Page 40 of So I Know it's Real

“How have things been at the shop, Buttah?”

“Business has been good. Last night, I finished a leg piece I’ve been working on for a month. My client tipped me damn near as much as I charged him for the tattoo.”

“That’s right, baby. Make that money!”

“If not me, then who?” I boasted while dusting off my shoulders. “Where is my mama? I want to go over the extra names she added to the guest list for your party.”

“They’re my guests. You can talk to me about it.”

I went to the text message my mama sent me the night before. “What’s up with adding Ryker and her sisters to the list? I already had to pay your neighbors to let us use their driveways for parking. Now, you want me to find the patience to deal with my boujie cousins.”

“Buttah, get over it. If Mercy gets the job at her studio, you’ll be seeing them more often.”

The only timeI used the private room in my shop was when I tattooed a celebrity or an intimate body part, and anytime Drea showed up, I had to put it to use. The redbone was a classmate who used to be a fly on a wall then turned into a sex worker after we graduated. She had been my client since I started branding skin.

“Drea, if you don’t sit still, the daisy around your areola is going to look like shorthand.”

She giggled. “It’s your fault. If you stop making me laugh, I may stop moving.”

“You’re supposed to be listening to whatever’s playing in your headphones. You hear me talking because you’re being nosy.”

“Can you blame me? I’ve told you your voice reminds me of Nipsey Hussle.”

“Rest in peace to him, but that nigga ain't ever sounded this smooth.”

Once I was done, I covered Drea’s new ink with protective film then stretched out the cramp in my back.

“Are you ready for me to settle my bill? Are you willing to accept my deep throat as payment?” Drea let her crop top linger above her pierced nipples before pulling it down.

I rolled back on my stool and removed my gloves. All it would take was a head nod, and I could have Drea bent over a chair, but I knew better. Ten minutes inside of her wouldn’t be worth the trouble it would cause. Drea opened her mouth to speak, but a knock on the door interrupted her.

“Who is it?” I called out.

“It’s me, Durk. Open the door, bro!”

A grin cut across my face. “Come in, kid. The door is unlocked.”

Tatum marched into the room like he owned the spot. His brother was two steps behind, matching his energy.

“What’s up, Snoop and Dre?” I clowned as they got comfortable on a loveseat in the corner.

They ignored me and stared at Drea, who smiled at them like they were puppies. Tatum wore a goofy grin that mirrored hers, but Pierce frowned.

“Durk. Are these your sons?”

“Hell no!” Tatum laughed. “That’s the homie.”

I hated to laugh at his response, but it reminded me of something I would say.

“Tatum and Pierce are my girlfriend’s kids,” I answered.

Drea squared her posture. “Oh. I didn’t know...Who’s the lucky lady?”

“That would be me.” Clover’s fine ass stepped through the door. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Same.” Drea blurted out. “Durk, I’ll take care of my balance at the front desk.”

“Please do.” I chuckled, seeing her confidence escape her.

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