1. Clover
Clover
P otential
“Clover! We need you in the west hall. Someone peed in the hallway near Ms. Shine’s class. She’s having a fit.”
Johnson’s words competed with the static from my walkie-talkie, but the notice was clear. Considering the routine was the same every day, it wasn’t hard to decipher. If I wasn’t cleaning up behind my twins, the students at Silk Hills Academy made sure I had something to tidy up. No matter how hectic my day got, I kept my complaints buried under my non-slip boots since nagging would not change my circumstances.
“Hey, Ms. Clover!”
I rolled my eyes at the familiar voice as I reached the utility closet. “What’s going on, Reggie? Aren’t you supposed to be in class?”
“I’m headed that way. I just wanted to see what your fine self was getting into after work.”
I ushered a mop and bucket from the closet then faced the rambunctious student. “I’ll be in a jail cell for smacking you if you don’t watch your mouth. Have respect for your elders and women.”
“Graar!” He clawed at the air. “Just like I like my women. Thick, dark brown—”
“Boy! Go to class before I call Coach Peterson and tell him you’re roaming the halls.”
Reggie trekked backward with his hands in the air. “I’m going. I’m going. I see it’s not a good day. I’ll bother you later, Ms. Clover. Stay up!”
I dropped my head when the corners of my lips turned up on the ends. The last thing I needed was for one of the knuckleheads at the academy to think I found their remarks entertaining. My job was as valuable as my faith, and I couldn’t afford to lose either.
“Clover? Are you coming this way today or tomorrow?”
A gust of air cut through my slender nostrils while I gripped the side of my walkie. “Johnson, I’m on my way.”
After working with the old man for four years, I was used to him being impatient. He was born and raised in Mississippi, old enough to be my grandpa, and was the father of six girls. The grouch reminded me a lot of my daddy, so I knew his pestering was innocent.
I made it to the entrance of the west hall right as my phone vibrated in my back pocket. I doubled tapped the AirPod in my ear, immediately greeted by my best friend’s cheers.
“Can I speak to Ms. 10k?” Karlie quizzed in a proper voice.
“This is she. Is this Fenty Beauty or Curves calling with a brand deal?”
“Ugh. You can’t fit, nor do you wear Curves’ granny clothes.”
“Not true. These thick thighs can’t fit into anything smaller than a size twelve,” I replied. “What’s going on? You know I can’t talk while on the clock.”
“Right. I just wanted to congratulate you on your milestone. You have ten thousand followers and can join the Creator Fund. You know that means a bag. My friend is too fly to be cleaning up behind spoiled gremlins.”
The confidence Karlie had in me was exactly why I loved her so much. Death wasn’t an ideal occurrence to bond over, yet it aligned our paths four years ago. Her baby passed during birth, and I lost the love of my life to gun violence. The support group seemed to be a sanctuary for us, but thankfully, our connection branched beyond our shared trauma.
“I’m not going to hold you, but we have to celebrate. Let’s do karaoke tonight.”
“I’ll see if my parents will keep the boys. Bye,” I mumbled while approaching Johnson and our boss, Mr. Sudan. The stench of old food and cheap cologne stung my sight as my vision bounced between the men.
“Looks like Ms. Popular finally came to work.” Mr. Sudan was the first to speak.
“I’m always here to work, sir. There was something that required my attention on the other side of the property. I handled that before coming this way.”
“Well, I’m happy to know you aren’t using company time to record content.” He tugged on his tailored blazer and scanned me with a pointed gaze. “I would hate to see your social media fame interfere with an honest living.”
“Mr. Sudan,” Johnson called out. “I can assure you that Ms. Clover comes to work to handle business. She knows what pays the bills.”
My eyes drifted to Johnson, who winked at me. The old man stayed on my case, but he always had my back when others played in my face. Like most people who worked at Silk Hills Academy, Johnson knew my employment at the school allowed my boys to receive a private education at a discounted price.
“Johnson, you’re validating her work ethic. What about her work attire?” Mr. Sudan circled me. “I can write you up for not following proper dress code. The big pockets on your pants, the rolled-up sleeves. Your hair isn’t even in a ponytail.”
“Technically, I am following the dress code. I just styled it better than you would.”
Only me and Johnson found my joke funny, though I hadn’t told a lie. The policy stated if I wasn’t wearing janitor’s overalls, my black polo and tan pants were acceptable. My bra-length blunt cut was also in compliance with the rules.
“Mr. Sudan, if you don’t mind.” I motioned toward the wet spot. “I’d like to clean up this mess before the bell rings.”
“No problem. I’ll be back to check on you.”
I plastered on a phony smile. “I look forward to it.”
After my exchange with the head honcho, the day seemed to fly by. I stocked the bathrooms and cafeteria for Monday morning then traveled to the other side of campus. Since the school enrolled students from kindergarten to ninth grade, the property was massive. I could skip the gym for a month of Sundays and still burn calories as if I had used a machine.
Before I picked up my kids, I called the person I spoke to at least three times a day.
“Beautiful!” I sang into the line. “What are you doing?”
“Minding my business with my man.” My mom snickered. “What do you want, little girl?”
“Hmm...A small favor.”
“We’re not babysitting your rugrats.”
I groaned, hearing my daddy’s voice in the background.
“Don’t listen to him, Clover. If that’s what you need, it’s no problem. Where are you and Karlie going tonight?”
“When did my life become reduced to going out with one friend?”
“Well, you’re always at work, and you can’t date a ghost. That should answer your question.”
“Just like you’ll never date Taraji P. Henson. Now, leave my baby alone,” my mom spat on my behalf.
A giggle rocked my throat, listening to them go back and forth. “Daddy, stop talking about me like I’m a lonely cat lady. I’m dating someone.”
“Yeah, you mentioned that, but I haven’t met him, so he doesn’t exist. I don’t have faith I will. Every time you say you’ve met someone, you cut the man off for blinking wrong. I’m not mad at you. These fools ain’t worth the quick nut.”
“Daddy!” I shrieked.
My daddy’s humor and my mom’s soft heart guided me through grief after I lost my kids’ father. People I had known for years became exhausted with my sadness, and my family’s just checking on you calls became non-existent about a month after Calvin’s funeral.
“Clover, you know your daddy doesn’t have any sense. Bring the boys over when you’re ready, and make sure they pack some church clothes. We’ll be at Three Oaks early Sunday morning.”
“Sounds good. I’m going to make Kya come over too. After the call I got from her school earlier this week, she is not staying home by herself.”
My mom freed a heavy exhale. “I swear, she finds anything to get into nowadays. I know growing up without her mama is hard, but I thought moving in with you would help. Truth is, she loves the streets just like Casey.”
“Mama, some people gravitate to darkness as easily as others drift to light. Right now, all we can do is remind Kya we’re in her corner. Speaking from experience, I know that’ll help her stay afloat.”
For the third time, I scrunched up my nose and growled at what I saw in my full-length mirror. Don’t get me wrong, I was proud of my curves and knew how to style clothes around my problem areas. Still, there were days it seemed like nothing fit right, which I think was a problem for women of all sizes.
“Mama! Are you all right? Why are you growling?”
I peered over my shoulder at Pierce. “I didn’t mean to scare you, baby. I’m just having a hard time finding something to wear.”
“I thought we were going to Papa and Granny’s house?” Tatum, the more forward twin, asked while stomping into the room. “I’m ready to go.”
“Don’t rush me, boy. I’m trying to find something cute but comfortable.”
“Nothing hoochie,” he replied before jumping onto my bed.
“Tatum, what do you know about something being hoochie ?”
“Granny said the ladies at church dress hoochie when they’re looking for a man.”
I pinned the fifth grader with a stern stare. “How about you stay out of grown folks’ business, and make sure you have all your stuff packed? You’re spending the night, and whatever you forget, you just won’t have.”
“That means we have to go to church!”
“Yep, so grab dress shoes, too. Pierce, you can go with him.”
My curly-haired kid could complain all he wanted, but hearing the word of God would be good for him. Despite people’s conflicting views on religion, I couldn’t dismiss the joy I received when the pastor delivered a soul-shaking sermon. Thanks to my schedule, I hadn’t attended an in-person service for months, but I watched the livestream faithfully.
“Forget it.” I dropped my blouse on the floor. “Tomboy chic will have to do for the night.”
I settled on a denim corset, camouflage cargo pants, and dunks made of the same material as my top. Like the girls in L.A., I draped my neck, ears, and arms in gold jewelry before removing flexi rods from my hair.
“Now, that’s how you pop out and show ninjas.”
I grinned, hearing the admiration in my niece’s voice, though I didn’t know if it was sincere. Kya liked to sing my praises when she was on my shit list.
“I appreciate the love, but you aren’t staying home alone. You messed up when you thought it was smart to smoke in my house.”
“Auntie, I keep telling you it was a candle.”
“And I keep telling you you’re a horrible criminal. Every time you ditch on campus or get caught on camera doing the wrong thing, you prove me right.”
“Ugh! I hate my life!” Kya bellowed before she crashed face first into my mattress. “What do you know about being a criminal, Auntie Clover? From the stories I’ve heard, you were a goody two shoes that dated gangstas while my mom was putting in work.”
I looked her up and down. “Kya, stop talking about my sister like she was a drug dealer or something.” I teased. “You’re right though. Your mama loved the streets despite being raised in the church. She also didn’t take too kindly to people stepping on her toes. She was a lot like you.”
“Yeah, but Granny and Papa want me to be more like you .”
“Not true,” I refuted while adding essential oil to my skin. “I’m not perfect, Kya. I promise they don’t want you to meet a drug dealer, fall in love, and get pregnant at sixteen. You should want more for yourself. There is nothing in the streets but tricks and hos.”
“The same things are in the church.” She shrugged as she pulled her slender frame from the bed. “Are you sure you don’t want to take me with you? We both know you got those followers because of my camera skills.”
“Skills I paid you to use,” I reminded the brat. “Even if I wanted to take you, your granny isn’t going for it. I’m not getting beat for you or anybody else. Let’s go, Smokey the Bear. I have somewhere to be.”
The trip from my home to my parents’ place took less than ten minutes. I knew I would hear about it later, but I didn’t get out of the car when the kids went into the house. Next to Karlie, my mama was my best friend. If I walked into her home, we would go from discussing my outfit to talking about church folks.
From the hood to Downtown, I blasted music in my Dodge Hornet, setting the mood for the night. Although a flood of cars littered the block, I found a parking spot and made it into the karaoke bar by 9:00 p.m. The sea of people outside matched the amount of folks inside, but thankfully, Karlie reserved a table.
“There’s my girl!” My best friend jumped from her chair and pulled me in for a hug. “You look cute! Were you able to find a spot?”
“Right across the street,” I replied, glancing over Karlie’s shoulder and waving at her sisters. We had hung out a few times over the years, and they were just as jovial as their youngest sibling.
Karlie danced in a circle then pointed to a mahogany beauty with long brown hair and high cheekbones. “Clover, this is Essen, my classmate turned friend. Essen, this is my best friend.”
We exchanged pleasantries while I got comfortable in the chair next to her.
“Have you guys ordered already?” I asked.
Karlie ushered a pink cocktail in my direction. “Yep. Our food is on the way, but in the meantime, I got you this.”
“Hmm. What is this ?”
“Liquor. I know you’re not a big drinker, but your accomplishment is worthy of a few shots of something strong.”
I rolled my eyes and carried the straw to my lips.
“Clover!” Essen called my name. “How long have you been an influencer?”
“Influencer?” I snickered. “I wouldn’t say all that. I just like to thrift and share with other mamas what I piece together.”
“My friend is being modest.” Karlie smacked her lips and tossed her big hair over her shoulder. “Clover has only been posting for a year, and she’s found her tribe. One day, those likes are going to turn into big coins!”
For an hour, we enjoyed good food and strong drinks before something or someone tightened Essen’s lids.
“Essen, are you okay?” I probed. “You look like you spotted your enemy.”
“Girl, more like a pain in my ass. My cousin just walked on stage. I’m praying my brothers aren’t close behind.”
“Which one is your cousin?”
She palmed her forehead. “The one who just grabbed the damn microphone.”
My straw lingered between my lips as I studied the man leading the pack. Olive green pants riddled with a floral pattern and a button-up that hit his waist fit like tailored pieces on the tall guy. The stack of diamond chains around his neck and the bracelet he rocked were blinding, yet the stones weren’t as clear as his cognac complexion. Cousin and his friends sang a Dru Hill jam like they wrote it, moving through the crowd like natural- born stars. When the lead singer sat a pair of sunglasses on the bridge of his nose and began addressing the crowd, I glanced at Essen. She shook her head but held her phone up, recording the show while the ladies in the audience went wild.
The song ended right as Essen’s cousin neared our table. Up close, I noticed his lashes were curly and his chocolate skin was covered in tattoos. I couldn’t say the 90’s fine gangsta reminded me of anyone. I’ll just say he looked good with a short fade accented by a part on the right side.
“What’s up, Essen?” He cuffed the back of her head and smirked. “Where are my cousins?”
“Ugh. They’re in their skin. I’m having a girls’ night. No niggas allowed.”
He moved a toothpick back and forth over his full lips. “I don’t know about all that. Introduce me to your friends.”
“Then you’ll leave?” She groaned. “This is my friend, Karlie. The beauties to her left and right are her sisters, Jada and Kelly.” Essen faced me. “This lovely lady with the dimples is Clover.”
His bottom lip flipped inside of his mouth as he examined the table with a nod. “Nice little line up.”
“Durk, get out of here! There isn’t a line up.”
“Yeah, whatever.” He smiled, massaging his goatee and showing off a diamond grill. “Dimples , I’m going to see you around.”
I tried to suck in my jittery cheeks to conceal my amusement, but my cheekbones crowded my eyes.
“Look at you blushing,” Karlie whispered once he walked away. “I told you coming out would do your body good. You can give Davis the middle finger and go home with a real one.”
“I’ve been drinking, but I’m not drunk. Davis and I have been dating for two months and still haven’t taken things that far. I would never sleep with a stranger.”
“Never say never. There’s always a chance you could meet a man who makes you feel safe enough to pop that coochie on the first date.”
Thoughts of what kept me from giving Davis my body guided my chin to my chest. “The last man I made love to was supposed to be my husband. I don’t know how to be with another man in that way. No amount of time feels like enough to move on.”
“I get it, Clover, but sometimes we aren’t supposed to question when things fall into place. Just praise the Lord for the gift of second chances.”
Amid our heart-to-heart, Jada tapped the side of her cocktail glass.
“Ladies, I hope you’ve built up enough liquid courage to get on stage. I picked a Salt-N-Pepa joint for me and Essen. Karlie, I know you believe you’re a solo act, so you got ‘Irreplaceable’ by Queen Bey!” She eyed me. “Clover, your bestie said you love ‘Cater 2 U.’”
I snickered at her choice for me. Truth be told, I would have preferred something more empowering, but I was too excited to gripe. I would have sung a gospel hymn if it meant I wouldn’t be mopping floors or sitting outside of football practice.
Like ducks in a row, we danced toward the stage with drinks in hand. I spotted Durk at a table near the stage and tried not to stare, but it was hard. His energetic demeanor had diminished as he frowned at his phone.
“Clover!” Essen grinned and looped her arm around mine. “I know we just met, but you seem like a sweetheart.” She openly pointed to Durk. “I know that chocolate looks good, but that isn't what you want.”
“What? I—”
“Oh, I don’t expect you to take my advice. I’m just giving you a fair warning, so you can’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Warn me about what?”
“About how life changes when a son of Eshu falls in love.”
We exchanged a narrowed stare down that made me speechless until she straightened her shoulders and winked.
“Now! Let’s rock the mic!”
Tipsy, I watched the ladies take turns butchering classic hits. Each exuded confidence that made the men in the audience drool and the women cheer them on. However, when my turn came, I morphed into a snail as I stepped on the platform. The rhythm of a tune I loved but hadn’t picked poured through the speakers. I looked at the DJ to signal for him to change the song, but his attention was on the lady next to him.
“If you’re not gon’ rap, shake some ass!” Someone from the crowd yelled.
“Shut up before I beat yo’ ass.” Durk abandoned his group and joined me on stage.
I didn’t know a thing about this man, except for his name, but his presence guided my nerves beneath my feet.
Cool as a cucumber, Durk two-stepped around me as he recited the first verse of Dipset’s “Hey Ma.” The subtle touches he placed on my lower back and playful pinches to my chin anchored a silly grin to my face. Durk’s shaggy brows crept up his forehead when I recited the lyrics without looking at the monitor. At least a foot taller than my five-foot-five frame, Durk peered down at me when I ran my fingers down his Adam’s apple and stroked his chest.
The crowd erupted into a rowdy applause when we walked off hand-in-hand. The combination of tequila and adrenaline spawned the idea of jumping into his arms once we stepped near the bar. I didn’t know what came over me, but something about being in his arms seemed safe.
“My bad.” I hurried to pull away. “I got beside myself.”
“No apology needed, Lucky.”
“Lucky? That’s cute.” I snickered, feeling warmth flicker on my face when he added his own spin to my name. “Well, I appreciate you rescuing me. I’ll let you get back to your friends.”
“Not without you. Come chill with me.”
I surveyed the room and saw my friends were at our table staring at me and Durk.
“Tell me what’s making you overthink what you want to do, Lucky?”
“I may be tipsy, but I don’t know you. You could be a serial killer.”
“You know my name.”
My heavy head fell to the right. “I doubt Durk is your given name.”
He traced me with lustful eyes as if deciding how he wanted to answer. “I’m twenty-seven. I don’t have any kids. I have a few bitches, but none matter more than you at this moment.”
“Am I supposed to be flattered?”
“No, but you are supposed to acknowledge my honesty. I don’t think serial killers are usually transparent.”
“I don’t know too many, so I’ll take your word for it. Lead the way.”
Rude as it may have been, I waved the ladies over and had them join us. Durk seemed like he would be good company, but I would never desert my friends, especially for a man I didn’t know.
“Lucky, what are you drinking and snacking on?” Durk asked once I got comfortable on the couch beside him.
I moved to ask my group what they had a taste for, but Durk reached over and guided my attention to him.
“Nah, I didn’t ask about them. What do you want to sip on? Whatever you decide, they’ll have to roll with it.”
A tingle between my legs tore the breath from my lungs. An assertive man always turned me on. One who looked and smelled like Durk was a deadly combination.
“I’ve been drinking light most of the night,” I answered without elaborating.
“Bet. I can work with that.”
I waited until Durk placed the order for food and bottles before I allowed the liquor I consumed to challenge my curiosity.
“Are you here with your gang?”
He freed a one-note laugh. “Not tonight. I’m here with folks that work at my tattoo shop.”
“You’re a business owner. That’s not an easy job.”
“True, but Eshu’s Ink is worth it. All inspections are complete as of today, so we are going from a soft launch to big business. When are you going to let me lay hands on you?”
His choice of words sent a heat storm up the back of my neck.
“Hmm…I don’t think so. Though I would love to get a four-leaf clover tattooed on the inside of my ankle, I’m twenty-six, and my parents would have a fit if I went through with it.”
“Virgin skin, huh?” He pursed his lips. “Let me know when you want me to pop your cherry.” He followed up with no humor in his voice. “In the meantime, let’s turn up. We got another song to do.”
“Oh?” I sang. “ We ?”
He gestured toward the kiosk which displayed a list of upcoming singers and their song choices.
“Durk, what do you know about B2K?” I quizzed.
“I know you better get on your J-Boog tip. It’s almost showtime, baby. I will not carry this group all night.”
Until close to 2:00 a.m., Durk kept me fed, quenched, and entertained. By the time we staggered out of the club, we held onto each other like old lovers.
“I haven’t been out in ages,” I admitted. “This was fun.”
Durk’s large hands drifted from my waist to resting on my hips.
“The night doesn't have to end here.”
“Are you trying to take me home?”
“I’m trying to do more if you’re with it.”
I patted the center of his chest. “You’re cute, but you aren’t that cute.”
His broad shoulders bounced like my rejection meant nothing to him. “Mama always told me a closed mouth goes hungry.”
“I mean, you opened yours, and you still got nothing.”
“Nah, I’m leaving here with something.”
Without warning, Durk’s fingers escorted my chin to the sky, yet his lips met mine before my vision could latch onto the stars.
“You scared now, Lucky?”
“Do I look scared?”
“I don’t know what you look like when you’re scared.” He traced a fresh toothpick across his bottom lip. “Hell, I’m trying to figure out what you look like when you’re scared, happy, and busting a nut.”
“Not tonight you won’t.”
Karlie called my name, interrupting our exchange. “Let’s go, girl. Bid your friend goodnight.”
I cackled as I walked backward to my group, clenching his jacket around my shoulders.
“Good night, Durk.”
“I’ll see you around, Lucky.”