Mine Forever - Book 2

Chapter 3

Everything ok?

Nicki smiled down at the text message from Beyonce as Julius drove sedately toward Tina's Place.

She hadn't talked to Tina in several days and they had made arrangements to have coffee. Since Tina couldn't stand to tear herself away from the restaurant, Nicki usually popped in after school during the slower hours to chat.

She sent a return text. 

Yes Daddy. All's well.

It was Friday, almost a week since the incident at the clinic. 

Beyonce checked in with her every day, usually several times a day, to make sure everything was okay. She might joke with her about being like an overprotective father, but she secretly found it touching that she cared about her safety.

They hadn't gotten physical since the night of the incident at the clinic. 

They joked, they talked, but they didn't screw. 

It was almost as if they were both afraid that what happened couldn't be repeated. 

Or maybe it had just scared the shit out of both of them. 

It had certainly frightened the hell out of her. 

She had never experienced anything quite that intense.

Her phone beeped again.

Be careful. Let me know when u leave. RU there yet?

She replied. 

Pulling up now. Will obey orders, Ma'am.

The car pulled in front of Tina's restaurant as her phone beeped again.

I wish. Only in my dreams do you ever obey orders.

She snickered as she put the phone in her front pocket, almost able to hear Beyonce speaking those words out loud in a disgruntled voice. 

"Thank you, Julius. I'll see you in a little bit." She smiled at the kind, elderly man as she reached for the door handle.

He grinned broadly at her. "Have a nice visit, Ms. Nicki. I'll be here waiting for you. Give Tina my best."

Julius had worked for the family for several years and knew everyone.

"Will do." She slid from the vehicle, lifting her hand in a wave to Julius as she reached the door.

Even during the slower hours, Tina's Place wasn't lacking customers. 

The place was well known in the area for having reasonable prices and great food. 

Nicki made her way to a corner booth and was about to seat herself when Tina came rushing from the back doors, a wide smile on her face and her arms open wide.

Nicki hugged the older woman fiercely as she arrived beside the booth, breathing deeply, taking in the welcoming scent of vanilla that always seemed to radiate from Tina.

Tina pulled back and grasped Nicki by the shoulders. "How is my daughter treating you? You look good. Rested."

"Let me get us some coffee." Nicki went behind the counter and snatched two mugs, filling them with steaming coffee, before making her way back to the table, grabbing a bowl of creamer on her way. 

"I'm doing well. Classes are good. It's getting to crunch time." She slid a mug in front of Tina before seating herself in front of her own.

"Honey, you don't have to serve coffee. You aren't an employee anymore." Tina shot her a grin, one so similar to Beyonce's that Nicki was momentarily distracted.