Page 11 of Truth

“We’re on time for my appointment. That nigga Drake’s an early bird. You should know that already.”

I rolled my eyes. He swore that me and Drake had a thing going on. I also didn’t deserve love no matter if it was with Drake or someone else. I swear that survivor’s guilt was a motherfucker. Damn, I missed Chelly and even more with the anniversary of her death approaching in a few months.

“A few others are in there, too.”

I already knew who the few others were—the damn Saints.

They were everywhere since the plaza was filled with Saint owned businesses. I’d yet to meet whoever their master was. I appreciated them taking Germaine in when he needed them. I just didn’t trust any fucking body with my baby brother after losing Chelly. He was all I had.

I huffed yet followed him inside. I prayed I didn’t regret this. I already had these dumb ass niggas that wanted to be affiliatedwith them in the parking lot cat calling me. Germaine grimaced then spit on the ground, pulling up his jeans. I wondered if he lived a life I wasn’t sure of, but one glare and their ignorant asses shut the hell up.

“Thirsty bitches.”

He eyed my attire, his eyes descending the length of my body, and I sucked my teeth. I never dressed for attention as I was casually clad in a gray and black sweatshirt that slightly exposed one shoulder, skinny jeans, and gray, denim Vans.

As soon as we entered, Drake threw up both hands and smiled. My eyes subtly rolled as I fought not to amp his ass up. If I even pretended to respond to his flirtatious efforts, he’d be in my face all day.

Don’t get me wrong. He was aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, which meant he naturally drew attention from bitches. I hated attention, and I hated that he didn't seem to respect that as he ambled toward me. I groaned and closed my eyes. Yeah, this was about to be a long ass day.

“Wifey, you’re hanging out with us today?”

He threw his arms around my neck and pecked my temple. I fake smiled and peeled his arms from around me. As predicted, all eyes were on us from Krystian, Lupe, Biscuit, Rollo, and my bitch, Teenie. She was sexually affluent, and although most thought she only liked pussy, I knew she liked it all. Her current love interest and probably hubby from what I could assess thus far was Biscuit.

They all gave me a hard time about not giving Drake a shot, except her. She was also the one that told me he was the biggest whore in Rockside. From the looks of the thirsty women in the front lobby that salivated at the sight of him, I’d say she was spot on.

“Zee will be out for a minute. Personal shit, so Merci agreed to help us out,” Germaine announced.

I respected that he didn't share her medical condition. I was huge on that considering the field I worked in. I could only hope Kane gave me the victim’s name. I wanted to deliver flowers in one of the vases I made. That would make me feel a little better, and maybe she’d leave me the hell alone when I was sleep.

“Appreciate you, lil baby. I figured she was just late.”

He pressed his body against mine and grinned. Nice try, but the sounds of sucking teeth told me our audience wasn’t happy, and I really didn’t give a damn. I politely pressed my hand against his chest which created space between us.

“You’ll stop running one day.”

“I’m a grown woman that takes care of herself. Why would I have to run? Now, can you please move before I knock one of these bitches out?”

My head swiveled toward the lobby area filled with parched hos that couldn’t wait to have their turn with any of them, especially Drake.

“Marry me.”

“I’m a lesbo. No thanks.”

The guys all hooted and laughed as he clutched his chest, faking as if I’d broken his heart.

Once all eyes were no longer on us, I settled in and began to check in those who had an appointment first. For a few, I looked at what they booked, deciding who was the best tattoo artist. Don’t get me wrong. Germaine was the best, but I knew Joreen. She’d show up soon enough and start unnecessary drama.

Although I’d never admit it, I was glad I came, especially when the first few hours seemed to fly by. The energy was light as the music boomed throughout the air. They all joked and laughed while I logged into my site to see if any of my pieces had sold. When none had, I felt slightly defeated until I remembered my why. I created to leave pieces of me in the universe, to leave my mark, and to make those who received them happy. If I didmake money, the rest would go to Germ’s art school tuition. That was what mattered the most, which was keeping him focused and alive.

“Damn, y’all not ordering food today?” Teenie asked, rubbing her stomach.

I chuckled since Teenie wasn’t small in stature at all. She was quite the opposite, standing at five foot eleven and easily 200 pounds. She was solid with the cutest outfits she designed herself. She loved tatting, but her passion was in creating her own clothing line.

“I’m saying, though. None of that Chinese food,” Biscuit chimed in. “If I have another pork fry why, I’ll be speaking Chinese.”

They all howled at how he imitated Sue Lou’s accent when she spoke. I loved Sue Lou and her mixed wonton and egg drop soup.

“Y’all spoiled. Just because Zara did, don’t expect me to make lunch runs.”

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