Page 42 of So I Know it's Real

A belly shaking laugh slipped from my body. “You’re going to be betting until you’re thirty. If you want to earn your own money, I’m sure I can find something for you to do around theshop. Legit money always feels better than bread you have to clean up.”

Hand in hand,Clover and I walked up to my grandmother’s front door with the sunshine lightening our path. The scent of barbecue was strong in the air, and the music was so loud I was certain people on the next block could hear it. Most guests entered through the side gate, but I wanted to introduce Clover to whoever was in the house before we entered the backyard full of wolves.

“There goes my baby and his lady!” Mama Jo danced over, snapping her fingers and carrying a cocktail glass in her other hand.

“What’s good, Mama Jo. You started turning up without me?”

“Buttah, I’ve been sipping since this morning. You better catch up!” She placed her glass on the kitchen island. “Give me some love, Clover! It’s good to see you. You’re wearing those boots, girl!”

It was a coincidence, but Clover and I ended up wearing royal blue and orange for the party. I thought I looked fly in my Knicks jersey and custom kicks, but she looked better dressed in a denim dress and sporting boots that added a few inches to her short frame.

“Thank you for inviting me. It feels good to be seen, Mother Jo.” Clover handed her a bag from Tiffany & Co after they shared an embrace.

“No need to thank me. You’re family. You’re always welcome here.” Mama Jo waved my Auntie Lisa into the kitchen. “Put that bottle down, and come meet Durk’s girlfriend.”

I sat back and let the ladies pick Clover’s brain for a bit before I saw her reaching for an apron.

“Nah, they don’t need your help,” I declared. “I want you to meet a few more folks.”

“Don’t be like that.” Clover reached up and played with the hair covering my chin. “I don’t mind helping the ladies.”

“I’ve dished out bread so that no one works today. Come on.”

We entered the backyard, and the view of at least sixty people brought a smile to my face. Some were playing cards, and others relaxed at the picnic tables we rented for the day.

“You have a huge family,” Clover muttered as she squeezed my hand.

“You nervous?”

She shook her head. “I know you got me.”

“And don’t you ever forget it.”

The second we ventured into the yard, Essen and Mercy rushed over to us. I tried to lead my date in the opposite direction, but she wouldn’t budge.

“Clover!” Essen cheered, pulling her in for a hug like I wasn’t attached to her hip. “I’m so happy you came. Let’s go—”

I shoved her back. “Damn, Ethel! You don’t see me standing here?”

Clover tugged on the hem of my jersey. “Bae, be nice.”

“My bad, Lucky.”

Mercy and Essen looked at each other. Both wore a confused expression.

“What’s the problem?” I quizzed.

Mercy placed her hand over my forehead. “Are you okay? You never apologize for talking shit.”

“Back the hell up. I’m fine.” I placed my hand on the small of Clover’s back. “Clover, this is my twin sister, Mercy. Mercy, this is the lady I’ve been spending all my time with.”

My twin waved at her like a hyper kid. “It’s nice to meet you! I’ve heard a lot about you. You didn’t bring the boys?”

“Not this time. They went to a football game with their grandparents.”

“Good!” Essen blurted out. “Mama deserves a break too. Durk, let me steal Clover for a second. I’ll even introduce her to the aunties, so you don’t have to.”

I faced Clover and checked her body language. “Are you okay with that?”

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