Bodyguard (YN x Beyonce)

Part Twenty-Eight

I'm backkkkk. Let's get back into it. Enjoy these updates

The house was buzzing with energy. Blue's thirteenth birthday. Thirteen. I still couldn't believe it. The decorations were everywhere... rose gold, navy blue, and hints of glitter. Balloons floated near the ceiling, and a giant backdrop with her name written in cursive shimmered under the living room lights. Beyoncé had been up early with the caterers and decorators, making sure everything was perfect and of course, it was.

I adjusted the silver chain around my neck and looked over the backyard one more time before heading inside. There were cupcakes with Blue's name on them, a candy table, and a DJ already spinning clean versions of Blue's favorite songs. She wanted a "grown but not too grown" vibe, and Beyoncé made it happen like she always does.

The doorbell rang and in came Kelly, Michelle, Mama Tina, and a few more cousins and aunties. Everyone was in good spirits, hugging and complimenting each other. Beyoncé was glowing as she made her rounds, making sure every guest had something to eat, drink, or laugh about.

I stood near the back watching Blue laugh with her friends, all of them giggling and doing a TikTok dance in front of the photo wall. She looked so happy. So, grown. When she ran over and pulled me into their circle to help record, I didn't even hesitate. I filmed them all being silly and dramatic, hyping them up like a true auntie. It felt good.

Then I saw him.

Jay.

He walked in dressed casual but crisp, holding a gift in one hand and scanning the room until he spotted Blue. She lit up when she saw him, running over to hug him tight. He whispered something to her and handed her the gift. They laughed, then he looked up and caught my eye. He gave me a small nod, then motioned toward the side door.

I didn't want to go. Not even a little bit. But for Bey... and for Blue... I exhaled and walked over.

We stepped outside onto the side patio, away from the noise.

Jay rubbed his palms together before he spoke. "I just wanted a minute. I owe you that."

I folded my arms, keeping my guard up. "What's up?"

"I was outta line at Christmas," he started. "Bringing up you and Gabriella like that... It was messy, and I'm sorry."

Jay stood across from me, quieter now. The kind of quiet that came with a shift in energy. His hands were tucked into his jacket pockets, his eyes trained on the concrete patio beneath us for a second before looking up at me.

"I ain't gonna lie to you," he said. "A lot of what I did... it came from a place of anger. Jealousy, too."

I didn't say anything. I let him talk.

"I mean, it's not easy seeing someone you used to love, still love... move on," he said, with a small laugh that didn't have much humor in it. "And not just move on—but really be in love. I see it. Y'all are solid."

That caught me off guard. But I appreciated the honesty.

"I do still love her," he added quietly. "Always will in some way. But I get it now. She's not mine anymore. She hasn't been for a long time."

I let out a breath and finally spoke. "I appreciate you saying that. Seriously."

Jay gave a small nod. "Blue talks about you a lot, you know. Like... all good things. She tells me how you show up for her. How you listen to her. How you treat her like she matters."

I felt that land in my chest.

"She does matter," I said. "That's my girl. I'd do anything for her."

Jay looked at me—really looked at me—and I saw something shift in his eyes. Respect maybe. Or maybe just peace.