So I Know it’s Real

3. Clover

Clover

T reasure in the Hills

For the second time, I watched my phone ring in my passenger seat with no desire to answer it. I didn’t want to speak to Davis and soil my good mood right before work, yet I knew trying to avoid him was pointless since we were working at the same location.

“Yes, Davis,” I answered. Irritation took over my tone.

“Don’t sound like that when I call, Clover. What are you doing?”

“I’m driving since you insisted on us taking separate cars to the same place.”

His obnoxious chuckle captured the line. “Baby, why are you acting like we live together, and I left you at home? You won’t take our situation to the next level, but you want me to play Uber.”

“No, I just expect you to be a gentleman.”

Davis and I had been dating for a couple of months, and we hadn’t made much progress in our relationship . Initially, he gave off the vibe of a reformed corner boy who owned a tow truck company. Although those things were true, about a month ago, I discovered Davis aspired to be a rapper.

“Clover, it’s obvious you’re not feeling me right now. We should talk when you can at least pretend you’re happy to speak to me.”

“In that case, we may never speak again. Aside from the ride situation, you all but asked me to pretend like I don’t know you while we work.”

“So what? I’m trying to build my image. I can’t have people think I’m in a relationship. No rapper does that.”

I rolled my eyes, annoyed by something I had heard one too many times in the past week.

“Davis, I never asked to be your lady. We are dating, and I made it clear what I can offer. To be honest, you’re not a good look for my image. You’re a thirty-two-year-old struggling rapper with three kids by two women. You aren’t a prize to be won. You’re just pretty to look at.”

He whistled. “Damn. That’s how you feel? My manager didn’t say we couldn’t still—”

“Davis, leave it be. Your manager is your cousin who is a well-known scammer. Taking advice from him is like taking cooking advice from someone who puts garlic powder in their eggs.” I freed an open-mouthed huff when I detected I was holding my breath. “Listen, although I don’t agree with your moves, I respect what you’re striving toward. I just don’t want to be a part of it. I’ll see you around.”

I ended the call as I drove up the curved driveway leading to my workplace for the day. I had worked as a server and housekeeper for the rich and famous, but this estate was on another level, structured with three buildings, each holding its own entrance.

From the day I secured a work permit, I stayed on someone’s payroll. My parents were adamant about me and my sister being independent, so we had to pay rent when we wanted to buy cars. Back then, I couldn’t understand their logic, but as I got older, I realized that experience prepared me for the real world.

Before I exited my car, I grabbed my lunch bag and looked at the email the staffing company sent me. I followed the instructions, entered the kitchen through a side door, and thankfully, I ran into a familiar face.

“Clover, I’m so happy you’re here!” Karlie cheered as we embraced. “I swear, you always know how to make a simple outfit pop!”

I knew she was referring to my Prada clip-on earrings and the matching brooch I added to my white button down.

“I keep telling you the thrift stores in rich neighborhoods got the goods.”

“Next time you go, I’m going with you,” she declared while looking over my shoulder. “Davis didn’t ride with you? The DJ is looking for him.”

Embarrassment caused my cheeks to grow hot. Karlie was my girl, but if I spoke of the discussion I had with Davis, we would get no work done.

“Hmm…” I ran my hand over my slicked down ponytail. “He wasn’t sure how long he would be here, so we took separate cars. Did Regina mention the details of my assignment?”

“You’re serving with me, so wash up. Once you’re done, we can take appetizers outside.”

Upward of forty people occupied the yard, surrounding the pool while others chilled on a platform that overlooked the scene. Most of the women wore bikinis that would never touch water, and the men wore sunglasses that probably cost more than my salary for the day. There had to be millions of dollars worth of jewelry in the vicinity, yet I knew the cross hanging from my gold necklace was worth more.

With a serving tray secure in one hand, and the other behind my back, I silently served the partygoers. Some people were polite enough to acknowledge my presence, and others treated me like a pestering fly. I made it two hours into my shift with no issues. However, the instant my eyes found Davis, I recognized another man I knew only a few inches away.

“Karlie. Karlie!” I chanted her name before she could get too far. “Is that Essen’s cousin?”

“What? Where?” Her eyes trailed the path of my finger. “Damn. That is him. I wonder what he’s doing here?”

Dressed in black overalls with a Prada logo in the center and nothing underneath, Durk’s muscular arms shined as bright as his jewelry. A bucket hat hung low over his eyes, but the toothpick hanging from his lips confirmed it was him. Since our introduction, he haunted my dreams. It was probably because his jacket hung in my closet, smelling of rosewood and a hint of weed.

“How about we find out why he’s here instead of staring like a pair of stalkers?” Karlie suggested.

“What? No. For what? Two weeks ago, he invited me home but didn’t ask for my number. Going over to speak seems a little thirsty.”

“Then stop drooling and get to work. Regina is on her way over here. I don’t want to hear her mouth.”

I straightened my shoulders and started toward the house, yet the sound of Regina singing my name stifled my steps.

“Yes, ma’am?” I quizzed.

“Can you take some goodies to the VIP section? I want to make sure the tattoo artist and DJ are taken care of.”

“Huh? Me? You sure you don’t want Karlie to do it?”

The pale lady’s blonde mane danced in the wind when she leaned her head to the side.

“Clover, if I wanted her to handle that section, I would have asked her. Anytime I send Karlie to private sections, she hangs around too long. Please, handle that area for me.”

“You got it,” I responded with a forced grin.

With a platter of food and drinks on the tips of my fingers, I traveled to the staircase. Every step I hiked broke down the confident smile on Davis’s face. He went from dancing to staring into space like a trained soldier. I didn’t engage. I bypassed him like he was a stranger and moved around the area, adding bottles to the tables. I tried to keep my head low, but the sight of Durk in his element caught my attention.

Once the music changed, I assumed I had been staring too long, so I turned to head back downstairs. Yet, the sensation of someone grasping my wrist cemented my shoes to the ground.

“You gon’ do all that staring then walk away without speaking, Lucky?”

I mashed my empty serving tray against my body as the bends of my lips kicked up. “You were in the zone; I didn’t want to interrupt.”

Without warning, Durk rose from a stool and drew me to his body like we were old friends. Unsure how to react, I stood there with my hands at my sides like an idiot.

“So, you weren’t lying when you said you’re an artist,” I stated, trying to break the awkward silence. “Do you come to these types of events often?”

“I go where the money flows, Lucky.”

“I get it. On average, I work six days a week.” I sighed at the reality. “Sometimes, I can’t believe I can still stand up straight by the end of the—”

“Baby.”

Davis’s voice forced my eyes to close, and by the time I opened them, he was standing at my side.

“Do I know you? You can’t be talking to me.” I snarled, looking him up and down.

“Of course, I’m talking to you, Clover. I’m trying to figure out why you’re talking to him . Are you planning to get a tattoo?”

“No. I’m working. Remember? That’s what you said we’re on tonight.”

Durk’s boisterous laugh shattered our back and forth. “Lucky, is this the man who’s allowing your pretty ass to overwork?”

“I don’t know about that.” Davis checked his surroundings. “But this is my lady if that’s what you’re asking.”

He extended his hand out to me, but second-hand embarrassment made me walk off.

“Clover! Clover!”

The louder Davis shouted, the more he attracted the attention of the crowd.

“Why are you screaming my name?” I lashed out between clenched teeth. “You asked me to respect your space while you’re networking, and I told you I was done with you.”

“So, a few hours later, you smile in a stranger’s face?”

“He’s not a stranger. I mean...” Unable to think quick on my feet, I sealed my lips and shook my head.

“Nah, don’t get quiet now! You mean what?”

Davis had never given me the impression he was violent, but the fire in his eyes provoked me to step back.

“I met him the night my girls took me out to celebrate something you didn’t even acknowledge.”

“I’ve already apologized for that.” He groaned. “I know our relationship is fresh, but everything I’m doing will benefit you and your kids in the long run.”

“Davis, I can’t trust you with my heart. No way I can trust you with my boys.”

I stormed off, but I would not allow Davis’s possessive attitude to throw me off my game. A few minutes alone in the kitchen and a talk with Jesus realigned my energy. I got back to work and maintained a counterfeit smile until the host addressed his guests.

“I wanted to get on the mic and thank y’all for coming to celebrate my birthday with me. I don’t fuck with too many people, so anybody in this muthafucka is family! I have shots coming around. Be sure to grab one. We’re tossing them back in ten.”

I interpreted the announcement to mean I needed to refill my inventory, but before I made it back inside, Karlie strutted over like we hadn’t been on our feet for hours.

“Don’t forget to take your break, Clover.”

“We only have two hours to go. I’m not worried about it.”

The combination of the loud music and my empty stomach resulted in a looming headache, so I removed the ponytail holder, keeping my hair in place.

“Girl, that doesn’t matter. Regina is not paying for your lunch or breaks. You better take your time,” she replied. “On another note, how did things go with Durk?”

“Things went to hell. Davis interrupted our conversation. After that, I started avoiding both of them.”

Though I steered clear of Durk, my eyes occasionally floated in his direction. Every time I looked his way, he was working or watching me. I grinned when we locked eyes, but his mug was firm, nothing like the jovial expression I’d grown to expect. I didn’t think Davis had the chance to say enough to piss him off, but I wasn’t brave enough to ask.

When the sun went down, the DJ turned on Luke’s “Birthday Song.” Anyone who was sitting got out of their seat when the classic poured through the speakers. All I saw was ass shaking and dick slanging like a still frame from a Freaknik documentary.

Karlie and I giggled at the people with no rhythm, and we clowned guys who couldn’t keep up with the women. However, my smile plunged to my feet when Durk started walking in our direction. My mouth got moist at the sight of him, driving me to dab the corners of my mouth with my thumb. The closer he got, the straighter my spine became. Unfortunately, before the stylish artist could close the distance, Davis collided with him, sending them both into the pool.

My heart froze mid-beat seeing Durk fight the water while Davis gloated as he pulled himself out of the pool.

“Lord, have mercy!” I panicked though no one else seemed to gauge the seriousness of the situation.

I snapped into action, snatching a floating board from a hook near the door. I heard Karlie call my name as I ran toward the water, but I dove into the deep end without looking back.

“Relax, Durk! I got you!”

It took him a minute to loosen up enough to grab the board, but the sound of my voice seemed to soothe the apprehension dominating his copper-colored orbs. He allowed me to lead him to the wall of the pool. Then he peeled my hands away. I only had a second to sulk before I was yanked from the water and placed on my feet. I opened my mouth to offer an apology on Davis’s behalf, but Durk moved faster than my lips.

“You think I’m a fucking joke, bitch?” Durk shouted as he rushed over to Davis and punched him in the nose.

Onlookers went wild when he followed up with a two piece, and I flinched when Durk slammed the prankster on his back. I thought he would give Davis a break after he hit the ground, but instead, Durk dug his wet sneakers into his abdomen. The water-soaked man wasn’t a burly dude, but he wasn’t bony. I knew the power behind his long legs and arms did damage.

“Let me go! Get the fuck off of me,” Durk spat when three guards began to pull him away. “You must not know who the fuck I am! You’re about to lose your life over a woman you can’t take care of. Now, I’m going to make her my wife and give you a reason to be mad, bitch!”

“Tatum! Pierce! It’s time to go! We’re going to be late for church.” I froze near the door. “Shit. I forgot my fan.”

Pierce met me at the front of the house before I could make it up the stairs.

“Mama, we’re not supposed to be late, and you’re not supposed to curse.”

I gripped my hips and tried to conserve a firm expression, yet I cracked when the smart kid mimicked my movements.

“Boy, don’t tease me. Go brush your hair, and put some oil on your face.”

“I already did that. I’m not the twin who needs reminders.”

On cue, Tatum wandered from the kitchen with a PB he had every right to defend himself. I just had an inkling Durk was a hothead no matter the situation.

After the service was over, everyone filled the church’s annex at the mention of refreshments. There were round tables covered in white tablecloths and gold chairs positioned around the room. Balloon pillars sat near every entrance, and gospel music played at a low volume from overhead speakers. The aroma of fried chicken and cake smothered the space, making my mouth water.

From the doorway, I saw my mom passing out plates and my dad sitting at a table near Mother Jo and her family. I considered finding a few seats on the other side of the room, but I knew my kids could not be in the same area as their grandparents and not be in their faces.

“Hey, Daddy.” I kissed his cheek. “I’m going to leave my purse here and go help the ladies in the kitchen.”

“All right, baby. While you’re back there, wrap me up a few chicken breasts and a piece of cake. I can have that with my coffee in the morning.”

I winked at the old head. “I got you.”

I was in the kitchen for all of two minutes before my mom handed me an apron and urged me to wash my hands so I could pass out pre-sliced pieces of cake. For the most part, I enjoyed helping my elders and catching up with people I hadn’t seen in years. However, being that I was working, I couldn’t run and hide when Durk approached me.

“Pound cake or 7up cake?” I heard myself ask.

“Which one did you make?”

“How do you know I made either?”

“This isn’t my first rodeo. The one who serves it is usually the chef.”

I hated he was right, and I hated I couldn’t help but beam at the observation.

“I made the pound cake—”

“Buttah!” Mother Jo snarled. “If you don’t move this line along and stop flirting in the church, I’m going to kick your behind. I don’t care about you being my grandson.”

“Mama, ain’t nobody flirting. You just peeped the chemistry.”

I tapped his plate with a pair of tongs.

“You heard what she said, Buttah . You’re holding up the line.”

Mother Jo had been a member of the church since before I was born. She was a kind lady but blunt. I had seen her daughter plenty of times. I just didn’t know her grandson was the man in my dreams.

“Ms. Jesse, is this your daughter?” Mother Jo pointed between me and my mom. “It’s been years since I’ve seen her. You are still as beautiful as I remember, Clover.”

I blushed under their stares. “Thank you, Mother Jo. That’s sweet of you to say.”

When I stepped back from the table, I nearly tripped over my kids. Pierce looped his arm around mine while Tatum moved in front of us.

Durk winked at me then mugged Tatum. “Why are you watching me so hard, little one?”

“The same reason you’re watching my mama.”

“Yo’ mama? This pretty lady belongs to you?”

“Yeah. Who are you?”

Before Durk could reply, Pierce freed my arm. Like an old man in a little person’s body, he squared his shoulders and approached Durk with his hand out.

“My name is Pierce.”

“Nice to meet you, Pierce. I’m Durk.”

“Like the rapper?”

He broadcasted his jeweled smile. “Nothing like the rapper.”

“Pierce! Tatum!” My daddy called for the boys. “Leave your mama be. Come with me to shoot the ball around out back.”

The duo scurried away, leaving me alone with the man they had just confronted.

“Why didn’t you tell me you have kids?”

“When did you ask? You didn’t ask much of anything after the party.”

He tapped the center of his chest. “My fault. I got out of my skin that night. I’m sorry if my actions hurt your feelings.”

“No apology needed. I’m just happy you’re okay.”

“I would be even better if you let me take you out.”

I didn’t take any time to think before I shook my head.

“Why are you telling me no? Because of your boyfriend from the party?”

“Because I don’t think it’s a good idea. Besides, Davis is not my boyfriend.”

“Good. Now, I don’t have to worry about you going to his funeral.” Durk stared off into space while nodding at something I wasn’t privy to. “No date. How about a tattoo?”

My gloved hand caught my snicker. “You are crazy. You just alluded to killing someone. Forget the tattoo.”

“I alluded to his death. Don’t lie on me, Lucky.” He winked. “The night we met, you said you wanted a tattoo but don’t know where to start. Let me brand you.”

“Seriously? Do you have to put it that way?”

“That’s what it is. Let me see your phone.”

Against the whispers from the angel on my shoulder, I did as he asked.

“Here.” He handed it back. “I called myself, so I can save your number. Are you going to answer when I call?”

“I guess you have to call to find out.”

The boys asked to stay with my parents since Monday was a teacher’s administration day, and I happily obliged, especially since Kya was already going.

The second I walked through my front door, I headed straight to the bottle of wine I had tucked in a cabinet. With my Stella in hand, I went to the bathroom and prepared an herbal bath. I made sure to snap a few pictures I could post later in the week, then I stripped naked. As I sank into the steaming water, I planned to crack open Tucora Monique’s new book, yet I ended up scrolling through social media.

One second, I was on Durk’s business page, and the next, I was looking at his tagged photos. While there were pictures of Durk in the streets, there were also images of him attending black-tie events. There was more to Durk than what I saw on the surface. I just didn’t know if I was wrong for looking. For years, I avoided dating, and then when I started, I compared everyone to Calvin. When I chose men who were nothing like him, they didn’t hold my interest.

“Lord, I need to move on.” I sighed, sliding my nose under the water.

Amidst my pity party, my doorbell went off. Frozen in place, I wished the person would leave. Instead, the chime turned into fists beating on the door.

As I rushed downstairs, I slipped on my robe and dropped my phone in my pocket. Part of me wanted to leave the unannounced visitor on the porch, but deep down, I hoped Durk had found his way to me.

“Davis?” I nearly yelled after pulling the door open. “What are you doing at my house?”

“I’ve been calling you. You have me blocked.”

“Exactly. I don’t want to speak to you.”

“Why not? Because you’re fucking with that dude from the party?”

I entangled my arms over my chest. “No. I just don’t think we’re on the same page. You have too much going on while having nothing going on.”

Davis’s busted lip twisted into a ball. “Fuck you! I don’t want a janitor on my arm. Plus, you’re boring. You already have kids, and if you eat a few more burgers, your belly will be as big as your ass.”

Though he read me down, I maintained a grin. “If you don’t leave my property, I’m going to call your worst nightmare over here.”

“Call him! That fool doesn’t want you. He spit that hot shit to get under my skin.”

I ignored Davis’s heavy breathing while I called the number Durk dialed earlier.

“What’s good, Lucky?”

“Hi.” I grinned at Davis. “I…umm...have a pest at my house that will not leave. Can you help me get rid of it?”

The line went quiet. Then Durk’s deep laugh flooded the speaker. “Lucky, baby, is the bitch boy I’m going to kill at your house?”

Davis opened his mouth, but I quickly said, “Yes.”

“Do you have me on speakerphone?”

“Yes.”

“Davis Jerome Jones.” Durk hollered his full name. “I thought me whupping your ass was enough for you to crawl into a hole, but I see I have to end your life for you to really disappear.”

Davis stepped back as if Durk was in his face. “It’s not like that, man. My people already let me know about you. We may be family. My third cousin—”

“Is a bitch I don’t give a shit about!” Durk yelled, causing me to shift against the doorframe. “You got three seconds to get off my wife’s doorstep before I set your mama’s house on fire.”

The threat was overkill, but Davis backpedaled like he believed it was true. With no shame, I waved as he scurried away with his face twisted into a mean mug.

“Thank you for that.” I sighed. “Davis has never been this persistent. I’m sure his ego is just hurt.”

“The next time he comes over, do not open the door. Just bang my line.”

“I don’t think there will be a next time, but I’ll keep that in mind.”

Although most of what Davis said rolled off my back, some of it stuck. The comment about me being boring ran on replay. Motherhood realigned my priorities, and I lost myself in my to-do list. I didn’t know who I was outside of being a mother, a daughter, and an auntie, but I was going to make it my business to figure it out.