Page 37 of So I Know it's Real

“Umm. Durk said the head of The Pablos is coming over.”

“Oh, now you understand the seriousness of the situation. Now, you’re scared?”

“I’m not scared. I just...I thought this was over once they picked up the brick. They’re coming back for an apology.”

“Then you better get your speech together. You violated. You should be grateful that’s all they want, Kya.”

She looked toward the door and nodded. “All right. I can do it.”

“Yes, you can. Give me twenty minutes, and I’ll be back out.”

The idea of guests in my home made me speed through my shower. I covered my silky bob with a bonnet then washed my body twice. Once I was fresh, I threw on my favorite leggings and oversized crewneck.

In the kitchen, I recognized I didn’t have enough of anything to feed my guests. Thai food was always a hit, so I placed an order for a few family platters.

“What are you doing in here?”

The ladies convened in the kitchen, each carrying a wine glass and wearing a smile.

“Do you need some help?” Blaze asked as she refilled her glass.

“No. I ordered dinner instead of cooking. I’m just chopping up fruits and vegetables to snack on.”

“Whew! Thank heavens.” She playfully wiped her forehead. “I wanted to be polite. Cooking is not my forte.”

Blaze relaxed at the kitchen table while Stevie ignored my words and washed her hands.

“You may not need help, but I want to help you,” she suggested, bumping her hip against mine. “I know it’s never easy coming home to people in your personal space.”

“I don’t mind. I’m happy I don’t have to deal with this mess alone. I refuse to get my parents involved.”

“Oh, don’t worry. We got your back,” Stony said, pulling a handgun from her designer purse. “Durk has brought you into the family. We’ll go to war over you, girl.”

Shock unhitched my jaw, yet she put the steel away before I could speak.

“Clover, how old are you?” Blaze wondered aloud.

“I’ll be twenty-seven at the end of the year.”

Stevie whistled. “Damn, girl. Raising twins as a teen had to be a heavy load to carry.”

“It was, but my parents helped. They still believe it takes a village to raise a child. They are a Godsend.”

When I turned to rinse off a knife, I spotted Durk through the window. His back was to me, but I still marveled at his broad shoulders and long arms.

“Aww, look at you,” Stevie sang, pointing at me. “I think you’re good for Durk.”

“I thought so too, but things have changed. I can’t be too upset. We haven’t known each other long.”

“That doesn’t make a difference,” Essen commented as she entered the room. Based on her button up, dress pants, and backpack, I assumed she was coming from school. “I don’t feel bad for you. I told you if you got caught in his web, he wouldn’t let you go.”

Blaze lifted her glass. “The picture he posted on social media confirms it. Durk doesn’t do shit like that.”

Heavy bass and loud music from outside put our conversation on pause.

“I think The Pablo’s just pulled up,” I commented.

Like a pack of schoolgirls, we shamelessly scurried to the front of the house, each finding a spot to peek out of a window.

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