Page 66 of The Ninth
Chapter 13: Expectations
Devyn’s POV
“Niggas do be fake rich in The Ninth!” I laughed. “But they always get picked out and not let back in. Ben and Liv run a tight ship. That flashy jewelry isn’t enough.”
“Hell nah it’s not! You gotta have the paper to back it. I seen a dollar bill land on the stage the other day and almost started shaking, G. That was some scary ass shit!”
Both Pink and I stood up, clearing the table and walking to the hostess to pay.
“Actually, I’ll pay for lunch! My....a guy I’m friendly with gave me his card and I also have to grab a to go order for him.”
“Ooooooo! This your casual thing from the rooftop?”
“Yes. And it’s still not a thing.”
“Is that his Trackhawk you pulled up in?!”
“Pink....”
She cackled, hugging me tightly. She pulled back but was still holding me close to her, our faces inches from each other. I held my breath thinking she may kiss me in front of all these people!
“Thank you for meeting with me and then tricking! I love our blossoming friendship.”
“Me too! I’ll see you soon.”
“Bye girly.”
She let me go, switching out of Cleo’s Southern Cuisine. Every head turned to see an ass so fat walk out of here. I laughed to myself. She definitely knows how to keep eyes on her.
After exchanging numbers the other night, Pink and I have been texting lightly. Nothing crazy. She called while shopping and I was at the shop, in between studying with Duke. Studying would be a lie. I read flash cards as Duke pulled me into his chest, rubbing on my arms and staring at my face.
Anyways, he overheard Pink ask me to lunch and insisted I went. Not walk. And to bring him something back. He made sure to let me know he’s a man and not some little ass boy, so I got him food, food.
Cleo’s was absolutely delish and if I was going home, I would’ve ate it all and then took a nap! But because I’m going back to Duke’s, I asked Pink to share so I wouldn’t be all bloated. Of course she got on me about doing the most for him. Something I’ll always do if Duke’s involved.
I grabbed his food and drinks, rushing out to get back. My days of just chilling in the shop are over. Now I’m either studying, shadowing, or tattooing. He made an appointment to come and have my name added to the door. I’m beyond excited and grateful, hence me rushing back to not be gone for long.
My mind briefly drifted to Cassie. I haven’t seen her since she left for Juan’s. That was almost two days ago. I know she was home when I left this morning, but it was quiet so I just went about my way. I gotta text my cousin to make sure she’s okay.
I pulled up to the curb nice and slowly. He chuckled, watching me. When I left, he asked why I was driving a Trackhawk like a granny. This is not my shit and I have no intentions of fucking it up.
I smiled as he met me at the door. He put his blunt out, kissed my hand, and then helped me out.
“Ooooo, I’ve been meaning to try Cleo’s. Who put you on?”
“That’s where my friend asked to eat. It was my first time as well. I paid for my food and hers....I hope that’s okay?”
“Devyn...”
He shook his head, pushing me into the shop. I tried to explain that I should’ve asked first, but he wasn’t hearing it.
I expected his hand to drop from my lower back when we got inside. Kilo was standing there looking at the schedule, on the phone. Instead of removing his hand, he wrapped it tighter around my waist. Kilo peeped and chuckled to himself. This man wouldn’t have done that if it was anyone else up there.
Duke closed his office door before sitting on the couch. I got on beside him, rubbing his shoulders as he opened the top. I cackled as he hollered about how good the food looked.
“What is all thisssss?!” he asked excitedly.
“The drinks are their Purple Rain drink. I got you the Fly Over with three fried pieces of catfish and three fried chicken wings, creole butter lump crab and two of their cornbread muffins. There’s two extra pieces of fish with yams since you’re a man!”
