Page 20 of Three of Hearts

I took a seat by the window to wait for the order while I reflected on how different life looked compared to this time last year. Niecy's new book had been released two weeks ago and had already surpassed the projected sales of her first book. She had been so nervous to publish it given it was romance, and she wasn't sure her readers would embrace the new genre venture. I was preparing for the grand opening of my Atlanta location and dealing with a couple of setbacks with the building codes, but we were on track to open in about six months. And then, of course, there was Nikki. After she stayed with us for that week, we knew things felt right. She had to fly back home for a trial but was right back in Detroit with us when it was over. She had flown back down with us for the event, and we had plans to stay with her for the month we'd be down here after the book fest.

"Order 333 for Quincy," the barista called, snapping me out of my thoughts. I grabbed my order and headed toward the ballroom where Niecy's table was located. I spotted her from across the room, adjusting the banner she had spent weeks designing.

"It's perfect, Niecy," I said, approaching her.

"Are you sure? You don't think it should go on this side?"

She was already starting to overthink things, and I wasn't having that today. I wanted her relaxed, loose, and fully present in her moment. I set our breakfast down and pulled her into my chest, feeling the warmth of her body settle against me.

"It's perfect," I said again, pressing a kiss to her forehead, lingering there for a breath before pulling back. "Sit down for a second and eat. Where's Nikki?"

"She said she had to go grab something. She'll… oh, there she is."

Nikki was walking toward us carrying a huge box, followed by a man carrying an even bigger one. I met her halfway, relieving her of the heavy load.

"What's all this?" Niecy asked as we set the boxes next to her table.

"Okay, so I hope you don't mind, but I ordered you a bunch of merch to sell. Carlos here is a friend of a friend who has the hookup," she said, opening one of the boxes. She had bookmarks, Kindle inserts, keychains, and cozy socks, all with different designs—some with Niecy's book covers on them, others with semicolons to pay homage to the symbolism in ‘Blue Like Mourning’.

"I hope you like it, my love."

Tears were clouding Niecy's eyes as she cupped Nikki's face in her hands.

"Thank you, baby. I… I have no words." They embraced, and she kissed her softly, slow and tender, Nikki wiping her tears away with a gentle thumb.

"Okay, stopppp, you're going to mess up your makeup," Nikki said.

My heart was so full watching my women love on each other. Nikki had showed up and showed out in support of our girl, and I was being reminded why Niecy and I had fallen in love with her. She was the most selfless, caring, free-spirited angel we'dever met, and we felt so blessed to have not only crossed paths with her but to have her as ours.

The weekend was more than a success. Niecy not only sold out of all her books, but she sold out of the merch Nikki got her. Nikki and I were right beside her the whole time as we watched her sign each book and take pictures with all her fans. We supported where she needed us by bagging items and helping with the transactions. We were all so exhausted by the time we arrived at Nikki's place Sunday night that none of us felt like doing anything but showering and tangling up in bed together. We each had our nights where we were the middle spoon, and tonight we all agreed Niecy should be in between us.

"I'm so proud of you, my baby," I said as she settled in against my chest, her body melting into mine. Nikki was pressed against her back, her arm draped around Niecy's waist.

"Me too. You did amazing."

"Thank you, guys. I couldn't have done it without your support."

"I love you queens."

"I love you too," Niecy replied.

"I love you three.” Nikki followed.

Chapter 16

Six Months After RRABF 2026

Nikki

“Five…four…three…two….one!!!!”

Niecy and I stood on either side of Quincy as he cut the shiny red ribbon, marking the official opening of Q's Auto Body Shop in Atlanta. The crowd of close friends and family clapped and cheered as we all soaked in the moment. Q had been working tirelessly these last couple of months to get everything in order for this day. All of us had been inseparable since reconnecting again, but we were starting to feel like flight attendants with how often we were on a plane. I was grateful to have them for some consecutive weeks due to the grand opening. Raina and Gina came to show support, as well as Malcolm and Lisa. Amber and Josh even flew down for the big day. We were all heading inside to the employee area where we'd be celebrating while Q and his team handled the first wave of customers.

"Let me sit my ass down. These swollen ankles are killing me!" Lisa said as she wobbled over to the nearest chair. She looked so adorable with her six-month pregnant belly. I was so glad Lisa and Niecy had hit it off. We spent a lot of weekends over at her new house catering to her since Malcolm had been busy with the shop and the genius collaboration he and Quincy were working on. While we were all hanging out smoking one day, they came up with the idea to offer a free eighth to the first twenty customers for Q's grand opening and selling prerolls at adiscounted rate in the retail section of the shop. In turn, buying certain products in the dispensary would get you a discount on custom detailing and rims at Q's shop. Niggas in the A were eating up that deal, with a huge turnout of old-school cars lined up to get their weed and rides upgraded.

"You need anything, mama?" Malcolm asked, helping her get comfortable.

"You wanna carry this baby for a second. That would be great," she expressed. He laughed and kissed her cheek.