Page 172 of The Ninth

“You look loved on. If anything ever happens...”

“Sureeeee!” I laughed.

“I wish y’all nothing but the best. Move around and tell these people about your salon. Congratulations, by the way. Here,” he took a folded check from his pocket and slid it in my hand. I tried to decline but he turned away, getting lost in the party.

Devyn and I took pictures together as well as with the girls. Dean was parading Tatianna around the party, introducing her to everyone as his girl. Most people remembered her from The Ninth. Hell, they remembered me. But nobody cared. And the way the football players kept writing checks out to the salon?! I knew we was in good company.

“Y’all, I’m in looooove!” Kenzie grabbed the two of us.

“With who?!”

“The nigga’s lap I was sitting on. I just texted my YN and told him to extend the break.”

“Kenzie, please do not get this nice party shot up!” Devyn groaned. “I miss my man. There’s a nigga walking around here that looks just like him.”

I rolled my eyes, “That dick got you going through psychosis.”

“Here you go, baby....” a man in a suit sat a chilled bottle of Dom Perigon on the table we were standing by. “Just because you look the way you do.”

He winked, walking away.

“Both of y’all are going to get all of us fucked up!”

I cackled, “Like G, I can’t help it. I’m literally just here.”

We popped the bottle and poured three glasses. I told them we’re celebrating the one-hundred and fifty thousand donated to my salon from just being here. They laughed as we threw our glasses back. I’m getting these niggas outside the club, sober, and in broad daylight.

Hey There by Dej Loaf ft. Future came on. The liquor and DJ were pushing me to think about Kenzo and Kenzo only. I’m having a great time, but I would be having an even better one with him. Our first kiss, even though in a crazy ass situation, flooded my memory. I too could still taste him on my lips.

Kenzie grabbed my arm, “Cassie...the DJ!”

“I know...he’s good.”

“No, bitch. The DJ. It’s fucking K3!”

I spun around, looking up at the DJ booth on the top deck. Sure enough, this big headed mothafucka was turning tables as if he’s done this before. He had on the same fit from earlier except now he had red headphones on his head. The gold around his neck and wrist caught the sunlight. His hazel eyes met mine instantly as if he already knew where I was in the sea of people. All he did was wink.

“On granny, this nigga a lil crazier than I remember!” I whispered nervously. I started rethinking every interaction I’ve had since being in here.

“OMG! If that’s K3, I bet I did see Duke!” Devyn clapped her hands excitedly, running off to go find her man.

“Good luck, baby! Clearly you leaving with him!” Kenzie cackled while walking away.

Several smells like perfume, cologne, liquor, food and more caressed my nose as I pushed through the crowd. My skin brushed against cotton, silk, and lace as the stairs got closer and closer. Even nervous and fixing my clothes and hair, I couldn’t help but laugh. What the fuck am I going to do with this nigga?!

My legs shook as I climbed up the stairs. I soon appeared behind him as he continued to do whatever the fuck he was doing. The actual DJ was just sitting on the ground, crisscross applesauce.

“Kenzo, you have to leave people alone!”

“I am leaving you alone. I haven’t bothered you at all, foe.”

“WHY THE FUCK YOU UP HERE ANYWAYS?!”

“YOU THE ONE THAT DIDN’T WANNA TELL ANYBODY WHERE YOU WAS GOING. MAYBE I WOULD’VE JUST DONE VALET HAD I KNOWN, G.”

“I’m a grown ass woman and don’t need you following me around, Kenzo!” I took my finger and mugged him in the middle of his forehead. He instantly clutched his chains.

“So now you beating on me, shorty?!”