Читать книгу Streets of New York - Mark Anthony - Страница 6

a gang staluv

ANTHONY WHYTE

Lindsay Roberts stared off into space. Her hazel eyes darted back and forth while her mind drifted on an empty log of premonitions. What if she hadn’t let Squeeze take control of her life? Why hadn’t she listened to her best friend; her mother and the advice given? She told her about this feeling, the one that haunts, that can’t be ignored. A decision on whether or not you should turn around or keep it moving had to be made. Lindsay felt she had to do it soon. She had been holding on to something that might never have been, an illusion that was built within. Lindsay eyeballed the professor then turned her head to the text book on her desk.

She felt the tears forming in her eyes, felt them rolling pass her mascara and down her cheeks. Saddened she heard when her tears hit the paper, one at a time. Lindsay slowly attempted to regain the feeling which she hoped would keep her head from swimming. She dried her eyes and attempted to refocus on the lesson at hand: Accounting 101. Professor Allen was in charge and he was nice gentle older man. This used to be her favorite class before today came along.

She’d skipped two other classes, spent time inside the cafeteria trying to hide tears of disgust. Lindsay decided to attend this class. It was her favorite class except after she had arrived she wasn’t much in the mood to hear anyone speaking. Lindsay was caught in a cloud of anxiety. Life had not been what it was since Squeeze went missing in action.

He had broken his commitment to her. “A man be there for you until it no longer interest him”, her mother had warned. It was with these anxieties that she had dared to enter her accounting class. Lindsay thought it would raise her spirits. And maybe some of what she felt when she first registered for the class could be recaptured. At least that was the rationale. Now Lindsay wished she had not set foot in the classroom especially with professor Allen teaching. She had opened up to him, they had formed a bond and he had always encouraged her. He probably felt he knew her. The professor had told her she was strong, proud and intelligent when she applied herself. Today, it wasn’t in the cards, Lindsay thought as she looked at his face. He smiled, nodded and she felt his attitude already irked her. Oh, by the way, Professor Allen today I’m weak, feeble and didn’t really feel like applying myself, Lindsay wanted to say. Instead she stared blankly at the chalkboard.

Round and round her wits swirled blurring her vision of reality. She paid very little or no attention to the words spoken by the talkative professor, or the balance sheet which he directed the class to research. Lindsay turned and eyeballed the classroom. It lacked warmth, the buzz of the hopefuls had simmered and it appeared smaller than when she started the semester. The hopeless had slowly dropped the course. Now was it her turn? Her mind whirled in sadness and Lindsay’s heart pounded a heavy beat.

A cold spell caused her slim frame to shudder. She pulled her Hermes scarf closer to the olive skin of her long nape. Lindsay felt as if she was sitting on a chair of pine cones. Accounting was her last class of the day and so far that was the best thing about today. She had to survive another day, go another round with nothing but Squeeze left on her mind. It was fall, she reminded herself but in her mind it was the dead of winter.

The vibrations from her cell phone jolted her. Lindsay glanced at the phone with heavy expectations. It wasn’t Squeeze. He was stored in her phone’s memory as H4L. Mother appeared on the screen. Lindsay quickly turned the phone off. Her actions caused the professor to take unwelcome notice of her.

“Ms. Roberts are you following along with us so far?” The professor asked.

Lindsay nodded and shirked her brow skyward and then looked away. She attempted to hide her feelings by staring at her text book. Lidsay used to open the book and glance at the pages with lots of pride. That was then. Now all that seemed to have been a passing phase. Attending college was no longer interesting.

The newness of learning had faded and could not impede her thoughts. Mother was probably calling her about going out to dinner or shopping. Lately, they seemed to be doing that an awful lot. Mother had always insisted on treating, Lindsay wondered where she had been getting all that money. She probably spent all that dough Show gave her, I know my mother; she’s a survivor. Maybe she’s just calling to see if I’m okay. I mean I did keep her up all last night on the phone.

I can’t say she didn’t warn me of days like this, Lindsay sighed. She was sure that things would be better if Squeeze just call her. Instead of trying to drag herself off the floor she would’ve felt great about being a college student and her spirits definitely would have been boosted. Lindsay knew she’d be more in the mood for rushing to meet deadlines, classes and writing papers, even communicating with her professors. But today was just not that type of day. On this fall afternoon in late September Lindsay regretted ever signing up for classes at York College.

In the beginning she liked the way Squeeze introduced her to associates and pals as his college girl. The aura completed her, made her feel respectable. It was mostly from the urging of Squeeze and her mother that kept her motivation level high enough for the college courses. But it was mostly Squeeze.

“Just take a few classes. See if you like it. I’m a be there for you no matter what, baby-doll,” he had insisted.

It would’ve been a lie if she told anyone that Squeeze had not been supportive in every way possible. And he always wanted her to be better. He was lways encouraging her. In return she wanted him to feel good about her success. So she tried. Thrill went through her entire frame when he used to smile and utter the words: “That’s my baby-doll.”

Hearing it roll off his lips and the way he looked at her made Lindsay proud to be alive. She felt like she belonged to someone who loved her. Squeeze was hers and she was his even if it was only a fantasy she made up. Her logic; he was only thugging and didn’t want to say the three words. Squeeze was committed to the streets and Lindsay knew that in the streets, you live whenever you can. Nothing ever went on a smooth schedule. Things get done when they got done.

Squeeze would see her when he could. That was her creed and Lindsay wanted to live by it. Except, Squeeze had turned her out and she loved the good life. Everyday with Squeeze brought a new and pleasant surprise. He spent quality moments with her which led Lindsay to think that things would remain the same forever. Squeeze let her ride and she earned her stripes. Lindsay knew it would be impossible for him to leave his family, home, and his two sons whom he constantly bragged about.

Still she had let Squeeze into her heart as a lover and friend, he was her backbone. Lindsay knew he loved her. She’d felt it from the beginning. Even back in the days when Squeeze only used to visit her brother, Pooh. He used to give her the type of looks that would say a lot more. Although she was only a shortie those passing glances between them spoke volumes to her.

“Baby-doll, Pooh, here?” She remembered him asking with that fly look of his and a wink. Squeeze always checked out her style and he’d compliment her too. “You lookin’ really good an’ you getting’ taller, baby-doll. How old are you?” Squeeze would ask. She wouldn’t say her age because she was afraid he’d say she was too young. So she always gave the same response.

“I’m old enough for whatever man.”

“For whatever, huh?” Squeeze would ask and she thought she was getting closer to him but then Pooh popped up.

“Lindsay ma want you upstairs.”

“Liar, I just came outside. Mommy knows.”

“Just take your young ass upstairs.” Pooh would say. He acted like he was my father. Lindsay remembered thinking.

“Oh let shortie hang out a few.” Squeeze always stuck up for her.

She liked when he paid attention to her and his eyes always roamed, from head to heels. Lindsay knew Pooh didn’t want her nowhere near the streets so she kept all those feelings under wraps. Now her brother was no longer here, she felt it was okay. Lindsay had Squeeze on her mind when she had gone to the Brooklyn club owned by Squeeze and his partner Show. Lindsay went with her then boyfriend, Malik. Show was there trying to be the man. He had let them inside and she was feeling him for a minute but had played him off when he tried to get ass. Show really pushed up hard on her.

Then a supernatural thing happened when she saw Squeeze. It was over. That night in the club, she laid eyes on him, her skin tingled and her throat went totally dry. Malik became invisible as the beam from her eyes was focussed on Squeeze. Lindsay remembered thinking I knew him when. And he’d come a long way from regular hustling and thugging to owner of the hottest weekend jump-off in BK. He was the epitomy of the powerful gangsta Pooh told her they all aspired to be. And Squeeze was even more handsome. Squeeze and Show had surpassed everyone’s expectations. Lindsay felt the attraction returning even stronger. She remembered how regally gangster he looked as he walked to the table sat and said:

“Lindsay, Pooh’s lil’ sis? How’re you doing?” His voice immediately put her in the mood for sex and they did the do.

Ever since they had hooked up, about three months ago, Squeeze had made a point about being there for her. Physically he broke her off but mentally she had him loving her even though she knew that he could never guarantee that emotion. It was like that because Lindsay wanted it like that. She told herself things would only get better and she faced the world wide-eyed thinking that Squeeze would be there just in case she fell. Lindsay would make him fall in love and maybe, just maybe he would leave his family for her. She thought about it and quickly realized that if it didn’t happen that way she really didn’t mind sharing him.

His wifey could have him as husband and father at home. But Lindsay knew Squeeze would come back to the streets and when he did, she’d be there for him. She’d be wifey to the hustler inside of him. Squeeze had told her once that he was a hustler for life and thus his moniker H4L. She knew as long as the hustler lived he’d always be by her side. Lindsay heard the professor but gently tuned him out as she gave way to her feelings and reflected.

In a short time, he had transformed her from a chicken-head stuck in a relationship that was going-nowhere into a blinging loudly frosty name brand wearing fashion plate. She had a boyfriend who worked for Footlocker, now Squeeze treated her to the finest of everything.

“I love to see you dressed up baby-doll. Always stay rocking the best gears, compliments of your main Squeeze.” He had bought her so much clothing she showed up late to every event including classes because it took her forever to decide on what to wear.

Lindsay boasted Foxes, Chinchillas and couture that were the finest brands. Neighbors started hating when a rumor that she had expensive outfits for everyday of the year was leaked by her mother. Lindsay recalled sitting in the living room with her mother and relating an incident which occurred one evening as she walked home from the train station. Her mother had made light of the whole incident. Yet Lindsay was shook by what had happened.

“Mommy I swear, he followed me all the way home and then he tried to slow me down by asking what time it was?”

“He could’ve just seen how nice you looked and was trying out a pick-up line, honey. These young thugs out here, they respected your brother’s way of life, they’re not gonna disrespect Pooh’s little sis.”

“No mommy he was straight up trying to rob me. He asked me what time it was. Any man trying that line is trying to rob you.”

“You can’t be serious Lindsay? You thought it was a scam?”

“I mean the time, who cares about the time? I was hollering at him to back up before his ass gets hurt.”

“Lindsay you can’t go around challenging these young riff-raffs.”

“Why not, mommy? They bleed just like I do.”

“Yes, they do Lindsay. But any damn little thing and they ready to shoot you. And I cannot afford to lose you. You’re all I have left in this world. You know your brother…”

“Yeah mommy you’re right,” Lindsay had said after sitting and thinking. “You know what I’ll do?” Lindsay asked. Before her mother could reply Lindsay suddenly blurted out: “I’ll ask Squeeze to help me find a better place.” No sooner had the words left her lips than her mother began ranting and raving.

“Squeeze, Squeeze, Squeeze! That’s all I ever hear you sayin’. Is that your new anthem? Wha’ happened to ah…what’s his name?”

“You mean Malik?”

“Yes that one. Him. What happened to him? ”

“Nothing why? He’s doing him. I’m about me.”

“Be about you and not about no man, cuz let me tell you girl, a man will leave you hangin’ at anytime it pleases him. You’ll be stuck out there all alone.”

“Mommy it ain’t like that between me and Squeeze, he just like to look out cuz, we like, ah you know? Family. I mean he knew my brother, your son as well as we did. You even said Show,” Lindsay paused and stared at her mother, “looked out for you. Mommy you know Squeeze, Show and Promise, they were Pooh’s best friend. They’re like our extended street family. They were my brother’s best friends.”

“Extended street family, huh? Tell me what’s really up with you an’ Squeeze? Why is he so interested in your welfare?”

“Ma, don’t sweat it. It’s not really like that.”

“Humph! All I’m saying is don’t grow to be dependent on no man. They’re out to get sump’n too. He’s always giving and you always taking, one day you may have to pay for it. And paying might not be what you want to do at that time.”

Lindsay remembered her mother’s words. Squeeze never asked for any payment in return and if he did Lindsay knew she’d gladly give it up. Lindsay was concerned about being made a victim by a hater from her Brooklyn hood, and asked Squeeze to get her an apartment.

Squeeze promptly did and moved her into her own furnished one bedroom dig, in a nice building with a view of the Bay in Queens. Squeeze helped Lindsay developed her driving skills. One month after passing her road test, she was presented with her own whip, a white convertible BMW 645i.

Lindsay took pride in knowing she had her own apartment, and now an official member of the BMW set. Who would have guessed that couple months ago she was riding in Malik’s bucket with him pawing her, and she trying to figure what she wanted to do next. Lindsay had quickly become an adult with no plans, at nineteen years old. She was getting used to staying at home with mom.

Then along came Squeeze and her self esteem vaulted to new heights. Especially when he started to shower her with diamonds and pearls. At first she thought he was kind to her because she was Pooh’s little sister, after all her dearly departed older brother had been best friends with Squeeze.

Things became sad when the potholes of street living snapped her brother’s life short. Life seemed dim then she met and fell in love with Squeeze. To Lindsay it was like having a big brother, lover and friend, all rolled in one. Squeeze never tried to replace Pooh but he was happy he had Pooh’s sister.

“I guess hazel eyes run in y’all fam. For real, you wear it the best, baby-doll,” he smiled and said on that magical night.

The unexpected happened in a flash; the killing of Show and the shootings at the club owned by Squeeze and Show. As if that wasn’t enough, all of a sudden she couldn’t get at Squeeze. Her constant worrying drove her straight over the precipice of hopelessness and into a funk that threatened to end at insanity. Lindsay hadn’t heard from him in such a long time she became convinced that the ride on easy street was absolutely over.

Lindsay was certain that the relationship between her and Squeeze meant something. She knew that despite having a family out in Carnesie he would spend a lot of time with her doing fun things. Squeeze used to take her out to parties on phat yachts and they would spend nights on the town having expensive dinners in new restaurants. She went to hot places that she had only dreamt of and either seen in the movies or on television.

Squeeze flat out spoiled her and he broke her off with exquisite sex. Blew my back out, Lindsay recalled and unconsciously she rubbed her swollen breast. She missed

Squeeze so much that her mesh stockings gripped her tighter and she could feel the wet spot growing wider. Lindsay’s thighs involuntarily shuddered as if she was caught in a winter’s storm. We used to see so much of each other.

Her ruminations were perplexing enough without her trying desperately to remember the last time she had felt Squeeze’s full lips on her body. Oh, how he used to make me feel so good, Lindsay’s thought continued to stray. It had been over a month now and even though all the bills were taken care of, she could still feel her body slowly awaking from the thoughts of losing him.

Sitting in the second floor classroom Lindsay’s musings came like a drunkard staggering back and forth. Squeeze was heavy on her mind and her concern grew so strong that she could not focus on any other single thing and gave up trying all together. What’s the use she couldn’t front, school was for the birds, Lindsay told herself. Now exhausted from stressing she sighed and gave into her longing.

It bothered her that she’d left a couple dozen messages on the voice mail to his cellphone. There had been no return calls. The sound of his voice was no longer there to provide the encouragement she needed to stay strong. There were no responses from him. Mentally she wasn’t ready to tackle the issue of whether or not something was wrong with him.

Maybe his family found out about her and he had to lay low. Or, maybe after the shooting outside his nightclub that left all those patrons on line dead, he had to disappear for a while. She was drowning in a sea of uncertainty, where high waves dashed all her hopes against rocks. She was twisted on a love that never was.

Lindsay felt all her energy being sapped by the bad vibe she received. Then a thought appeared in her head. She contemplated driving to his home. Squeeze had forbid her to do so. She didn’t want to violate his policy but Lindsay desperately wanted to hold on to her sanity.

Thinking like this made it difficult for her to concentrate or participate in the various sides of the ledger activities. Accounting 101 used to be her favorite class, because it dealt with money. Lindsay liked money. No, Lindsay loved money. She kept telling herself that she didn’t want to aspire to gold-digger status. Lindsay enrolled in some classes at York College. She was the first one to do so from her family. Her mother never made it past Junior High and her brother quit school in the 7^th grade.

Lindsay had planned to complete her studies and move on to a four year college. She wanted to eventually run her own accounting firm. Today she hated to sit in the class and couldn’t wait for the time to go by. Not wanting the professor to see her, because she knew how much he hated students who did it, Lindsay glanced at her Gucci timepiece with quickness, but the professor was aware of her moves.

“Your bling will only carry you so far but with knowledge you will go all the way. Ms. Roberts, please explain what goes on the left side of the ledger and what goes on the right and the reason for your answer.” Lindsay held his stare for a minute and then cursed under her breath. “Yes, I’m addressing you Miss,” the professor assured Lindsay, her expression was more like a deer caught in a headlight than an attentive college student.

“This geezer is irking the fuck outta me.” Lindsay muttered under her breath.

“I’ll speak with you after class. If you want, right now you’re holding up the rest of those who actually care if they learn something.”

“You the one addressing me, it ain’t like I said anything to disturb your class. And I most certainly don’t wanna speak to your ol’ ass. Humph, humph uh-uh don’t lemme act da fool up in here, ahight. Just keep on teaching and leave me the hell alone.”

“Lindsay you’re a good student but that attitude will only cause you problems. I will not stand for your insolence! I’ll continue this discussion with you later young lady.”

“No, you won’t.”

“Yes I will. Now let’s move on…” the professor walked away.

“No you will not.” Lindsay muttered under her breath.

Lindsay sighed and spent the rest of the time nervously doodling as the professor rambled on. Nothing seems to matter today. Really, Lindsay could care less about the debit and the credit side of the balance sheet. She knew the professor was right. I should be paying attention she admonished herself. This is for me, for my brother Pooh, my mother. This is to prove that one of us could do sump’n right. But I worry so much about other things this classroom thing is difficult. My mind is stuck on one thing and it ain’t this, Lindsay reasoned.

As much as she tried she couldn’t get out of her mind all the things had happened. Malik had been shot to death. Although Squeeze claimed that he didn’t know anything about it, she was having major difficulties believing him. When she had pressed him he got mad and screamed at her.

Squeeze had called her a nag and things were out of hand. She had said some things she shouldn’t, called him names. Now he was staying away and she missed him. The club had been shot up and patrons were staying away so the place had been closed up. Lindsay had no way of contacting Squeeze except to visit him at home. That was out of the question, she thought.

“Everything is balanced when debit and credit are equal. A profit is gained as your credit becomes lower…” the professor was heard saying.

Lindsay could care less, the equation she worried most about was the one going down between her and Squeeze. She loved him and even though he had not actually said it, she believed he felt the same way about her. She missed him and wished he would stop in and see her. Maybe he would meet her in the parking lot like he used to. She was wishing so hard she paid no mind to the professor and his sarcastic goodbye.

“Those who are able to concentrate in class may read ahead and do the examples on pages twenty-three to twenty-six. That’s only for the students who would like an A or A plus. Or those who would like to someday graduate and move on.”

Lindsay disregarded the professor’s final remarks and hurried from her accounting classroom. She sensed that he’d only said that last piece because she’d share this with him. She hated him for exposing her, putting her feelings on full blast.

“Lindsay, Lindsay what’s the rush I know for a fact that you’ve got no other classes at this time. Would you like to talk?”

She stared at the professor, despite their run-in earlier he was trying to smile. Lindsay had no time for his tired ol’ ass. Lindsay thought of an escape plan with the quickness.

“Professor, I gotta go, okay.”

“C’mon, you said you would talk to me if anything went wrong. I’m a friend remember. Why it seems like just last week we were talking, and you said I was your favorite professor. Those were your own words,” he said getting closer.

She was searching for a qick exit. The professor was persistent and getting closer.

“I... I,” she started. He waved, quickly cutting her off.

“C’mon, c’mon, Lindsay let’s have two small cups of coffee and a big chat. You did say we would always discuss things. C’mon tell me what’s wrong, you’re my best student. You’ve always aced my class and when I see you falling off well, I just gotta let you know. In order to assist you, I gotta know what’s going on.”

“Professor Allen, I’ll speak with you next week. Right now I really gotta go!” Lindsay exclaimed.

Suddenly she turned hiding her tears. The professor tried to catch up to her but Lindsay was off and running for the stairs. She could hear the professor calling her name out as she continued on her way.

“Lindsay, Lindsay?” The professor stood and stared as the young girl disappeared down the spiraling staircase. He shook his head and walked away. “These kids are under too much stress. No time for anything. No time.”

Lindsay moved swiftly out of range. She knew he wouldn’t shout, he didn’t believe in shouting and she didn’t feel like talking with him. I can’t believe I used to think he was my favorite professor, she thought as Prada heels clicked loudly through the halls and quickly across the busy street. It was a little after two in the afternoon as the eight cylinder of the silver BMW 645ci, roared. Lindsay, her remote in hand, hurriedly approached it. Her short denim skirt was stretched to the limit as she entered the car. Lindsay peeled off with attitude and desire. Now I’ve got to drop that course, she thought while staring at traffic.

Picking up her cellphone, scanning for her messages, Lindsay dialed frantically as the white convertible dodged traffic. Her thoughts raced, wondering about her lover. Squeeze hasn’t even called me back already. It’s been a fucking minute now. Lindsay’s thoughts raced as she hit the brake for a stoplight. She paused, refreshed her lip gloss then dialed quickly. Again all she got was his outgoing message.

“Squeeze,” she yelled into the cell phone. “Squeeze, I miss you so much Squeeze. Hit me back boo. Call as soon as you get the chance, honey.” She felt pitiful, sorry for herself but she needed him to spark her. Lindsay wished he’d pick-up his phone when she called, wished he was there with her when she needed him.

If wishes were horses, I’d have a stable fucking with you Squeeze. Lindsay set the phone down and continued to drive. She pressed the remote to the radio when she got tired of listening to her own thoughts. The Game and 50 Cent thumped How We Do. Lindsay pumped up the volume and hummed along.

“This is how we do… we making move act da fool while we up in da club

This how we do… nobody do it like we do so show us some love…”

No matter how hard she tried, the voices she heard in her head could not be ignored, mainly the one that instructed her to drive to Squeeze’s home. She had a full tank of gas and was ready to ride. There was no one else here to check her actions. Lindsay would have no one but herself to blame if anything went wrong. She realized this action would be entirely on her. Then she told herself it was now or never.

Mentally Lindsay rationalized: She just wanted to take a look and see if he was all right. Just drive around to his neighborhood maybe peek and make sure he was still breathing. I owe him that much, Lindsay thought as she struggled with the stress of her dilemma. The music reverberated from speakers as Lindsay tried to deal with the voices she heard in her head. ‘Wait a minute’ the sound of Ray J with Lil’ Kim came through her speakers.

… It’s on tonight… Wait a minute , wait a minute…

Throwing caution to the wind, Lindsay did not heed the chorus as she steered the car farther from home.

“I’ll deal with the consequences later,” she told herself as the BMW darted to the Expressway. She thumbed the steering wheel and sung to her favorite tunes on the radio. Many songs later Lindsay found herself closer to her destination. Lindsay let the car roll down the block made up of rows of well kept trees on either side, which provided shades for expensive mansions. She peered hard when she thought she saw his Escalade sitting in the driveway.

Lindsay was certain this was the right one, she could identify his personal tags HFL1, an acronym for hustler for life one. It crossed her mind to go right up to the front door and ring the bell, but she quickly dismissed the thought. Squeeze would be too through with her, she did not dare risk his anger. She wasn’t here to cause any beef, or stir up problems with his family. She just wanted to make sure he was alright. But exactly how was that going down without her really asking someone inside?

Lindsay sat in the car and contemplated the possibility of ringing the doorbell and running, she could hide near the well trimmed bushes. Then as if in answer to her wishes the door opened and she could see Squeeze, but he was with someone else maybe that was his wifey. Thinking and acting real fast Lindsay got out the car and ran over to Squeeze.

‘“Scuse me, ‘scuse me, I’m sorry but I’m lost. Could you like…ah show me where the highway is, mister?” Lindsay asked with an air of sarcasm. Squeeze did a double-take and almost blew it.

“Lind…” Squeeze paused and stared at the driver in amazement. “Yeah, I could show ya, ma.” He spoke and walked quickly to where she stood. “Just go a few blocks and make a sharp right,” Squeeze said in a loud voice. He watched her raise her eyebrow and under his breath Squeeze quickly hissed at her. “What da fuck you doing round here, bitch?”

Squeeze was up close and personal now. Lindsay could smell the Issy Miyake cologne she’d bought him. He looked good and he was alive. She wanted to reach up caress his face and kiss his moist lips. There was no denying his anger. “How many times I done said it bitch? You stupid or sump’n, huh? You lost your fucking mind? I thought I told you not to come to my muthafucking rest. I’ll get in touch with you later. Me and the wifey making some moves right now, I’ll come check you later, ahight?”

“Okay, I hear you. I hear you. It’s so good to see you, Squeeze honey. I didn’t mean to put the BI on Front Street. I’m sorry boo.”

“Don’t worry bout a thing, ma just make sure you don’t make the wrong turn again, that’s all. Go straight take that left and be on your way. Drive safely. And be home, ahight. I‘ll see you later.”

“For real, for real Squeeze? Say you promise, please.”

“Wha’ I say, just be at your fucking place an’ be ready. I’m coming to break you off sump’n, baby-doll.”

“I could use the stress relief. Feel me Squeeze?” Lindsay reached up to touch Squeeze’s face but he grabbed her arm a little too rough. Disappointed that she couldn’t receive more attention, Lindsay headed to her car. “I’m sorry it was tempting that’s all,” she said as she got back in the car.

“I’ll see you later, baby-doll.”

“It’s so good to feel you Squeeze.” Lindsay peeled off.

Squeeze turned and walked slowly back to the front door. He knew that wifey had probably peeped the happening and was waiting to set it on him. Lindsay had compromised his home life. He had been meaning to have that talk with her about blowing up his cell phone. Squeeze realized he definitely needed to have that talk with her real soon.

Bitch be thinking it’ll be the same ways e’erday. Lindsay is wilding out I gotta go holla at her ass later, Squeeze thought as he approached his wife. From the way she was fixing her lips, he could tell it was on.

“Why was that bitch all up in your grill like that Squeeze?” His wife asked immediately.

“Whoa, what you talkin’ bout? Ain’t none o’ that goin’on?”

“Ain’t no bitch up in your face, either huh?” She asked slyly.

“Hold up. Wha’ bitch you talkin’ bout?” Squeeze was not about to say anything until he knew exactly what she’d seen.

“The bitch who just drove off. Don’t play me for a sucker, Squeeze. The bitch…”

“Who da’ honey back there? Oh, you talkin’ bout someone who loss they way an’ I’m trying to help out?” Squeeze asked feigning ignorance.

“Yes Squeeze, the one who was just now all up in your grill. That’s the only one I seen. Are there more? She had all the extracurricular goin’ on. What? You had to exchange phone numbers or sump’n?”

“Listen; don’t start with that BS, man. Honey just thought I looked like the movie star, Omar Epps from Queens. And was giving me some props that’s all,” Squeeze shrugged.

“Oh, that’s how you get down. That’s how you be pulling them hootchies, you better watch yourself Squeeze. Them same hootchies and bitches might be your damn downfall. And when you’re gone these kids and me will starve tryin’ a survive.”

“Don’t start kicking dust on me, I ain’t dead yet.” Squeeze warned before adding. “Let’s go get these groceries and feed my sons. I got some things to take care of later.”

“It ain’t got nothing to do with that girl mistaking you for Omar Epps do it?”

“C’mon, stop playing. You ready? Cuz I’m fittin’ to go right now. You hear? You know how those places be crowded on a Friday evening, lines be long,” Squeeze said and started the engine.

“Stop the whining...? Squeeze you know since the last couple months you been here eatin’ like everyone else does round here.”

Squeeze watched his wife climb cautiously into the wifey ride, his white Benz. No one else was allowed but wifey, she had made him swore.

“C’mon hurry. You moving like you pregnant,” Squeeze said to her.

“Oh no, please don’t say that. I just pushed out one more of your boys, my ovaries are not rested enough. Give it some time. I’m just tired. I’ve been the one taking care of your hard headed sons.”

“I’ve been here helping.”

“True, only for the past month or so, that’s the most I’ve seen of you. The world must be coming to an end.”

“When I’m not here, you got your mother. She’s always helping you out.”

“Ahight, ahight stop complaining. I’m in the car and my seatbelt buckled now go, Omar.” She laughed and Squeeze had no choice but to smile.

“Funny, very funny, keep it up and see if you go to the mall.”

“Okay, I promise not to call you Omar ever again. I promise Mr. Epps. Squeeze you gotta take me to the mall. You know how good it feels to walk around and smell…What?”

“See, you broke your promise already.”

“How?”

“Cuz Epps is part of Omar.”

“Alright, I promise not to call you anything other than baby, if you take me shopping at the mall. I’m free - no children to bother me.”

Squeeze smiled and she continued. “I’ll just call and tell mom that I’ll be later so she won’t worry.” She attempted to use her phone but realized instantly that there was no charge on the battery. She turned to her husband and said: “Squeeze lemme borrow your phone real quick please.” Before Squeeze could direct his wife as to which of his three cell phones to use, she arbitrarily picked the one with unanswered messages. “You better answer all your fan calls O. I’m sorry,” she laughed.

“Here use this one, smart ass,” Squeeze replied smirking and redirecting his focus to the road ahead.