you've got nothing to prove

|| Nia Bailey. Thirty-six. || ------------- "Learn to be okay with people not knowing your side of the story."

[niaxbailey]

Full Name: Nia Rose Bailey Nickname: Nia Age & Birthday: Thirty-six (36), December 18th. Occupation: General Manager, Paradise Point Resort & Spa. Preferred Pronouns & Gender: She/her & cis-female Sexuality: Bisexual Hometown & how long in town: Manhattan, New York. In Briar Ridge for seven years. Neighborhood: Downtown Family: Tba, but they're not local. I might add one of her brothers as a wc. PINTEREST || CONNECTIONS

TIMELINE: - born in 1988, in the Bronx. - moved to Manhattan in time to be enrolled in a private elementary school. Age 5, 1993. - Age 18, attended Columbia. 2006. - Age 24, MS in Applied Mathematics complete. 2012. - Age 29, parents divorced. Nia left NY and moved to BR. 2017.

BACKGROUND:

Born the oldest of three to a 'new money' household in the infamous New York City, Nia admittedly felt pressured growing up to achieve. From the Bronx to Manhattan by the time she was six.

Her parents are both long-standing healthcare professionals who met originally as an EMT and ER Nurse.

Nia has always been a bit of a mathematics wiz, which was encouraged but in wanting the best for her Nia's parents tended to push her into a lot of extracurricular activities with a 'think of your future' and a smile.

It was consistently drilled into Nia that because of her race and background, she'd have to work twice as hard in life to earn respect. Not just from her parents, but from the private school she went to - the attitude from teachers, and her peers.

Track, lacrosse, debate - helping her younger brothers, given their parents' busy and demanding schedules. In the city that never sleep it often felt like Nia's early years were spent in fast-forward mode.

She attended Columbia. An Applied Mathematics major, who, graduated with zero idea of what exactly she wanted to do out in the big wide world.

She ended up working as a budget analyst, dating a family friend, and still very much feeling like she was going through the motions until well into her 20s.

Which is when her life was rocked. Her parents divorced, shattering the illusion she'd grown up with that they knew what was best & the path she was on had to be right because it was molded with their help and experience. Learning they'd both had affairs really split their family apart, her siblings dramatically taking sides and Nia finally decided she needed to get away from it all and make some choices for herself. Nia ended up in Briar Ridge by a bit of a roll of the dice, she didn't quite know where she was going just... somewhere. She'd stopped in Luther's, saw a job posting in a nearby restaurant window, and decided it seemed like as good of a place as any to stay if only for a little while. That turned into years, and Nia got to start fresh in the small town seemingly worlds away from her old life. Now, combined with her hard work and education, Nia has ended up as the restaurant manager at Alvaro's and she's happy to use her head for numbers in a way that she actually cares about. FUN FACTS: - She didn't get her license until after moving to Briar Ridge in her late 20s. - A bit of a gym rat, she likes doing those ridiculous themed runs. - Doesn't understand the concept of a day off. - She will agree to just about anything for the low, low price of a New York-style Cheesecake. - Really loves horror movies, but might also then answer her door with a baseball bat xD Feel free to look at her wanted connection page for plotting ideas!

[niaxbailey]

😢 for a song my muse listens to when they're sad

Take a Bow by Rihanna for the like mad!sad vibes. Better in Time by Leona Lewis. Rise Up by Andra Day, aka the 'Crying While You Sing it' song.

[levibecker-a]

“Doesn’t change the answer.” Levi’s tone rasped low, remaining mere inches from her impeccable, soft lips. Countless complex decisions presented themselves, yet none were involving Nia. She had an effortless way with making the worst seem better. Deep blues refused tearing away from the charismatic glint that highlighted her hypnotizing, earthy hues. As if sealing the words as an authentic promise. 

A small grin melded within the additional kiss she stole, a knowing shiver shot through his spine while a painted fingertip trailed along his sharp jaw.  “No, you’re right. I don’t think it is either. Plus, you did just get that promotion at the resort.” Since the striking woman crashed into his life, running elsewhere again actually hadn’t consumed his thoughts. Her infectious charm stuck with chipping away at the rigidly set walls he held firm bit by bit.

“— Feel any better? A hand rested idly on Nia’s knee while she shifted to laying her head upon his shoulder. Levi couldn’t help a brief huff of a laugh leaving his chest at her remark about the town. “I second that…am I included in that ‘most of the time’?” Something akin to a glint hinted within his deep blues.

[niaxbailey]

"I did," and to her pleasant surprise she was still enjoying it. Getting along with the owner's daughter helped. The resort wasn't quite a passion project, but she'd grown to holster some affection for it regardless. That, or, she was just so much a perfectionist that she didn't trust anyone to step into her shoes if she chose to look elsewhere for employment. Either way, for now she was content. "A little. Ya know the saying, I just have to be dramatic first and then I'll be fine." She huffed a breath, "Okay maybe not fine but I'll get there." The fact he was managing to reassure her without even knowing what she'd been upset about was frankly impressive. One of her hands moved to settle atop his and her thumb traced his knuckles idly. His question motivated the woman to pop her head back up again so she could look at him straight-on, "Of course it includes you, silly. You're one of the best parts of my life here." Her brows knitted together, "Okay, maybe the best part... honestly." Normally Nia would rather not admit such a thing aloud, but she'd been slowly working on being more vulnerable with him when it came to the topic of their 'relationship'. If she sat and thought about it, strung their time together, they'd been spending time with each other as more than coworkers for over a year now. Her umber gaze skirted around them, taking in his apartment where her slowly encroaching impact was ever evident. Maybe it was his comment, the sincerity about being willing to move away with her, that seeded the thought but Nia suddenly found herself curious. "Levi..." They'd never really word for word said they were dating before, so maybe she was skipping a few steps, but that didn't stop her. "Would you be willing to consider moving in together?" They were already at each others place all the time and she carpooled with him to work more often than not.

[niaxbailey]

🕺 for a song that is guaranteed to make my muse get up and dance

About Damn Time by Lizzo & Know Your Worth by Khalid.

[bellstrom]

Benny knew being nosy was going to bite him in the ass later. He knocked his head back with a laugh as Nia gave him a taste of his own medicine, deciding that it didn't matter what the details were. She was right. If he had the right to pry, Nia should have the right as well. Benny decides he's not going to make her try too hard, but he is interested in playing her proposed game. He hums and nods as he adjusts himself in his seat to get comfortable. "Okay... I can do that," he chuckles, his gaze lifting as he tries to think of facts that will satisfy them both. "She owns a business," he starts, tilting his head as he quickly realizes how obvious that might be. "Brunette." Good, that's a vague one. "And I may have sabotaged someone's chances in trying to get close to her."

[niaxbailey]

Her umber eyes narrowed to slits, pensively racking her brain for a long moment. She'd been pretty drunk New Years Eve, tipsy even by the time Benny found her, so it was fuzzy and difficult to recall any smidgen of information he'd let slip that night. Didn't he say that he worked with the person he was interested in just like Nia did? "Okay...okay..." she hummed, "I think the business part is true?" Which meant, she very very likely knew exactly who Benny was talking about. Comically, if so, Nia had a conversation that same night with the woman in question where she'd mentioned Benny. "I won't lie, I'm here for the petty so I kinda... want you to have sabotaged someone but I also feel like you might be too nice for that." She tipped her head aside, contemplating. "So I am picking that as the lie."

[niaxbailey]

🎤 💞 ❤️

Send a 🎤 for my muse’s go to karaoke song

Chandelier by Sia, which is one of her favorites in general. Second place goes to Unstoppable also by Sia.

Send a 💞 for my muse to explain what their favorite music genre is

"Haha, Oh Lord. I mean I can go out and hit the dance floor for just about anything, but if I had to stop and think in terms of like... ya know, if we still collected physical media what I would have at home? Lots and lots of rhythm & blues and hip-hop."

Send a ❤️ for a love song from my muse’s playlist

About her. Again. by Son Little and Beyond by Leon Bridges.

[niaxbailey]

✨

Send a ✨ for a song that reminds my muse of someone. Someone, aka the character sending this. I feel like you're going to laugh because this song cracks me up but you can't tell me it isn't Levi. Cross Me by Ed Sheeran Ft. Chance The Rapper & PnB Rock. Also I'm cheating and tossing in a second song for them Better by Khalid. Third. Conversations in the Dark by John Legend. At least one had to be extra cheesy ok. ( @levibecker )

[niaxbailey]

🙈 & 🏋️‍♀️

Send a 🙈 for my muse’s guilty pleasure song

I don't think Nia really considers any music to be a guilty pleasure, it's just not something she personally feels any shame about. However there's some cheesy or like you wouldn't guess type songs. She one hundred percent loves a lot of the older-ish girl groups. Destiny's Child, Spice Girls, TLC etc. Jumpin', Jumpin' and Bills, Bills, Bills by Destiny's Child are a great example. Mambo No. 5 by Lou Bega has to be on here too. Then there's the country stuff that tends to catch people off guard. Drunk (And I Don't Wanna Go Home) by Elle King and Miranda Lambert. Waste of Lime by Ingrid Andress. The Climb by Miley Cyrus.

Send a 🏋️‍♀️ for a song my muse loves to listen to at the gym

She's allergic to the gym but she definitely has a running playlist. Survivor by Destiny's Child. If It Feels Good (Then It Must Be) by Leon Bridges. I Am Woman by Danielle Brooks.

[niaxbailey]

😘 😁 🔁

Send a 😘 for a song my muse likes to have sex to

I, Annie, have never got the concept of this so I don't have the faintest idea. So we're just picking like some Nia Vibes flirty/sex related songs and calling that good enough. Show Me by Bruno Mars and for something a little more fun, Locked Out of Heaven by Bruno Mars.

Send a 🔁 for my muse’s favorite/most played song

She's listened to Slutphase by Ber a trillion times for sure but 'favorites' are hard. Unfaithful by Rihanna is up there for sure too. That's a like it comes on the radio and it's a law to sing along song. Oh! We have to go a little old school too and do The Boy is Mine by Brandy.

Send a 😁 for a song that always cheers my muse up

Neve Give Up by Son Little, in like a motivational sense. No Scrubs by TLC is up there because it's just so fun to sing and it always lifts her mood.

[niaxbailey]

Send a 💔 for a breakup song from my muse's playlist

For her ex from back home in New York, Sorry to Your Next Ex by Haiden Henderson. There's a few I like for this honestly. I'm Leaving, Sorry for Your Loss by iamnotshane.

[niaxbailey]

💖 for Nia & Val

Rudeee. Okay well I'm going to do something back from when they were first dating for fun. Dirty Thoughts by Chloe Adams. Then, I have to sidestep a little and pick something country because I honestly feel like I Hope You're Happy Now by Carley Pearce and Lee Brice is a pretty good breakup song and has some really fitting lines in it for them. Especially from Carley's perspective. ( @valentincflores )

[levibecker-a]

A grin touched the corner of his mouth, deepening as Nia’s frame freely shifted, situating comfortably upon the claimed spot on his lap. The striking woman easily initiating the intoxicating effect she had on him. A broad arm snaked itself firmly around her, letting the current day disappear while occupying the couch, hardly any space remaining between them. The apartment held a hollow appearance anymore when she wasn't there.

With a faint laugh, his brows furrowed incredulously. “— You? Cursed?” He couldn’t fathom how that distinct thought even crossed her mind. 

“Nia…” A few fingers assuredly placed themselves underneath her chin once that shimmering, earthy gaze re-emerged. “If you head off anywhere else, so am I.” Levi swore it, stealing a brief, firm kiss from Nia’s soft, painted lips. Sealing the point. She altered his outlook altogether with staying put in town. 

[niaxbailey]

The warmth of his mouth lingered in his wake and Nia blinked, once again a little dumbstruck by the man. "Levi..." his name was colored with mirth and affection, "I was being dramatic, you're not supposed to just agree to run away with me!" The soft wisp of a laugh parted the woman's lips and she was momentarily sidetracked. She could almost forget why she was rattled in the first place when he had those stunning blues set on her like that. With a sigh Nia leaned forward, unable to help the impulse to steal another brief kiss. Blissfully enamored with the man. Her fingertips tenderly traced Levi's jaw. "I don't really think it's necessary to uproot both our lives." Admittedly, his willingness to did make it at least a little more tempting. At some point though, Nia supposed she just had to accept it wouldn't solve anything. With a huff, she leaned her head on his shoulder. A middle-ground, not hiding her face but still finding comfort in being tucked against Levi's frame. "Besides, I kind of like it here. Most of the time." Briar Ridge had given her a second chance in life to find herself, and in the meantime she'd found him.

[duskcrowned]

Alex snorted under his breath, the kind of low sound that only ever came out when he was genuinely amused. He let his shoulder knock lightly into hers as they walked down the aisle, not enough to jostle her — just enough to say you’re ridiculous.

“See, now that would’ve been impressive,” he said, glancing sideways. “I’d have just stood there stunned while you pulled off the paper towel equivalent of a three-point shot.”

He paused at the end of the aisle, letting her step ahead first. “And for the record, yeah — you not hating the beach is a development I never would’ve bet on.” His mouth curved, lopsided and fond. “You in Briar Ridge still feels like one of those weird little coincidences. Not that I’m complainin’.”

Then, quieter, sincere in the way he always got when the moment turned unexpectedly real: “Anyway, I’m glad you stuck around. Even if you almost took out a grocery display. Adds character.”

He made a thoughtful face, reaching to grab a bag of trail mix off the shelf. “You know, between the bikini beach volleyball ogling and the fake gourmet photo shoots, you’re really thriving out here. Your mom's gonna think you’ve finally found domestic bliss.” A beat. “... But maybe leave out the part where you almost flattened aisle five.”

[niaxbailey]

"I can make an actual three point shot, ya know, if you ever need a reason to be impressed." A palm raised, her shoulders pulled forward for a brief, playful pose. "No autographs though. Sorry." Coincidence. "Yeah..." a barely audible sigh parted the woman's lips. "I won't lie. I inwardly cry a little when I think about the fact we've ended up here." Nia was quick to offer Alex a softened smile, "Nothing against you. I don't mind you." The emphasis intended to hint that there were others she did mind. The topic reminded her of someone in particular who'd recently shown up and given Nia a bit of a heart attack. Heart attack, reality check— same thing. "Though, I s'pose I do have you to thank for Jiya showing up at the resort." Curiosity nestled at the back of her mind, but she made the comment with a bit of sarcastic nonchalance. Not pressing. "Someone pointed out to me lately that running from your past doesn't work. I'm starting to really believe it." If that had been his goal, it seemed like it might've not worked out so well for Alex either. "I appreciate the vote of confidence, but i'm afraid none of that would really... impress." Not her mother, anyway. "And I find the term 'domestic bliss' is a little horrifying."

[bellstrom]

Benny rubbed the side of his neck, his eyes half-open as he let out a sigh. He did want to talk about it; after all, he wouldn't have wasted her truth on himself. However, it was still embarrassing to bring up. Lately, he had been struggling to find ways to get closer to Leyla, and in his inebriated state, he couldn't help but think of her and Billie. Giving her a knowing look, he rested his head against his palm. "The person I like has a kid," he admitted. Benny cleared his throat. "Anyway, what’s next? Two truths and a lie? King’s Cup?" He didn’t even know what he was saying at this point, leaning forward to take hold of his White Claw.

[niaxbailey]

"What?" Nia held up a hand, "No, no, no. I remember all too well a certain someone poking me for information on New Years Eve about my... er, situationship. So it's my turn!" A hint of tipsy mirth colored the woman's tone. Admittedly, getting information out of her had also been like pulling teeth. Slow, reluctant, colored with a degree of her being sheepish. "You can't say that and just... merrily skip along back to drinking games, Sir." Not that there was anything wrong with someone having a child, obviously, but Benny's attempt to brush it off only served to feed into her curiosity. "Actually, okay... I'll throw you a bone. We can do Two Truths and Lie, but I want the facts to be about your mystery date. Partner. Whatever term fits."

[valentincflores]

“And we stan a man who worships his woman,” Val practically swooned, wiggling her brows in Nia’s direction with a dramatic flourish. “But as he should! Your ego deserves to be fluffed and fanned daily, Nia Bailey."

As the conversation shifted, Val couldn’t fight the stupidly wide grin that tugged at her lips. It bubbled up from somewhere deep, the kind of smile you wear when your heart is too full to keep it contained.

“We started off as friends with benefits,” she admitted, her tone equal parts amused and exasperated. “And then—finally, after way too long—we both realized we wanted more. We had just been too afraid of screwing things up, of second guessing each other's feelings.”

She gave a rueful shake of her head, the regret clear, but softened by the glow in her eyes. “We wasted so much time tiptoeing around it. But once we finally stopped being idiots and actually said what we felt… it was like everything clicked. Like the universe had just been waiting for us to get our act together.” She laughed, a little breathless with emotion. She was gushing, but she couldn't help it.

[niaxbailey]

Well, that sounded familiar, Nia mused quietly to herself. Quick to be taken in by the growing infectious smile painted onto her friend's features. Something bright flickered in Valentina's eyes and it made her instantly forget any life lessons she might've been meant to learn from that similarity. Too focused on the relief it brought her to see Val so happy. "Well, I highly doubt you were being an idiot at all." A teasing affectionate wink was tossed at Valentina. "I'm glad he got his act together though." A buoyant sort of feeling settled between them, "I'm so happy for you." Nia fanned a hand at her face like she was fighting back tears. For once overwhelmed with purely positive emotions. It'd been too long. "You really deserve it." "Oh! and, we've got to get back to our little chats about what we're reading because Benny just doesn't quite appreciate a man in plaid who can throw you as much as we do. Ya know?"

[niaxbailey]

who: @levibecker where: his apartment, downtown. The pair were situated on his couch, Nia having melodramatically plopped into his lap. Her preferred seat. While her legs laid out, feet up on the cushions, she'd turned her torso slightly to bury her face into the crook of Levi's neck. It'd been a long day, but breathing in his familiar warmth had a way of dulling her stress levels. "I think I'm cursed," Nia muttered. To be fair, this time around there was an entirely logical explanation for why a familiar face had shown up at the resort. "Actuall, no, it's not me... I blame Alex." She didn't. If she had every right to escape the city, so did he. At the end of the day Nia couldn't judge, and she wouldn't. With a slow, heaved sigh she managed to unbury her face and sit up a bit. "Any chance you're not particularly attached to Briar Ridge?" She was teasing, of course, still lingering in her own dramatics. Running again would solve nothing. That much she was forced to acknowledge. Sonny had warned her, and really, she'd known.

[lucasxattean-deactivated2025080]

"No, no," Lucas let out a laugh, holding up his hand in a motion to stop Nia from doing so. "I believe you, I'm just honored is all." When it came to his career, he was passionate about it and found it to be rewarding. Yet, he was still humbled when posts of his went viral and orders went up. "I appreciate the support and I bet those other local businesses do, too." The more engagement the posts had, the more likely they were to continue showing up. To be fair, it was still something he didn't quite understand when it came to social media. It was a bit out of her element. "I'll be there to show you the ropes at least, with the power tools before I let you go wild." He offered to her with a teasing smile, "but if you'd also just read while I run the saw, by all means." Lucas never minded the company and welcomed it if people had the time to stop by. Even if it meant they worked in silence among one another. "You're always welcome to stop by, Nia." @niaxbailey

[niaxbailey]

"Ooooh..." she cooed, a teasing twinkle in her earthy gaze. "I like the sound of this, then I could..." the words fell flat for a split second and she balanced the thick plastic grocery basket as the woman tried to gesture around her waist. "Utility belt? Yes? No? Is that Batman?" A humble, bright snort of a laugh parted her lips. "I'm trying to say like, a cute version of one of the village people characters..." a hard hat, a drill. Nia was definitely picturing something elaborate. "Oh! Actually! That's perfect!" She brightened, the phone call with her mother almost entirely forgotten for the moment. So was their surroundings, casually taking up half an aisle. "I've always wanted to be able to volunteer for one of those Habitat for Humanity projects, but like, Lord knows I shouldn't hold a hammer... normally... but if you taught me, I'd be useful!" She clapped her hands, like it was all suddenly decided. "You know, you're not bad at this whole cheering up thing." Nia offered him a thankful smile, "but I should mosy towards the cash out before I buy enough sweets to put Chapman's out of business."