Page 57 of So I Know it's Real

Essen slapped Ishmael in the center of his chest. “Your turn.”

“I think Shiloh said everything,” he replied. “We didn’t know you—not that it makes a difference.” Ishmael released a deep exhale. “We were out of pocket. Period.”

I studied him as he stood and pulled a knot of cash from his pocket. Shiloh followed suit and inched the money in my direction.

“What are you doing?” I frowned while leaning back in my seat.

“This is the money we made from the bet. It’s yours,” Ishmael said through tight teeth. “Loso’s cut is in there too.”

I looked between them, unsure of how I felt about what was happening. “You guys don’t have to do this. I accept your apology without the cash.”

Shiloh shrugged. “I figured you would say that, but Steviesaid we have to give it up. If you don’t want to accept the bread for yourself, accept it as a gift for my baby cousin.”

“Mama, what are they doing here?”

I beamed at my mean-mugging kid.“They stopped by to check on us.”

“Oh. I thought I heard Durk’s voice. He told me he was coming over.”

“What?” I blurted out. “When did he tell you that?”

Tatum shrugged. “The other night when we were playing Madden.” He lifted his head while eyeing Ishmael and Shiloh. “Do you y’all want to run a game of two on two in the back? I can go get my twin.”

The fellas agreed to take the boys outside, leaving me alone to catch up with the ladies. I wanted to ask them about Durk, butI didn’t want to pull them further into our mess. I appreciated the connection I was building with them. I didn’t want to compromise their integrity by forcing them to update me on Durk’s life. I saw him once in the last two weeks at my doctor’s appointment. I had my mom come with me to serve as a barrier, but Durk still tried to talk to me. He looked good, dressed to the nines, yet his bright eyes hung low like a sad puppy.

“I appreciate the visit, but you guys didn’t have to do this,” I stated, breaking the awkward silence.

Stevie moved to a seat closer to me as she said, “We know, but it was only right. Shiloh jokingly mentioned they should give you the money, and I made him stand on it.”

I eyed the cash, thinking of how good it would look in my savings account. Though I would receive a check while on maternity leave, it would only be a fraction of my usual salary, and I wouldn’t be able to pick up extra work.

“How are you, Clover?” Stevie continued.

“I’m...better. Karlie made me get out of the house yesterday. I needed it,” I admitted. “I know I’ve been distant, but I missed you, ladies.”

Essen groaned, capturing my attention. “I’m sorry I haven’t been around. Honestly, I felt bad about what happened.”

“Why? You didn’t do anything.”

“True, but Durk is my cousin, and I kind of introduced you two.”

I tapped the top of her hand like a nurturing grandmother. “Meeting Durk brought a new blessing into my life. I don’t regret that. You shouldn’t either.”

Stevie danced in her seat. “So, that means there’s a chance you’ll take him back.”

“I didn’t say all that.” I snickered. “Durk is so busy pointing the finger at everyone else. He doesn’t realize a genuine apology would bridge the gap.”

Essen pursed her lips. “He’s a man. Can you expect much?”

“Yes,” I answered. “And I do, especially once he asked me to be his ol’ lady. That day, he stopped being justanyman, and he becamemine. I hold him to a higher standard.”

“I know that’s right.” Essen snapped her fingers like we were in a poetry lounge. “Let me stop. I want you guys together more than anyone, but I respect how you feel. He messed up, and he has to deal with the consequences.”

My eyebrows jogged up to my forehead. “It feels like I’m dealing with the consequences, and I did nothing wrong. I miss him so damn much, but every time I think about taking him back, I think about all those comments under my pictures.”

Stevie sucked her teeth. “Girl, forget about what those people have to say. This is your family to build, not theirs to tear down. If you choose to forgive Durk, that’s your decision. Keep your head up and the haters out of your business.”

Durk

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