“Let me tell you something you mean old bitch, you say one more thing about my mother or my father and I’m going to forget the age difference and whoop your old ass up in here.” I yelled, pointing my finger in her face.
“Tiffany calm down baby.” Mr.Rufus said, grabbing my waist. I instinctively grabbed a knife from the dish rack and turned to him.
“Get the fuck off of me you perverted motherfucker.” I said, pointing the butcher knife in his face. Mr.Rufus turned on his heels and ran out of the house. I turned my attention back to Mama Belle. I pointed the knife in her face and I was crying hysterically.
“You ain’t nothing but the devil, how dare you threaten your own grandmother?” She said, grabbing her chest and crying.
“Oh now you’re my grandmother? Bitch you trippin.” I screamed in her face. I believe I may have lost total control and pounced on her if Monica wouldn’t have come running into the kitchen and grabbed me from behind.
“Yo chill Tiffany. What are you doing? Calm down. Let’s go to my house for a little while.” Monica said, trying to calm me down.
“A little while my ass. You better pack your little funky ass bags and go over there for good.” Mama Belle screamed, now getting gangster because Monica was holding me back. I kicked and screamed trying to get away from Monica.
“Bitch I’ll kill you up in here. Say something else about my parents. I fucking dare you.” I screamed in anger. As Monica dragged me out of the house, Mama Belle followed behind us, talking shit and antagonizing me.
“Go on now Ms. Lula Belle. I’ll be back for her things.” Monica stated, still trying to hold me back.
“You better come back and get them or that shit will be in the garbage.” Mama Belle spat back.
Monica dragged me kicking and screaming to her house. The neighbors were all outside being nosy, until Monica told them to mind their business. Monica forced me into her house and up the stairs before she let me go.
“Girl what the fuck happened? I’m over here smoking and shit, and Mr. Rufus ran over here talking about you going crazy with a knife and shit.” Monica said, looking all confused.
“You don’t understand, I overheard that bitch talking real dirty about my mother. Really fucking dirty. Calling her a whore and saying that I‘m not my daddy’s baby and all that shit.” I responded, still pacing back and forth in anger.
“Okay girl calm down. You’re going to bust a fucking blood vessel. If you know it’s not the truth, then fuck what she said. You know, sticks and stones and all that other shit.” Monica said, jokingly trying to calm me down.
“Look that’s easy for you to say, I wouldn’t even be in this mess if you wouldn’t have fucking left me at that fucking hotel. So fuck you, fuck the Stiletto Divas and fuck your fake ass rules.” I screamed, pointing my finger in her face.
“Okay. First of all, stop yelling and disrespecting my crib, second of all stop yelling and disrespecting me, and third of all get your motherfucking hand out of my face before I drop you right where you stand.” She said, through clinched teeth. She waited for me to move my hand before she continued.
“Now, if you must know we tried to tell you we were leaving, but from all the moaning and screaming you were doing we figured you didn’t want to be disturbed so we bounced. I told you before we went out that I wasn’t no fucking babysitter and that’s what the fuck I meant. Now because you are all emotional right now, I’m going to forget the shit you just pulled with me. But be warned Tiffany, this is your only freebie. Next time we gonna rip it up, and it won’t be any love lost because SD’s fight all the time. Now I have to make a run real quick, you stay here, cool the fuck off, and make yourself at home. Since it looks like this will be your home for a little while.” She said, grabbing a set of car keys.
“Shit Monica. With everything I just went through, and everything that happened last night. I just want to sleep it off.” I said, now feeling bad that I snapped on her.
“Oh yeah little miss innocent. When I get back you can fill me in on exactly what happened last night with you and Mr. Outlaw. I got a call from Sincere and from what I understand Travon is really feeling you. So take a nap and relax until I get back because I want the full scoop.” She said, smiling.
“What did he say?” I asked, blushing wanting more feedback.
“Bitch I’m already late fucking with you, we’ll talk later. And stay the fuck away from your grandmother’s house.” She instructed.
“Okay. Okay. I promise.” I responded.
“Oh yeah. If the phone rings, don’t answer it. I’ll be back soon.” She said as she rushed out of the house.
GETTING ADJUSTED
After the fallout at Mama Belle’s I knew my life was about to take yet another drastic turn. Monica had told me I could stay with her as long as I wanted, and that was all fine and dandy, but this Stiletto Diva lifestyle was going to take some getting used to. Over the past few weeks I was subjected to hearing Monica’s late night sex sessions with either a man a woman or herself. The bedroom I slept in was right on the other side of hers and both of our beds lay against the wall, so there was no escaping the noise. I won’t lie. A few times it sounded so good that I pleasured myself while imagining it being me and Travon on the other side of the wall getting it in. He and I had gone out a few more times since the first night we met. Each date was more memorable and spectacular than the last. We had eaten down by the water at the Baltimore Harbor; we had gone to DC, Virginia, and Philadelphia. Travon said he didn’t like to stay local too much. And I didn’t care because I was having the time of my life. Doing things I had never done before and seeing places and things I had only seen on TV. It had been a few days since I last saw him though because he had gone back to New York, but that didn’t stop the communication. Travon had made me throw away that pre-paid phone that Ms. Gloria was so nice to get for me and he went and got me the brand new Blackberry equipped with all the features. He said that he needed me to be able to pick the phone up whenever I wanted to and not just after nine when the minutes were free. It’s like our conversation was never ending. We would stay up all night on the phone either until the sun came up or until one of us fell asleep. We also shared intimate and deep secrets with one another. Travon told me how he was in his last year of Law School when a family emergency caused him to drop out unexpectedly. He said that since then he had been going strong with the music business, and apparently it had been paying off really well. I never imagined my Baltimore experience would be like this.
“You ready girl?” Monica asked, interrupting my thoughts.
“You already know” I responded, getting up from the couch and straightening my clothes.
“Aight let’s be out.”
We left the house, got in Monica’s car for the day and headed to the mall to meet up with Lashawn and Terri. As Monica navigated the Audi 8 down the Baltimore expressway Travon and I exchanged silly little text messages back and forth. I must have really been lost in my own thoughts because apparently Monica had been talking and I hadn’t heard a word of what she said.
“So what do you think about that?” She asked.
“Yeah that’s what’s up.” I responded, pretending that I heard what she said. Just then Monica abruptly pulled the car over to the shoulder and slammed it into park.
“Okay, take ‘em off.” She said, looking at me.
“Take what off?” I responded, confused as hell.
“Your clothes, you just said that I could fuck you right now if I pulled over.”
“What? Girl stop playing.” I responded, embarrassed that it was now confirmed that I was paying her no mind as she spoke.
“Yeah exactly. You aint heard a damn word I said. You all wrapped up in that damn phone and shit.” She said, as she pulled off back into the traffic.
“Girl stop trippin, aint nothing wrong with me and Tray texting back and forth. What’s the big deal?”
“The problem is, you going soft over this nigga, I mean I have be
en taking you everywhere, introducing you to some real official cats. And you aint even giving them the time of day cause you all open off that next nigga.”
“Goin soft? Let’s not forget I’m still in Diva training. And besides, what’s wrong with me actually liking Travon and not just wanting him for his money?”
“Liking him? Aww shit. It’s time to de-program and then re-program. Bitch you trippin hard. You are breaking the golden rule. Whatever you do, don’t let the girls hear you say no crazy shit like that or you’ll never hear the end of it.”
“Shit. Aint no shame in my game. Besides, they already know. They both tried to call me last night but I told them that I was on the phone with him. They talked shit about it until they got the dial tone.” I said, laughing out loud.
“Girl you is out back. But don’t worry. I’mma tighten ya square ass up.” We both laughed as Monica dodged in and out of traffic. When we got to the mall Terri and Lashawn were standing out front flirting with some guys that were passing by.
“Let’s go bitches. We got work to do.” Monica instructed, as she walked right passed them without even stopping. And just as they were instructed they followed suit. Once inside the mall we congregated near the mall directory.
“Okay, so today we hit Top Fashions. It’s the new store right next to Macy’s. They got everything in there. Gucci, Louis, Prada, Coogie and mad accessories. They only got one guard on the door. He’s a baldhead fat dude. His name is Kurt. We went to school together. Ya’ll already know what that’s hitting for. And behind the counter is a chick I picked up the other night who is going to pretend not to see a thing. I will handle Kurt. Lashawn and Terri you hit the racks, and Tiffany you sit back and watch and make sure we don’t get booked.” Monica directed, and as if we were in a football huddle we listened to her quarterback the plays and then broke the huddle to go and execute.
When we got to the store everything was just as Monica said it would be. The store was full of top designer clothes. The girl was behind the counter. And there was Kurt, sitting his big ass on a stool by the door salivating at the site of us entering the cash cow he should have been guarding.
“Oh my God. Kurtis Ramsey is that you? I don’t believe it. It’s been years.” Monica said, pretending to be excited to see her old friend.
“Gotdamn Monica. You looking even better now than you did in school.” Kurt responded, getting up giving Monica a hug taking advantage of the opportunity to feel her ass.
While Monica and Kurt continued reminiscing, Terri and Lashawn made a B-Line straight for the clothes racks. I watched from afar and attempted to learn. My only question was where were they going to put the stolen items. They each only had their pocketbooks. My questions were answered as they quickly moved through the aisles stuffing item after item into their bags. I wasn’t sure how it was all fitting. They made the pocketbooks look like circus clown cars. I was amazed at how swift and precise they were as the cleaned up rack after rack. I wandered through the aisles pretending to be interested in purchasing something; I noticed a Dolce and Gabanna blouse that was hot as hell. I looked at the $800 price tag and immediately understood why they were stealing this shit. The designers were robbing us blind so why not get them back. Terri saw me eying the blouse and winked at me letting me know that it would soon be mines. And in less than 15 minutes it was all over. Lashawn came out of the Gucci section and signaled that the shopping spree was over.
“Man these prices are way too fucking high. Why they got a store like this in the hood knowing we can’t afford this shit? I’m out yo!” Lashawn ranted, pretending not to be interested in anything in the store.
“Well Kurt it’s been nice chopping it up with you but I gotta roll out.”Monica said, ending her fake conversation with Kurt.
“Well hold up Monica. Maybe we can exchange numbers and grab a bite to eat or something.” Kurt said, trying his luck.
“Well Kurt, I do have a man but I tell you what. Now that I know you work here I will stop by and see you every free chance I get okay boo?” Monica said, kissing him on his cheek as he melted like butter. And before he could respond we were gone.
Back at Monica’s house we all gathered in the living room as Terri and Lashawn began to unload the stash. I watched in amazement as they proceeded to pull thousands of dollars worth of shirts, jeans and accessories out of the tiny handbags. They then continued to make two separate piles. One was for us, and the other was to sell on the street. Even with the 50% off street value there was still well over ten grand. Now I was beginning to see how they stayed so fly and in fashion. My mouth salivated at the thought of my pretty ass being draped in all the hottest gear. I was still amazed at how quick and efficient this band of beautiful thieves were.
“Here you go newbie.” Terri said as she slid a large pile of clothes my way.
“Good lookin out girl” I said, as I held one of the many expensive blouses up to my chin.
“No problem girl, you one of us now so I gotta look out for you like all sisters look out for each other. Matter of fact I’ll tell you what. I will trade you three of these Gucci outfits for that nigga Travon’s number.” Terri responded.
“No thank you. I wouldn’t trade his number for all the hot shit in that store.”
“Shit. You might as well before he fucks one of us and you don’t get nothing out the deal.” Lashawn added.
“Nah. Trust me Travon aint like that. He would never even play me like that.” I responded, defending Travon as if I had known him forever.
“Bitch you trippin. They all like that. And the sooner you get that through your pretty yet ditzy head the better.” Monica jumped in, semi-scolding me.
“Whatever. Anyway what’s next on the agenda for today?” I asked eager to change the subject.
“Well we gonna throw that shit on and head down to the park, they got the summer league basketball tournaments starting today. That’s shit is gonna be packed.” Monica said.
“Yeah nothing but money all over the place.” Terri confirmed.
“Well what are we waiting for? Let’s get this shit poppin. And Tiffany you better not strike out today. Make momma proud.” Monica said, patting me on my ass.
“Okay, Okay. I got you.” I agreed, reluctantly.
“Good, now you get in the shower and get dressed first, since you always take the longest to get ready. Ya’ll two meet us back here in an hour.” Monica instructed, as we all did as we were told.
SHOOTING THE BREEZE
When we got to the park it was just as the girls had described it. There were people everywhere. It looked just like the club parking lot the first night we went out but this was even bigger and better, because of the size of the park. I saw all sorts of cars from Benzes, to Bentleys. There were Range Rovers and motorcycles on deck, and thousands of people mingling and waiting for the games to start. Monica had managed to get us a Range Rover for the day as well. When we pulled up, all eyes were on us as usual. The niggas was loving us and the bitches were either hating or wanted to be down with us. In any event I was loving the attention I was getting in the Gucci coochie cutters and matching bra top with the heels to match. I had to ever so often re-arrange my 38 double D’s so that they wouldn’t come flying out of the bra top that was supposed to hold them snug.
“Okay bitches, this is it. I smell at least a couple hundred stacks up in here today so a good percentage of that should come home with us. Ya dig?” Monica said to the rest of us.
“Oh you already know you aint got to tell me twice I already seen a few prospects.” Lashawn responded. “Yeah me too.” Terri joined in.
“And what about my prized pupil, you spot anything yet?” Monica asked me.
“Yeah I seen a couple candidates.” I lied, not wanting anyone but Travon.
“Alright then, let’s spread out and get this money. Keep ya’ll phones on.” Monica instructed, as we all went our separate ways.
I hadn’t got a good six steps away when I was approached by this
tall chocolate athletic guy that kind of resembled Morris Chestnut.
“Hey Shawty. What’s ya name?” He asked, smiling showing his diamond encrusted teeth.
“My name is Tiffany.” I replied, hoping he would just keep it moving.
“What’s good? My name is Breeze.” He said, extending his hand.
“Nice to meet you.” I responded, shaking his hand.
“I aint never seen you round here before, I would remember a dime like you trust me.”
“Yeah well I aint been here that long. I’m new in town.”
“Oh okay. That’s what’s up. Are you new enough to still be single?” He asked, making his move.
“Um something like that.” I responded, subconsciously looking him up and down checking out his attire.
“Oh baby don’t let the basketball shorts and t-shirt fool you. I’m only wearing this because I got a game in a few minutes. And after I win that game I’m gonna pick you up in that Bentley right over there and we are gonna go shopping and out to dinner. Put my number in your phone. “He instructed, as I pulled my phone out.
“210-555-6969 as soon as the game is over just hit me. We’ll go back to my condo, I’ll take a shower, get changed and then we’ll be out.”
“Okay slow down. One thing at a time. Let’s see if I call you first.”
“Why wouldn’t you?” He said arrogantly, flashing his diamond teeth again. Which I now saw spelled out his name.
“Anyway. Maybe I’ll holler at you later. Then again maybe I won’t.” I teased.
“Yeah okay. We’ll see youngin.” He replied, in his Baltimore drawl as I sashayed away.
I had wandered around for about 30 minutes or so accepting and rejecting phone numbers from niggas lobbying for a piece of my pie. I had only taken the numbers for show and tell with the girls. Travon was proving to be all I ever wanted and needed. But to hear the girls tell it, all niggas was the same and they would never change so their motto was “do it to them first and do it to them worst.” And that’s the creed they lived by. But unlike them I knew a great man who was the total opposite of everything they claimed that men stood for. My daddy was nothing like the sex craved monsters they made all men out to be.
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