A Day in the Life (4 page)

2

              Just as I was making my way towards the circular stage at the foot of the club, I noticed a familiar face standing inside the DJ booth.

              "Tone?"

              He didn't hear me though, he had on his headphones and his eyes were locked on his computer screen.             

              "Miss Behavin' ain't tell me that Tone DJ'ed here," I said to myself. I felt more at home now, knowing he was here.

              As I sashayed towards the stairs, I received plenty of nods and compliments of approval. My head was growing big already.

              Suddenly, Britney Spears "Til the World Ends" boomed throughout the club and I could've snatched my heel off and threw it at Tone for playing this. Why couldn't he play me some Gucci Mane or Waka Flocka? I loved Britney and everything, but I twirked my ass way better to rap.

              I quickly realized that this club was an entirely different scene than the GP. The club owner had taken a non-ghetto approach with the club and that included watering down the music. Oh, well. I'd have to take the good with the bad. If Miss Behavin' said that there was money to be made than I had no choice but to believe her.

              I sashayed up the stairs that led to the stage and smiled as soon as the whistles as cat calling began. No matter what club I danced at, my effect on the crowd would never change.

              After wiping the pole off, I gripped and twirled around it before I did a quick ballerina-like spin around it. Yeah, I'd been shot in the back two weeks ago but luckily it didn't hinder my moves.

              I stayed away from my natural booty shaking and ass clapping but I worked the hell out of that bronze pole. As expected, men flocked to the stage and littered it with countless bills.

              J Lo's "On the Floor" followed the first track and by then I was really feeling myself. The music flowed throughout me as I swayed and gyrated to the rhythm. Flashing strobe lights reflected off me as I ran my hands seductively through my hair and moved my hips to the beat.

              A smile tugged at my lips as I watched Tone's fine ass approach the stage with a stack of bills in his head.

              Seeing him again reminded me of the flirting we shared at Gentlemen's Persuasion. He was six feet four inches tall with a solid build, dark brown skinned, and always sported a freshly lined fade. Always dressed to impress, it was obvious that his image was very important to him.

              I knelt down in front of him and did an enticing little dance.

              "Damn girl. Don't tease me," he said as he peeled off single after single and flicked each bill at me. "Come holla at me when you get down," he said.

              As soon as I got off stage, I was flagged down by an older black man. He appeared to be in his late fifties and wanted me to give his twenty-something year old wife a lap dance. Yeah, from time to time I ran across those types. I wasn't into women, but I'd be damned if I turned  down money. He paid me fifty dollars and I bounced my ass in her lap liked I'd been a lesbian for years. After I was done entertaining the couple, I headed over to the DJ booth to speak to Tone.

              "What's up stranger?" I smiled.

              "Shit, you the stranger," he smirked. "When did you get here? I ain’t even see you come in."

              "Not too long ago."

              "Check this out, I know you gotta make your money and everything, but why don't you slide me your number," he suggested. "Let me take you out."

              I smiled knowingly. "Now you know how I feel about dating people I work with"--

              "Look, you hollered all that shit at the GP. That was then. This is now. At least give me a chance. I'm a good nigga," he said. "I can do more than mix and scratch," he teased.

             I smiled. "Oh, is that right?"

              "Yeah. I know how to treat a woman."

              I winked at him. "We'll see," I said before exiting the DJ booth.

              Truthfully, after the shit that had Kevin had pulled on me, I didn't know if I was exactly ready to get close to anyone else.

              "Alright," he shrugged. "You're going to be missing out.

3

              I was actually beginning to like Susy's Secret more than the Gentlemen's Persuasion. The roster of dancers weren't so full so we each got a chance to go up on stage several times, whereas the GP we were lucky to go up twice. Of course, I was making a killing! Between working the floor and working the stage, I couldn't decide from the two which was more profitable. 

              As expected, I was the main target of hating and envious stares from the other dancers. Jealousy seemed as natural to these hating hoes as breathing. I even noticed a few dancers—who weren't making any money tonight—sitting together at the bar gossiping about me. Like really. All this money to be made and you'd rather sit up and talk about little ole' me? I loved the fact that I was a threat. It only boosted my confidence.

              "Excuse me?" a young guy called out to me as I was making my way to the back to freshen up.

              I usually tried to stay away from the young cats, but these men in here seemed nothing like the men from the GP.

              "Yes," I answered sweetly.

              "I was wondering if you might want to assist me to the VIP room?"

              I quickly took note of his appearance. Gucci jacket. Gators. Iced out watch. "Sure."

              "Hey baby. I'm back," a woman beside me said breathlessly as she walked up on us.

              I had yet to learn her stage name. She was an attractive Hispanic female but she didn't have shit on me.

              He looked at me and smiled. "Naw, it's cool baby girl. I found someone else who will escort me."

              The dancer immediately cut her eyes at me, before she stomped over towards the bar and joined the other hating ass dancers.

             
Women
.

              I followed him upstairs to the VIP room. This club was definitely a whole different ball park than the GP. Men had to pay two hundred dollars just to get in the VIP room and once they did get up there it was mandatory for them to buy a bottle of Champagne.

              I wasted no time as I stripped butt ass naked and gave him the dance of his life, and for eight hundred dollars I gave him the fuck of his life as well. Ironically, there was a shower room located upstairs. Apparently, the owners knew what was bound to happen behind closed doors.

              After refreshing, I headed back down to the club scene. Surprisingly, there was no one on stage entertaining all the paying customers. Just as I was heading to the back to see what was going on Tone approached me in a hurry.

              "I don't know where Carmen is. It’s her turn on stage. Can you go up for her? The boss will flip if he sees that no one is on stage."

              "Okay, I got you," I told him before he ran off back to the DJ booth.

              After I climbed on stage, Tone shot me a thumbs up.

              Usher's "Climax" blared throughout the speakers.

              This was my first time hearing this song, but the minute I heard the melody I was already feeling it. I worked the entire stage and hypnotized all the admirers with my body movements.

              Suddenly, the man whose world I had just got done rocking, approached the stage and made it rain like I'd never seen before. Immediately, he set off a chain reaction, because instantly men were running to the stage to shower me with bills. By the time the thunderstorm was over I could barely dance without slipping on a bill on the floor.

              Just like at the GP, Tone helped me collect all my money since the other dances were too busy sitting in their seats with their faces frowned up.              

              I ignored their envy and insecurity as I made my way towards the dressing room so I could put my money up.

              "Damn girl! See, I told you you were going to make money!" Miss Behavin' said at the sight of my money.

              "Yeah, I think I found a new home," I said.

              Miss Behavin' opened her mouth to say something but the sound of the dressing room door swinging open quickly grabbed our attention. The same Hispanic woman from earlier burst through the door with three other dancers standing behind her with their arms crossed.

              "Look, bitch I don't know where you came from or what they did at the last club you were at but you can't just be taking girl's turns on stage. You might as well be taking money out my pocket."

              I turned around to look behind me. Surely, she had to be talking to someone else.

              "Yeah, hoe. I'm talking to you!"

              Although I was seething inside, I managed to smile. "You must be Carmen."

              "Oh, now you know who I am. You didn't seem to care who I was when you were hopping your black ass on stage to take my turn! All that money you made was meant for me!"

              This bitch was obviously mad, because I had stolen her trick and supposedly her money as well. Just when I thought this place was a step up from the GP, I quickly figured out it wasn't. At the end of the day, the drama would never cease.

              I wanted to wring this hoe's neck for talking to me disrespectfully but I had just had surgery two weeks ago, and the last thing I should be doing is fighting.

              "I'ma let that one slide," I told her.              

              "Oh, you gone let that one slide?" she mocked. "What's that supposed to do? Scare me?"

              "Look bitch, I'm warning you." Now she was really beginning to piss me off.

              "Calm down, Taboo," Miss Behavin' said trying to de-escalate the situation.              

              "No, let the bitch get mad! I want to see what this hoe's abo"--

              Before she could finish I charged at her full speed and punched her dead in her big ass mouth. She dropped on to the floor immediately. Usually, I didn't believe in kicking someone when they were already down but I kicked and stomped the shit out of this hoe. In my head, I was envisioning this bitch as Diamond.

              I was kicking her ass like her mama should have before her friends jumped in to help. The first one I was able to hang with, but after the other two jumped in, I just knew it was a wrap for me...or at least I thought it was until Miss Behavin' jumped in to help me out.

              Seconds later the security guards rushed in and we were all five quickly escorted out. I had been fired my first day on the job!

              "Don't worry about it girl," Miss Behavin' said as she lit the filter to her Newport as we sat on the hood of my car across the street from Susy's Secret. "Luckily for me I got some money coming in tonight anyway."

              I looked over at her. "You do?"

              "Yeah. I'm going to a house party. Shit, there is money to be made outside of the clubs."

              Yeah, I knew all about that. I looked over at her and smiled. She was alright. She had lost her job all because she was sticking up for me. Now I felt bad for all the times, I had secretly downgraded and dissed her.

              "I just want to say thanks for having my back," I told her.

              "It ain't no problem. I'm sure if some hoes tried to jump me you'd have my back too," she said.

              I honestly couldn't say I would, but instead of telling her that, I said, "You already know."

              "Hey, look you're more than welcome to come to this house party with me. Free liquor and niggas with pockets full of cash."

              Yeah, she was alright indeed.

              "You're sure?" I asked.

              "Yeah. Shit, I need a ride over there anyway," she admitted.

              We burst into laughter.

4

              This "house party" was located in Euclid, Ohio which was a hell of a drive coming from the West Side of Cleveland, but if Miss Behavin' said it was money here then the ride would damn sure be worth it.

              The house wasn't what I would have expected. It was located in a beautiful cul de sac, and if it weren't for the dozens of cars lined up at the curb, one would've assumed this was a nice and quiet neighborhood.

              After parking my car, we exited together with our rolling suitcases in tow.

              "This is a nice house," I said as we approached the front door.             

              "Girl, wait ‘til you see the inside," she said.

              "How many times have you been here?" I asked her once she reached the door.

              "I come here every week and I always leave with paper," she bragged.

              Before she could knock on the front door, it swung open. "What's up Miss Behavin'," a large ball headed guy with a full beard greeted her. He pulled her into a bear hug before his eyes wandered over towards me. "Damn, and I see you brought a fine ass friend with you. Damn you sexy," he said nearly drooling at the mouth. "What's your name?"

              I held my hand out for him to shake to show this motherfucker I was still a lady first. "Taboo."

              "Damn, why they call you Taboo?" he asked.

              "Because she gone put a spell on your thirsty ass if you don't let us in the damn house, now move!" Miss Behavin' yelled before she barged inside.

              I giggled as I followed her indoor.

              My mouth nearly hit the carpet. This had to be one of the most beautiful houses I had ever seen—that wasn't on MTV Cribs. Mini mansion seemed a more suitable word than house. This place was magnificent. I couldn't wait to see what type of money was up in here.

              Tyga's "Rap City" was booming throughout the house. Men were chilling, drinking, and smoking.

              "Where're the other dancers?" I asked Miss Behavin' cautiously.

              "They're in the living room. Chill," she said. "Come on. Let's go upstairs and get dressed."

              I immediately hoped I wasn't wasting my time. There was no way I was going to shake my ass for some niggas who would rather pay each other more attention than me.

              I followed Miss Behavin' to a bedroom at the furthest end of the hall. The entire carpet and walls were pink and strangely there was no furniture in the room. I wanted to ask Miss Behavin' what was up with that, but thought better than to ask a million questions.

              This time I wore a sexy fishnet body stocking which revealed all the goods. If these men spent money like Miss Behavin' said then it was either go hard or go home.

              "Damn, you look good enough to eat," Miss Behavin' said as we exited the room.

              We made our way downstairs and into the living room where the party was really happening! There was no pole so the floor was our stage to do what we pleased. I had never did any house parties or bachelor parties before so this scene was completely new to me.

              The men here seemed a lot more aggressive than the men in the club mainly because there were no limitations here. Miss Behavin' and I watched as two strippers performed some intense girl on girl action with one another in the middle of the living room while the men stood around throwing money at them. Unbeknownst to the strippers, they were even being recorded by a few men using their cell phone's video cameras.

              Suddenly, I felt sick to my stomach! The woman with her head buried between the dancer's thighs looked about five or six months pregnant and was completely showing! The scene was unbearable to watch so I quickly turned my head.

              "I'm about to mingle," Miss Behavin' said. "I suggest you do the same."

              I watched her saunter away.

              Fuck mingling. I wanted to get the hell out of here after seeing some trifling shit like that. Yes, I was stripper but even a few of us had a little self dignity left. I mean, if you don't have any respect for yourself at least have some for the baby.

              Just as I was preparing to go upstairs and get dressed my path was quickly blocked by a heavy set man with dreadlocks.

              "Hey, beautiful," he smiled.

              The minute he said hey, his halitosis slapped me right in the face.

              I ignored him as I walked around him hwoever he quickly grabbed my arm.

              "Come on now, you're too pretty to be one of those types," he said.

              I raised an eyebrow in skepticism. "Those types?"

              "Yeah. The stuck up type."             

              I snatched my arm away. "I was just leaving."

              "Now wait a minute. Damn, shorty. I just wanted to holla at you."

              If he did anymore hollering, I just might've passed out from his funky ass breath. I prayed that he wouldn't say anymore words that began with the letter H.

              "Look, I got money. That ain't a problem," he said pulling out a wad of cash.

              Some motherfuckers were just obnoxious.

              "I'm sorry," I told him. "I have to go." And with that said I ran upstairs to get redressed.

              As soon as I opened the door to the furnitureless bedroom I saw an image that would unfortunately be stuck in my mind for a long time.

              Miss Behavin' was getting dicked down three guys on the carpet. One had his dick in her from behind, the other had a dick in her mouth, and one guy was just standing over her, jacking off as he watched the entire thing.

              I quickly grabbed my things and ran out the room before I saw anymore—not that there was anything worse than what I had already seen.

              I pulled my jeans on as I descended the stairs and briskly walked out the front door. That nasty ass hoe would have to find her own way home.

              Just as I was fishing for my car keys in my purse, I heard footsteps approach me from behind. Flashbacks of the night I had been robbed and shot instantly came to mind and I quickly turned around to see who was behind me. To my dismay, it was ole' Stank Breath.

              "Damn. You leaving the party already?" he asked.

              "Yes. I am," I smiled.

              He continued to approach me. "Damn, that's too bad."

              I hurriedly went to unlock my door but he quickly crushed his weight against mine as he pinned me against my car.

              "I hate bitches like you," he said. "Ya'll hoes act like ya'll too good for a nigga. You don't want my money. You don't want my time. Damn," he chuckled. "You must just want a nigga to take it!" he said pressing his erection against my thigh. "Is that what it is? Huh?" he asked rocking his erection back and forth against me. "You want a nigga like me to take it?"

             He quickly fumbled with unbuttoning his jeans and I wasted no time as kneed him in the groin. He keeled over in pain instantly, and I used this to my advantage as I unlocked and swung the driver's door open. The door collided with his head instantly and he fell over in pain.

              I immediately kicked him in the side. Hell, I would get paid one way or the other for tolerating this mess. I quickly ran over to him as he lied in a fetal position on the pavement. Rummaging through his pants pocket, I quickly snatched out the wad of money he was previously flaunting. After hopping into my car, I sped off.

5

              I was on a roll tonight and feeling myself maybe a little more than I needed to be. Instead of taking the intersection that led me home, I was headed to a completely different destination. I knew the last thing that would set this night off.

              Thirty minutes later, I pulled into the parking lot of Morris Black Projects. Once home sweet home, now a nightmare I wanted nothing more than to just forget about. But I couldn't forget about it. At least not until I confronted this bitch, Diamond.

              "I just want to talk. I just want to talk," I told myself repeatedly as I exited my car.

              I slowly made my way towards her unit which was directly across the parking lot from mine.

              This hoe had been secretly scheming on me all along. She merely smiled in my face just to turn around and stab me in the back...well technically shoot me in the back. I had did nothing but be there for the woman. When her electricity got turned off, I was the one there giving her the money to get it turned back on. When she needed money because her food stamps weren't here, and her kids were starving, I was putting food in her refrigerator. Why would this bitch want to betray me like that? The more I thought about the more it pissed me off.

              I grew even more upset at the sight that her living room light was on. I would have felt more comfortable if the bitch would have shot me then fled town but she didn't. No, this bitch was bold.

              As I approached her door, I tried to come up with something to say. I knocked on her door twice.

              "Who is it?" she called out in that irritating ass tone of hers.

             I remained silent.

              "Who is it?" she asked again, this time her voice was closer.

              I covered the peephole with my index finger and knocked twice again.

              As expected, this simpleminded hoe swung the front door open with an attitude. At the sight of me her eyes got wide in disbelief as she took in what she was seeing.

              "Yeah, bitch you thought I was dead?"

              That was not what I had planned on saying, but just the sight of her set me off.

              She quickly tried to slam the door in my face, but I barged in and commenced on whipping her ass in her own apartment.

              I slung her two timing ass all over her house knocking lamps over and shattering glasses. Her oldest son ran out of his bedroom to see what the commotion was, but by then I was hitting her in the head and skull with a closed fist.

              "Get off of my mommy!" the eight years old screamed as he ran up on me and began punching and kicking my back. Normally I would never strike a child, but I didn't think twice when I kicked his ass off me.

              By the time I heard the faint sirens in the distance, I had busted her up real good. Honestly, I wanted her to feel my pain, but since I didn't have the balls to pick up a gun and shoot her in the back then a good ole' ass whooping would have to suffice.

              I let her punk ass drop to the floor as I grabbed my stuff off the floor and headed towards her door. As soon as I twisted the knob and opened the door several police officers barged in the house.

              Before I knew it, I was in handcuffs, having my rights read to me.

              Was it worth it? I heard that familiar voice ask me as an officer led me to the back of a squad car.

              Was it worth it?

              The officer slammed the back door in my face and instead of leaving the projects in an ambulance. I was instead leaving in the back of a police car…