Page 16 of So I Know it's Real

“What? No. For what? Two weeks ago, he invited me home but didn’t ask for my number. Going over to speak seems a little thirsty.”

“Then stop drooling and get to work. Regina is on her way over here. I don’t want to hear her mouth.”

I straightened my shoulders and started toward the house, yet the sound of Regina singing my name stifled my steps.

“Yes, ma’am?” I quizzed.

“Can you take some goodies to the VIP section? I want to make sure the tattoo artist and DJ are taken care of.”

“Huh? Me? You sure you don’t want Karlie to do it?”

The pale lady’s blonde mane danced in the wind when she leaned her head to the side.

“Clover, if I wanted her to handle that section, I would have asked her. Anytime I send Karlie to private sections, she hangs around too long. Please, handle that area for me.”

“You got it,” I responded with a forced grin.

With a platter of food and drinks on the tips of my fingers, I traveled to the staircase. Every step I hiked broke down the confident smile on Davis’s face. He went from dancing to staring into space like a trained soldier. I didn’t engage. I bypassed him like he was a stranger and moved around the area, adding bottles to the tables. I tried to keep my head low, but the sight of Durk in his element caught my attention.

Once the music changed, I assumed I had been staring too long, so I turned to head back downstairs. Yet, the sensation of someone grasping my wrist cemented my shoes to the ground.

“You gon’ do all that staring then walk away without speaking, Lucky?”

I mashed my empty serving tray against my body as the bends of my lips kicked up. “You were in the zone; I didn’t want to interrupt.”

Without warning, Durk rose from a stool and drew me to his body like we were old friends. Unsure how to react, I stood there with my hands at my sides like an idiot.

“So, you weren’t lying when you said you’re an artist,” I stated, trying to break the awkward silence. “Do you come to these types of events often?”

“I go where the money flows, Lucky.”

“I get it. On average, I work six days a week.” I sighed at the reality. “Sometimes, I can’t believe I can still stand up straight by the end of the—”

“Baby.”

Davis’s voice forced my eyes to close, and by the time I opened them, he was standing at my side.

“Do I know you? You can’t be talking to me.” I snarled, looking him up and down.

“Of course, I’m talking to you, Clover. I’m trying to figure out why you’re talking tohim. Are you planning to get a tattoo?”

“No. I’m working. Remember? That’s what you said we’re on tonight.”

Durk’s boisterous laugh shattered our back and forth. “Lucky, is this the man who’s allowing your pretty ass to overwork?”

“I don’t know about that.” Davis checked his surroundings. “But this is my lady if that’s what you’re asking.”

He extended his hand out to me, but second-hand embarrassment made me walk off.

“Clover! Clover!”

The louder Davis shouted, the more he attracted the attention of the crowd.

“Why are you screaming my name?” I lashed out between clenched teeth. “You asked me to respect your space while you’re networking, and I told you I was done with you.”

“So, a few hours later, you smile in a stranger’s face?”

“He’s not a stranger. I mean...” Unable to think quick on my feet, I sealed my lips and shook my head.

---