by Aletto, Anna
“Does it feel weird getting paid by Curtis?” I ask. “Does it bother you at all because of DeAnthony?”
“It crosses my mind – obviously – and it probably nags at me on some level.” He shrugged dismissively. “But what am I going to do? We use each other. We take from each other. We hurt or kill each other when it’s necessary or convenient. Should I seek some sort of revenge? This was never about honor or doing the right thing. Ultimately this is about being selfish and chasing personal happiness – that’s why we do what we do. It drives you, me, Curtis, and it drove DeAnthony. I’d have done anything for him alive, but I can’t do anything for him dead.”
As usual, Angela and I attend service at Pinnacle Christian on Sunday morning and sit in the back corner of the back pew of the row in which I pass the collection basket. As I take the basket from her, our bodies hiding it from everyone’s vision, she stuffs a handful of cash into her purse. Our profits have been adding up for many weeks.
“I think this could probably work forever,” Angela says, in the car after church, counting the money.
“It’s been good, but I’m actually a little disappointed we haven’t been able to make more,” I tell her. “We’ve been picking up nice, small chunks of cash without really needing to spend much. But when we first started this, I thought a huge mega-church like this could be an opportunity to make big money. We could’ve made at least this much doing something else.”
“I could grab more out of the basket each week.”
“If we take anymore we’ll put ourselves in a position to get noticed. And if they catch us once, they’ll know we’ve been fucking them forever.”
“So what do you want to do? Are you ready to move on somewhere else?”
“Maybe. Let’s give it a little more time and see if we can crack something.”
In the afternoon Angela picks up the phone to call Eddie to set up a date for the upcoming week.
I watch her and recline on the couch in my mother’s living room. “This shouldn’t be awkward at all.”
“I’m just going to act like Halloween night between us never even happened,” Angela says. “I’ll just act like we’re normal, invite myself over to his apartment, and take things a little slower at a place where he’s more comfortable.” She looks at me, seeking feedback.
I shrug. “It’s worth a shot.”
She dials him and he answers. She attempts small-talk before saying, “So I was thinking we should get together in the next few days. How’s Tuesday night?”
Eddie doesn’t respond.
“Or another night would be fine too,” she adds.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about our relationship,” Eddie says.
“Uh huh.”
“And I’ve prayed a lot about it too, asking God for His guidance on what to do and what’s meant for the two of us.”
“I guess that’s good. What did God have to say?”
“Well, after really trying to open myself to His direction, I think the problem is that we’re not supposed to be together.”
“What? Why? And what problem are you talking about?”
“The problem of what happened after the Harvest Party. I was on the verge of committing a serious sin. We both were. But God stopped it from happening.”
“What are you talking about?”
“If we were married, we would’ve had sex and everything would’ve been fine. I wouldn’t have had the problem I had. But since we’re not, we were on brink of doing something seriously wrong. Luckily, God interceded to prevent it. The problem I had was a blessing, really.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“No, and that’s another reason I don’t think we should be together. We’re at different points in our spiritual journeys. I’ve been raised in God’s Word since I was born. But you’ve only just joined the church and are still coming to understand everything. And that’s not to say I’m any better than you or anything. I’m just fortunate in that I’ve had a more opportunity to develop myself spiritually and develop my relationship with Jesus Christ.”
“So since I haven’t been going to church as long as you, I’m not worthy to go out with you?”
“No, it’s not like that at all. It’s a compatibility issue more than anything. For example, when you tried to sleep with me that night, I know you thought there was nothing wrong with what you were doing. You were trying to show affection for me and you thought that was the way to do it, not realizing that that type of intimacy is only meant to occur within the sanctified institution of marriage. So, without even realizing it, you were actually acting as a tool of Satan by tempting me. A girl who had progressed more in her spiritual journey would’ve known that. And I think that’s probably the type of person I should be dating.”
“But you wanted it. I asked you if you wanted me and you nodded.”
“I don’t remember that.”
“I don’t care if you’re breaking up with me. But admit that you wanted to have sex with me. Admit that at that moment you could’ve cared less about burning in hell if it meant you got to fuck me.”
“Everything happened so fast. You were dragging me into the storage room and taking my clothes off before I even knew what was happening. And if I did say I wanted you, I was just temporarily weak, tempted to sin. The important thing is that God helped me and I didn’t.”
“God helped you by having you prematurely ejaculate the second I touched you?”
“You see, I had a feeling you wouldn’t be able to have this conversation without being vulgar.”
“What you’re saying is bullshit.”
“When you’re older and you’ve built a strong relationship with God, you’ll look back at this and realize how immature you’re being. And you’ll understand everything I’m trying to explain to you.”
“Whatever. I hope you find the virginal, nonsexual girl you’re looking for.”
“I really wish we weren’t going to end our relationship like this.”
Angela glances at me. Not wanting to sour my relationship with Britney she swallows her pride and says, “Yeah, you’re right. I’m just upset.”
“I understand.”
“It’s just that I liked you so much and I didn’t expect this.”
“It’s okay,” Eddie says. “Just pray and seek out God and He’ll help you through this … And for what it’s worth, I enjoyed the short time we spent together.”
“Yeah, me too. I wouldn’t mind still being friends either, if you think that’d be okay.”
“Of course. Britney and your brother are still together as far as I know. I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other. I think a friendship would be great.”
Angela hangs up the phone. “Shit. I’m pretty much done here. If you can’t figure out a way to make more money, I definitely think we should leave town.”
On a weekday I drove to Cassie’s house immediately after school. Shortly after three o’clock, she was in the kitchen wearing her school uniform – a white blouse under a light blue jumper. She ate strawberries out of the refrigerator. “Are you here to help me with my homework?” she asked.
“Sure. You play the innocent Catholic school girl and I’ll be the evil teacher who corrupts you. I may need a ruler or paddle or something.” I handed her an envelope full of cash and kissed her.
She leaned against the refrigerator and counted the money. “Have you seen the necklace that Terrell bought your sister?”
“Yeah, it’s pretty nice.”
“Why isn’t our relationship like that?”
“Like what?”
“I mean, it’s no big deal, but you don’t ever buy me anything.”
“Your parents buy you whatever you want.”
“So?”
“So what do you need?”
“I don’t need anything. That’s not the point.”
“What’s the point?”
“You know, you can buy someone something just because you love them.”
“I spend time with you because I love you.”
“Why couldn’t you spend money too?”
“I’m not used to having much money. I don’t really like spending it unless it’s for a good reason.”
“I’m not a good reason?”
“Well, what do you want?”
“I don’t want anything. Don’t you get that I don’t have to want or need anything for you to buy me something?”
“Not really.”
“Whatever. I guess you just don’t get anything.”
“I guess not. What difference does this make anyway?”
“What do you mean?”
“If I buy you stuff, you’ll love me more? Or you’ll believe that I love you? Or what? The more stuff I buy you, does that make you want to fuck me more? I’m trying to figure out what buying you random shit is going to accomplish.”
“You know, you can be a real jerk.”
I shrugged.
“You’re not supposed to be here anyway.”
“Why not?”
“I’m supposed to be grounded,” she said. “My parents are mad at me.”
“What’s new?”
“They woke me up Sunday morning when I was trying to sleep in. My mom did actually. She told me to go to the grocery store and buy milk. I asked why she couldn’t just go herself, but she yelled at me and gave me a credit card and told me to go. I got the milk. But on the way back, I saw a clothing store I had been wanting to check out. They were having a sale. I planned to stop in for just a minute, but I guess I lost track of time. I spent a few hundred dollars and the milk was bad by the time I got home.”
I shook my head. “Why do you do stuff like that?”
“It’s not like I planned it. I wanted to be sleeping.”
I looked at her uniform. “I can’t believe you have to wear this every day.”
“My only real choice is between this jumper and a yellow one.”
“So they’re determined to make you look like an Easter egg?”
“Pretty much.” She smiled. “I’m going to change. I feel like a dork wearing this around you.”
“You don’t need to. Stay here and let me undress you.” I took off her jumper. I kissed her and started to unbutton her blouse.
“When are you and Terrell doing the next house?” she asked.
“I don’t know. He’s busy lately.”
“So what?” She took a step back from me.
“So give it time.”
“He’s not the only one who’s a part of this. Why does everything depend on him? You could rob a house alone, couldn’t you?”
“No. I wouldn’t be comfortable even trying it alone.”
“I could help.”
“Please. What if something went wrong and we got arrested? Your parents might ground you a few extra weeks if you wound up in jail, don’t you think?”
“This sucks.” Cassie stood, wearing only her partially unbuttoned blouse and underwear. “So we have to sit around waiting on Terrell?”
“I’m sure it won’t be long. Besides, what’s your rush?”
“Terrell should accommodate us, instead of all of us accommodating him. I’m just saying we’re all taking a risk and expect to make money from it on a regular basis. Why do you let him control everything?”
“This whole scheme was my idea.”
“Exactly. That’s my point: You’re smarter than him. You should say what’s what. Everything shouldn’t hinge on him.”
“He has a lot of stuff going on in his life – work and family issues among other things.”
“You’re letting him order you around like you’re his dog or something.”
“You have no fucking clue.”
“Tell me how I’m wrong.”
“Your entire premise is wrong. Terrell and I work and make decisions together. Besides that, we’re friends and we do what’s best for me, him, Ariel, and you, even if you don’t realize it. He and I take the majority of the risk. All you do is hand me a key and you’ve made thousands of dollars from it. That’s extra cash on top of all the shit your parents already buy you. You’re a spoiled rich white suburban bitch. You know nothing.”
“So that’s what you really think about me?”
“Tell me how I’m wrong.”
“You’re such a fucking asshole.” She shook her head. “Why are you even with me since you obviously don’t give a shit about me?”
“I never said that.” I looked at her but she made no eye contact. “I do care about you, but maybe I should leave. I get the feeling you probably don’t want me here.”
“I never said that.”
I stopped and turned back to her.
“My parents still won’t be back a while. Can’t we, like, agree to play nice?”
“I really don’t understand you.”
Late in the week I drive to the University of Arkansas campus to have lunch with Britney. In the living room I find Angela on the couch watching a daytime talk show on TV and drinking a glass of Jack and Coke.
“What time is it?” I ask, glancing at the clock. “You’re already drinking at eleven forty-five in the afternoon?”
She looks at me and says, “I had a guy who I didn’t even like dump me. I think I deserve something to dull the pain. Besides, I’m bored. What else is there for me to do here?”
I look at her, then watch the television for a minute.
“Hey, I was thinking,” Angela says. “Now that you’re sleeping with Britney and she’s all in love with you, what do you think would happen if you went to her said you don’t believe a word of her whole religion?” She giggles. “I’d love to see her face. Her head would explode.”
“To stay with me, she would use her bibles and crucifixes to warm the fire.”
“Then once you get her to renounce all her beliefs, you dump her.”
“You’re an evil genius,” I say. “That’s why I like you.”
After driving to campus I join Britney in the Student Union, the same place we met, in the cafeteria on the second floor. I buy a spicy chicken sandwich and she buys a chicken salad sandwich from the Chick-Fil-A and we find a small, two-seat table along the wall.
“What class did you just come from?” she asks me.
“Geology,” I make up.
“I was just in Biological Anthropology. It made me so mad,” she says. “We had to read this article that said that humans are animals. Can you believe that?”
“Well, it is biology, right? Isn’t ‘homo sapiens’ an animal classification?”
“Maybe. But it’s just so ridiculous. We’re not animals. We have souls and we don’t behave like animals. We have the ability to separate right from wrong. I can’t believe they can teach something so wrong as truth at a college university.”
“Did you do anything about it?”
“I really wanted to raise my hand and say something during class when we were talking about it. I actually thought a lot of people would be angry and say something. But everyone just accepted it and discussed the article like it was no big deal. And then I didn’t want to be the annoying Christian girl disrupting the class. I don’t know … Maybe I should have said something though. Standing up for Christianity may have inspired other people in the class to stand up too. I think I was just scared. Do you think that was cowardly of me not to say anything?”
“No, not necessarily.”
“Then I was going to talk to the professor about it after class, but I didn’t want to be late meeting you here. I’m definitely going to write my professor an e-mail though. I think I’m going to invite him to church.” She bites into her chicken salad sandwich.
“Speaking of church,” I say. “I’ve really enjoyed being involved, taking up the collections on Sunday and everything. I’ve gotten pretty comfortable with it and I think I could do more.”
She smiles. “That’s so great. Do you have any idea what you want to do?”
“Not really. I like what I’m doing now. Ma
ybe something similar. I think I could handle more responsibility though.”
“You know the head collector George who takes all the money you and everyone else collects? Like, in a month or two, he’s having hip surgery and will be gone for a while. I think my dad already has someone lined up to take the job. You don’t have any seniority, so I don’t know if I can get it for you. But I can at least talk to my dad about it.”
“Sure, that’d be great. I’d love the job if you can get it.”
She pauses a moment, then says, “I was actually kind of surprised. My dad mentioned your name the other day.”
Stunned I ask, “Yeah? Why?”
“I guess you talked to him at the Harvest Party. I don’t know what you said but you must’ve really impressed him whatever it was. Anyway, remember the Faith Outreach program we were running? The one where we met? My dad wants to expand that program and is interested in you as a consultant. Since you were recruited to the church, he thought maybe you’d be good at recruiting others.”
“What would he want me to do?”
“I have no idea. I was kind of taken back when he said your name. I didn’t ask any questions. I just told him I’d talk to you.”
“Yeah, I’m interested. How about I talk to him next Sunday?”
Chapter Eighteen
A young man transplanted from Newark, New Jersey, to Memphis. He began peddling drugs, competing against Curtis. His operation wasn’t nearly as complex. He sold all the drugs himself, but his charisma and work ethic drew hordes of customers. Many of these customers he stole from Curtis’s street-level dealers. In an attempt to avoid violence, Curtis sent a messenger to offer him a job.
The young man, however, rejected the offer and continued stealing clientele. He even frequented Platinum Pleasures, a stronghold of Curtis’s customer base, and sold to strippers and club regulars.
To solve this problem, Curtis turned to Terrell.
The young dealer showed up on a Saturday, the club’s busiest night. Neither Curtis nor his crew was in the club. But in the back parking lot was an unmarked white van manned by a few of Curtis’s associates. Terrell’s job was to get the young man into the back of the van, at which point they would take over.
