Page 31 of So I Know it's Real

“Don’t ‘what’s up’me. Have a seat.”

I waited until the boys were comfortable on my bed before I released a shaky exhale fueled by nerves. “I know there have been different people around lately. I want to know how it makes you guys feel?”

Tatum shrugged. “I don’t mind. The Sons of Eshu are those niggas!”

“Hey!” I yelled, giving him a stern look. “Watch your mouth!”

“It’s the truth, Mama,” Pierce chimed in. “I know you don’t like us watching YouTube, but I looked them up. They’re a well-known car club. They ride bikes too. My friends say they’re a gang.”

“I’m not asking your friends. I’m asking you.”

Tatum leaned back and placed his hands behind his head. “I can tell you like Durk. He’s cool. As long as he treats you right, he can be your boyfriend.”

My eyes sprang open. “Wait. I didn’t say all that. We’re going on a date, so I wanted to pick your brain.”

“I like the way he protected you and Kya.” Pierce nodded. “Papa said we have the right to use his shotgun if The Pablos come back, and Durk isn’t here.”

“All right. That’s enough.” I slapped my thighs and jumped to my feet. “Let me finish getting dressed.”

They rushed out of the room like rats, leaving me with my thoughts. I searched through my clothes, scouring for something to wear while also remembering Durk would think I was beautiful either way. With only twenty minutes to get ready, I settled on an olive-colored dress with a Queen Anne neckline. The piece was sleeveless, so I paired it with a black trench I did not plan to wear long.

“Mama! Dookie Durk is here!”

I could hear my heart pounding through my chest as I made my way downstairs. Durk watched me intently once I came into view, and I returned the intense stare. From head to toe, he wore Dior. His straight-legged pants were a pretty shade of blue, and his button down appeared to be made of silk.

“Damn, you look good,” Durk said what I was thinking. “That dress fits you like a glove.”

Tatum sucked his teeth. “Aye, man! Don’t talk about my mama like that.”

“What? Do you want me to call her ugly?”

“Whatever. Just remember what you said.”

Durk popped Tatum’s collar. “Get out your feelings, little one. I’m going to bring her back in one piece.”

“You better!”

Durk laughed as his focus fell on me. “Are you ready to let me take you out, pretty lady?”

I accepted his outstretched hand. “I’m ready.”

“What are we drinking on tonight? Dark or light?”

My teeth held my bottom lip hostage as I lusted over the handsome man. “I’m on dark tonight.”

“Oh, you want to get nasty? Let’s see if you feel the same way by the end of our date.”

The drive from my house to our destination lasted forty minutes. I used the time to bask in Durk’s cologne and pick his brain about his interests. When we arrived at the marijuana café, Fusion Eatz, my date spoke with the host while I eyed my surroundings. Greenery covered the ceiling, and wood lined the walls and floors. Most of the tables were low and only large enough for two people while the square-shaped chairs were spacious. The hotspot encouraged smoking, yet the aroma of citrus competed with the smell of weed. Before the server escorted us to our seats, she informed us they were hosting a couple’s workshop and had us write questions to ask each other later in the night.

“Is everything on the menu infused with THC?” I asked once seated.

Durk reached over and flipped to the back of the menu. “That’s where you’ll find the virgin dishes.”

“I may have virgin skin, but I can’t say the same for my lungs,” I admitted. “There was a time when I smoked every day. I stopped when I became serious about finding a job, but tonight, I’m down to indulge.”

“Speaking of your job. Do you like what you do? I can’t imagine you cleaning up behind people for a living. I actually hate the thought.”

“Well, that’s too bad. I love my job. Everything doesn’t need to be glamorous. Some people are on stage, and others are behind the scenes.”

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