She Gave Her All to the Hood’s Finest

by Shvonne Latrice

  “Shit is weird seeing you with a girl, bruh.” Eitan commented.

  “That’s gon’ be the only female I ever make my bitch.” Tony finished rolling the blunt before lighting it.

  My mind drifted to her homegirl Shanece. She was beautiful as hell, and seemed to be cool, which had me into her. I wanted nothing more than to kick it, because no one could ever make me leave Amara. I was lucky to have that woman, and no other nigga was about to experience her.

  “You think Camarih can shop for me too? That shit is stressful.”

  “Next, you gon’ be asking if you can fuck.” Tony scowled. “Ask some shit like that again, and watch me slap the fuck out of you, nigga.”

  Tony was a cool dude, but I often had to remind myself, and others, that he was crazy as hell with a short fuse. As smart and business minded as he was, sometimes it was easy to forget that he was short a few marbles. Like Eitan said though, I wasn’t used to Tony having a woman, or at least one he gave a fuck about.

  Joy, Kenya, and whomever else, he ain’t give two shits about. He had no problems telling us how good Joy’s pussy was if we wanted in. Eitan had even tried, but she shut it down.

  “You slap me, we gon’ have a problem.” I looked his way.

  “And when the fuck have I ever had a problem with having a problem, nigga?” He stared me in the eyes. See, crazy as hell. Even that sentence could only be said by a crazy nigga.

  “Dinner is ready. Should I make everyone a plate?” Camarih came from the kitchen, smiling. Her skin was nice as hell, and I wasn’t even a nigga that paid attention to stuff like that, unless the skin was obviously horrible or extra beautiful. I was surely gon’ shoot her website to my wife.

  “Nah, these muthafuckas about to leave.” Tony waved us off, blowing out smoke. Camarih nodded and went back into the kitchen.

  “Damn, I was trying to taste Camarih’s good ass food.” Eitan’s brows dipped.

  “Nah, ’cause soon as you taste a bitch food, you gon’ be trying to taste her pussy, and that’s my shit. I’m selfish with that one. Y’all can fuck any of my other hoes though.”

  Eitan sucked his teeth as I laughed, before we both got up to dap Tony then bounce.

  Knowing I had no food at home, and not in the mood for fast food, I decided to stop at the grocery store. First thing on my list were some cherries, but they ain’t even have them here. Disappointed as hell, I moved on and found the section of potatoes, not remembering the ones Amara always bought.

  Pulling my iPhone out, I FaceTimed Amara, hoping she could help my ass.

  “Hey, baby.” She was grinning widely. Her hair was wrapped up in a silk scarf, but she looked good. My dick hardened at the sight of her.

  “Hey, I miss you.”

  “I miss you too. Where are you?”

  “The store. I was wondering if you could tell me what type of potatoes you buy.”

  “Baby, I hope someone else is gonna cook because…”

  “Aye, I do okay.” I lied. I’d been eating cereal and TV dinners, but smelling Camarih’s good ass food had me in the mood for something cooked with love.

  “Sure. Have you forgotten that I know you? You can’t even boil water, Rah.”

  “Whatever, man. Which one?” I flipped the camera around to show her the bags, but just as she began talking, I spotted Shanece by the sauces and Asian foods. She was on the phone talking a mile a minute and looking stressed.

  “Hello? Rahim?” Amara’s voice pulled me out of my trance, so I flipped the camera back around.

  “Yeah, aight. Thanks, baby.” I smirked, not even knowing what potatoes to get because I didn’t hear shit.

  “Welcome.”

  “I love you. I’m gonna go ahead and finish shopping. Talk to you tomorrow.”

  “Okay, can’t wait.”

  I hung up the phone and made my way over to where Shanece was but slowly. I didn’t wanna look like a fucking fool, just walking up on her.

  “I told you, Paul, they don’t have that one, baby. They have plenty of others for—” She pulled the phone from her ear and stared at it, before realizing I was standing there. “Why the fuck are you just staring at me?” She hissed.

  “For yo’ information, I was trying to wait until yo’ fucking conversation was over.”

  “Well it’s over now, so what do you want?” She placed her hand on her hip.

  “Was just coming over to speak.”

  “Hello, Rahim. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

  “Aight.” I chuckled and turned around to walk off.

  “Wait, I’m sorry.” She grabbed onto the back of my shirt lightly. “I was just in a bit of an argument, so it’s hard for me to transition so quickly.”

  “I get it.” I was now facing her again. “You good?”

  “Yeah. I was just coming here to buy some teriyaki sauce for dinner tonight, but they don’t have the one my husband likes, so…” she continued to eye the line up that they did have, “…we won’t be having that. He’s gonna get McDonald’s.”

  “Damn, that sauce must be good as hell for him to downgrade to some damn fast food.” I started walking since she did.

  “It’s pretty good, but sometimes he just does that when something he wants isn’t available or an option.”

  “Yo’ husband is a grown man throwing tantrums like that?” I frowned. Shanece didn’t seem like the type of female to put up with that kind of shit.

  “I’d rather not talk about it.”

  “So are you having McDonald’s too, or did you wanna get something to eat?”

  Checking her watch, she replied, “I probably shouldn’t.”

  “It’s seven o’clock.”

  “No, it’s not the time, I just… Last time we hung out, you kissed me, and that wasn’t cool. I’m married, Rahim.” She peered up into my eyes.

  “I understand. I think the liquor got to me.”

  It was true. I didn’t know what I was thinking, kissing Shanece like that. When I started fucking Phoebe, I told myself she would be the only female I had sex with. The last thing I wanted to do was be fucking a different bunch of females behind Amara’s back. Yeah, fucking one was bad too, but not nearly, at least in my opinion.

  “Okay, me too. I usually would’ve pulled away immediately or something.”

  We chuckled in unison.

  “Well?”

  “Okay. I am hungry. I can follow you?” She lifted her brows.

  “Where you trying to eat?”

  “I’m in the mood for some ribs with some good ass sauce. Oh, let’s go to Fridays.”

  “Of all places? Aight. They do got some good shit.”

  I walked Shanece to her car, and she drove me to mine. Once I was in and pulling out of the parking lot, she got right behind me. We met at the Fridays off La Tijera and got seated immediately due to it being a weekday and at night.

  We quickly placed our orders since she had me in the mood for ribs too, and got some drinks, but nothing too heavy, to avoid a situation like last time.

  “I’m so excited. I haven’t had ribs from here in the longest.”

  “This yo’ favorite restaurant or something?”

  “No. I would say that’s Javier’s, but this is a good place for something not as expensive.”

  “So what do you and yo’ husband do if you don’t come to places as simple as Fridays?”

  “We used to come here a lot, actually.”

  “Used to?”

  “You are so nosy.”

  “My fault. I’m usually not this inquisitive, but your situation seems so damn weird to me. You young as fuck, or appear to be, and you sound like an old married woman.”

  “You know nothing about marriage.”

  “I don’t, but when I get married, my wife and I are at least gon’ be able to hit a few restaurants occasionally.”

  “You never know, Rahim. Things happen, and sometimes what you thought your life would be like, it turns out to be the opposite.”
/>   “See. And you talk in codes and riddles and shit.”

  Chuckling, she said, “I just like to keep my private life private, so I don’t wanna say too much.” She sipped her cocktail that had arrived. “Why are you staring me down like that?”

  “Because I feel like you ain’t really got a husband.”

  She laughed, covering her mouth so she wouldn’t spit up her drink.

  “Why would I lie?”

  “Because people lie about relationships all the time, especially women when they come face to face with a nigga they ain’t interested in.”

  “True. Well I can assure you I am not lying.” Flashing her ring, she added, “Would I buy myself this?”

  “Hell if I know. You got a cool little job.”

  “Not that good. So are you lying about being single since people lie about relationships?”

  “No. I’m single, single.”

  “Okay. Well it’s good to know we’re both being honest.”

  “Exactly.”

  Shanece didn’t need to know about Amara. Our relationship wouldn’t go far since she had a husband and I had a wife.

  We ate them good ass ribs and then got dessert before I paid the bill. We decided to chill at my spot since she said she didn’t feel like going home. She told me she would be sitting up alone, watching TV. Again, to have a husband, the shit she did sounded like she was single.

  “I have some wine, if you’d like some. It’s dessert wine, so it ain’t strong,” I offered as I hit the lights in the living room.

  “No. I think that Appletini was enough for me.” She eyed my living room before sitting down. “You don’t like much, huh?”

  “No, just don’t need much. A TV and a couch are the essentials. And furniture isn’t exactly cheap.”

  “Why didn’t you bring the furniture from your old place in Nevada?”

  “Had to sell it.”

  “Oh damn. Well hey, gotta do what you gotta do.” She exhaled then said, “Thank you for tonight. I was not in the mood to go home and do nothing or argue.”

  “Y’all argue over sauce?”

  “Nowadays, yes.”

  “No offense, but why you with him? Nothing you said sounds good, and you seem to have yo’ shit together, so I know you can do better.”

  Shanece slinked down, allowing her head to rest on the upper portion of the couch. She was perfect, caramel skin, which was clear as day, full lips, and big hazel eyes. I didn’t know if her hair was hers or not, but it was in braids like usual. I liked my women thicker, more like Camarih and Amara, but Shanece’s slim frame took nothing away from her beauty.

  As she stared up at the ceiling, she responded lowly. “I told you about him before. He wasn’t always like this. We weren’t always like this. He was sweet, but not too sweet like those soft guys.” She turned to me, smiling, obviously reminiscing on the good days. I didn’t know why I felt a tinge of jealousy. Her smile faded promptly as she spoke. “Everything was like a fairytale, but then he got sick.”

  “With what?”

  “Cancer.” She smiled, but I knew it was to hide her true feelings. “And now he has spurts where he’s really mean and argumentative. He’s depressed, and I understand why, but I just wish he’d realize that I was here for him and not the enemy.”

  “Damn,” was all I could say as I pondered. I wasn’t expecting this shit. I felt bad for dude. I couldn’t imagine being hit with some shit like that at my age. “I think he’ll come to his senses eventually.”

  “When? It’s going on three years now since he’s been diagnosed.”

  “Hopefully soon. If he’s smart, he’ll shape the fuck up quickly. You’re beautiful, smart, got a good head on yo’ shoulders, and you’re taking care of him while he’s dealing with an illness so heavy. A lot of women your age would’ve left his ass high and dry.” Taking her hand, I continued. “If he don’t realize what he has now, I’m sure he will soon.”

  Shanece looked to her hand sitting in mine, then back up to my eyes.

  “I’m very tired. Can I lie down?”

  “Yeah. Follow me.” I rose up and cut the lights off. Leading Shanece to the guest bedroom, I stepped to the side so she could walk to the bed. “Want some company?” I shut the door.

  “Sure.” She took her jacket and shoes off. I did the same before getting in on the other side.

  We were in the bed around the same time, and when she looked over her shoulder at me, I kissed her. I didn’t know what was wrong with me. I’d told myself I wouldn’t touch her ass, yet here I was.

  This time, Shanece turned her body to face me, locked her arms around my neck, and melted right into the kiss. And even as Amara crossed my mind, I didn’t let up, allowing my hands to rub up and down Shanece’s back. The kiss ain’t feel wrong at all.

  “You spending the night?”

  “If you don’t mind.”

  “Nah, I definitely don’t. But what about—”

  She cut me off with another kiss. For the next half an hour, that’s all we did until finally dozing off.

  Tony Wacko

  “Aight, y’all niggas can go,” I told Rahim, Eitan, and Abel, who engineered majority of the records.

  “Finally. Told you that shit was perfect.” Eitan threw his hood onto his head.

  “You think every fucking thing you spit is perfect.” I shook my head, standing up.

  I checked my phone to see if I had a message from Camarih. It was a little after midnight, so she would’ve usually hit me up to stop by the store or to see when I was coming back. Shoving my iPhone into my pocket, I left the studio with the homies in tow.

  We chopped it up for a few, discussing the schedule for the upcoming week since it was the weekend, and then went on about our merry fucking way.

  After stopping by the liquor store like I always did when I left the studio late at night, I headed home, calling Camarih’s ass to make sure she was okay. My girl stayed hitting me up, no matter how many times I told her ass I was busy as shit, so it was odd to me that she had left me alone practically all night. I hated females that were clingy as fuck, but with Camarih, the shit didn’t bother me for some reason.

  Pulling into my yard, I parked my shit then hopped out, downing the Arizona I’d purchased from the liquor store. Camarih’s Avalon was definitely in my driveway, so I touched the hood and felt warmth coming from the shit. She’d just gotten here.

  Entering my crib, I calmly locked up then headed to the bedroom where her ass was playing sleep.

  “Camarih.” I stared at the back of her head, wanting to yank her ass from the bed by her coily locks. “Camarih, wake yo’ ass up. You ain’t sleep.” I snatched the covers off her body. For a moment, how little she had on distracted me. My bitch was fine as a muthafucka. If there was a flaw on her ass, I hadn’t found it yet.

  “Huh?” She looked around the room.

  Making my way over to her side of the bed, I repeated, “Huh? Get yo’ ass up. You ain’t sleep.”

  “I was sleep. I’m tired.”

  “Why you tired, huh? Fuck you been doing all night?”

  “Making products.” Her eyes darted off before landing on mine.

  “Aight.” I walked to my dresser and grabbed my gun. “We about to go find the nigga you been fucking on all night. Then we gon’ kill his ass together, since you wanna play games. Told you once I was in that shit, it was mine.”

  “No, wait, okay!” She sat up. “You are crazy!”

  “Tell me some shit I don’t know.” I leaned up against my dresser.

  “Can you put that away before I speak?”

  “Nah, I may need it.”

  “I was… working.”

  “Working where? That damn skin place closes at 7 p.m., Camarih. Keep playing with me.”

  “No. I was working at Dose.”

  Turning my head slightly to expose my ear to her direction, I asked, “Where?”

  Twiddling her thumbs, she repeated, “Dose. I went there to work a shift
.”

  I chuckled.

  “You took yo’ ass down to some damn club to shake yo’ ass with my baby in there?”

  “I don’t look pregnant. And I made sure to dance to slow songs so I wouldn’t shake the baby up,” her dumb ass had the nerve to say.

  “Camarih.” I closed my eyes, praying to the Lord up in heaven so I wouldn’t deck her ass in the fucking face. I was so used to slapping hoes up at my leisure that it took a lot to keep my hands to myself at times. “You not going back to that muthafuckin club. And if you do, I’m gon’ shoot that bitch up with you in it.”

  “Well I’m gonna be there every weekend, so take your pick on what day you want to shoot it up.” She grabbed the covers to pull onto her, but I yanked that shit onto the floor. “Houston! I am sleepy!”

  “You should’ve thought about that shit before you took yo’ hoe ass down to the club to dance for some bread!”

  “I need money!”

  “No the fuck you don’t! I got money, and you make money at yo’ fucking job!”

  “I make $600 a week, Houston. That is not enough money to get the things I need. And I am not about to just depend on you!”

  “Fuck do you need, huh?” I walked back over and leaned down into her face.

  She was a bit intimidated. I could see it in her fucking eyes.

  “A camera. And a new laptop.” Her voice was soft now as she gave me some sad ass eyes.

  “I got you. The homie robs Apple trucks, so he got plenty of fucking laptops for you, half the price.”

  “I still need a camera, and I would need to pay for both, on my own.”

  “Then figure it out because you bet not have yo’ ass in that club come tomorrow, Camarih.” I turned to put my gun up.

  “Fuck you! I do what I want!” She stood off the bed.

  Before she even finished, I was right back in her face.

  “Oh you hard now?” I stood chest to chest or face to chest since I was bigger than her ass. “You think ’cause I nutted in you I won’t knock yo’ fucking head off?” I backed her to the bed, making her fall on it. “Watch who the fuck you talking to, baby girl. And like I said, if I find out you in that club popping pussy, I’m popping you, yo’ fucking manager, and any nigga in that room salivating over yo’ ass.”