Ghetto Girls Too

by Anthony Whyte

  “Whatever, yo.”

  “C’mon, Coco, be a sweetheart today for Jo? Does it matter who picks up the tab? It ain’t you, yo,” Josephine said pleading with Coco.

  “Why you gotta be acting all country, Jo? You switched up so much on me, girl. You used to be…”

  “The devil used to be an angel.”

  “Whatever, bitch.”

  “You ain’t got nothing else to do. No school and no test to study for. Hang with us, Coco.”

  “I said whatever, bitch.”

  “Still the same hardcore sista, huh?” Josephine was toe to toe with Coco. They were circling each other as if they were sparring. All they needed to do was throw some punches but only the harmless words of a friend came. “You ain’t never gonna change, bitch, but today you can be...umm, nicer?”

  “Yeah, bitch, you best bite your tongue.”

  “You can take a bitch out da hood but you can’t get da hood out a bitch.”

  “Yeah, bitch, cuz I’m ghetto like that.”

  “Really? You ghetto?” Josephine was feigning disbelief but Coco was not backing down.

  “That’s right. Running wit da rats and roaches in dirty stairwells. That’s just me getting down so the people feel my struggle cuz in the end you too will be enchanted. All I’m saying is, I ain’t just another ghetto girl.”

  “Whatever. Coco da rebel. I ain’t trying to hear you right now. Let’s just hang outside the hood today and tomorrow, I promise we’ll work on da rebel shit. Ahight?”

  Deedee watched as Coco and Josephine cavorted on the street. It was plain for all to see that there was a bond wound so tightly that not even distance or time could loosen it. They were real friends arguing every point like sisters to the end. The way they finished each other’s sentences and the amount of ribbing each took off the other were barriers Deedee knew had to be surmounted, especially if she wanted a real relationship like the one she craved. The fact that Coco wore a thin skin made this feat just a little bit more difficult. It was heavy on her mind when she heard Josephine speak.

  “Ahight, we going shopping, y’all. What’s our limit, Dee?”

  “We’re all entitled to one outfit.”

  “An outfit each?”

  “I’m talking about everything.” Both girls appeared puzzled by the offer Deedee had made.

  “Be more specific, Dee.”

  “How much more specific can I get? Whatever you consider an outfit to be. You know like a top and bottom to match, a handbag or purse, a hat...”

  “A Benz,” added Josephine. “Girl, you’re a wreck but I’m with it. How ‘bout it, Coco?”

  “Don’t be throwing me into no scheme, Jo. You were the one running your mouth and making all ‘em plans, yo,” Coco said as Josephine moved closer to her and whispered.

  “Tell me is this bitch crazy or what?” Josephine asked under her breath.

  “My name is Bennett and I ain’t in it.”

  “Whatever, Coco,” Josephine said then Coco whispered back in Josephine ears.

  “I think da bitch is ditsy, though.”

  “Why y’all taking so long to make your minds up? It’s really a simple deal.”

  “I’m in,” Josephine said. “But you know how some people gotta front.”

  “Who’s front’n, yo? I was born ready for whatever. Let’s go.”

  “Ahight, that’s what I’m talking ‘bout.” Josephine was excited and Deedee hoped that her exuberance would be transferred to Coco who was still acting cold. Maybe Josephine’s presence was what both she and Coco needed after the horrific weekend they had just shared. Deedee’s bid to make up with Coco was hatched with this shopping scheme.

  She hailed a cab and they all piled in. The cab raced off to the shopping district of Fifth Avenue. Josephine eyes widened with anticipation as the designer stores came into view.

  “This is gonna be so great,” she said when she saw the Polo, Channel, Gucci, and Fendi boutiques. Josephine saw Denzel Washington walking out of Dior. “Look, it’s the sexiest man alive. Denzel!” she screamed as he continued walking. The girls waved at him. He returned their wave with a smile.

  “Yeah, he’s the best,” Deedee said.

  “He was dope in ‘Training Day,’ yo. Matter o’ fact, he killed that role.”

  “No kidding. He’s dope in all his roles.”

  “Imagine getting a Oscar for a role like that? He should’ve received one for his Malcolm X role,” Deedee opined.

  “That’s true, girl. He should win sump’n for every role he plays,” Josephine agreed.

  “I’m telling you, Coco, I cannot wait to become an actress. It’d be over. Over, ya heard me?” She acted as if she had a microphone to her mouth. “Ladies and gentlemen, the academy award goes to Miss Josephine. Yeah.”

  Coco looked doubtful as she watched the excited Josephine throw kisses at her imaginary crowd. Both she and Deedee jumped as the overjoyed Josephine kissed both their cheeks.

  “Ugh, don’t tell me you gone that way too?” Coco said feigning revulsion.

  “Not hardly. Strictly-dickly, girlfriend. That’s not ever gonna change but a lot of other things have,” Josephine said. She was sandwiched between Coco and Deedee. Coco felt the vibe in her and knew she wanted to talk but she didn’t push. Coco thought she’d let Josephine make the first move. Coco knew her friend well enough to know that she couldn’t hold anything inside for very long. Eventually, she’d talk.

  “Really now?” Coco said with a smile.

  “I’ll tell you about it soon,” Josephine said as the cab pulled to the busy sidewalk curb. Deedee paid and the girls jumped out. “Ahight, we’re here. What’s our limit?” Josephine asked.

  Deedee thought for a second and answered, “There are no limits. The rules are if you like it, you buy it but you’ve got to wear it all together. Like the hat, the gloves and the scarf have gotta match. The outfit has to be complete.”

  “Let me get this right. A complete outfit? No limits. I must be dreaming,” Josephine said. “But just one outfit, right?” she asked, still unsure.

  “One complete outfit,” Deedee said and raised one finger. “Got it?” Deedee asked. Coco raised her eyebrows and shrugged her shoulders.

  “What are we waiting for? Let’s go shopping, girls,” Josephine said grabbing both Deedee and Coco by their arms.

  The trio skipped across the busy street and walked into the Coach boutique on the corner. “Good afternoon, ladies. May I help you?” Not waiting for an answer, the store clerk continued, “If you see anything that I may be able to help you with, I’ll be right over there.” His words must have triggered a switch. The afternoon shopping spree had officially begun. Ching ching.

  Early blossoms were evident all around on this late April afternoon. Here in midtown, a busy pre-season summer sale raged down Madison and Fifth. In the hours that followed, the girls covered every fancy store on Madison, expertly combing through designer outfits that caught their every fancy. Occasionally, Coco and Josephine made faces of disbelief when they glanced at some of the price tags which were displayed. Being a bit more privileged, Deedee didn’t even bother to bat an eye.

  “Dior makes some nice evening joints but this shit is ridiculously expensive, yo,” Coco said after going through a couple of stores.

  “I ain’t looking at price tags. I’m keeping my eyes peeled for something sexy from Donna Karan and her boutique is close by,” Josephine responded.

  “What, for the prom?” Coco asked.

  “Not really but that could be a secondary motive,” Josephine said walking away and inspecting some dresses. Coco lingered awhile and rubbed her cheek against the silky fabric of one particularly beautiful dress.

  “Girls, there are no limits. Is there anything y’all see in here that you like?” Deedee asked.

  “They ahight,” Josephine answered casually keeping it moving.

  “Dior’s style is the dopest, Coco,” Deedee said as she huddled next to Coco. “I saw you had yo
ur eyes on that red outfit back there. That’s cool. It would match your skin tone really well,” Deedee continued.

  Coco looked at her for sometime without answering. When she spoke, she immediately regretted it. “Why ya gotta be trying to make selections for me. I mean the dress is really nice but...”

  “But what, Coco?” Deedee asked.

  “I’m saying, I’m really not trying to get your opinion. The only reason I’m here playing your game is because Jo wanted to.”

  “I respect that, Coco. I mean I can’t blame you for whatever you wanna hold against me.”

  “Hold against you? Do you remember that only a couple o’ days ago you were calling me a hood rat?”

  “Coco, I never called you that. I never did,” Deedee said. Coco stared at her with fierceness of a boxer facing his challenger. “I would never call you that,” Deedee reiterated in a harmless whisper uttered without retreat.

  What is the plan if your opponent doesn’t back out of the fight? All day long Coco had it in her mind to yell, ‘To hell with Deedee because she’s a phony bitch’. Now it seemed it was all just a big misunderstanding on Coco’s part. Was she deliberately trying to be mean to Deedee? There was no real need to be, Coco decided. Lost in her own thoughts, she could still hear Deedee’s apologetic voice.

  “…I mean if I knew that’s what you thought, I would’ve called and really tried to apologize. I would not think that of you, Coco. You’re far better...”

  The only question remaining was, Did Coco believe her? “So you wouldn’t mind coming to visit me in da hood, then?”

  “A visit is no problem. It’s just that in light of what was going on at the time, I knew my uncle wouldn’t let me go with you.”

  “Okay, maybe I was too quick to jump to conclusions. I’m sorry, Dee. How’re your uncle and Sophia doing by the way?” Coco asked. She could be so cool, Deedee thought as she answered.

  “They both good, I guess. Sophia went to work earlier and my uncle, he was in the studio all night doing his thing.”

  “That’s good. I been home working on some rhymes too. Say whassup to them for me, ahight?”

  “Ahight, Coco. So, do you want to get that dress?”

  “I really don’t know. I’ll take a look in some other stores then I’ll make a decision, ok?”

  “That’s all good, Coco.”

  “But Dee, how’re you gonna pay for these outfits, yo?”

  “I’ve got a card from my uncle,” Deedee said with a shrug of her shoulder. “And I’ve never used it. It just seemed like a fun thing to do right now. Shopping with my girls,” Deedee said as Josephine rejoined them.

  “You got that right,” Josephine said. “I’ve seen enough. Ladies, let’s bounce up outta this piece.”

  “Oh, because you’re through, we should?” Deedee said with a laugh.

  “Nah but I can’t wait for Donna Karan,” Josephine said beaming which left Coco and Deedee rolling their eyes. They left the store and continued investigating all the sales. Crisscrossing from east to west, they left nothing but the pavement unturned.

  As the expedition went on, the girls strolled through blocks and blocks of designer stores until they all had their complete outfit. Josephine claimed a black Donna Karan gown which really complemented her now sexy physique and Deedee sparkled with a new Versace silver dress. Coco settled for the elegant red dress by Dior that Deedee liked. It was an expensive but pleasurable time.

  THIRTY-TWO

  Later that afternoon, the girls cooled their heels at the trendy, Mr. Chow’s restaurant.

  “This is where all the hip hop stars come and discuss biz,” Josephine said as she surveyed the crowd in awe.

  “Yeah, the Def Jam crowd and a lot of video models are over to our left,” Deedee said.

  “Musicians, dancers and models all go hand in hand,” Josephine said. “Oh my God! Look y’all, there goes Jamie Fox!”

  “Where at?” Coco and Deedee chorused.

  “Over there,” Josephine said.

  “Look, we’re not here to sweat these industry peeps, Josephine. Can you act cool and just eat your food, yo?”

  “Look, there’s Show Biz and Silky Black. We met Silky Black. Think he’s gonna remember us?” Josephine asked. Not waiting for a reply, she bounded across the dining room. Coco and Deedee sat with jaws dropped at Josephine’s brazenness.

  “Is that bitch crazy or what?” Coco asked shaking her head.

  “Oh my God, she’s actually talking to them and disturbing their meal,” Deedee said her eyes riveted on Josephine. She turned away quickly when Josephine pointed in their direction. Coco looked up just in time to catch a wave from Silky Black. She threw up a peace sign.

  “Her parents must’ve made her crazy. I’m telling ya they shouldn’t have left the city.” Coco perused the menu. Josephine strode with poise back to the table. Coco and Deedee watched as she wore a gloating smile.

  “That nigga, Silky Black, was trying to kick it to a sista, ya heard,” she sat and bragged.

  “Well, your ass practically knocked people over trying to get at him. He probably thought you was crazy and was kicking’ it to calm your crazy butt down,” Coco deadpanned.

  “Nah, I don’t think so. He was really kicking’ it. He remembered the performance and even recognized you, Coco. He said ‘What’s up?’” Josephine said.

  “Y’all were talking ‘bout me after you ran your crazy ass over there?” Coco asked.

  “If you give me a chance, I’ll tell you. Tomorrow evening, his album release jump off is going down and guess what?” Josephine asked.

  “Ah, here we go,” Coco said but Josephine cut her off.

  “Coco, you can never cooperate, can you? Anyway, Deedee, he is putting us on the guest list. Ya heard me, girlfriend. We in da building, ahight,” Josephine gave Deedee an unexpected high-five. “What’s the matter, y’all not down or sump’n?”

  “Oh, we are,” Deedee said.

  “Whoopty fucking doo,” Coco replied.

  “Told ya. This bitch just don’t know when to be civil. Now, if he came over and dropped some line like, ‘Yo Coco, wanna be in my video?’ that would be better, right?” Josephine asked.

  “Damn skippy. How many industry parties have you been to? All niggas try to do is impress each other and the chicken heads. In da morning, you know some nigga is waking up scratching’ his nuts saying, ‘Yo, my man, we spent all that cheddar at da bar?’ And his manager saying, ‘Nah, man, it was you who spent the entire budget at the bar trying to be like Jigga’. He’ll be calling his other herb friends begging’ for a dollar to make up for when da bill comes,” Coco said.

  “No way. They write it off because that’s part of doing business,” Deedee said. Josephine immediately took sides.

  “She should know. Her uncle is in da business. They do write all those parties off as business expenses.”

  “Exactly, Josephine, and it’s also another reason why artists end up owing a lot of dough to labels before they even drop their first CD,” Deedee said.

  A minor commotion and the girls looked up to see Silky Black himself standing at their table. The girls all smiled.

  “Having a bizness lunch, huh?” Josephine asked with a wink.

  “Yeah, you how that goes. Listen, I would definitely like to invite y’all to a lil’ jump-off for the new joint,” Silky Black said to the girls and then he turned and introduced his friend. “Yo, this my man, Show Biz. He did a lot a work on the joint.”

  “Oh, I thought your face looked familiar,” Coco said as she reached out to greet Show Biz. “I love your stuff. All them DITC joints. Classic hip hop.”

  “Thank you. It feels good to hear that coming from someone like you.”

  “Ah, you don’t have to go there like that,” Coco said, interrupting but Show Biz kept on.

  “But I can cuz you’re on fire right now, Coco.”

  “Wait up. You know my name like that?”

  “Yo, you’re one of the unsigne
d female rappers out there that everyone is talking about like, ‘when she coming out?’ People stressing for your shit to drop, Coco,” Show Biz said. She stared at him wondering why a rap producer would lie to her but he really had no reason to.

  “Much respect. Maybe we could do sump’n together?”

  “Yo, the pleasure would be all mine, Coco. You on fire, girl,” Show Biz said giving Coco a handshake.

  “If Show sez it then that’s what it is. That nigga knows joints and produced a lot of hot ones so take that as encouragement. You writing?” asked Silky Black.

  “Yeah, all the time. I keep them pens and pads on fire.”

  “That’s what’s up,” Show said and turned to Silky Black. “Yo, tomorrow we’re shooting scenes from the new video. If y’all ain’t busy, I’m saying y’all could come through.”

  “Damn, that’s right. We’re shooting tomorrow. Yo, call me and I’ll come through and scoop you but it’s gonna be kinda early.”

  “Exactly how early is early?” Coco asked.

  “It really doesn’t matter. Anytime is the right time. We’ll be there because it’s the experience that counts. We’ll definitely be there,” Josephine interrupted with a smile.

  “Ahight, then it’s set. We’ll see y’all ‘round five.”

  “F-i-v-e.” The chorus rang out from all three girls.

  “If that’s too soon in da morning then y’all will make it another time or sump’n. It’s up to y’all. We gonna be shooting like at six on the dot, not no CPT, feel me?” Show looked at the faces of the girls. “Yo Josephine, you got da digits. Just holla and let us know what’s what, ahight. Be easy, y’all.”

  “Ahight, take care. Nice seeing y’all,” Silk said and hugged the girls. “Keep doing your homework, Coco. Hope to see y’all in the morn.”

  “I’ll call y’all for sure. Bye, Show Biz and Silky Black,” Josephine said smiling and waving.

  “Chill, Jo,” Coco said as the rap duo vacated Mr. Chow’s. The girls could see the flash of the paparazzi.

  “Coco, I swear you need an agent. First of all, you don’t think about sleeping or anything else when opportunity comes knocking. These cats fitting to drop a new video and they practically trying to push you into it, Coco. I thought this is what you wanted?”