Page 22 of So I Know it's Real

The closer I got to Clover, the more I recognized a few of the ladies surrounding her. From what I could tell, I had fucked none of them, so I was straight.

“What’s up, Lucky? Why are you out here with your ass out and no ring on?”

Clover blushed as she tugged on a pleated denim skirt that barely covered her cheeks. Her bouncy tresses swayed in the wind when she peered up at me. My need to touch her encouraged me to comb a piece of hair behind her ear.

“I should’ve known that was your crazy behind driving like a bat out of hell. Is this what you do when you aren’t working branding skin or praising the Lord?”

“Oh, you got jokes? The better question is...what the hell are you doing here?”

She rocked on her high heels while squeezing the handle of a purse that matched her skirt.

“Hmm, let’s just say I needed some sunlight. My cousins love these types of functions.”

“What do you like?”

She slowly shut her eyes. “Peace. I like peace.”

“You like liquor too?”

Clover caught a one-note giggle in her palm. “I do. I’ve had a few already, but I could go for another.”

I linked my fingers between hers before we traveled to where vendors had set up booths. The Showdown started as an illegal function held by local car and motorcycle clubs. Though the gathering was still against the law, the once-a-month event expanded over the years, giving small business owners an opportunity to make money.

Every few steps, Clover would ask about someone in attendance, or she would grow excited about somethingthat caught her attention. Her curiosity made me smile, which was surprising since most people’s ignorance made my skin crawl.

After I paid for our drinks and Clover’s popcorn, we headed back to where my folks posted up. I treated Clover like my lady, lacing my hands under her arms and positioning her frame on the hood of my car. It had been a month since we met at the karaoke bar, and every time we crossed paths, she captivated my attention. The only reason I hadn’t pursued her was because of the bet I accepted two weeks ago. I didn’t want to pull the pretty lady in my shit, yet I couldn’t seem to avoid her. Part of me expected her to check me about being too close, but the thick thighed lady pulled me between her legs.

“Girl, you better cut that shit out before I slide something in you that takes nine months to get out.”

“Wow. That really turns me on.” She snickered while playfully rolling her eyes.

“You’re being sarcastic, but we know the real.” I winked. “Where are your bodyguards? I’m surprised they let you out of the house?”

“They’re staying with my parents for the weekend.”

“Oh, so you’re free until tomorrow night?”

“I’m never free. I work two jobs. Plus, somehow I’ve become a content creator.”

I grimaced at the idea of her overextending herself. “Where is the boys’ dad? He’s not helping you take care of his kids?”

“No. Calvin died five years ago.”

I kissed the back of her hand since offering condolences seemed cliché. The smile that followed made me believe she understood my silent sympathy.

“Durk, I swear my experiences with you don’t match the tales I’ve heard,” she spoke as she eyed me between low lids. “How long have you been doing...this?”

“What isthis?”

“The racing…the tattooing…everything.”

“I’ve been drawing since I was a kid, but the tattoos came into play when I turned eighteen. I’ve been racing for just as long.”

“I would think with a grandmother like Mother Jo, you would’ve been working for the Lord.” She clowned. “I can’t believe I’ve never seen you at church.”

I brushed my thumb over her chin and grinned at the sight of the dimple in her left cheek.

“Think of it as a blessing. Had we crossed paths years ago, I would have ruined your life.”

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