Chapter 7

Nicki was in the boutique forcing smiles and trying to put on for her customers. It worked for them, but not for Lauren and Candi. She looked to see that it was his lunch break, so she unlocked the back then made her way back to the front.

"Nicki talk to us?"

"Can we have lunch at two and I'll explain everything."

"Alright."

Candi walked around helping male clients with the new male section of Barbz called Kenz. SB walked in glistening like a diamond ball. He made eye contact with Nicki, who was talking to a male client.

"I think this would be a lovely piece for your wife."

"Would you wear it?"

"Of course, everything in here I hand picked."

"Would you try it...."

"No she won't and I suggest you keep it cute, nigga."

SB spoke as he walked up behind her. She gave the client the piece and smiled small as she followed behind SB. He looked angry, so she didn't speak until he said something.

"Where's my food?"

"In the microwave."

"Can you heat it up for me?"

"Sure."

She walked off to the employee kitchen and warmed up his food. Melissa came up to her and frowned.

"Nicki, you need to let him go."

"It isn't that simple."

~~~~~~

"What?"

"SAY THAT AGAIN ONIKA!"

"Shh, please."

"That's worse than fucking hitting you, he might as well beat yo ass."

"I think it has something to do with Karen, but all he does is sit around yelling and controlling my every move."

"He really said you can't go out without him."

"Yes, told me that you guys aren't allowed in the house, fired Nancy and even told me that the kids aren't allowed to have friends over."

"This fool is out of his brain cells. Nicki don't make me have to beat Safaree's ass."

"What do you want, Nic?"

"A break! I know that if I tell him that, then it will just start his rage."

"You really need to leave him before he hurts you or the kids. He really needs to get himself together."

"Karen has his mind gone..."

"And speaking of her, every day he slips up and calls me her and when we have sex it only gets worse."

"Woah, no he isn't."

Nicki nodded her head as the tears flowed from her eyes. Her and SB hadn't been happy since he moved in, only faking it around the kids. He wasn't the same and everything she did was wrong. She sighed putting her head on the table. It wasn't even a minute before Candi tapped her.

"Nika, there is Nas."

Nicki's head shot up and she smiled big. God, I can't believe he came. She stood up and hugged him as she took in his scent. He held her tight and squeezed her.

"I'm glad you showed up. You remember my girls, Candi and Lauren."

"Hey Ladies."

"Hi, Nas."

They said at the same time. Nicki was all smiles as he sat next to her giving her little flirty winks and grins. They all sat and caught up on old times until he had to leave.

"I'll see you guys later."

"Bye."

Nicki looked at them and became blush red.

"What's up?"

"Nothing, he sent me flowers two days ago."

"You seeing him?"

"Hell no, I'm waiting for my man at home to act right!"

"You can't make him..."

"I can't give him up either. He needs help."

"Nic, he's going to kill you mentally before he gets help at least get the kids out of harms way."

"Please, Nic."

"He wouldn't hurt them, so they're fine."

"You don't know!"

Lauren shouted as Nicki stormed out of the place. Even though he's making my life hell. I'm not going to top him from seeing his kids. This isn't just about us. She let a few tears run her make as she pulled out the lot and made her way home. I'm not giving up on him, this is only part of a storm. She told herself, but feeling a totally different way as she made her way home.