Page 134 of The Ninth

“They’re Devyn’s. I rode here with Devyn.”

“WHO THE FUCK IS DEVYN? A NIGGA?!”

“KENZO! You know Devyn is my cousin that’s been staying with me. She’s right there!”

We spun around as I pointed at her. For some reason, Man-Man was standing inside of her skin. My eyebrows immediately furrowed, taking a step towards her. She looked panicked with her eyes widened.

“Devyn’s car? Who the fuck bought you a mothafucking BMW?!” Man-Man demanded, sounding like his waterhead brother. “You playing bashful like a nigga can’t buy you a bag of chips, but you got a nigga buying you a fucking BMW?”

Her mouth dropped open, “Duke—”

“DUKE?!” I asked.

Kenzo jerked his head back, “Who the fuck is Duke?”

Man-Man kissed his teeth, “Bitch you know my real name ain’t Man-Man! You too, bean head ass lil girl!”

“Fuck you, nigga! Y’all told me that shit once seven years ago! Devyn. This whole time I been trying to get you with Man-Man, you was fucking him?!”

“Aw, so you was playing matchmaker with niggas?!” Duke asked in shock.

Devyn and I both dropped our mouths in astonishment as Kenzo cackled. Even though I’m in hot water, it felt good to hear him laugh. Both him and his brother crazy as fuck.

“HOW AM I PLAYING MATCHMAKER WITH MAN-MAN IF YOU MAN-MAN, DUKE?!” Devyn yelled.

Kenzo cut her off, “Fuck all the noise, what nigga that ain’t my brother you got buying you cars?! He finna DIE!”

“I bought Devyn the BMW. I saved up some money and got it for her. Right, bitc- I mean, Devyn?!”

She rushed to me, yanking me to the side by my arm. I’m tired of people pulling on me. She steadied me by my shoulders, breathing quickly.

“Cassandra, you don’t understand! I’m just finding out that this nigga is really certifiable. I can’t let him think somebody has bought me this car!”

“Have y’all fucked?”

“What? No!”

“Then you taking one for the team, bitch. And buckle up, because they get crazier after the pussy.”

I slapped the keys into her chest, spinning around and heading to the back door on the driver’s side. Kenzo stood across from me, staring into my eyes. It was clear no matter how cool he was acting with everyone else; he wasn’t cool with me. G, I’m ready to get this shit over with so I can be with my nigga. Happily.

Devyn walked to the car, unlocking the door while bumping past me. I gladly fell into the seat, shutting the door as Kenzo stuffed all of my bags between us. Once we were all settled, I watched both K3 and Man-Man stare at her as she fumbled with the keys. Once the goofy bitch realized it was push button, she started the car.

Good evening, Cassandra.

I’m finna kill myself.

Man-Man loudly busted out laughing. Kenzo’s eyes slowly moved towards me. Devyn didn’t react, but when she looked behind her to back up, she shot me an apologetic glance. All I could do was shake my head.

“I bought it for her so they put it in my name. We still have to change it...” I gave it one last shot.

“Mm,” is all Kenzo had to say.

The tension in the car was thick. Niggas tucked their crazy away and now everyone’s true feelings sat with us. Kenzo watched the street, looking out into a different city than the one he thought he left his perfect baby in. Every couple of seconds, Man-Man shook his head in anger. Devyn gripped the wheel tightly, looking both nervous and angry. I felt sad.

Sad because this isn’t how I wanted to reunite with my husband. This isn’t what he deserves. Of all nights for him to break out and come home, he comes home my last night at The Ninth?! I couldn’t feel angry or like the universe was against me. What’s done in the dark always comes to the light.

Silently, we pulled up to the valet. My main man was standing there, smiling and awaiting the girls and I. I saw his face drop once Kenzo and Man-Man popped out instead. Throwing the door open, I hurried and rushed my ass to that side of the car. They both were just towering over him, looking at him as he stared in shock.