Part 45

Beyoncé woke up late and started to panic seeing Ryan still beside her in bed. She felt like she was always interrupting her sleep but she didn't have much choice. Telling Brooke they were together just before her whole family arrived felt like it would do more harm than good.

It was Monday and finally the Fourth of July and everyone was coming to eat food, watch fireworks, play games and catch up. Beyoncé really valued her family and wanted everything to go as smoothly as possible. She softly pressed her lips into Ryan's, tasting the air that slipped out through her open mouth.

"Baby," she nudged her watching Ryan's eyes begin to open. "You gotta go back before Brooke wakes up honey."

Ryan trudged back into the guest room lazily. She missed the warmth of Beyoncé beside her and groaned just getting up and showering. Then she knocked on Brooke's door to wake her up, making herself some breakfast while Beyoncé ran around getting everything ready. Ryan offered to help but Beyoncé told her she'd be better off just staying out of her way for now. She knew how she got.

The morning was hectic for Beyoncé. She wanted to make sure everything else was ready before she got herself ready.

First, she'd called the catering company and found out they would be late which pissed her off and she snapped at them asking exactly how late and when they planned to tell her. They blamed it on a logistics issue which Beyoncé knew meant they hadn't planned and weren't prepared so she went into another tirade about how she'd placed this order months ago.

The woman apologised and Beyoncé went back to questioning whether they were going to tell her or just let her find out when they didn't show up. They hadn't even so much as sent an email to let her know. She griped at the woman on the phone waiting for them to offer that refund and that discount for next time.

Ryan and Brooke got ready easily, relaxing while Beyonce rushed around the house. She spent the rest of the morning lining up snacks and drinks and freshly dusting everything off. Then finally she went to get dressed. And of course that was when the doorbell rang.

"Brooke—" Beyoncé yelled from upstairs. She was trying to decide exactly what to wear. She'd planned out four possible outfits but none of them really felt like what she wanted.

"I got it mom," Brooke got up, saying bye to Justine, Zendaya and Chloe who were on FaceTime with her and Ryan. She swung open the door to see Chris and his two kids looking bored right behind him.

"Oh hey," she smiled giving them each a side hug.

"Hiya Brooke, you're glowing," Chris smiled.

"Thanks," She shrugged awkwardly. She wasn't used to people commenting on her pregnancy yet. She usually hid it around college so this was new. She said hi to his kids who were both around her age but they all barely knew each other.

"Drinks?" She asked leading them through to the kitchen where Ryan was grabbing a drink and hoping to hide out until Brooke came back.

"Uh hi," she waved shyly realising she couldn't get out of this.

"Hi I'm Chris, these are my kids," he said reaching to shake her hand.

"Hey I'm Ryan..." she forced a smile onto her face.

"Ryan?" His voice jumped and the smile on his face grew, practically illuminating his whole face.

"Uh yeah..."

"You're Brooke's friend?" He asked making sure he had the right person in his mind. His brows almost jumped as he tried to be on his best behaviour but couldn't contain his grin.

She nodded. This guy was weird.

He pulled her into a hug. "Be good to her," he said pulling her closer and Ryan just smiled awkwardly.

What did that mean? Did he mean Brooke or Beyoncé? Did he know? Did Beyoncé talk about her?

Before she could figure that out, Brooke was handing everyone drinks and leading them through to the backyard. No one else was there yet but Chris and his kids were content to wait outside in the sun. His kids were just a little older than them but both looked completely uninterested in hanging out. They didn't even look like they wanted to be there.

Brooke got back to the kitchen and took a seat on the kitchen island while Ryan leaned against the counter thinking about what Chris had said to her. "He's your mom's friend?"

"Yeah," Brooke nodded. "I don't know how they met so don't ask but he's been coming for the past like two or three years."

"Cool, he seems..."

"Yeah I don't get it but they're like besties. My aunt Michelle is her other best friend and she's more what you would expect. She's lowkey my favourite aunt but don't tell my other aunts. Especially Solo, she thinks she's the cool one," Brooke snickered.

"So who's coming?" Ryan asked. It sounded like a lot of people.

Brooke frowned thinking about it, "You already know my grandma might be coming. I think my auntie Chelle is bringing a friend. And then there's my other aunts, auntie Solo and Angie and obviously their kids are coming, there's Julez who I told you about and then my auntie Angie has 4 kids."

Ryan raised her brows. "That's a lot of people."

"It's really not, it sounds bigger than it is. Plus we'll mostly just chill with Julez. I haven't seen him since Christmas but he's cool. You'll like him. As long as he doesn't get weird about..." Brooke looked down at her stomach.

Ryan nodded, hoping Brooke wouldn't leave her alone too much. She really didn't know these people. What if they were all horrible? She couldn't believe she'd even been convinced to come. Maybe she should go home. Beyoncé would get her a flight if she explained, right?

"Look everybody's chill, auntie solo will probably be high, aunt Angie is just gonna compliment you a lot and try to get you to try on whatever fashion line she's working on, and Michelle will just be cracking jokes. Honestly Ry, they're mostly gonna keep to themselves. You really don't have to worry."

"You do this every year?"

"Yeah pretty much. My mom has the nicest house so everyone comes here. One year my dad did all the grilling with Michelle's man but they both can't keep a man so," she shrugged and cracked a smile. "I'm just playing but we're back to it mostly being all women. Auntie Angie doesn't really bring nobody and Auntie Solo... well you'll see. She might bring someone but I doubt it."

"Alright just don't leave me by myself," Ryan said. She felt better around women even if she had a tendency to cling to them sometimes.

Beyoncé finally came downstairs and Ryan took a second to remember to breathe. It wasn't that she looked particularly good, she always looked good. But Ryan was just so attracted to her. It was like seeing a miracle over and over again, it never quite lost its spark.

"Was that Chris?" She asked taking off her sunglasses, and Brooke nodded confirming it was him. He was the only one who would show up early. "You offered them drinks? Did he bring the kids?"

"Yes and yes," Brooklyn rolled her eyes. "Anything else mom?"

"Sorry," the blonde one chuckled apologetically. "You know this stuff stresses me out."

"It's alright mom, make sure you eat something," Brooke said.

Beyoncé nodded. They were in that weird space where Brooke was upset with her but still loved her. She would probably make a better mother than Beyoncé thought she would. "Anyways, me and Ryan are gonna go hang out by the pool."

"Alright my love, ask Chris if they need anything."

Before Brooklyn could say no she wasn't doing that, the doorbell rang again and Beyoncé went to answer it.

"Chelleeee," Beyoncé grinned pulling her into a hug. "It's been way too long."

"I know right!" Michelle breathed kicking off her shoes. "You been acting like you're too good for me."

"What?" Beyoncé rolled her eyes laughing. She was so damn dramatic.

"You don't call me, you don't come see me, you don't even reply to my messages Bey!"

"What messages? You ain't messaged me."

"I sent them in my mind, you didn't get them?" Michelle started laughing and Beyoncé rolled her eyes.

"You're so stupid."

"Me?" Michelle gasped making her way through to the living room.

"You don't wanna go outside? That's where everyone is"

"Remember my friend I said was coming? Ima go get her in a bit. Tell me when your sister gets here though."

"I'll send her in," Beyonce rolled her eyes as Michelle got comfy on her couch. The two were practically family so Beyoncé let her do whatever she wanted.

"Chris coming?" Michelle asked, trying to sound casual.

Beyoncé nodded, "he's already here if you wanna go say hi." She smirked. She had no idea what was brewing between the two of them but she decided not to interfere. She didn't want to encourage it because it could get messy. At the same time she didn't want to be the one to stand in the way of it.

Michelle shook her head, "I'll see him later."

Beyoncé shrugged and disappeared back into the kitchen to get herself something to eat. She looked out to see Ryan in her bathing suit and her breathing slowed just a little as she watched through the window. She was glad she hadn't left any marks on her from last night. But now she wanted to leave some marks that told everyone exactly who she belonged to.

Beyoncé took a breath. She had to get herself together. Besides, Ryan was such a bad liar she'd probably panic if Brooke asked about it.

Moments later Solange joined Michelle, sitting on the couch and sparking up a blunt.

"You want some?"

"You know I don't smoke that devils lettuce." Michelle lied.

"Girl whatever"

"Bey gon be mad at you for smoking in her house."

"Oh please, that's a problem for her cleaners, she'll live."

Michelle shook her head smiling. Her and Beyoncé had been friends for so long that she and Solange were practically sisters too. "My friend just got here ima go let her in."

Michelle left through the front door as Solange made her way through the kitchen and outside.

She hugged her sister making small talk, and asking when everyone was getting there. Julez was already over by Brooke as the music played on the speaker. Solange walked over with her sister to say hello to her favourite niece.

Beyoncé was about to call to ask if her mom was able to make it but before she could, she noticed Ryan get up quickly and start walking towards the house. Beyoncé looked at Brooke but she was still talking to her aunt, so she frowned deciding to check on Ryan herself.

"Honey?" Beyoncé asked as she chased after Ryan. The shorter one looked up, briefly snapping from her haze. Her eyes were watery and her breathing fast.

"It's okay honey, what's wrong?" Beyoncé asked, placing a steadying hand on her side. Her voice was low and calming. She didn't know how Ryan had got into this mood.

"Sorry I— I don't know what happened. I-I was fine a-and then—" she had been relaxing underneath the sun and listening to people talk around her, when she got another text from her parents.

She hadn't exactly told them where she was and now she was being accused of lying to them. She knew her mother was only asking about her whereabouts because someone else had asked why she wasn't home. Still, Ryan panicked because it felt like maybe she was lying and maybe her parents were right and she was being selfish by not being there.

Beyoncé picked up her hand and smoothed her thumb over it. "You're okay honey, come let's talk," Beyoncé led her over to a quieter part of the backyard and handed her a cool bottle of water. She held her hand, running her thumb over it letting Ryan feel her presence until she cooled down.

"I'm sorry, this is awkward," Ryan swallowed a sip of water. Her breathing began to even out, as the shade offered a respite from the sun.

"I don't feel awkward," Beyoncé let herself place a finger beneath Ryan's chin tilting her head up to face her fully. "I like having a reason to be around you."

Ryan smiled, she liked that too. The two looked into each other's eyes, slowly, both thinking the same thing before Ryan jerked away.

Just these small moments alone made everything feel better. But their relationship was in such a weird place. They hadn't discussed anything beyond the "I love you" yesterday. They both knew this wasn't the time or the place. But feelings couldn't hide forever.

"You wanna go inside so we can talk?" Beyoncé asked her. She could step away for a second. No one was watching her like that.

Ryan looked up through the corner of her eyes. She was tempted to say yes but she knew they'd just end up having sex again. Beyoncé would make her feel better but that would be a distraction and she needed to face her problems and work through them.

She shook her head, so she could get back to herself. Then Beyoncé squeezed her hand and Ryan's breathing slowed down. She would be okay, especially with Beyoncé by her side.

"You wanna talk about it?" Beyoncé asked.

Ryan shook her head. "How are you? You should be enjoying your party?"

"I'm enjoying it right now," Beyoncé didn't take her eyes off of Ryan, even with the sun returning to beat down on their faces. Beyoncé's eyes were stuck on Ryan, admiring her features and everything about her.

"I like it when you say stuff like that," Ryan admitted.

Beyoncé got the urge to lean in and kiss her. She hadn't kissed her in hours and she loved kissing Ryan. Nothing compared to having those soft pillowy lips on hers, and the way Ryan's scent would fill her nostrils completely making her crave even more of her sweetness. It felt like it was just the two of them and nobody else.

The two continued to talk absently together. They were casual, pretending that it was nothing and that they didn't need to be near each other. But they both could feel the pull. They didn't want to be away from each other at all, even if it was as small as fingers grazing under a picnic table.

Besides, Ryan didn't know anyone else so Beyoncé would've been checking on her anyway. She was generally that kind of host, and Ryan was so good at stealing her attention.

Solange walked over to Chris who had a beer in his hand and was trying to figure out how to start the barbecue. The two made conversation as Solange helped him out, wondering why her sister hadn't just hired somebody to do this like she usually did.

Her question was answered moments later when in walked four people wearing aprons and polite smiles, and asking where they were needed. Solange helped them out and soon the smell of smoke and seasoned meat began to waft around the air.

Then Michelle walked outside along with her friend.

Beyoncé looked up and her heart stopped. She gripped Ryan's hand underneath the table. They'd been talking while everyone else was busy; Brooklyn with her cousin, Solange with Chris and the food, and the kids playing amongst themselves. But then Beyoncé clutched Ryans hand, almost trembling as her heart sank.

Ryan turned to look at Beyoncé wondering what the hell was going on. Beyoncé was still so wary about pda. She wouldn't be holding her hand if that didn't mean something.

Beyoncé was clearly in her own world though, eyes set on the door and the woman who'd just walked out there. Ryan followed her gaze to see a dark skinned woman beside Michelle who seemed to be saying hello and being introduced to all of the guests.

She was tall with dark hair and she walked with all the confidence in the world. She almost glowed under the light of the sun, her skin effervescent, as she stepped into Beyoncé's back yard.

And then the woman turned and her eyes locked on Beyoncé. They both seemed to freeze momentarily. She said something in Michelle's ear before she started to walk over to Beyoncé, heels tapping the paved stone.

Ryan rubbed her thumb over Beyoncé's hand. She wanted to pull Beyoncé closer and ask what was wrong. But Beyoncé was barely even present anymore. The festivities continued but she couldn't hear a word.

"Beyoncé." The woman said, her accent just as strong as Beyoncé's. She sounded so warm, Ryan thought. But something was making Beyoncé grip her hand.

"Hi," was all Beyoncé could muster. Her mouth had gone dry. She hadn't seen her in so long. The sky was so bright, the smell of food wafting in the air, and Beyoncé's stomach was twisting in knots.

"It's really you," the other woman said.

Beyoncé smiled but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Hey Kelly," she tried her best to sound normal as Kelly leaned down on the table.

"I looked for you— how- where have you been? I can't believe it's really you," her voice sounded excited but Beyoncé could hear the bitterness beneath the sugar sweet tone.

"You're Michelle's friend?" Beyoncé gulped warily.

"Yes! She said your name and I was like no way! I just had to come see for myself if it was really you. Give me a hug Bey!" Kelly smiled in her face.

"I— I'm sorry I just..." Beyoncé got up to hug her and Kelly held on for longer than she would've liked. Ryan could sense the hesitation in Beyoncé. Something must've happened for her to react like this. And this Kelly woman seemed completely oblivious or like she was expecting exactly this reaction.

Beyoncé sat back down beside Ryan and Ryan made to give them some privacy, "should I leave you to catch u—"

"No," Beyoncé's reply was quick, slipping her hand back to Ryan's and tugging her back into place beside her. "You don't have to Ry, you're a guest and you should stay."

Beyoncé was not letting her leave. She didn't want to be alone and also Ryan clearly had questions. Ryan just nodded with a soft smile. She would stay.

Kelly looked between them and introduced herself to Ryan. "Hey I'm Kelly, me and Beyoncé used to be married."

"Married?" Ryan gawked. What the fuck?

"Technically we still are, divorce is more than just walking out on someone." Kelly added raising a brow.

—————————[A/N]Teehee Kelly finally showed up. Thoughts on Kelly? Married? Any predictions?

Bey and Ryan's relationship? Bey still hasn't really said anything about telling Brooke. You think she's gonna?

The rest of Beys family? How Chris acted with Ryan? Anything else?