Page 214 of The Ninth

“Micah, what size shirt your granny wear?” K3 scooted out a chair, sitting me down.

“Uncle K3, I’M GROWN! You worry about you and Cassandra. I got me and Micah.”

I rolled my eyes, “Speaking of! Micah, I owe you an ass whooping! You came into my fucking apartment like you was grown and I forgot the last time I seen you!”

Micah smiled coolly, “We ain’t let that go yet?!”

“Awwww! It’s going to be hard seeing you get beat upppp!” Piper faked whined.

I smiled at the two of them. Both gorgeous brown skin, tall with Micah beating her by several inches. He wore a fade similar to Duke’s while Piper has long, dark brown hair. She’s petit and looks identical to Kenzo’s mother.

“Sorry! I’m such a bad host! My husbae called me!” Mama J beamed while speeding to the fridge. “Let’s drink and celebrate all the girls being together! I can make ceviche for us while we figure out dinner. I also have some rum and fruits. K3, Man-Man, Micah, find y’all something to do!”

“Do whatever, Mama, but I’ma stay with Cassie if you don’t mind. She had a long night and I’m just looking out for my wife.”

“You don’t think I can take care of her?!”

“Not like me, ma’am.”

Micah snickered before Piper swatted his ass in the chest. Mama J giggled, shaking her head.

“You act just like your damn pappy! Stay then. Cassandra, I made you some Morir Sonañdo.”

“No alcohol?” Duke and K3 asked at the same time.

I couldn’t even hear what Mama J said to them because I was looking at Devyn confused. Did she tell them about the baby and didn’t let me know? She looked slightly confused as well but more shocked if anything. What the hell is wrong with everybody?

I looked up into K3’s eyes and spoke softly, “I’m okay. I know shit was sticky, Papa, but I made it out of that. Thanks to you. And now we’re here together. You can relax.”

He didn’t respond. Instead he just smiled, rubbing my cheek with the back of his hand.

Mama J sat my favorite drink in front of me before we all fell into an easy conversation. Though Devyn looked nervous, she never allowed that to stop her from participating. From inserting herself into Duke’s life where he already made room for her.

“Nah, your tattoos are actually coo as hell, Daffney. I’d be down to get one, on bro!” Micah smiled.

“Daffney?! My name is DEVYN!”

“Mmcht. K3 told me it was Daffney.”

“My bad, I forgot about that!” K3 laughed.

We spoke about Devyn and Duke’s tattoos, the shop, and if she planned on tattooing at the salon with me. When the question came up, Duke and I side eyed each other, both wanting to win the war of Devyn. Ultimately she told Mama J she was still thinking. Hopefully the bitch finish thinking soon, because the salon will not take much longer.

It was later in the day now. The conversation ate up the little time we’ve been here. I sat back in the seat, rubbing my head while closing my eyes. On cue, Kenzo was in my ear.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’ve been getting this headache. I’m a little tired and hungry also. I’m trying to hang in there.”

“No need to, Crybaby. K2 ran and grabbed some dinner for you and I. I wanna eat alone tonight and spend time with you.”

Oh, no! He finna fry my ass up!

“Is that okay?” he chuckled.

“Yeah, it’s okay!”

“C’mon, my heart.”