Page 58 of So I Know it's Real

On Bended Knee

A month had gone by since my world turned upside down. Clover and I spoke a few times a week, but she didn’t entertain a conversation about us getting back together. No number of flowers, food, or kissing ass made her forgive me. The church chaos really made her push me away. She was embarrassed that I cut up in front of people who had known her most of her life. I didn’t think about that part before I planned to ruin Barbara’s day.

“Oh, you brought out the ’Vette today, huh?”

I grinned at the security guard as I slid my hand over the candy paint. “It’s light work.” I pointed to the entrance of my shop. “How are things going in there?”

“I’ve had to turn a few people around because they tried to come inside with no papers. Otherwise, shit has been smooth.”

I tossed my half-smoked blunt in the street. “Bet. Remember what I said. If they don’t have an invitation, they don’t get in.”

“I got you, Durk.”

On a regular day, I would never turn a client away. Nevertheless, one of my tattoo artists asked if they could host their birthday party at Eshu’s Ink. The party was a private event,and the guest list had thirty people. No matter how much I fucked with my staff, I wouldn’t get a citation because his cheap ass didn’t want to rent out a club.

I walked through the front door and felt like the man when I received praise from people scattered around the building. After the photographer snapped a few pictures of me, I went upstairs to check the vibes. I saw a few members of The Sons of Eshu playing pool, but I put on my sunglasses and found a seat in a corner.

“Excuse me,” I called out to a server. “Can I get a double shot of Don?”

She nodded. “I got you.”

I went back to stalking Clover’s social media pages, hoping I would find proof of her getting ready for the night.

“Why are you in the corner on your emo tip?”

I smiled at the sound of my sister’s voice. “I’m chilling. What are you doing up here?”

“Joc invited me,” she answered while tilting over and glancing at my phone. “You miss her, huh?”

“More than I can put into words. I thought I would be over it after a month.” I shook my head. “The shit still hurts. I’m not even looking for the person who told on me anymore. It feels pointless if Clover won’t take me back.”

“I’m happy that you’ve realized that.Now, you’re taking accountability.”

The server walked over and handed me the drink I ordered. I dug in my pocket for her tip, but Mercy stopped me.

“I got it, twin. I think you need someone to do something nice for you.”

I downed a few swigs of my drink and grimaced at the burn. With the way I hurt Clover, I deserved to feel the pain. Every night I went to sleep, I pictured the way her bottom lip sagged when I acknowledged I fucked up. Disappointment paintedher face, driving me to feel like scum anytime I recalled the conversation.

“I invited her and Karlie to the party,” I declared.

“Good. If you’re serious about getting your ol’ lady back, never stop trying,” she said in a faraway tone. “Enjoy yourself. She’ll show up.”

I glanced up at my twin and accepted the blunt she guided in my direction.

“I don't think she will. The party started hours ago.”

“Maybe she couldn’t get a babysitter—”

As the words hit the surface, I spotted Clover stroll up the stairs. Karlie was close by, but the spotlight swallowed the brown skin hottie with the silk press. It broke my heart seeing how different she looked because it confirmed I didn’t see her enough. She was over four months pregnant, and her bump was noticeable.

“What’s up, mama?” I asked as I approached her. “I’m happy you showed up.”

She plastered on a toothless smile.

“No problem. We were in the neighborhood. Plus, I figured I could get some good content.”

Karlie snickered. “Girl, please. Tell this man you missed him.”

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