Page 10 of The Hood’s Finest: Jersey & Mylani

Mylani

Jersey drove us to this nice rooftop restaurant that overlooked the city. I thought it was sweet, but I was kind of apprehensive because this seemed like a lot for a first date. We had just ordered our drinks and appetizers and were now seated out on the balcony making small talk.

“So, what made you want to be a stripper?” he asked abruptly.

“It was a means of taking care of me and my lil’ sister. I didn’t think waiting for a check would suffice, and waitresses didn’t make shit. I know I could dance my ass off, so it made sense.” I shrugged, taking a sip of my drink.

“I’ll agree with you on that. You can definitely dance your ass off. That shit be sensual as fuck. Have a nigga forgetting he in a strip club and shit,” he confessed, causing me to blush.

“That’s the point. I’m not like those other girls in there, looking for a come up or the next rich nigga to wife me up. My lil’ sister is my inspiration.”

“I can dig it. If you don’t mind me asking, how long your moms been on drugs?”

“Excuse me? Who said my mom was on drugs?”

“Shawty, I can spot a junkie in my sleep. I ain’t judging you, if that’s what you thinking.”

I looked down at my drink and sighed heavily.

“For as long as I can remember. She didn’t use when she was pregnant, thank God. Trinity’s dad used to supply her, and I guess he got tired of it and left. He still comes to the house, but it’s not like he makes the shit any better.”

He sat and looked at me intensely as I told my story. It felt good to talk about my life without feeling like I was being judged because of it.

“Even though that shit seems like a lot, you’re not letting it get you down. That says a lot about you.” He took a sip of the drink that was sitting in front of him, never taking his eyes off me.

“Thanks.” I simpered.

The waiter came with our food, and he was right on time. I didn’t know if I could handle this fine specimen staring at me the way he was without submitting and giving him all of me right here in this restaurant.

***

After Jersey and I had dinner that night, we started spending more time together.

He would come to the club every night I was working and made it worth my while.

These hoes hated me before; they really had a reason now.

Ecstasy, whose real name was Asia, and I became cool.

Now, I had a friend outside of work. Unlike me, she had decent parents.

She only started dancing because she lost her last job and refused help from her parents.

I commended her on that, but if Robin had offered assistance of any kind, I’d be all over it.

Asia and I were currently out doing a lil’ shopping.

It was a Wednesday afternoon, and I was off tonight.

I tried to enjoy my days off, even if they were very few.

Walking out of Forever 21, we ran right into Jersey’s baby mama, Shanna.

She had been a bitch since she found out about Jersey and my friendship.

I didn’t know why because we were just friends, and from my understanding, she had a man.

“Spending my baby daddy’s money, I see,” she uttered.

“Not that it’s none of your business, but I have my own money. If your baby daddy contributes, then oh well. Thanks.” I kept walking because I didn’t have time to play with her today.

“Girl, you’re good. I would’ve dragged her down the escalator,” Asia chided. She may seem timid at first glance, but once she warmed up to you, she was on go.

“I don’t have time to deal with her mad ass. I ain’t even seen the dick yet, and she’s tripping. Her dude must not be fucking her right.”

“That or she’s one of those baby mamas that feel entitled because they’re the baby mama.”

“If that’s the case, sis is as sad as I thought.” We continued to shop before heading to go get something to eat. By the time that we were finished and heading home, it was dark. I was glad Asia had a car, or else I would’ve left half of this stuff at the mall.

I thanked her for the ride and went inside the house.

It smelled like food in here, so that meant Ray was supposed to be dropping by.

That was the only time our mom got up and did anything around the house.

I passed the kitchen, and she was in there stirring a pot and singing.

My mom was so beautiful and had an amazing singing voice.

I didn’t know when or how the drugs came into play, but they seemed to suck the life right out of her.

“Hey, I see you had a good day,” she observed, looking at my bags.

“Just a lil’ somethin’ since the weather is about to change. I got Trin a few things and some stuff for the house.” She didn’t respond verbally, only a subtle head nod.

I went down the hall, stopping in front of Trinity’s door first. Knocking, remembering what happened the last time I walked in unannounced, I waited until she answered.

“Come in!” She yelled over the music that she had blasting.

“What you in here doing? Having a party?” I questioned, looking over the room.

“No, but you know Ma in there cooking and shit because my daddy ’pose to be coming over. I figured if they thought I was busy, they’d leave me alone.”

“Don’t do them like that.” I chuckled.

“Whatever. What you get me?”

“What makes you think I got you somethin’?” I joked.

“Girl, stop playing and let me see. You spending Jersey’s money now, so I know you got me something.”

“Correction, I spent my own money, thank you. I don’t ask him for any money, and I turn down his offers to help.”

“Yet, he comes to the club and blows a bag on you. Girl, bye. Lie to another bitch, not me.” I laughed at Trinity’s assumptions because she was right. I never accepted anything but food from him, so when he came into the club, he more than compensated for my rejections.

“Ooh, Lani. I love these!” I watched as Trinity took the boots out the bag. Like I said, the weather was about to change, and I couldn’t have my lil’ sister out here cold and half stepping.

“I knew you would. I’m about to go take a nap until Ma gets finished cooking.”

I left Trinity in her room to go through the rest of her bags. I got in my room, and as soon as I sat on the bed, my phone lit up and started ringing. A smile graced my face when I saw it was Jersey calling.

“Hey,” I greeted.

“Wassup, shawty? What you got going on?” He sounded as if he was smoking by the way his voice sounded strained.

“Nothing much. I was out shopping with Asia earlier. Now I’m home, tired as hell.”

“Word? What you get?”

“Nothing in particular. A few outfits, some shoes, and some new bras and panties.”

“Damn, you gone let me see that shit?”

“Huh?” I played dumb. I knew exactly what he was talking about. I just played as if I didn’t.

“You heard me. Check it though. I know you’re off tonight, so come chill with me. I’m wrapping up some shit right now, and I can scoop you up ’round ten. Pack one of them new sets you brought so you can dance for a nigga.” I could hear the smirk in his voice, which in turn made me blush.

“You want me to stay the night?”

“That’s what I said. Be ready by ten.”

“Uhm, okay.”

“Aight, shawty. Let me get back to this shit. I’ll see you in a lil’ bit.” He hung up the phone, and I hurried and called Asia.

“Biiitch,” I dragged out as soon as the call connected.

“What, bitch?” She asked excitedly, waiting for me to spill the tea.

“Jersey just asked me to spend the night with him. What the hell am I gonna do? I’ve never been to his house before.”

“I suggest you pack your hoe bag and pull whatever tricks you have in there out. Clearly, he likes you, and that’s why them other hoes mad.

Look how long it took him to ask you to spend the night.

He could’ve been smashed if he wanted to.

Take your ass on and have fun. I can’t wait ’til Houston makes that move on me. ”

“I guess you’re right. I’m just not used to guys genuinely liking me. Thanks, girl. Let me go shower and get ready. Talk to you tomorrow.”

I hung with Asia and got myself together, physically and mentally, to be in Jersey’s presence tonight.