Chapter 10: Absolutely, Maybe

Absolutely Not. Really? Yes. Wait. No. Idk. Anyways. Shoutout To TMDC's M4L. They Gave US LIFE With That. Sure Ya Right. Also Shoutout To @nickisalute For The Comments. And that micionaaron20 person... got a twitter? Welp Enough Of This. I Really Missed You Guys. Just Been Hella Busy.. Taking long ass naps. Yeah. That. Anyways. Enjoy.

                                                                                                                       Cooncerely,

                                                                                                                                 Green & Purp

‘BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP’ “Safaree!” Nicki yelled, after the sound of the fire detector startled her out of her sleep. The smell of bacon, eggs, and hot biscuits filled the too chilled air of her room. She hopped out of bed, put on her robe and went to make sure he wasn’t burning the place down. “Did you forget to turn on the fan above the stove again!?!” She asked as she tied her robe “And why is the air blasting?” she added before coming into view of the kitchen.

          “Good morning to you too, and my bad Nicki, I didn’t know.” Martin said as he flicked the switch to turn it on.

          “Good morning Martin, didn’t know you were here. Where the hell is Safaree?” Nicki asked picking up the newspaper sitting on the edge of the counter. ‘Young Money, a STAPLE in the World of Hip-Hop’ read the title of the LA Times.

          “Umm, I think he said he had some things to handle today, something about going to the mall.” Martin said with uncertainty. Did he not fully remember, or was he purposely leaving out something? Nicki wondered.

          “Why do I pay you again?” Nicki teased, grabbing a plate.

          “Because of the kind, wonderful heart that God has blessed you with.” Martin said.

          “Boy. Imma need..” Nicki began, but was interrupted by the door bell ringing. She gave Martin a look.

          “Did you want me to get that?” Martin asked, stuffing about two forks full of eggs in his mouth.

          “No, sit there on your ass and eat my food.” Nicki spat as she went to open the door. “I shouldn’t even be eating this, Meanie.”

          “Mmm kay.” He replied with a full mouth. Nicki shook her head.

          “Who is it?” Nicki asked as she opened the door.

          “Me.” Drake replied wearing a smile that could transform Akon to the complexion of Edward Cullen. He had on a black V-neck T-shirt, khaki shorts that hung just below his knees, and boat shoes.

          “Oh hey, come on in.” She said stepping aside. Drake walked past her smelling better than the breakfast Martin had prepared. “You know Martin, right?”

          “Yeah, what’s up man.” Drake said before extending his arm and slapping up Martin.

          “Nothin’.” Martin responded before sitting back down.

          “Ain’t that the truth.” Nicki stated.

          “My bad Nicki, is there something you need me to do?” Martin asked, taking their plates to the sink.

          “You can start by putting those in the dish washer. Then I need you to make a few calls. I’ll make a list before I leave.” She answered.

          “Yeah, we do need to get going.” Drake chimed in. Nicki glared at him.

          “Don’t rush me, shit, betta be glad I’m going.” She said as she was heading to her room to get ready. After about an hour she was ready. Since she had no idea of today’s activities, she based her attire off Drake’s. She wore a black bob, salmon sundress with white gladiator sandals, and a few accessories.

          “C’mon Nic, you’re cutting in on my time.” Drake said.

          “I’m coming, damn. I mean, I don’t have to go.” Nicki said as she made her way into the main room.

          “You look absolutely amazing.” Drake said almost drooling. She was always beautiful in his eyes. But he’d be lying if he said he didn’t prefer her minimalism look.

          “Thanks.” She said handing Martin his list, grabbing her purse, and heading to the door. “Move at a glacial pace, you know how that thrills me.” She said, quoting one of her favorite movies.

          “Oh, so now I’m the one slowing down the process.” Drake said sardonically as he went out the door.

They made small talk in the car as Drake drove them to their destination. They arrived on Degnan Blvd in Leimert Park. It reminded Nicki of an less crowded African Chinatown. Drake cut the engine once he parked and smiled at Nicki. “We’re here.” He said, stating the obvious. He reached in his pocket for his phone, turned it off, and put it back. Aww, how sweet. Nicki thought.

          “Where is here?” Nicki asked, after Drake had opened her door.

          “It’s just a place I like to hang out. Especially on Mondays during this time.” He answered.

          “Why?” She asked as she stepped out and looked around. There were all kinds of specialty shops ranging from food, apparel, accessories, music, art, etc.

          “It’s when almost everything is open, but without the big crowds.” He said simply, shutting her door and holding out his hand. Nicki thought holding hands would be a bit much so she just wrapped her arm around his.

          “Ah, so where we goin’?” Nicki asked in excitement.

          “Patience Nic, you’ll see when we get there. It’s at the end of the strip.” Drake replied.

          “Ugh! Well, good thing I didn’t wear heels.” She added.

          “You’ll get a chance to next time.” Drake commented. Next time? So he just KNOW I’m gone enjoy myself and agree to do this again? Nicki thought as they slowly made their way down the strip.

          “We’ll see.” She said, taking in the beautiful landscape.

          “Yes, we will.” He added as if certain.

Before they could get half way down the strip Nicki had stopped at five different shops to make purchases. Drake didn’t mind because he made sure they would have enough time to do so when they got there.

          “Yo, this place is amazing.” She said, as they were leaving out of a shop that carried all types of body care. They sold everything, from lotions, soaps, smell goods, etc., all ranging from the well known to organic. “I’ve never seen so much Cocoa butter shit in my life.” She truthfully joked. Drake laughed as he nodded in agreement.

          “I wanted to stop in this record store before it’s time for us to head in. I’ll be right back, just gonna run these to the car.” Drake said referring to all of Nicki’s bags.

          “Okay, don’t take all day.” She commanded.

          “Aww, I know you’ll miss me but it’ll only take a couple minutes.” He teased as he began to jog back to where they had parked. Nicki shook her head. Man, I’m thirsty. She thought to herself. Looking around, she spotted a place reminiscent of a bodega. As she approached the entrance she spotted a young girl sweeping the sidewalk.

          “Excuse me lil mama.” Nicki said politely. The girl moved out the way still sweeping and apologized.

          “It’s fine sweetie.” Nicki assured her. The girl looked up to say thank you, but froze when she noticed who she was talking to.

          “Oh my!” The girl exclaimed. “Please stay right here?” She asked Nicki in an accent before darting into the store. Nicki heard a woman yell ‘How many times I tell you don’t run in dis store Emonie’ in an accent heavier, but similar to the girl’s.

          “Sorry Mama!” The girl yelled before appearing back outside. Nicki smiled causing the girl to giggle. “My name is Emonie by the way.”

          “I heard.” Nicki teased. “Nice to meet you, Emonie.” They both smiled.

          “You also. I love your songs. Can you sign my CD?” Emonie said all in a whisper as she held up Pink Friday.

          “Sure.” Nicki replied in a whisper. “But why are we whispering?”

          “Well, Mama says not to bother people, no matter who they are. That is why y’all do business with us. If we continue to treat you like human beings and keep the picture stealers away then you’ll keep coming back.” Emonie informed Nicki as she autographed her album.

          “Ah, you’re mom’s a smart woman.” Nicki replied handing back the signed CD.

          “Yes, Ms. Nicki, she’s one of the few woman owners on this strip.” Emonie said proudly.

          “Dope.” Nicki said, looking around to see if Drake was back.

          “You’re waiting for somebody?” Emonie asked.

          “Yep, and he’s taking forever.” Nicki huffed.

          “Boys.” Emonie huffed. This made Nicki laugh. “You want me to get you something?”

          “Yes child, something cold to drink.” Nicki said handing her a bill. Emonie went to go get Nicki something to drink with the quickness. Maybe I could replace Martin with her. She pondered…

TO BE CONTINUED ;-P