Page 147 of The Ninth

“Come on, baby girl.”

I took his hand, slowly standing up as several niggas risked their lives to steal a look. K4 and I made our way to the AMG as Kenzo paid his barber. I’m sure he paid a lot since it was his childhood barber that he and his brothers went to. Moments later he popped out, looking relieved to see me standing safely. He opened the door, I got in, and we left.

“Oooooooo, Papaaaaa! You look so fucking good!”

“I’m just tryna keep up with you, Big Mama.”

I cackled, “Niggas see me with one baby, now I’m Big Mama! She was gorgeous, huh?”

“She was. I gave gramps some money and told him if he didn’t buy her a puppy, I’ma break his jaw.”

“What if he would’ve done it anyways without the threat?!”

“The threat seals the deal, baby girl. What’s up with you, though? You still wanna carry my daughtas?”

“You know I do, Deddy. It’s just...I lost you for five years. A day doesn’t go past that I don’t imagine living in a house and raising babies with you. Little girls forcing you to put make-up on,” he chuckled, shaking his head. “But I need at least a year. A year of just you and I.”

“It can be just us for however long you need it to be, Cassandra. Any and everything you need in life, I’ma give it to you. Remember what I promised you?”

“Your life.”

“Aight den.”

We rode while listening to music. K4 slept as K3 bopped his head quietly. I took in everything about my man as he drove, constantly scanning the streets. His strong jawline line, big muscles, caring face. I pray to God that in every lifetime I get to have Kenzo.

We reached right outside of the Gold Coast area of Chicago. Kenzo knows my dream has always been to live in a home in this neighborhood. I could feel him watching me as I sat up.

Did I expect a house two days after he was released? No. But just being in this area we’ve only spoken of over jail calls had me intrigued. We pulled up outside of a beautiful, brick building with polished, white doors.

“Every cost you have in life, I want it to be paid by my pockets. I have money set aside for just you and your dreams. I don’t want you to work. I want you riding around, doing whatever the fuck you want. But I can’t knock you for wanting something of your own, G. So, I got this for you.”

“What do you mean?”

“This,” he pointed to the building.

My mouth fell open as he got out, coming to me and opening the door. I held K4 to my chest tightly. I needed him for emotional support. Kenzo chuckled, pushing me across the sidewalk and up the building steps. Once we were inside, I fell into him.

“KENZO! You bought me a fucking salon?!”

My voice echoed off of its cream walls. Even empty, it was dust free. The gold hardware was gorgeous. The wooden floors even better. There was a reception desk right off the front door and a staircase in the middle. Three floors were filled with about four to five rooms with sinks, hair dryers, nail tables, tanning booths, everything.

“Why the fuck did you do this for me...” I whispered.

“Don’t ask me crazy shit. Everything is going in your name. You’ll fill it up and get paid directly. Hire the best of the best. Let this salon be the best on this part of the city. I only ask that you not work full time. Just collect the money. I don’t want you stressing, you feel me? But if you have to, then of course... I am having something being installed for you on the lower level. I’m not happy about it, bu—”

I cut him off, yanking on his neck until his face was down to mine. He laughed against my lips, kissing me and pulling my body into his. I held his face while staring into his eyes. They held so much light and happiness. The thought of someone being so overjoyed, just because of you being happy...

“Thank you, Kenzo. Just after college and cosmetology school...I needed something.”

“I know, Cassandra. You don’t have to thank me. Your parents would be so proud of you.”

We kissed once more before laying our foreheads together. He swiped the tears from my face while taking K4 out of my arms.

Immediately, I called Mama J! She answered second ring and went on and on about how pretty I looked and how she missed and loved me. This caused the biggest smile to appear on K3’s face, especially when Piper also chimed in, saying she missed and loved me.

K3: And what about me?

His deep voice asked behind me. I lifted the phone to his face and they both started screaming.