Page 24 of So I Know it's Real

Eshu’s Ink was twenty minutes from where we were. I took the streets instead of the freeway, giving me more time with Clover and the scent of vanilla that filled my car. Every time I got the urge to speed down a block, I reconsidered being reckless. Clover wasn’t a square, but the innocence in her smile made me handle her with care. After getting played by the only woman I had ever loved, I only fucked with women who weren’t looking for more than a fun time and good dick. Kehlani’s deceit made me vow to never switch up my program again, yet here I was drawn to a woman with two kids and a sweet spirit.

Clover was in control of the music during our ride, and she surprised me by playing everything from New York artists to more raw classics.

“What do you know about Suga Free, church girl?” I smiled.

“I didn’t spend my entire life in church. Last Sunday was the first time I visited in a few years. I’ve been helping my parents with my niece since my sister died, and lately, she’s been smelling herself. I figure if she sees me do good, she’ll do better.”

“I know that feeling. When my pops died, I had to take care of my mom and my twin.”

“Twin? There are two of you walking around?”

I chuckled. “Nah. Just one. Me and Mercy are like night and day. I had to act like a father more than her brother. I think that plays a part in how our relationship is now.”

Once we got to the shop, I parked in my spot then walked Clover into the building through the back door.

“Oh, my God, Durk! This place is beautiful. I haven’t been in a tattoo shop in years, but yours has to be the best in the city based on decor alone.” She spun around with her eyes fixated on the second floor. “Where is everyone?”

“The shop is closed on Sundays. And I appreciate the compliment. It took a lot of money and patience to make it happen. It was worth it.”

“Have you always known what you wanted to do with your life?”

“No, but I knew what I didn’t want to do, especially after years of...doing the wrong things. The more I witnessed my S.O.E brothers elevate, the more I recognized value in assets I could put my name on. I can be a gangsta forever, but I can’t be a criminal.”

A smile ruffled her lips. “I love that, Durk.”

“Call me, Destin...or Buttah,” I replied before I could stop myself.

“Oh, we’ve progressed to government and family names. Why do I get that honor?”

“My hood name is for hood rats. My lady gets special privileges.”

“Your lady?” She giggled. “You have a wild imagination.”

“I don’t think yours is wild enough.”

While Clover moseyed around the main floor, I put my jacket away then went to wash my hands and gather supplies. Afterward, I hooked my phone up to the Bluetooth speaker, hoping the music would soothe Clover’s body once I put the needle to her skin.

“Come have a seat, Lucky,” I said as I relaxed on a stool next to my tattoo chair with my sketchbook in hand. “We were drunk the night we met, but I remembered you mentioned a four-leaf clover. I drew these for you.”

Her eyes bounced from me to the sketches. Every time her focus shifted, her shoulders loosened.

“So, you think about me when I’m not around?”

“I think about you. I fantasized about you. I dream about you. Now, what?”

“Now, you get to touch me.”

Like two cornballs, we exchanged inaudible expressions before laughing.

“You think I’m bullshittin’, but here we are,” I teased as I cleaned the inside of her ankle with a wipe. “Have you had any problems out of ol’ boy since he showed up on your doorstep?”

For the first time since we had been alone, Clover tensed up. I bit down on the inside of my jaw to keep from making a big deal out of it.

“No. I haven’t heard from him. Davis and I were barely hanging on when we ran into you at the party. He has a thing about upholding his image. I don’t fit the aesthetic.”

“You should take that as a compliment. That fool was walking around in a Pro Club, fake shoes, and his edge up was lopsided.”

She laughed, triggering a batch of butterflies to move around my gut.

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