November 10, 2007

  • TSICT - Pt.2

    So that was Monday.  Tuesday and Wednesday we don't talk at all.  Usually one of us will call the other while I'm at work.  Thursday night, I'm re-packing my suitcase one more time.  I always feel that I'll leave something behind that I'll really need, like that orange-hued lip gloss or that ring that I like to wear with the black dress or the one hair product that I'll absolutely need to manage my mane.  My phone rings.

    "I'm A Hustla, I'ma I'ma Hustla Homie"

    It's Char.  She's a Hustler, forreal.  Always has a side gig of some sort that she's trying out.  She can do a lot of random things, like the living room table she glued rocks on the top to make her own specialized motif for her college apartment.  Like knowing the right shades and blending techniques for eyeshadow that make me look 'not-so-made-up' but made up because she has her cosmetology license.  Like getting in on the investment properties business because the real estate market is the up and coming thing.  She always knows how to keep money coming into her pockets, but NEVER spends more than absolutely necessary.  My phone has ring tones for each special person in my life.  Char's is the hook from Cassidy's "I'm a Hustla," with Jay-Z doing the chorus. 

    It's so fitting, too, because she's Hip Hop Head to her heart.  She always has a CD in her disc player that you can only nod your head to.  Don't get it twisted, she loves the Down South music, too, the kind that made you dance all night, but she loves that "New York ish."  The very first New Year's Eve we spent together, Char and I drove from Tampa to Atlanta to stay with Rai for those days.  Char made it known how much she was not looking forward to the ride with the "Queen of R&B" music listener that I am.  Haha.  She survived.

    "Hello."

    "Pimp Nik."

    "That's me."  Instead of ringtones, Char has code names for everyone in her phone.  I'm Pimp Nik because she said I never cared about the negroes....hahaha.  I'm wondering why she's talking all soft, like a little kid.  She's using her 'I hope you aren't mad at me' voice.

    "What are you packing?  Are you packing many swim suits?"

    "You know it!  Aren't you?"

    "Well, I've convinced Dannie to bring a swim suit but I don't know how many I want to bring and are you bringing clothes for going out?"

    "I'm bringing a few club outfits, but I figured we'd just end up going to Kelvin's spot."

    "Yeah, you know he's already called me and harassed me about coming through.  The good thing is we'll drink free all night, especially if Laurie's working.  You know she pours all liquor and a splash of chaser."

    "Yeah....just like I like 'em!  What time y'all leaving?  C-lah and I land at 11."

    "We'll leave here around 4am.  Dannie's driving so we plan on leaving early enough to be there when y'all land."

    "Well, y'all need to go to bed and get some sleep."

    "Yeah we are."

    We talk a little more and then hang up.  I check my suitcase one more time - you can never be too sure.  In 12 hours, I'll be in Florida heading for the beach.  We had everything lined up:  Clearwater Beach on Friday; St. Pete Beach Saturday; Siesta Key Sunday.  We'd hit up Wet Willies, Blue Martini, Mirage, and several other spots in the area.  Char is always the event planner for our get togethers.  She knows many places to hit up and is the Queen of Networking, so she's always finding the spots.