Homeis where the hustler is.
4 months later…
“While y’all sucking dick for free, I’m broke off hoe. See, it pays to be the boss, hoe.”
I bobbed my head to the beat of Trina’s hit song while spitting word for word. It didn’t matter how many years passed; it was forever a classic in my eyes.
The night wind was slow and muggy. Still, it felt good running through my hair. I’d spent two months in limbo. I’d spent three months on my best friend’s couch. And, for the last thirty days, I’d been furnishing the home I purchased with half the contents of the duffle I’d left St. Kensington with. Becausethe home was only ninety thousand dollars, I managed to pay half upfront. A private bank funded the rest.
I was only two blocks away from Saga. Four blocks from my mother. And, close enough to the University of Huffington at Channing to walk if necessary.
One day soon.I reminded myself.
This pivot was personal. Everything I’d ever wanted for myself and had placed on the back burner, I was coming for.
Ownership.
College degree.
Entrepreneurship.
Independence.
Singlehood.
“Shid, I’m broke off hoe! X-rated, elevated, buck naked,” Saga rapped loudly.
The top was back on the A3 Audi I’d cashed out on. Dooley’s lights danced on our skin. The world felt limitless again.
Just as it had four years ago.
Just as it had before I’d fallen in love.
My life no longer felt performative. Perfection didn’t exist. Only the intention of making memories. Good ones with the people I knew wouldn’t disappoint me.Ever.
“And, I’d probably fuck your daddy if your mammie wasn’t player-hating!”
Tonight was my first night out in the city. I’d kept a low profile as I got my head back in the game. I forced myself to unlearn the suburban habits I’d acquired. They weren’t suitable for Dooley. I wouldn’t survive if I didn’t strip them from my brain.
Out in Dooley, it was a fucking zoo. To make it, you had to become an animal. A filthy, greedy animal. And, frankly, I wasn’t above being just that. I’d been a good girl for far too long. It got me nowhere. With my stash running low and my dreams as bigas the moon glaring down on us, I would happily indulge in the necessary to make sure I never depended on a man again.
Boosting.
Scamming.
Pricing my pussy.
