Page 28 of The Ninth

Me: I love you, Kenzo.

I said without a thought.

K3: I’m sorry to see you cry. I love you and I’ll speak to you soon.

I handed the phone to Micah. He hugged me tightly before opening the door. Once it was opened, we both were face to face with security that was carrying the pizza. He smiled,

“Cassie! I’m sorry to interrupt...”

K3: Shoot him.

“WHAT? NO! AND YO STUPID ASS REACHING LIKE YOU DON’T SEE HIM CARRYING THIS DAMN FOOD! YOU AND PLANKTON’S WIFE GET THE HELL OUT!”

K3: I LOVE YOU CASSIE!

I took the food from the security and shut the door on all of them.

As soon as I entered the living room, Devyn’s face held so many emotions. Having a nigga in jail one thing, but a cheating ass nigga?! There was nothing I could say to defend him. Devyn, you got this one, big dawg.

“Sit down, baby. We finna watch this movie together,” Kenzie patted the couch next to her.

Tati took the food from me as I dropped down into my spot. Kenzie’s arms found their way around me, consoling me after breaking down like that. I didn’t want a hug from anyone else but her. Her hugs always healed something in me.

“I’m sorry you ladies have had an off night with men...but I’m happy to be spending time with you all!” Devyn smiled.

The movie started playing. Both Kenzie and Tati responded to Devyn. Something nice, I’m sure. I’ve never been more grateful for their presence. There’s just no way I could be there for Devyn. Not tonight.

The three of them chatted as they passed out food. I stared at the screen but a different movie played. I saw videos of my man with his head dropped back, groaning while he was in some bitch throat or worse.

Damn, K3. Touché.

My phone started vibrating beneath my leg. This bitch Micah went and got all of them, turning them back on. I picked it up, seeing it was Juan. I sighed, answering right before it hung up.

Me: Yeah?

Juan: I’m just retiring for the day. I wanted to check on you and I’m glad I did. Why you sound like that? You okay?

Me: No.

Juan: Here I come.

CLICK.

The only way I have been able to live with myself is by clearing my head. No thoughts. No debates. No opinions or morals. Just autopilot. Before I knew it, I was showered, dressed, and waving bye to the girls. I fear pizza and a movie wasn’t enough.

Chapter 6: Girlfriends

Devyn’s POV

I rolled onto my back, wiping my eyes. Very annoying of me, the first thing I did was check my phone. No notifications. I laid it back down, stretching in my bed as Kenzie snored softly beside me.

Something about yesterday... The way I put myself out there in a city that I do not know too well. Taking a break to myself. Speaking to my mother. The tattoo shop... It gave me the confidence to be myself and to be forward with the girls. Tati and Kenzie are making space for me because of Cassie. If I played standoffish, they would just walk over me.

I appreciated Cassandra’s apology. It didn’t change what happened, but I could tell she meant it and seemed embarrassed of everything. They moved the things out of my room to make me more comfortable. Tati allowed me around her son. And I got to know Kenzie more.

The front door opened and shut. It sounded like Cassie was on the phone.

When she left...I can’t lie, I was a little let down. I felt something new blossoming in Chicago for me. Not even ten minutes after she left, Tati and Doodle Bob left. She said she was taking him to his daddy because it’s his turn, but Kenzie said she went to hunch. Kenzie stayed. She seemed comfortable and honestly? I think she could sense my mood.