by Nikki Carter
We all crack up laughing because Xavier rubs his stomach with longing in his eyes. He looks hilarious!
“You haven’t had pizza until you’ve had it in New York,” Rashad says.
Sienna rolls her eyes. “Whatever! Chicago is the spot for pizza, Rashad. You haven’t had a pizza pie until you’ve had a five-meat, deep-dish pie from Chi-Town.”
Ricky laughs. “Man, now I’m hungry!”
“We might as well stop then,” Melody says.
We pile into the tiny restaurant. There are pockets of teenagers and artist types. And in the corner a couple sits sharing a slice of pizza.
Rashad scores a table for us near the window. This whole evening so far has been cool to infinity. I feel so free, like I’m almost an adult or something. No Gwen calling to tell me to get my butt home or interrogate me about my new friends.
This is hot!
We order a large pepperoni pizza because most of us are not really hungry, and one slice should be enough for everybody except Xavier.
“So you two are from Cleveland, right?” Melody asks.
“What do you all do for fun?”
“We roller-skate or go hang out at the rec,” Ricky says.
“Gia is on the step squad at school, so she hangs with that clique.”
Sienna high-fives me across the table. “Step squad! I know that’s right.”
“Uh, chill with the step sisterhood. Cheerleaders rule at my school,” Melody says.
“Are you a cheerleader?” Ricky asks.
“I’m not just a cheerleader, I’m the captain.”
The boys burst out laughing. Ricky says through his giggles, “Cheerleading is not a real sport, Melody. You don’t have to be so militant about it!”
“Hi, haters,” Melody says with a neck roll.
This just makes the boys laugh harder.
The waitress brings the pizza to the table, and on first glance I don’t see anything special. The crust looks super thin, definitely not like the thick pan pizzas I’m used to eating at home.
“It looks kind of flimsy to be the best pizza ever,” Ricky says, mirroring my thoughts.
“Taste first, talk second,” Xavier replies as he snatches a slice and bites it in one swift motion.
I take a slice for myself. The taste totally surprises me. The sauce is tangy but really good. The crust, though thin, manages to be crispy on the edges but chewy in the middle. It’s delicious.
“You like?” Rashad asks.
All I can do is nod as I swallow the tasty morsels. After everyone eats a slice, we all wish we’d ordered more than one pizza.
Melody says, “Come on, y’all. We don’t want to be late for curfew on our first night out.”
On our way back to the Times Square subway station, we see a street vendor selling the same T-shirts I wanted to score earlier. Guess how much they’re charging? Four shirts for ten dollars!
Rashad nods over at the vendor. “Gia, you want to get your shirt now?”
“Are you happy that you were right?” I ask.
Rashad rakes his hand through his locs and grins at me. “Nah. I’m not any happier because of that. But maybe you’ll trust me next time.”
“It’s gonna take a lot more than a shopping trip to get me to trust you.”
Rashad hooks his finger under my chin and laughs. “Okay, Princess.”
Ricky narrows his eyes and glares at me and Rashad. At first, I was thinking that all Ricky had to do was claim me, and I’d be totally over this new crush on Rashad. But now I’m not so sure.
4
Later, after our Times Square adventure, Sienna hangs for a while in my room. Curfew means you only have to be off the streets and back into the building. As long as there are no boys and girls together in the same bedroom, it’s all good if we stay up half the night.
Sienna sprawls across Melody’s bed like she lives in our room. I vote no, but nobody asked me!
“So, Gia,” Melody asks. “You and Rashad really seem to be hitting it off. I think he really likes you.”
Sienna concurs. “For real. I’ve never seen him push up on any girl like he’s on you.”
“I wonder what it is. I haven’t really said or done anything out of the ordinary.”
“Maybe it’s those cute braids,” Melody says. “That barrette is really hot too. Where’d you get that?”
“Ricky gave it to me.”
Sienna’s eyes widen. “Go, girl! Hog all the boys! If I was as thin as you, I’d be pulling them too.”
“You’re kidding, right?” I ask. “I’d kill for your shape. If I had curves like you, I would never walk, I’d just pop my booty up and down the street.”
I don’t know why this is so funny, but we all crack up laughing.
“Speaking of this big ol’ booty,” Sienna says as she smacks her behind, “do you girls want to go running in the morning?”
Melody scrunches her nose. “Running where? Outside?”
“Yes, outside. If we go superearly, it’ll still be cool outside, and we can go have breakfast at Sylvia’s in Harlem.”
“I’m down for the breakfast, but y’all can go running without me,” I say. “I’m not really into athletic activities unrelated to the Hi-Stepper squad.”
“Are you serious?” Sienna asks. “You don’t work out on the regular? Then how do you stay so thin?”
“I wish I could gain some weight.”
Sienna shakes her head sadly. “You don’t know how lucky you are, Gia.”
“Don’t you notice how the boys look at you, Sienna?” Melody asks.
“Puh-lease. Are you going running with me, Mel?”
“Sure.”
“Great. Can you boot up your laptop really quick? I need to check my e-mail, and I don’t feel like going to my room yet.”
Melody pulls out her expensive-looking laptop computer and hands it to Sienna. It’s really fly, just like Melody, with an aqua-blue top.
“Are you checking for an e-mail from your man?” Melody asks.
“Of course!”
“She’s been dating this guy since last summer,” Melody explains.
“And I am so in love with him,” Sienna says. “I can’t believe someone like him would even want to talk to me.”
“What’s his name? Where did you meet?” I ask.
Sienna replies, “His name is Danny, but everyone calls him Dan Tropez.”
“Why do they call him that?”
“It’s his rap name. You know, like San Tropez.”
“Oh…”
Sienna smiles as she opens her inbox. “My boo has invited us to a party tomorrow night. It’s a listening party for his new album. Y’all wanna come with?”
“Sure!” Melody says. “He always has the coolest parties.”
“I guess. Can Ricky come?” I ask.
“Yeah, but why would you want to bring him?” Sienna asks. “Isn’t that like bringing sand to the beach?”
“You’re going to be all booed up, aren’t you? Are Mel and I just supposed to watch you and your man have fun?”
Melody interjects. “But if you bring Ricky, I’ll be a serious fifth wheel.”
“Dan can hook you up with someone,” Sienna offers.
“Ew. No. Boyfriend at home. Remember?”
I ponder for a moment and then say, “Well, I guess I don’t have to bring Ricky.”
“Good then. Will y’all walk me up to my room? I’m tired, and I want to get up early for running.”
Melody and I put on slippers and robes to cover our pajamas, and we take the elevator upstairs with Sienna to her room.
On our way back down the hall, we meet Ricky and Sushil. They both look sleepy, but they have a bucket of ice.
“What are y’all doing?” I ask.
“Xavier wants to make smoothies,” Sushil says.
“At one in the morning?” Melody asks.
“Dude must have a tapeworm or something,” Ricky replies, “because he says he’s still hungry.
”
Ricky grabs my wrist and pulls me down the hall. “Hey, I wanna talk to Gia for a quick second.”
Melody warns, “Don’t pull her behind any closed doors. We don’t want to get in trouble.”
“Okay, I’ll be only a minute.”
Ricky stares at me while he pulls me away out of earshot of Sushil and Melody. When we’ve gone a far enough distance, he asks, “What’s up with you, Gia?”
“Nothing. What’s up with you?”
Ricky smiles and licks his bottom lip. Okay, here is the Ricky I know and crush on. It’s about time he showed up in New York. I was starting to think he left him at home.
“Do I need to worry about Rashad?”
“I don’t know. Do you?”
“Oh, you gonna make me work, Gia? Haven’t I already put in enough work?”
I shrug. “I guess, but you’re the one who said our thing was on hold this summer. Are you taking that back now?”
“Not exactly. I just don’t want any other dudes pushing up on you.”
“So I’m supposed to not enjoy any boy companionship this summer? Is that what you’re saying?”
Ricky chuckles. “You can hang out with me, Xavier, and Sushil, but Rashad is off limits.”
“What?” I snatch my hand away. “Are you trying to tell me who I can and cannot be friends with?”
“Well…”
“Last time I checked, you were not my father. You’re not even my official boyfriend.”
“But, Gia—”
“But nothing. You need to fall back with that noise, Ricky. I never took you to be a hater, but you’re tripping right now. Come on, Melody. Let’s be out.”
Melody rushes down the hall and grabs my arm. “Good night, y’all,” she says to the boys.
I’m fuming as we get on the elevator. The nerve of him! I understand him being jealous of Rashad and all. I even understand him being threatened. But for him to think he can boss me is ri-darn-diculous. I do not roll like that.
“Is everything all right?” Melody asks as soon as the elevator doors close.
“I’m cool.”
“Really? Because you look the opposite of cool. You look extra heated.”
I reply, “Ricky and I have been best friends since we were kids, and last year these crush feelings emerged. I don’t know if we’re ready for it though. He’s tripping.”
“Crushes have ruined the best of friendships.”
“Tell me about it. He’s telling me he doesn’t want me around Rashad, even though our crush is supposed to be on a break for the summer.”
“How do you put a crush on a break?” Melody asks.
“I don’t know. I don’t really want him talking to other girls either, but I wouldn’t try to tell him whom he could be friends with. That’s not cool.”
“Yeah, that’s not cool, but you gotta admit, Rashad has been laying it on thick. He’s really digging you. Maybe Ricky sees that, and he’s just jealous.”
“True, but he needs to find a better way to communicate that.”
Melody sighs. “I hope you two figure it out, because you’re definitely cute together.”
“Am I cute with Rashad too?”
“Yeah, unfortunately. I can’t help you choose between the two, so don’t ask. They’re both fine.”
As much as I was trying to avoid drama this summer, I’d put myself smack dab in the middle of it. And on the first day too? Drama might as well be my middle name.
5
After waiting for an hour, we finally get seated for breakfast at Sylvia’s. From the satisfied looks of the people who are leaving, I’m about to get my grub on. My stomach just growled in agreement.
Sienna’s boyfriend, Dan, showed up with a small crew of four dudes, so there are seven of us in total. I wonder if Ricky would be mad if he saw me today. Most probably, but, shoot, I’m mad at me for being seen with these thuggish-ruggish clones.
Dan actually looks pretty cool. He reminds me of that basketball player Grant Hill. He’s kinda tall and thin, with a low haircut. His clothes are only kind of thuggish. But his boys…They look like extras from a 50 Cent film.
One of Dan’s friends has been giving me the eye since he walked through the door. I’m so not in the mood to fight off his advances, but he zips his lips and says, “So, shorty, I’m digging your braids. Did you do ’em? Can you hook a brotha up?”
He definitely needs someone to hook up his braids. They look about a month old and have had fuzz and lint balls for days. I can only imagine how filthy the water will be when he finally does wash that mess. Ew.
“I don’t braid. My mother did these,” I reply curtly.
“Don’t be mean, shorty. I’m just trying to start up a convo with you.”
I force myself to smile. “It’s all good. I’m just ready to get my grub on.”
“Yeah, baby. You could use a few bowls of grits!”
Was that supposed to be funny? Yeah, I’m really impressed with him now. He clowns my petite frame and thinks that’s flirting. I’m ready to forsake all other crushes and get with him now. Not!
I’m glad the waitress comes and takes our orders. Her presence interrupts the stupid conversation. And, see, I was about to order grits, but I can’t now!
After the order is placed, Dan’s friends stand up. My admirer says, “Eh, Dan, we ’bout to go outside for a minute. We’ll be right back.”
Dan gets a nervous look on his face. “Be easy, y’all. We don’t want any trouble while my wifey is here.”
“Man, chill. We got this.”
Three of Dan’s friends go outside the restaurant. Dan’s eyes follow them apprehensively like something is about to go down.
“You cool, Dan?” Sienna asks.
“Yeah. So what have y’all done in the city so far?”
Sienna replies, “Last night we did Times Square. It was cool, even though I’ve seen it before.”
“Times Square is always off the chain,” Dan says. “And today y’all are having breakfast at the legendary Sylvia’s. All three of y’all coming to my party tonight, right?”
Melody nods. “Can’t wait.”
“Looks like my boy is feeling you, Gia,” Dan says. “You gonna let him holla?”
“Nah. He’s not my type. I’m more into nerd-slash-jocks.”
Sienna laughs. “Or writers who sport locs.”
Now we’re all laughing. They got me. I do seem to like loc-wearing writers too.
Dan’s friends come back in right as the food is being served. They all have glazed expressions on their faces and red eyes.
“What have y’all been doing?” I ask, although I think I already know the answer.
“Grown-folks bidness,” one of them replies as he gobbles a huge mouthful of scrambled eggs.
Mmm-hmm. I know what “grown-folks bidness” means. They’ve been out there smoking something they don’t have any business smoking. I just say no to all that foolishness, and so should you. Hey, I’m known for random public-service announcements. Deal with it.
These dudes are not talking about anything worthwhile, so I focus on my food. Fried ham, scrambled eggs with cheese, home fries, and biscuits. Make you wanna slap somebody, for real.
“Slow down, shorty. You gon’ choke on them eggs.”
I look up and give him a blank stare. Thank goodness my phone rings. I glance down at the caller ID. It’s my boy Kevin.
“Excuse me, y’all. I’m gonna step outside and take this.”
I rush out of the restaurant, happy to have a reason to get away from Dan’s goons. “Hey, Kev. What’s up?”
“Gia, you haven’t called or texted me since you left. You’re foul.”
“I’ve been here for only a day and a half, Kevin. Stop spazzing out. What’s up?”
“Nothing.”
“All that huffing and puffing for nothing? I’m not buying it, Kev. Spill it!”
“I’m planning to ask Candy to go hang with me at the rec.”
&nbs
p; “You and Candy? Alone?”
“And Hope too.”
“Something doesn’t feel right about this conversation, Kevin.”
That something is the fact that Kevin and Candy are not slick. They’ve been crushing since last school year, but she’s only in tenth grade.
“You do know Candy isn’t allowed to date, right? She’s only fifteen.”
Kevin replies, “We’re not dating. We’re getting acquainted.”
You may or may not already know this, but Kevin lives with his grandparents. Every now and then he’ll break with something Ricky and I call “old speak.” “Getting acquainted” equals “We’re in chill mode right now.”
“Don’t make me come home and regulate on you two,” I say.
“Anyway, Gia. No one is afraid of you. What’s the program like so far?”
“Don’t really know yet. I don’t have my first class until tomorrow. But I’ve met some really cool people so far. I’m having breakfast with some of them right now.”
“Is Ricky with you? Put him on the phone. He’s not answering his.”
“Uh…Ricky and I are not speaking at the moment. I have no idea where he is.”
“What do you mean you’re not speaking to Ricky? You’ve been there for a day and a half, Gia. How could you already be arguing?”
“You just better deal with your friend, Kevin. He’s tripping trying to tell me who I can and can’t make friends with.”
I can hear Kevin’s sigh through the phone. “He’s tripping about a guy, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Remember how he was about Romeo, and he hadn’t even admitted that he had a crush on you back then? You know how he gets.”
One of Ricky’s fellow football players tried to get at me our sophomore year in high school. It was all bad. They even got into a fight when Romeo started talking junk about me. So, yeah, I know how Ricky gets. That’s still no excuse for his current behavior.
“He’s still tripping, Kevin.”
“Well, I’m going to need y’all to make up. You know I’m living vicariously through y’all this summer.”
“Okay, Kevin. I’ll try.”
“Keep me posted.”
Kevin is right. I have to make up with Ricky. This summer will be fun. It just has to be.
