Page 51 of So I Know it's Real

“Just confirming what I heard. Did you know him and Barbara used to mess around? Who knows if they still do?”

“How do you know that? Hasn’t she been married to your grandfather for over ten years?”

“Yeah, but she likes to mess around. She also likes to drink and run her mouth to women who don’t go to our church. Youshouldn’t be offended that she’s been with your man. He isn’t the only one.”

I ran my tongue over my teeth as I hurried to the kitchen. I didn’t give my mom an explanation. I just gave her a kiss goodbye before I left.

Considering Durk’s status in the city, I wasn’t naïve enough to think he hadn’t been with someone I may know. Still, the idea of him having sex with a woman who goes to my family’s church made me more nauseous than any morning sickness I had experienced.

Durk

Please Don’t Go

“Girl, stop stalling and let this fine man touch your body.”

My client cut her eyes at her big-mouth friend then looked at me.

“I’m sorry about my girl's rachet behavior. I probably like pussy as much as you, but this ho won’t respect that. I’m ready to get started.”

“Let’s do it.”

There were a lot of new faces in Eshu’s Ink thanks to our flash tattoo special. We weren’t hurting for cash or clients, but running the special allowed new clients the chance to check out our work at a lower rate.

“So, this is the reason you’re not answering the phone! I’ve been blowing you up for an hour!”

My head snapped to the front of the room where Clover stared at me with an expression as sharp as her tone. Her scowl was tight and conjured “oohs” and “aahs” from onlookers, which pissed me off. I hiked up my pants and bit down on the inside of my cheek to avoid saying the wrong thing.

“I’ll be right back,” I muttered to my client before I confronted Clover. “You walking around with a frown on your face. Do you need me to eat the attitude out of your pussy? Get into my office. Now!”

I followed her to the back room, barely giving her space to breathe.

“What the hell is wrong with you? The last time we spoke, you were at the doctor’s office.”

“Where should I start? First, I went to the doctor to get my IUD, and I find out I’m pregnant. Then I meet my mom and the ladies from the church, and things went left.” Her voice trembled the longer she ranted. “Do you want to know why?”

Fear crowded the air in my chest as a million thoughts ran through my mind.

Clover is pregnant. Did Barbara tell her about the bet?

“Clover. Baby.” Unable to stand the sight of my reflection in her eyes, my eyes hit the floor. “I don’t know what Barbara told you, but she’s on some spiteful shit.”

“Oh, so you already know what I’m talking about?” She scoffed. “Did you sleep with her before me, or are you currently sleeping with her?”

“No!” I barked. “I mean…I have, but I’m not anymore.”

Clover stomped toward the door then spun around. “What the hell, Durk? I asked you if you’ve ever slept with anyone that goes to that church, and you said no.”

“Don’t lie on me, Lucky. I didn’t say anything.”

“Same difference! You may not think your exes are my concern, but that’s not the case when yours is my kids’ Sunday school teacher.”

Knowing I was wrong, I raised my hands in a surrendering gesture. “You’re right. I didn’t think of it like that. Just know, I haven’t touched Barbara or anyone else since we slept together. What do I have to do to make it right, baby mama?”

Her twisted lips spread into a grin. “I may smile, but I’m still mad at you. The sweet talking won’t make me forget you let me serve cake to a woman you’ve served dick.”

I groaned as I fished through my pocket for a toothpick. “I know you’re pissed, but can we talk about you instead of that bitch? I can’t believe you’re having my baby, Lucky.”

She retrieved two black and white images from her purse and handed them to me.

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