If it wasn't for Denise, I'd probably never see Nikki smile in public again. Those two ladies enjoyed themselves while visiting this red carpet premiere. Actor Eddie Murphy's brand new film entitled "Coming To America" had just been released.
I watched footage from my hotel room not long after rehearsal ended. Onscreen, Denise posed for the cameras with Eddie.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Meanwhile, Nikki smiled for other curious shutterbugs. Most folks were kind enough to avoid personal questions and piece by piece, my girl became herself again. There was still no better feeling in the world.
The event was no gown affair, but Nik had dressed up without ever looking too flamboyant. Still, I'd never felt so proud. She didn't try finding some outlandish attire, but her style reminded me she was coming back, slowly but surely.
Even as I watched Nikki still sulk with grief in real time, I could only imagine losing siblings, no matter how distant my own family members were these days. Meanwhile, footage continued and Nikki winked before heading into the theatre.
Later that night, I'd finished another show and didn't know what to think after someone knocked on the hotel door. I cleared my throat just before answering, but remained cautious. Fans could've snuck up here with crazy intentions, of course.
There she was. My best friend.
"Hi," Nikki didn't even surprise me backstage tonight. And if folks knew that she was around, I didn't realize her presence until this moment. She stood in the door, and looked like this brand-new woman. My heart fluttered and jumped all at once.
Nikki had rocked those short curls again. Makeup wasn't as daring this time around, but she still looked gorgeous. Even her own polka dot jumpsuit matched my tour colors. Comfortable silence fell between us as she continued watching me this time.
"Hi, Baby! Great show." Nik closed my door behind us and walked into the living room. I honestly couldn't help blushing and opened both of my arms to embrace her. It was probably three in the morning or something, but we didn't care. She looked so pretty, happy, and relieved to be around someone that she loved.
I was that person.
"Thank you so much." Even if music reviews weren't always strong, her opinion meant the most to me. Our wedding bands shined underneath the lighting of this space, but I just held her hand, grateful that she was even here with me at all.
"You're welcome. I just wanted to surprise you. Showing up backstage would've caused too much noise." Nik offered those reasons. I nodded in return, knowing that it already took so much for her to even visit Eddie Murphy's movie premiere.
"Too many questions from other folks. Only Sheila knows the truth about what happened." I lowered my voice and kissed Nikki's cheek. Silence fell here as I remembered Sheila's reaction from only two years back. If it wasn't for security patrolling nearby and cameras everywhere, she would've trashed my studio.
"Yeah. Tell her that I said hello." Nikki smiled again. I nodded, taking the message to heart, of course. Again, instruments lined this room in case I couldn't reach the studio at such late hours. Nikki requested similar travel accommodations before.
"I will. Want anything?" I asked, gesturing towards the kitchen. Nikki shook her head and continued holding my hand. We fell into silence once more. She looked adorable to be honest, still here with me. Even kissing didn't cross our minds yet.
"No, thanks." Nikki had already cornered her own suitcase near the front door, but now faced me, winking. Just before I could stand and acted like some bellhop, Nik rolled her eyes and stood to pick up her own suitcase. I couldn't help laughing now.
We were happy again. Tonight proved it.
_____
I woke up alone the next morning, but Nikki had left some hotel stationery on my pillow. Groggily, I picked up that note, blinking away sleep. Silence fell in this bedroom as I sat up, ruffling covers for a moment. This faint smile reached my lips.
P,
Sorry to leave you, but I'm on the plane back home. In other news, tomorrow, I'm actually going back to the studio for the first time since my hiatus.
Overall, I'm so excited.
My record label hasn't officially set up a timeline for new music yet, but this is so much better than nothing.
Thank you for everything you've done to help me. I adore you beyond words, Baby. Best luck on the rest of your tour. Call me when you can.
All my love,
-Nik
To be honest, I really teared up after reading this message. She was ready to face the world again, even though that exposure just started with upcoming music. I smiled through the waterworks, then wiping away these signs of joy before long.
