More Than Business

Chapter 50

Lydia POV

"Where's Nika?" Mom asked as we pulled up in front of the house.

"Umm.. About that.." I stammered.

"Did something happen?" she asked, concerned.

"No.. I mean, we just aren't a thing anymore." I confessed.

"Oh.. Okay."

"Everything else is still the same though. We still have the company and we're still just as close as we've always been." I explained.

"Thats good. I knew you two were inseparable." she smiled, "you should invite her over for dinner. Or even better we should all go out to eat."

"Well.. We'd probably have to invite her new boyfriend." I murmured.

"Boyfriend?"

"Oh yeah. Aubrey, he's her business partner slash boyfriend." I explained.

"And you're okay with this?"

"Actually.. Yeah. Im happy for her. It was hard at first but eventually..."

"Okay. Call her." she got out of the car.

I helped her with her bags and we went inside the house.

She was surprised to meet Aaliyah and happy to see OJ. I snuck upstairs to call Nic.

Nicki POV

"Babe?" I whispered, covering the speaker of the phone.

"Yeah?" Aubrey walked over.

"Did you have plans for dinner?"

"No why."

"Mom wants us all to go out for dinner tonight." I stated.

"Sure." he wrapped his arms around me.

"Okay we'll be there. What time?" I said into the phone.

"Alright bye." I hung up.

"What time?" Aubrey asked.

"Gonna meet at the restaurant on 5th street at 8:00." I relayed. "Wear something nice."

He kissed my neck then my cheek.

"Come on, we only have 20mins." I struggled.

"I know." he kissed me once more before laying me on the bed and walking to the closet.

"Are you going to find me something to wear?" I asked.

"Yep." he called back.

He came out with a black dress.

"A little scandalous dont you think?" I scrunched my nose.

"Just put it on. Trust me." He threw it on the bed and retreated to the closet.

"Now what are you doing?"

"Are you planning on going barefoot?" He called out.

"You're acting weird and I don't like it." I put on the dress and walked over to the mirror. "I think I'm due for some new clothes."

"I can bet you half of that closet is still unworn." He came out with pink pumps.

"Not those." I shook my head. "Its not that kind of party."

"I agree." he shrugged. He came back out with silver ones.

"I don't even remember buying these." I shook my head as he helped me put them on. "They're cute though."

At the restaurant we ended up pulling up at the same time. I ran over to help get OJ out of the car.

"Nika!" Mom hugged me. "I missed you so much! You look beautiful, as always."

"Thank you!"

"I hear you have a new boyfriend." She raised an eyebrow.

"Ugh you and Lydia are both such a tease you know." I playfully rolled my eyes.

I turned to see that Aubrey was getting something out of the trunk of his car.

"Aubrey," I called over, "Do you need a hand with anything?"

"No its okay." He replied and closed the trunk.

"He treats you right I hope." Mom cut her eyes at him.

"Like a queen." I assured. "Don't be so judgy.. If I can pick the right girl I think I can pick the right guy as well."

I hadn't realized Lydia slip away to where Drake was until I heard her gasp, "she's gonna love it."

Aubrey quickly hushed her.

"Come on lets go inside." Mom herded.

Once seated I formerly introduced Aubrey.

"Now, I havent heard a lot about you.. But the things Ive heard have been great." Mom smiled.

She's always so straight forward and blunt.

"Thanks. And I could say the same to you." He replied.

We ordered appetizers and drinks and all talked together.

"Babe you look cold." Aubrey pointed out.

"Oh yeah. She's always cold at restaurants." Lydia stated.

"Not everyone can be like you Lydia. OJ gets cold too." I rolled my eyes.

"I know. Thats why I made him wear a jacket. You on the other hand wore short sleeves." She taunted.

I stuck out my tongue, "yeah yeah whatever."

Aubrey took off his jacket and draped it over my shoulders.

"Aren't you gonna be cold?" I whispered to him.

"You're more important to me. Besides if I get cold I'll just order a beer." He pecked my lips.

"Love you." I smiled.

"I love you too." He replied as the waitor handed out appetizers and beverages.

"Mommy.. I have to go potty." OJ groaned.

"You want me to take you?" I asked.

"I'll take him." Aubrey offered.

"Really? You don't have to.."

"Its okay." He insisted.

I shrugged, "OJ you want him to take you?"

"Okay." He nodded.

"Thanks babe." I said as Aubrey stood up.

"He's a nice fellow." Mom stated.

"Im glad you think so." I replied.

"A little clingy though." She sipped her drink.

"I beg to differ." I took offense.

"Calm down. Clingy is better than distant anyways. Especially for you." Lydia shoved me.

"Am I the only one wondering what he showed Lydia outside?" Aaliyah cleared her throat.

"Now that I think about it.." I turned to Lydia.

"Yeah like I'm gonna ruin the surprise." Lydia pretended to zip her lips and throw away the key.

"You're so childish." I threw her hair in her face.

"Why do I feel like I need to split you two up?" Mom threatened.

"They're always like this." Aaliyah informed.

"Lydia if you dont tell us, and he doesnt present it soon, we're gonna be forced to jump to conclusions." Mom stated.

"An engagement ring!" Aaliyah concluded.

QOTD: what do u like about this story?