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This book contains mature themes, explicit language, and scenes of a sexual nature intended for adult audiences only. It is rated R and is not suitable for readers under the age of 18.
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This book also includes depictions o...
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Beyonce Knowles Manhattan Suite
December 8, 2025
I was still sitting at the restaurant, trying to ignore the growing tension between me and Nicki. I wished she would just let me explain, but it was clear that wasn't happening tonight.
She and the girls were throwing back shots like it was nothing, laughing like there wasn't a heavy cloud hanging over us.
"I'm about to go get the babies now," Lauren said, standing up, but I quickly reached out and grabbed her hand.
"Actually, you don't have to," I told her.
"Why? I was looking forward to getting my babies," she pouted, reminding me just how much she and Onika were alike. Sometimes, it was almost eerie.
"Onika changed her mind..." I said, glancing over at Nicki, who was deep in conversation with the girls, laughing loudly before raising her glass and taking another shot. "So, you don't have to pick them up tonight."
Lauren chuckled, shaking her head. "I'm still going to get them. Auntie's a little old, I can't hang like I used to. It's been past my bedtime," she joked, before walking over to hug Nicki.
After saying her goodbyes, she headed out.
Once she was gone, I found myself just sitting there, watching the girls while I picked at my food. Kelly got up after a while and made her way over to me. She took my hand and gently pulled me away from the group to talk privately.
"What's going on with you?" she asked, concern in her voice.
"Nothing," I said, shrugging it off. But then I decided to shift the conversation. "But since we're talking, let me ask you something."
She nodded, waiting for me to continue.
"Who keeps inviting Tems everywhere we go?" I asked, genuinely curious. "I get we hung out with her once, but we're not close enough for her to be showing up at Nicki's birthday dinner."
"I'm sorry," she began, looking genuinely apologetic. "Sarah and she are really close, and she doesn't have many friends. She asked me if it was cool for Tems to come along, and I didn't think it would be a problem."
I took a deep breath, trying to keep my frustration in check. "I get that. But Tems likes me. Today, she made a little scene, and it ended with Nicki thinking we were together in the bathroom. I'm not okay with that. So, if Sarah ever asks you again if she can bring Tems around me or us, the answer is no."
I paused for a moment, making sure my point was clear. I needed her to understand that I wasn't just overreacting-I was drawing a boundary.
"I don't want her around me anymore. She violated my space, my boundaries, and clearly doesn't care about my relationship with Onika. She showed me that today. Now, I have to move differently."
