Page 176 of The Ninth

My father finally met my eyes as K3 made Cassandra a plate of appetizers. Cassandra herself was nervous, looking between Duke and K3. My heart sunk as my dad stood, walking past me.

I grabbed his hand tightly. He stopped, looking at me. I didn’t know what to say. The restaurant carried on like regular, ignoring the rift between a man and his only child. I sighed. I could only offer what felt right in this moment. Even after all that was said...

“I still love you, Dad. All of you. We’ll speak soon.”

“I love you, Devyn. You and Cassie take care.”

I let go so he could finally walk away.

“You want me to handle that?” K3 asked. He was looking at Cassie, but I knew he was speaking to me.

“Uh, no.”

“What about you, Cassie?”

“You heard her!” she laughed.

“Your word is final in my world.”

“Leave him be.”

“K3...did you send jailers to jump my father?!” I asked, climbing off of Duke’s lap. He and K3 cracked up laughing.

“Look, I just be doing shit, foe. If it was him, my fault. That’s all I can say. Carl Winslow look like he could take it.”

Each of us scooted over, making more room for ourselves. Cassie and K3 fell into each other as if none of what happened, happened. I looked in Duke’s eyes...He became blurry as mine filled with tears. I’ve never felt so appreciative for not just him but multiple people who care for me and my feelings.

“Thank you, Duke. I love you.”

“I told you you’re always going to be okay with me. It don’t matter what’s thrown our way. I love you.”

We kissed as K3 tapped his glass.

“I just want to toast to Delilah. It seems whatever the hell path you’ve been on to find yourself hasn’t been easy. I’m blessed that my wife and brother have you which in turns means I’m happy to have you as well. If I accidently kill yo daddy, just know I thought about you prior. Cheers.”

“CHEERS!” Duke and Cassie clinked their glasses as if he didn’t just threaten my father’s life?! But these are my people, so I shook my head and clinked my glass as well.

We spent the rest of the dinner talking in pairs and as a group. The food was phenomenal, and we ordered a lot just to taste some of everything. The drinks were flowing which led to us being tipsy and a little too loud. My stomach hurt laughing at K3. When he wasn’t being psychotic, he was just a genuine man who loved my cousin.

At random points, I did hurt thinking about my father and how badly it went. I’m positive we’ll be able to have more conversations to see if we could work this out. But I’m also positive that if it didn’t work out, I wouldn’t be alone. As I sipped my wine, I realized I needed that reassurance more than anything right now.

Face to Face

K3’s POV

The bread running through my fingers as I counted it didn’t excite me anymore. I don’t make money or find ways to get it just to have it. The .45 in my lap with a dick didn’t make me feel coo or tough, foe. Only two things made me happy. Made me go get it. Cassandra’s happiness and taking care of my family.

I’m not a greedy nigga in love with street fame. Once I’m sure my family will be okay, that’s it for me. I didn’t keep my brother in danger while being gone or even my homies. I’m gon be the one getting it. I’ve been a millionaire since a teenager. Each and every dollar I have is already accounted for by someone I love. A nigga like me just happy I get to kick my feet up until I gotta put ten toes on the ground.

My eyes scanned the side mirrors, review mirror, and all the windows. I don’t have opps and I ain’t scared of nan nigga. Nan nigga should be scared of me. I keep to myself and stay out the way. The only niggas that ever have to see me are the ones who ask to. And I never miss a date.

Me being hyper vigilant is how I seen Duke coming up on my truck. Bitch been walking with a bounce ever since he met Diploma. That shit made me smile. He lost two brothers at once and still showed up for our peoples and my wife. He deserve to have his own shit. His own happiness. My brothers were always my heart. He’s the only one I have breathing now, so a mothafucka gots to know I don’t play around about em.

I unlocked the doors right before he pulled on the handle, “What up with you.”

“I’m coo, folks. Why you ask me to meet you here?”

I kissed my teeth. We’re sitting at a restaurant on a corner of a busy street. On the other side of the busy street was a plaza with several little business. I don’t see the problem.