Page 68 of The Ninth

“Duuuuuke! This you, foe?”

“On my mama. Everything straight?” he asked him and then me.

“I’m coo. Your girl tattoo too?”

Duke looked at me. I just smiled and shrugged.

“She does. I was wondering if she could do your script. She’s fire, gang. I wouldn’t put no bullshit on you.”

“Duh, that’s why I’m here! She coo in my book.”

“Devyn, Otis. Otis, Devyn. He just a rich Unc.”

Otis cackled as Duke chuckled. They finally slapped hands, hugging. Otis talked Duke’s ear off as he drew the tattoo on his iPad. His was a deep green. A beautiful green. Every two minutes, Duke’s eyes would land on me before he went back to the iPad. Otis just kept rambling.

He wanted the script across his shoulder blades. Duke spoke to him as I shaved his back, laying the stencil and then showing him.

“Perfect!” he nodded.

“Let me go get the room ready...” Duke said before walking off. As soon as he was out of earshot, Otis spoke.

“You have nothing to worry about, shorty. Real paid niggas from in there ain’t on no bogus shit. Duke a good ass nigga. If you bartending to pay your way until your career, then so be it. You lucked up. Handle him with care.”

“I will!” I nodded quickly. I was so relieved he wasn’t going to say anything.

Duke came and grabbed the both of us. He was supposed to be going out and smoking. Instead, he sat right in a chair next to me. He picked up on the tensions earlier and clearly didn’t want to leave me alone with Otis. That’s perfectly fine. Instead of listening to music, they spoke his entire session.

****

I sat quietly as Duke and I drove to the restaurant. We had the best day and I completed some fire tattoos. He never failed to tell me how much he loved what I did and how proud of me he was. He spoke that way to all of his artist. Each time was like the first time he seen them tattoo ever. And I love that.

I’ll admit one person we did together we were not the most professional around. We whispered to each other, he kissed on my shoulder, we often made sure the other person was okay. The customer left, saying we were the cutest couple ever. That’s the reason I’ve been standoffish. I haven’t spoken since we left the shop and got ready at his place.

What the fuck are me and Duke? I don’t expect a title, but I wouldn’t mind some clarity. I guess that’s what this dinner is for. But what if he says something I don’t like? Then the fairytale is destroyed and everything goes down the drain. What if he doesn’t like what I want? I’m afraid that our time together will end tonight. Plus, I’m afraid he will bring up Otis.

“You look so good, Devyn...” he mumbled as he parked the truck.

I laughed, “You’ve told me a million times!”

“Well, make it a million and one.”

I smiled, shaking my head as he came and opened the door for me.

Beatrice picked out a red, strapless dress that had a slit in the back. It fit my body tightly. From the way Duke constantly looked me up and down, I knew he appreciated it. Although I couldn’t, I tried my best to ignore the Dior heels on my feet. He wore a casual button down shirt with slacks and dress shoes. Somehow, no part of me denied that his outfit was as expensive as mine. His hand guided me inside of Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf.

The lights were low and romantic. That was a positive sign, in my opinion. He wouldn’t bring me to a place like this if we were going to leave at odds. He glanced down at me as we made our way to our table. I slid in and was surprised when he slid in after me instead of going to the other side.

“Can we have water, Pinot Grigio, and a seafood tower?” he asked the waiter. He nodded politely and walked away. “Miss Devyn.”

“Mister Chicago.”

He chuckled, “Why you been so quiet?”

“I’m nervous. I’m also trying to get used to you and how you move.”

“I hope you do and soon.” I reached for the menu but he took it out of my hand. “Since you’re not used to it, I’d rather order for you. If that’s okay.”

I squinted my eyes and looked around, “Duke....how much is this place?”