The Beginning

Chapter 1   The Beginning

 Part 1

He stood there in the elevator next to his best friend, close enough to show her comfort but far enough to give her some space. She obviously wasn’t happy by her lingering silence since they’d left the venue. He hated seeing her unhappy, because when she wasn’t happy neither was he. Their emotions somehow intertwined. One did not feel pain, but both. Causing a deeper connection with every moment spent. Her innocent but deadly attitude steamed. He wanted to say something but didn’t know what. What could put her in a better mood. The silence echoed through the elevator, which seemed to take forever to get to their floor. She just leaned against the wall with one hand on her forehead, the other grasping her Louie bag. The dimmed light of the elevator seemed to fit the mood.

“I’ll take that if you want.” He offered, holding his hand out. She didn’t move or say a word. He sighed and let his hand fall. Finally the elevator came to a stop. Floor eight. She shrugged off the wall exiting the elevator while SB held the door. He sucked in a breath as the silence poured into the hallways. “I know I’ll take her out to dinner” he thought. Getting out would do her some good, get her mind off work.

“Nicki I…” He began.

“Not right now Safaree.” She interrupted, tossing her bag on the nearest table. He reached out to her, but she pushed his hand away.

“Just leave me alone okay.” She said turning her back on him, heading to her room. Immediate remorse clashed with her anger. She hated taking her frustration out on SB. He didn’t deserve it. And remembering all the times he dealt with her attitude she appreciated him. Never has she encountered someone (not in the family) who was so caring, tender, and supportive, refusing to take an L when times got rough. Like this time. He was not going to be defeated.

“Just talk to me” He called. Nicki turned to face him & scowled. It surprised her that he looked as upset as she felt.

“I don’t wanna talk right now. Okay please.” Stress thick in her voice.

“Fine. We don’t have to talk. Just come out with me.”

“Yeah right.” She said  rolling her eyes and turning to walk away again. He was starting to get frustrated, done being the kid getting bossed around. She just wasn’t trying to budge, but tonight was not her night. He decided it was his. He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her close. Face to face.

“We’re going out tonight. Go change.” He demanded, never letting go of her arm. He bent down bringing their faces closer “ Now.”

Shock shot threw her, followed by an unexplainable feeling. Could it be desire? The little space he’d left between them suddenly became too far. She wanted to close the distance, wanted him closer. She leaned her head back slightly, staring into his eyes. He’d never appealed to her more than in this moment. Grabbing and commanding her, being aggressive. A Boss. His blood boiled having her so close, nerves building up. He wanted so bad to crush her to him, hold her, and let all his bottled up feelings go.  But couldn’t stand his ground, nerves got the best him. How would she react to such a gesture? Embrace him or push him away. He spoke first.

“Go.” He simply said letting go of her arm and pointing toward her room. She was simply amazed by SB’s new found attitude. Ignoring her need to get closer, she turned and walked to the bedroom. Before entering she glanced back to see SB standing with his arms folded. Had he always been so Tall, Muscular, clean shaven and just the kind of dude she was looking for? She just smiled closing the door behind her.

“Nic are you ready yet, it’s been like two hours.” SB impatiently asked while knocking on the bathroom door.

“Safaree please do not rush me.” She replied through the door. They were going out together and alone. Everything had to be right. He sighed.

“I’m almost done.” She called thinking he was far away, but he hadn’t moved. He just listened to her humming to herself. As time went by the little pink ribbon tied valor box in his pocket began to get heavy. Still on the other side of the door, thoughts of how he would present it to her lingered in his mind. Suddenly the door swung open, she gasped.

“What the hell...” She hadn’t expected him to be there, so close.

“I was about to knock again telling you to come on.” He interrupted. Lies. She just rolled her eyes, picking up her bag, and heading for the door. He tried to carefully examine her new appearance. Starting from the 5 inch Versace pumps, working his way up to her black and pink strapless dress, sheltered by a black shrug, up to her precisely applied natural makeup, and pink Nuevo MAC lipstick, and the black bob set it all off. She was perfection.

“Come the hell on!” She yelled. “Talking about me.” She mumbled. Though she was serious, he just laughed trailing behind her. He sat there in the captain chair of the SUV, tweeting from his Blackberry. Trying to act casual though he was very much aware of the person sitting next to him. He stared at her from the corner of his eye, marveling at how perfect she looked. He conspicuously turned his head to get a better view. She rested against the seat staring hard at her phone, concentrating on something. His lips turned up at the corners when he noticed she had her lipstick in hand.  He watched as she precisely applied the lipstick, and then puckered her lips, checking herself out for the third time. Laughing was all he could do; these little habits of hers are what fascinate him the most.

“What?” Nicki asked.

“Nothing, these tweets are funny.” He lied.

“Oh god, what are my barbz saying now.” She asked.

“They’re making Twitpics of Just for Me perms with my face on it. ERRRRRRR.”  He’d seen the pictures days ago but forgot to mention them. Luckily he had them saved in his phone, or else this cover up would have failed. He laughed showing her the ridiculous picture. She threw her hands up laughing hysterically. Picture perfect she was, the way the dimmed light from the setting sun caressed her face. Her silvery laugh flooded the car.

“They are so silly!” They laughed together only to be interrupted by the driver.

“Excuse me, I don’t mean to interrupt, but do you know if the place is near here?” He asked in a low voice.  Nicki gave SB a “WTF” look. He just shook his head.

“You don’t know where you’re going?” She asked through slitted eyes. SB gave her a look, placing one hand on her arm; this minor touch sent his senses into a frenzy.

“I got this.” He said as Nicki resumed her pampering.

“Its a few blocks up. It’s called Ruth’s Chris. You’ll see the sign.” He quickly looked at the screen on his phone, adjusting his fitted cap and wiping his face. When they pulled up to the restaurant he shoved his phone into his pocket. The driver began to get out of the car, but SB stopped him. Instead he got out of the car, and went around to the other side to help Nicki out. When he opened the door he wasn’t surprised to see her hand already there waiting to meet his. This simple gesture never fails to excite him, the way she now instinctively holds her hand out to him. When she stepped out of the car, she winced.

“You okay?” He immediately asked. She nodded her head.

“Yes, but these shoes are killing my feet.” Without thinking twice he put his arm around her waist allowing her to put her weight on him. He lifted her slightly over the curb. She looked up at her best friend with tender eyes. Only he would do this, never worrying about himself, always her, willing to do anything within his power to make her happy. What more could she ask for. Walking up to the restaurant doors had his stomach twisted up. Is today going to be the day? He thought to himself. But he couldn’t find an answer. 

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