Vogue ➳ Normani Kordei

twenty-seven

After one week of parties, seeing family reunite, and lots of secret sex between Normani and I, we hopped on a plane to go back to New York City.

We walked out of the gate holding hands until we got to the baggage claim to retrieve our bags full of messy clothes we were too lazy to fold again.

After placing our things in the cab, Normani and I shared a ride to our houses.

Her hand was in my lap, messing with my fingers. Soon, her hand clutched onto mine and her head leaned on my shoulder.

"This week was so great." Normani said in a soft voice. "I didn't want it to end."

"Well, I'm glad you went." My thumb rubbed over hers as I looked straight out the windshield to watch the road. "Take a left on Douglas. It's faster." I directed the cab driver.

Normani used her fingers to turn my face and look into my eyes. "Let the man drive and listen to me." Her lips pecked mine and she pulled away to whisper. "That's better."

I bit down on my bottom lip and smirked, trying to lean in again but she turned away to lean back on the dirty seat.

"So, is Dinah at home?" I curiously asked because it didn't seem like a big deal. But that all changed when Normani stayed quiet for a long amount of time. "I'm guessing that's a yes." Normani's fingers unhooked mine and she placed her hand in her own lap. "Shit, I didn't mean to make you upset."

"I'm fine." She muttered.

I used my fingers to turn her face like she had did to me only seconds ago and she looked back at me with this awful glare. "Quit lying to me. I just thought I'd ask since she's fucking crazy."

"She's not crazy."

"Bullshit." I shook my head and scooted away from her to cross my arms and stare out the window. I didn't even want to have a conversation like this with her. I didn't even mean to start a fight.

"Well, she's not." She retorted. "She's just really fucking mean. I can't do anything about that."

"Yes you can." I whispered under my breath. Sort of hoping she wouldn't hear me.

"How?" Normani exclaimed. "Leave her for you? Wow. Looks like my future is pretty damn set, huh?"

I turned my head and looked at her with a confused glance, "Fuck You. I know I'm not rich like Dinah. You don't have to rub your Prada nose in it."

"I'm not saying anything about money. I'm saying that I've been with her for years. I can't just leave out of nowhere."

I placed my elbow on the side of the door and my hand against my face. I didn't want to talk about this anymore even though I knew she wouldn't let it go now.

"Look at me." She demanded. I exhaled deeply before turning to see her dark brown, pleading eyes. "You know it's not easy for me. And I know it's not easy for you, but we didn't expect to turn out like this. You need to give me time."

"Do what you need to, Normani." I basically had to grit my teeth to get that sentence out of my mouth.

"Stop being like this. You're so damn hard headed. I know you don't like it. I know you hate that I go home to her every day even if she's the one who doesn't show up. I know you hate how loyal I am to someone who treats me like shit. But I can't help it. The least you could do is cut me some slack because I don't like it either but it's what I have to do."

"But I-"

"But nothing, Y/N. This is happening whether you like it or not." Her eyes trailed down to my lap and she grabbed my hand to hold it once more. When her eyes met with mine again, her expression was much softer and vulnerable. She wasn't being Ms. Kordei anymore. She was Normani again. "You know I love you.... Right?" I nodded. "Then you've got to let me do my thing and wriggle my way out of Dinah's life."

"We're here." The cab driver announced to us but my attention never left from Normani.

"One second." Normani told the man. "You love me?" I nodded again, still trying to think of something to say. "Then give me a kiss, baby."

Baby. The low husk in her vocal range when she said that made the corners of my mouth turn up without warning.

I leaned my head in to connect my lips with hers and finally we pulled away with a click.

I pulled on the door handle and whispered, "You want me to pay for my ride?"

"No." Normani responded, stealing one more kiss. "But I'll text you when I get home."

"Okay." I smirked. "Is the trunk popped?" I asked the cab driver.

"Ye. You're good." His New York accent belted out.

"See ya." I winked to Normani before extending my legs to step out of the yellow taxi.

--

After getting into my apartment and climbing up six flights of stairs, I was on my floor.

106. My designated living place was actually the best safe haven I could ever receive after a long visit home.

I pulled my keys out of my pocket and unlocked my door quickly. This place can be a little sketchy so I wouldn't want to be left out in the halls for too long.

I hurried in and pulled my suitcase behind me before closing and locking the door.

A quick breath of relief left my mouth as I yanked my suitcase towards my bedroom.

In the corner of my living room, someone cleared their throat and my heart stopped.

I slowly turned my head to look at the tall figure sitting in my recliner I had just bought.

"Nice to see you again, Y/N." The slightly familiar accent said.

My legs began to shake when I realized my body was moving closer to see who was in my apartment.