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Beyonce Knowles Home
January 6, 2025
I was halfway through adjusting my pants, but I kept glancing over at Nicki. She was at the vanity, doing her makeup, looking focused but calm. It was her first day back at work, and I couldn't help but ask-again-if she was really ready for this.
She gave me the same answer she'd been giving all morning, saying she needed to get back to it. I knew I'd be checking on her constantly, though.
Plus Blue wouldn't hesitate to let me know if something was off.
Her phone rang, and she answered it on speaker, still dabbing at her foundation. Tika, her lawyer, came through the line.
"Hey, Nicki. Court's scheduled for January 10th. The judge is allowing you to testify. I just need to know if you're really in this. No backing out this time, right?"
Nicki didn't even pause. She just kept doing her makeup and answered, her voice steady.
"I'm not backing out. I'm ready."
I glanced at her, feeling a bit of pride. She looked so sure, and I knew this was a big deal for her. Even though I worried, I knew she was ready for it.
"I'm glad to hear that, Nicki. Just know this isn't going to be easy. The defense will come at you hard, but we've got everything we need to win this. You just have to stay strong, okay?"
Nicki nodded, though Tika couldn't see her. "I know, Tika. I'm ready this time. I just want this over with, and I need to stand up for myself."
I kept listening, my hands pausing over my tie as I watched Nicki's expression. She wasn't backing out.
"Good. I'll be in touch soon with more details. We'll meet before the hearing to prep you, and you know you can call me anytime if you need to talk through anything," Tika added.
"Thanks, Tika. I appreciate you," Nicki said, smiling just a little as she finished up her makeup.
"No problem. You've got this, Nicki. Talk soon." With that, the line clicked, and Tika was gone.
Nicki put her phone down and took a breath. I walked over, leaning against the vanity.
"You okay?" I asked, watching her closely.
She looked up at me through the mirror and nodded. "Yeah, I'm good. It's just... it's really happening now. But I'm ready for it."
I smiled softly. "I know you are. And I'll be there every step of the way."
I was putting on my earring, almost ready to go, when Nicki suddenly jumped up and bolted to the bathroom. I knew what was coming.
This pregnancy had been kicking her ass, especially in the mornings.
