Page 45 of The Ninth

“It’s perfect.”

“I was going to take you to a Bulls game, but---” lightening lit up the entire truck. The sound of thunder was deafening. “We can still go, of course. I just don’t want you outside in ugly weather.”

“If we take a raincheck tonight, it’ll give us another reason to get back together.”

I felt his lips turn into a smile on my cheek, “There was always going to be another reason, Devyn.”

He let me up, sitting me up in the seat correctly. I looked down at my lap as his eyes fixated on my face while putting my seatbelt on. Shutting the door, he ran to his side and hopped in.

“So. You don’t want your husband knowing about me. Dropping you off at home isn’t an option. I would never allow you to walk home in the rain, even with an umbrella. It’s after business hours, so I can’t buy you a different house...” I chuckled. “You can sleep in the shop or come home with me.”

“I’ll come home with you.”

“We’ll grab something to put on your stomach other than bites of shared food and liquor, and then I’ll take you home.”

“I thought I was going to your place?”

“That’s what I said. Baby, I’ma Chicago nigga. We already in love with five kids in my world.”

I laughed as he pulled off. We went to Harold’s and then started the drive to his place. It was in a nice neighborhood right outside of the inner city. I was expecting a bachelor pad penthouse. Instead, it was a beautiful brick home with space.

“This is gorgeous.”

“Thank you. Let me run in and get an umbrella. I’ll be right back.”

He got out, jogging to the porch with the food. A minute later he stepped out, opening an umbrella and running back to me. I took his hand and allowed him to bring me into his space.

The home was spacious. It had wooden floors, a very nice kitchen, and a cozy living room. Art lined the walls. It was very furnished as if he’s been adding things in it for years. It was modern but nostalgic. New but lived in. It fit him perfectly.

He had a main bedroom, guest room, an art studio, and a den with movie theatre seats in it. That’s where we sat, ate, talked, and laughed at movies.

Our silly asses got drunk, again. We also smoked two blunts together. Instead of getting up, going to a bedroom, he reclined his seat back. I climbed into his lap as he grabbed a blanket from the back of the chair, throwing it over us.

Chicago had a lot to offer. Somehow, Duke was its most prized possession.

Chapter 9: On My Soul

Cassie’s POV

I came out my bathroom with my robe tied tightly. After pushing my bedroom door closed, I laid on the bed. Silence filled the entire apartment. My vision blurred from just staring at the ceiling.

Fuck. I wish K3 was here. Even with everything going on.

My iPhone buzzed. I all about busted the bitch against my face trying to see if it was my man. Instead, it was his mother. I smiled, answering and placing the phone to my ear.

Me: Heyyy, Mama!

Mama J: Cassandra! How are you, beautiful girl? It’s so good to hear your voice. I really need to see you soon. We promised to keep in touch better.

Me: I know, and I’m sorry! I just have been all over the place. With Kenzo potentially getting out in two months and working...I’ve been irruhtated.

Mama J: Are you taking care of yourself? You can always come out to Arizona for a bit.

Me: I’m trying. I may take you up on it. Have you spoken to your other worsesome butt son?

She giggled.

Mama J: I have spoken to Man-Man AND Micah. What’s this I’m hearing that Micah tried to kidnap one of your friends?