Page 12 of So I Know it's Real

“Here we go.” I caught my forehead in my hand. “Mercy, I told you—”

“Just give me a chance. You said if I want to work here, I have to study and build my portfolio. I’m doing that.”

“All right. Bring the books to Mama Jo’s house next Sunday, and we can go from there. I have something to do today.”

Her lips twisted to one side. “Promise?”

“I said we can talk about it. Damn. Sentimental ass stud.”

“Ugh. You’re so ignorant. Just because a woman prefers a pantsuit over a dress doesn’t make her a lesbian.”

“True, but eating pussy does.”

She shrugged. “I like a little of everything. Sue me.”

“For what? You don’t have no money, little one.”

“I will when you stop being an ass and hire me. I know this place is going to bring in a bag now that you have everything in motion. Eshu’s Ink may be new, but nobody can touch the experience you and your artists have.”

My heart swelled listening to my sister express herself. She wasn’t always the most forthcoming with her feelings, so I knew she meant every word.

I hated to be on some cocky shit, but no other shop was touching mine. The people closest to me suspected the two-story property would be too much space, but I made use of every inch. The top floor resembled a college game room, filled with a foosball table, vintage arcade games, and a basketball setup you would see at a carnival. I had plans to create an area for a barber, but I wasn’t in a rush.

“Since we’re talking about hiring people, when are you going to hire a permanent receptionist? You’ve been open for months, and you’ve fired three temps.” Mercy gave me a knowing look. “You’re fucking them, huh? That’s why they’re dropping like flies.”

“I only fucked one,” I admitted with a one-shoulder shrug. “Finding someone solid is at the top of my list. Mama keeps threatening to sit at the desk if I don’t get someone in here. Why don’t you take the job? You could use the bread, and it’ll keep you out of Shiloh’s basement.”

“Durk, don’t judge me.”

“No judgment. Guidance, Mercy. You’re spoiled, and as much as I would love to have you tattooing with me, that’s always been my dream, not yours.”

I hated to make my sister feel as if I was scolding her, yet despite being fraternal twins, we never had the typical relationship. At an early age, I became the man of the house, causing a shift in our lives. I wouldn’t say the change in our dynamic was for the worse, but it was different.

“Since it feels like you’re about to lecture me, I’m going to head out.” Mercy groaned and hurried to the door. “Oh, shit. I forgot to ask you. Are you still available to tattoo at private events?”

“If the minimum is worth my time, I’m down.”

“Good. I got a gig for you. It’s an industry party near Shiloh’s house, so you may know the owner.”

“Bet. Shoot him my number.”

I adjustedthe music in my whip when I pulled into my parking spot at The Sons of Eshu’s clubhouse. Shiloh, Church, O’Cyrus, Loso, and Nehemiah, the original members of the car club, bought the brick building seven years ago. I had just started getting money when they purchased the property, but over the years, I put in enough work to have earned my place at the head of the table.

Most of the assigned spots were occupied, so I knew I was the last to arrive, and I would have to hear about it. Being one of the youngest in the crew, I was used to hearing them moan and groan about my moves. If they weren’t talking shit about me being associated with the wrongpeople, they were preachingabout business. Over the years, I realized a lot of what they said held value, so I listened more than I tuned them out.

As soon as I walked into the building, the bartender we kept on payroll straightened her posture.

“Hey, Durk! I have been waiting for you to walk through the door. I have something for you.”

“I’ll pass on the drink, beautiful.”

“You’ll pass?” She repeated my words as if surprised. “In that case, is there anythingelse I can get for you?”

I released a two-note chuckle then openly stared at her titties. “You still won’t give me no pussy unless I take you out?”

“That should not be too much to ask. Don’t tell me you’re the type that likes to fuck big girls but not date them.”

“Tia, a woman’s size doesn’t have shit to do with how I treat her. If a pretty, plump bitch is in my bed, she’s bad enough to be on my arm,” I explained. “Truth is, if I take you out, you’ll have the time of your life, and I won’t be able to get rid of you. I’m not in the mood for a stalker.”

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