Out of Pocket

A Full Stable

I double-time it back to school just in time for the lunch bell. Damn, I just missed both of my mid-term classes. I take a seat at my usual lunch table. I am sure principal Moore will let me make up the tests at a later date for what I am doing for him. All hustles require prep time, and he knows this. Plan your work and work your plan is straight from the pimp playbook.

Vixenett sits and slides next to me. "You ready for this road trip? Principal Moore gave me all the details. Who else is rolling? Mack?" She slides a manila envelop in front of me. "Principal said all the stuff to get the job done is in here."

I hold the envelop in both hands. Vix gonna love that Moet is in the squad I assembled. "We rollin with Mack, and the new girl, Moet. You three will be my look outs."

"Uh-uh," Vixenett scowls. "That girl got the boot. She no longer go here. Broke, ho."

Mack steps up to the head of the table. "What time does the limo get here?" He beams a wide smile. "Hollywood here I come, baby." He fist bumps Vixenett and looks at me wide eyed. "Your bottom here told me everything, cousin. Let's get it."

"Lets," I say. I still do not feel good about doing this. But way to much is on the line now. My rep, my and Macks graduation status, and this intriguing new relationship with Moet.

Vixenett stands. "Our ride awaits at the front of the school." She turns and mumbles as she fast walks away. "I cant believe that broke ho is going."

"My man, Riff." Mack says quiet. "The new girl coming with us? You work fast player. I guess I'll let you have her. No hate'in  this way on a playa holiday... to Hollywood."

"Thanks dog," I say. "I just hope her lookout game is as good as her look. This trip is business and pleasure, Mack. I'm gonna need you on your toes. The business end of this trip has the potential to get deadly."

Mack tilts his head to the side. "I got your back on all aspects of the gig. Let's go to Hollywood. Come on."

*** 

The limo slows to a stop in front of Moet's house. The partition panel between the driver's compartment and us lowers, and the driver looks back. "Is this the correct address, Mr. Jenkins?"

I peer through the dark tinted glass and see the pink monstrosity of a house. "This be it."

Vixenett leans forward. "What a dump."

The driver exits and opens the door. Before I can get out Moet pops her head in. "Hay, yall."

Vixenett scrunches back deep into her seat.

I cant fight back the smile at the sight of Moets pretty eyes. She is so damn fine with her Southern hospitality. "Mack, Vix, I believe you know Moet."

She slides in next to Mack and runs her hands down the leather seat. "This is tight."

"It is." Mack leans her way with a glass of bubbling white liquid. "Can I fix you a drink? This ride is fully stocked."

"Yes you can," she looks around the cab with a smile. "I'll have whatever yall drinking."

"The good stuff." Mack pours her a glass, hands it to her, and then raises his. "To Tupac, Aaliyah, Left Eye, and the great Roger Troutman."

Vixenett forwards me a glass filled to the rim with the same bubbling liquid. "I'll drink to that." I raise the glass up. "And also to the newest member of my family. In life... until death. Ms. Moet."

As the limo pulls off Mack takes the elixir completely to the head. "CMB! On and on! Hollywood here we come!"

On our ride I breakdown the fun, and business part of our trip. We are all the descendants of hustlers, and students of the pimp game. I am confident we all know what will happen if this goes south... a beat-down at minimum, death in a back ally not out of the question. I stress flawless execution, and everyone understands.