by Nikki Turner
As we walked out of the courthouse hand in hand, I turned and whispered in his ear, “I love you so much, Stacks.”
We paused for a moment, then he looked me in the eye and said, “I love you too, Ms. G-Stacks. You are one hell of a woman.” I smiled. I knew I was engaged to a boss, and he knew he had a real boss bitch on his side. With that, we popped our collars and headed to the car. Hell, that was just one episode of many. We had money to make and a life to live.
To all the people who have uplifted us,
who have always pushed us toward our best
Acknowledgments
Keisha Starr
First and foremost, I would like to thank God for not only creating me but instilling such a wonderful passion for the art of writing. I would like to thank Nikki Turner for giving me this opportunity and for being a mentor. In addition, I would like to thank my amazing family and close friends for believing in me and always pushing me to follow my dreams. Dawn Lamb and Elon “Nick” Wizzart, thank you for being the greatest parents in the world! Gary, the father of the family, I thank you for being the best cousin a girl could ever have. You stand a million men strong! Also, I would like to thank Gene for giving me tough love when I need it and for always encouraging and supporting me. Last but certainly not least, I want to thank the three people who make me get up and strive for success every day: John, Barbara, and Rallin (JBR). Your legacy will forever live on!
Tysha
I, first and foremost, thank God for all he continues to bless me with. I thank my sons, Je’Vohn and Reese for their unconditional love and support. We have an unbreakable bond. My brother, J.J., thanks for your help on the storyline. I love you baby brother! To my sister Tracey, my godsister Jenna, and my cousin Keedee, I thank you for being consistent with always encouraging and pushing me to share my ability to tell a story to the world.
LaKesa Cox
First, foremost, and always, I have to thank God for keeping me, taking care of me, and always being there for me. To my daughters who are both growing into beautiful young ladies: Continue to strive to be the best in everything you aspire to do. Don’t take any shorts. To my baby boy who keeps this woman working hard at motherhood: Thanks for keeping me on my toes! To my husband: Thanks for your never-ending support and for always having my back. Seeing that this book is all about “women’s work,” I’d like to give a special thanks to two of the hardest-working hustlers in the single-mother business: my mother Patricia Crossin and mother-in-law Joan Roots. Thank you both for working hard to raise your children by yourselves. I realize now that it had to be hard work! Mom, you sure made it look easy! And finally, to Ms. Nikki Turner: my diva friend, homegirl, and all around sister in print, thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to do this thing again and represent for the ladies. You are the best at what you do, and I appreciate your continued support.
Monique S. Hall
First of all, I would like to thank my Heavenly Father, for allowing me to accomplish my goals and always watching over me, your lost sheep. For you truly left the ninety-nine to save this little one. I also want to thank my mom and dad, Thomas and Marylin Hall, for all their support; my sister, Teresa Rogers; my brother-in-law, Rev. Michael Rogers; and my niece, Michaela. Family is so important.
There are two young ladies who have been more than family: Dana Robinson and Nachelle Hemphill. You are my rock. Travian Williams, thank you for all your help on this project. I would like to give a special shout-out and dedication to Nikki Turner, who has been a sister, a friend, and a confidante. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your vision and for allowing me to spread my wings.
ALSO BY NIKKI TURNER
Novels
Heartbreak of a Hustler’s Wife
Natural Born Hustler
Relapse
Ghetto Superstar
Black Widow
Death Before Dishonor
(with 50 Cent)
Riding Dirty on I-95
The Glamorous Life
A Project Chick
A Hustler’s Wife
Editor
Street Chronicles: Backstage
Street Chronicles: Christmas in the Hood
Street Chronicles: Girls in the Game
Street Chronicles: Tales from da Hood
(contributing author)
Contributing Author
Girls from da Hood
Girls from da Hood 2
The Game: Short Stories About the Life
About the Authors
Born Keisha Wizzart in Baltimore, MD, KEISHA STARR has always had a passion for creative writing. Early on, she traveled and performed with her family’s band, The Determination Band, one of Baltimore’s first reggae collectives, and began writing songs, school plays, cheers, and poetry, becoming a published author at just thirteen years old. And by age eighteen, she’d recorded her first CD, True Confessions. Keisha has gone on to write music for local artists and major powerhouses like Island Def Jam and Universal Records. She also writes for print publications including Iconography and Ezo Magazine. Keisha Starr has written her first urban novel, Jamaican Me Go Crazy, which she plans to release with a musical soundtrack.
TYSHA is the author of The Boss, the story of a female hustler. She is also a contributor to multiple anthologies including Street Chronicles: Girls in the Game, which is where Bossy and Aisha were first introduced to fans of urban fiction. Tysha is the mother of two adult sons. She was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, and currently resides in Columbus, Ohio. She is hard at work on multiple literary projects. Look for new titles coming soon.
LAKESA COX, dubbed the Countess of Urban Drama by Nikki Turner, is the author of two novels, After the Storm and Water in My Eyes. She also wrote the short story “Power,” which was published in Nikki Turner’s Street Chronicles: Girls in the Game. Currently seeking a literary agent for representation, LaKesa recently completed her third novel, Fetish for a Blue Skyy. She resides in the suburbs of Richmond, Virginia, with her husband and three children. Feel free to hit her up on Facebook or email her at [email protected].
MONIQUE S. HALL’S captivating debut novel, Two Tears in a Bucket, has received great reviews from Library Journal, BookExpo America attendees, and several book clubs nationwide. Her creative abilities extend beyond writing urban literature. She also hosts a talk radio show on WXYB, Tampa Bay, 1520 AM, serves as the editor-in-chief of the Hawkeye newspaper, and is a featured columnist for Street Elements magazine. She is also a liaison and advisor for The Real Freeway Rick Ross, and one of the contributing writers to his autobiography and upcoming biopic. Look for more to come from this extremely talented author.
Table of Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Epigraph
Dear Loyal Readers
Dying to Be a Star KEISHA STARR
Money, Stilettos, and Disrespect TYSHA
Southern Girls’ Escort Service LAKESA COX
Ms. G-Stacks MONIQUE S. HALL
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Other Books by This Author
About the Authors
