for you,” he replied. He pulled out her chair and he sat down. Then, he went around to sit in his chair. She looked into the bowl and a surprised expression flashed across her face.
“YOU.DID.NOT. Boneless Chicken Stew!!!”
“Yep, I told you it was your favorite.” He smiled proudly. They ate and chatted animatedly.
“What’s for dessert?” she questioned.
“You.” He winked.
“Oh???”
“Naw, just kidding. Come on, I’ll show you.” He led her back through the yard and into the kitchen. She sat on a bar stool at the island and he went over to the refrigerator. He came back with a bowl of strawberries and a container of whip cream.
“Yummy!” He sat down next to her, placed the bowl on the counter, and shook up the can. He selected one of the strawberries and attempted to spray whip cream on it. A squirting noise came from the can. He frowned and shook it up while Nicki giggled quietly. He tried again with the same result. He started to get frustrated and she finally offered to try. She pointed it at the strawberry and held down the tip. When nothing came out, she looked at it. As she turned it back to Drake it sprayed all over his face and shirt. She dropped the can and doubled over laughing as he sat there covered in whipped cream with an irritated expression on his face.
While she was laughing, he picked it up and sprayed her.
“OMG!!! YOU DID NOT JUST DO THAT!!!”
“Oh, but I think I did.” She hit him playfully on the shoulder and they finally got around to eating. After they cleaned up the mess, they headed upstairs to his room. He removed his shirt, threw it on the floor, and got in bed next to her. They both smiled in absolute content.

“Remember when we got Twitter married and everyone thought it was real?”
“Ohhhh, man. That was the best. Even my mom thought it was real. She called the next morning freaking out!” he laughed.
“That was fun…” she trailed off.
“I was mad you filed for divorce though,” he stated sadly.
“Awww, you big baby!” She straddled his lap, leaned forward, and repeatedly pecked his lips, “All better now?”
“Muuuch better!” he replied. She rolled off of him and snuggled into his side. He clapped twice to turn off the lights, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her forehead.
“Goodnight,” she sighed happily.
“Sweet dreams, baby.”

 A big shout out to my co-writer/editor/helps-me-with-ideas-when-I-have-writers-block person Jazzy (@aubreyspillow). Please comment :)

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Official Girl

Okay just a warning you guys are gonna hate me just a little bit after this, but I promise I'll make up for it eventually :P enjoy!


The next morning, she woke up and frowned when she felt his side of the bed empty. She rolled over to get her Blackberry off her night stand, but a smile spread across her face when she saw a note that said “Nicki” on it and one of the pink roses from the day before. She opened it and read it. It said, “Stay in bed. I have another surprise. Just wait. (Pauz) –Drake J

She got up to relieve herself and brush her teeth. She got back in bed and just when she finished checking her BlackBerry, Drake came in wearing only his boxers and carrying a tray with pancakes, bacon, eggs, fruit, and orange juice on it.
“Awwww, Aubrey, you really didn’t have to do this.”
“No, I wanted to since you were such a gracious host last night.” He winked and she blushed.
“So…you think you tryna get some abs, huh?”
“Well, my trainer has been working specifically on that area along with a few others.” He flexed his biceps and grinned. “He said most of my female fans would appreciate it and I wanna be in the best shape for my tour,” he told her as he sat the tray down and climbed on the bed. Nicki reached for the fork.
“Ah, ah, ah. Nope.” He took it from her and she cocked her head to the side in confusion.
“I got this.” He scooped up some eggs and she opened her mouth.
“What are the magic words?” he asked.
“Please?” she replied.
“Nope.”
“Oh come on, they're getting cold!” Nicki teased.
“What are the magic words?” Drake asked again.
“I don't know, you won't tell me,” Nicki laughed.
“I'll give you a hint,” Drake replied, “it kinda has my name in it.”
“Please Drake?” Nicki asked, eyes wide because she had no idea.
“Something you do to syrup on pancakes.”
“Drizzle?” Drake laughed and said, “FINALLY!” and fed her the eggs.
After they were done, she said, “Thank you so much, for everything, Aubrey. I didn’t know you could cook like this!”
“Girl, you never doubt a mama’s boy in the kitchen!”
“Oh, so you on ya cocky shit, huh?”
“You know you like it…” He pinned her wrists over her head as he hovered over her. The air was thick with sexual tension. He slowly inched his face closer and closer to hers and their lips finally met. They kissed hungrily and electricity pulsed through their veins as she dragged her fingers through his curls. He sucked softly on her bottom lip and she gladly granted him access. Their tongues wrestled and they only pulled apart to take a much needed breath.

He kissed her chin, along her jaw, her neck, and gently tugged on her earlobe with his teeth. She softly moaned as he caressed her curves.
“Let me do you right,” he said and she gladly obliged. He peeled off her shirt and kissed the top of her perfect breasts. He sprinkled kisses all the way down to her belly button.

“Aubrey, wait. We can’t do this.” He sat up and lowered his head.
“I understand,” he said hesitantly. Damn, I knew it was too good to be true, he thought to himself.
“Aubrey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to lead you on. I just got so caught up in the moment and…I just don’t know what happened. It shouldn’t have gone that far. I’m so sorry.” She looked down into her lap and tears began to fall.
“Hey, listen to me, don’t cry. Nic, it doesn’t have to be this way.” He used his thumbs to wipe her tears.
“What do you mean?” she sniffed.
"Nicki." Drake said
"Yes?" Nicki replied, looking up at him.
"Remember when we were shooting Moment 4 Life and I called you my queen?"
"Yes…" she trailed off, remembering the behind-the-scenes encounter.
"I was being serious," he admitted. She sighed.
 “Not this again. Aubrey, I’ve told you over and ov-“
“GOD DAMMIT, NIC! You and I both know that brother/sister crap is bullshit and you just proved it.” He softened his voice. “You gotta stop lying to yourself, Onika. We can make it work, but you gotta let me in.”

“You don’t understand! I’ve been hurt so much. And everyone who didn’t hurt me left me! I can’t let my guard down and I have to do it on my own.” He took her hands.
“Nic, you’ve gotta understand, I’ve been hurt, too and I want nothing more than to be with you. I’m giving you my heart while it’s broken so we can heal together. It’ll only make us stronger. You don’t have to do it alone, I’ve been here from the start, I’m still here, and I won’t ever leave you,” he said with conviction, “I can’t promise you that I won’t make mistakes, but I’ll do my best and I’ll never stop loving you, no matter what.”
She stared at him unsure of what to say. “But…I’m scared,” she finally whispered.
“It’s okay. I’m different, I’m not like all those other niggas who left you and hurt you. I wanna spend the rest of my life with you and be the man that puts that gorgeous smile on your face.” He tapped her nose and she showed her brilliant, dimpled smile.
“You really think we could work this out?” she questioned skeptically.
“Absolutely,” he said sincerely.
“Just don’t break my heart.”
“Never. Nic, I waited almost 4 years just for this moment, to hear you say those very words. I wouldn’t fuck this up for the world, baby.” He pulled her close and kissed her softly as he gently squeezed her ass.
“Aubrey, I don’t think I’ll be able to get to my meeting on time if you keep this up,” she said between short breaths.
He just laughed and said, “I gotchu later, just wait,” then winked. She sighed in content.
“Well, I gotta get up now. I need to take a shower,” she pleaded. He rolled from on top of her and she walked to the bathroom, stripping off what was left of her clothes while he just watched with his mouth hanging open. Just then her phone started ringing.

“Could you get that for me,” she shouted over the running water, “then feel free to join me.”
The Caller ID said Safaree.
“Hello?” Drake answered.
“Hey Nic – wait, who is this?”
“Drake.”
“Oh, whaddup, bro? Where’s Nic at?”
“She’s in the shower right now.”
“Aight, just let her know I’ll be there in like 45 minutes to pick her up for her meeting at 10:30.”
“I gotchu.”
“Thanks, man. See ya.”
“Bye.” He hung up and hurriedly stripped out of his boxers to join Nicki. He stepped into the shower behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and pressed himself against her while placing kisses on her shoulder. She gasped as she felt his erect member come in contact with her plump ass.

“Don’t start anything you can’t finish,” she said seductively.
“Oh, best believe, I can finish it, but once you get some of this, you won’t wanna stop.”
“Is that the case?”
“Yeah, but that was Safaree calling. He said he’d be here in 45miutes,” he said nonchalantly while placing more kisses on her back.
“Shit,” she cursed under her breath.
“Don’t worry, babe. I’ll be here all day if you want me to be.”
“I would love that, but right now, I would loooove to wash up and get out of here before something really happens.”
“Okay,” he chuckled. She handed him her body wash and loofah and he washed her, then grabbed a wash cloth and washed himself. After they rinsed off and got out, she brushed her teeth while he dried off.

“You really asking for it.”
“For what?” she inquired as she turned around.
“Do I really have to explain?”
“Ooooh, I see Jimmy’s excited,” she said between giggles.
“You laughing now, but you’ll be screaming my name when I put it on you.”
“Oh, in that case, I’ll go put on some clothes.” She winked and ran back into the bedroom, covering her boobs. He shook his head and laughed. About 20 minutes later, she had on a red dress, a black leather jacket, and black Louboutins. He just put on his jeans and white OVO crew neck sweatshirt from the day before.

She sauntered over to the recliner he was sitting in and sat on his lap.
“So…” she said as she traced his lips with her index finger, “what are you gonna do all day while I’m gone?”
“Depends on how long you’ll be gone.”
“Hmmm, probably about four or five hours max. We’re finalizing the stage set-up for the tour and possible wardrobe options.”
“Well, I have a video conference with 40, so I gotta head home, but how about you just come by my house when you’re done. I’ll have something special waiting for you.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Well, I’mma head out. Don’t hesitate to call or text me if you need anything, okay?”
“I got it, Aubrey.” She smiled and leaned down to peck his lips, but he grabbed the back of her neck and inserted his tongue into her mouth. She moaned as their tongues wrestled. They didn’t notice a key turning in the lock.

You know the drill comment please :)

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

New Beginnings



Okay I'm not new around here but this is my first story I hope you guys like it comment please :)

When they told her the news, she felt her chest clench up. Her breath caught in her throat before heart-wrenching sobs started escaping. She crumbled down to the floor and cried for hours. She couldn’t believe it. He was gone...forever. Her heart ached for him. Never again would he comfort her with his warm embrace, or wrap his strong arms around her petite frame, or join his soft lips with hers. She couldn’t comprehend that she could no longer look into his warm, hazel eyes and know every emotion he was feeling. She couldn’t wrap her mind around the fact that he would never smile his stunning smile ever again. She couldn’t move, she couldn’t breathe, all she could do was cry. Why was she still existing? She was nothing without him, a shell without a soul. He was her soul, her heart, her everything.

1 Week Later

                Today was the last day she would ever see his face. The funeral. She put on a black dress. Everyone said she should be celebrating his life instead of mourning, but she couldn’t help it, they were closer to each other than anyone else in the entire world and without him she was nothing.
               
Why should she celebrate losing her boyfriend when he was only 26? She was almost 24 and they’d been together since she was almost 19. They met when she was waiting tables at Red Lobster and they had been inseparable ever since. Today would’ve their 4 year anniversary. She started to tear up at the thought, but she calmed herself before she could really start crying.  She wouldn’t miss this for the world because closure was the one thing she really needed.

She’d cleared her schedule for the entirety of the next 2 weeks. She knew she wouldn’t be able to function properly without him and she didn’t want to put forth anything, but her best effort. Her new routine without him would take some getting used to, but she knew he wouldn’t want her to waste her life so she was going to get back at it after some recovery time.

She was pursuing a rap career and he encouraged her and fully supported her dreams. She’d already released her first 2 mixtapes and she would probably be on a DVD soon, but right now, he was her main priority. She finished getting ready and waited for the limousine.

About 10 minutes later, she saw the limo outside of the window. She grabbed her clutch and walked out. As she opened the door and got in the car, his mom pulled her into an embrace.
“We’re gonna make it through this. Okay, darling?” she encouraged.
“I know and thank you for all the support and help,” she replied.

They rode to the church in a comfortable silence. When they arrived, they took their seats in the front pew. She cried silently through the entire service. At the end, everyone gave their condolences and said there final goodbyes.

When she was the only one left, she slowly made her way toward the casket. She stopped and admired his freshly shaven face and smooth skin. He was even beautiful without the vibrant spark of life behind his eyes.

“Hey,” she said shyly, “I just want you to know that I loved you with all my heart, more than anything in this entire world, more than myself. I want to thank you for everything you did for me and just know I miss you so much. Rest In Peace.”

 She kissed his cheek one last time and took a deep breath. She was slowly, but surely, coming to terms with the fact that he was gone. She made her way out of the church to signal the pall bearers and join the rest of the family back in the limo. When they arrived at the cemetery, they all got out and made their way to his tomb.

Once the coffin and flowers were placed, the preacher addressed the small crowd, “Any last words?” She watched his mother stand up and face the crowd.

“We are all witnesses of what was an amazing life. I know he would appreciate each and every one of you, but trust me, he’s in a much better place now,” she said. By now, mostly everyone was nearly in tears if they weren’t already crying. “If I’m sure of anything, I know 2 things. One: he fulfilled his God given purpose and two: he was absolutely and irrevocably in love with this young woman right here. The night before he passed, we’d gone shopping for an engagement ring and I’m sure he would want you to have this.” His mother beckoned her up to the front, placed the ring on her finger, and kissed her cheek. “Any last words, Onika?” She shook her head no.
“Be strong for him…and all of us. I know you can do it,” she whispered in her ear. She nodded her head fiercely while tears continued to pour relentlessly from her eyes. They all watched as the casket was lowered into the ground. As everyone left, she walked over to his intricate marble headstone. It read:

David Anthony Brown
May 26, 1982 – July 13, 2008
Our Son, Our Brother, Our Friend
A Gentle & Loving Soul

She walked away trying to contain her tears. Thankfully, the ride back to her house was short. She said goodbye to his family and the second she got inside the door, she crumpled to the floor and the sobs took control of her. She cried as she crawled miserably to her bedroom and got undressed. She cried in the shower and her make-up ran down her face. It subsided slightly as she got into bed. She rolled on her side and hugged her pillow tightly. She wept noiselessly until she fell into a fitful sleep. Even her slumber was plagued with memories of him. She couldn’t escape her misery.



Present Day
Nicki had just wrapped up shooting the video for Right By My Side with Chris Brown earlier that day. She had the rest of the day off and she just wanted to be alone and stay in bed. Safaree went to visit family in New York and he wouldn’t be back until the next day so she was in her LA apartment watching reruns of Judge Judy and eating cranberries and almonds on the couch.

She reflected on her shoot yesterday. As she repeated the sentimental lyrics over and over for every take, she always happened to think about a certain someone…Drake. As hard as she tried, she couldn’t mask or suppress her feelings for him any longer. What would happen if I just gave him a chance? She wondered to herself No! I have a career to focus on, I don’t need this. She tried to convince herself she didn’t need anyone. She suddenly felt a huge wave of guilt crash over her as she thought about all the times she rejected him. They had so much history.

Flashback

Nicki walked up to the tour bus and took a deep breath. She’d been so successful in the past year. She was on The Come DVD Wayne discovered her. He contacted her and they worked together on her third mixtape. This one was really big underground and her buzz was growing. Wayne was going to sign her to his label, Young Money, and today she was meeting the rest of the members.

She knocked on the door and waited patiently. She was anxious, but really excited. Just then, Wayne opened the door.
“Whaddup, ma?” he said as he pulled her into a hug.
“Hey, Wayne. It’s good to see you,” she said enthusiastically as she walked up the stairs.
“You ready to meet the crew?” he asked.
“Absolutely!”
“Nicki!” She and Wayne both turned around to see an excited Shanell coming their way.
“Hey, Nelly,” she said as they hugged tightly.
“Let her breathe, aight? She still gotta meet the rest of the crew. In fact, since you so excited, how bout you introduce her,” Wayne said teasingly.
“Whatever, let’s go,” she laughed. They walked to the back of the bus where 5 men and 2 boys were seated on different couches and in chairs.
“Hey, guys! This is Nicki,” Nelly stated. She beamed and gestured for her to come closer. “Nicki, this is Gudda Gudda, T-Streetz, Mack Maine, Jae Millz, Tyga, Lil Twist, and Lil Chuckee. She pointed to each person as she said their name. She was greeted by a chorus of hey’s and hello’s, but T-Streetz said, “Damn, shawty BAD! You see that ass?!?!” Shanell glared at him and said, “Shut up Streetz,” then turned to Nicki, “Don’t pay him any mind. He’s always high.” Nicki just giggled. They seemed like a pretty cool bunch. For the next hour or so they chatted and got to know each other better.
“It was nice meeting everyone, but I gotta leave now. Hopefully, I’ll be seeing more of you guys soon,” she said as she stood up and shouldered her purse. She gave them all hugs and waved as she backed down the aisle. As she turned around, she slammed into someone texting on their BlackBerry.
“Oh!” she exclaimed.
“I’m so sorry! Are you ok?” he asked. She collected herself and looked up at him before letting out and audible gasp.
“I don’t think we’ve met before. My name is Aubrey, but everybody calls me Drake.” He extended his hand and smiled.
“Sorry, I gotta go.” She squeezed past him, ran down the steps, and rushed to her car while he stood there baffled.
“What did I do?” he questioned. Everyone just shrugged.

Nicki got in, slammed the door, and threw her purse into the passenger seat. She leaned her head on the steering wheel and exploded into sobs. They continued as she reached across the car, opened the glove box, and removed a picture. He looked just like David. Everything about them was nearly identical, from the smile to the caramel skin to the hazel eyes. She sat there for a couple more minutes and tried to get herself together. Any other day she wouldn’t have reacted this way, but she was already thinking about David because today was the one year anniversary of his death. Before she met the crew, she was with Mr. and Mrs. Brown remembering his life.

She made her way back to her apartment and immediately got in the shower. After she dried off, she put on a pair of boy shorts and a gray wife beater, and checked her phone. She saw she had a few missed calls and a text, all from Shanell. She opened the text first.

                Nelly: What was that all about? You okay?

She didn’t really want to respond, but she saw that her friend was genuinely concerned.

                Nicki: Can I call you?
                Nelly: Yeah

She dialed Nelly’s number and she picked up on the first ring.
               
“Nicki, what’s going on?” she asked, her voice laced with suspicion.
“Well, I’ll get right to the point. Today is the one year anniversary of my ex-almost-fiancé’s death and Drake looks, literally, exactly like him. I ran away because it scared the crap out of me, but I’m fine now.”
“…”
“Nelly?”
“Oh…well, then. I’m sorry about that. It must be pretty weird.”
“Yeah, it’ll take some getting used to, but I feel really bad about it. Aubrey’s probably so confused. I’ll have to find a way to make it up to him.”

*End of Flashback*

She laughed as she remembered their little encounter. She stayed on the phone with Shanell for hours brainstorming what she could do to make it upto him. She sighed deeply. Now, she was so busy that she barely had time for any of her friends and the rare days that she did have off she just wanted peace, quiet,and alone time. She drifted into a troubled sleep on the couch.

She woke up to the sound of her doorbell ringing. She slipped her feet into her fuzzy, pink slippers and tied up her robe as she walked to the door. She looked out the peephole ready to snap on whoever it was. She was irritated that someone was interrupting her day off. As soon as she saw who it was, her irritation melted away and it was replaced by pure joy. She flung open the door and jumped into his arms.
“AUBREEEEEEY!!!!! What are you doing here?!” she asked excitedly. She was elated to see him.
“Well, I was back in town and I heard you were done with your video shoot, so I figured I would stop by since we haven’t seen each other in ages and we’re both going on tour soon.” He placed her back on the ground, leaned over, and kissed her cheek. She just stood there, beaming, still shocked to see him. “Now are you just gonna stand there or let me in before the paps catch us?” he chuckled. He bent over to get his bag and she laughed and led him inside to the living room.

As he walked behind her, he admired her perfect frame and gorgeous curves. His breath caught in his throat as her tried to absorb how beautiful she was, even if she was just wearing sweats and her hair was in a messy bun. 
“Make yourself at home. Mi casa, tu casa.”
“Gracias, mi bonita señorita,” he said and winked at her. She just giggled and blushed. “I have a surprise for you!” he said and her eyes lit up. He sat the bag on the coffee table.
“Ooooh, what is it?!”she gushed like a little child. He pulled out the bouquet of pink roses.
“Just for you, my queen.”
“Awwww, Aubrey, they’re beautiful!” She gave him a hug and rested her head on his chest. He inhaled her flowery scent and squeezed his arms tighter around her small waist.
“I could stay right here forever, baby girl. As long as you let me.” He tilted her chin up and stared deep into her eyes before kissing her softly on the forehead as she smiled at him.

“Let’s go get a vase for this wonderful gift,” she declared. She led him to the kitchen and got one from under the counter. He filled it with water and she placed the roses in it. They went back to the living room and she placed them in the center of the coffee table as he took off his shoes and threw himself on the couch.

“Hey! You took my spot!” she said indignantly and playfully punched him on the arm.
“I guess we’ll just have to share,” he replied as he shifted onto his side to make room for her. She cuddled up next to him and turned to HBO. The Devil Wears Prada was on.
“I love this movie!” she exclaimed and he laughed.
“What were you doing before I got here?”
“I was actually watching Judge Judy, but then fell asleep. I woke up when I heard the doorbell.”
“Sorry to wake you.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m glad you’re here!” They caught up while they watched the movie and in the course of their conversation it began storming violently. Eventually, she fell asleep with his arms wrapped comfortably around her waist.

When he noticed she was sleeping, he picked her up and carried her to her bedroom. He laid her down gently and slid off her sweats. He knew she hated sleeping in them. Just as he was about to walk out, she grabbed his hand.
“Aubrey, don’t leave,” she said. It came out as barely a whisper.
“I’ll just go in the guest room down the hall.”
“Noooo,” she whined, “stay with me, it’s storming.”
“You sure?” She nodded, so he pulled of his shirt and slid under the covers beside her. He couldn’t believe this was happening.
“You were always such a gentleman, Aubrey.”
“That’s how Mama raised me.” She giggled softly. They laid in the comfortable silence, enjoying each other’s presence, but neither sleeping yet.
“You’re so warm.”
“I’m sorry-“
“No…it’s nice,” she said hesitantly. She kissed him gently on the cheek and laid her head on his chest.
“Goodnight, Aubrey.”
“Goodnight, Onika.” They fell within seconds.

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