Read Online Hustlin' by L. Divine - Free Book Online Page A

laughs at the sight.
    â€œOh, I remember that,” Mama reminisces. “She learned not to mess with us, now didn’t she? Never piss off your cook or your hairdresser, Jayd. Remember that.”
    â€œGirl, your Mama showed that uptight wench who was the real queen that day. Here, read for yourself, Jayd. These lessons are now yours to absorb, too.”
    Oh great, more work. See what I’m saying?
    Mama looks at me as if she heard my thoughts and I know I’m in for it now. “You must listen to Netta and follow all of her directions, Jayd. No sassing ever, you hear,” she says.
    Netta flips through the pages—there must be at least five hundred or more.
    â€œYes ma’am,” I answer. Netta points me back out of the small room and back into the salon where she and Mama resume their hair session.
    â€œNow Jayd, working here is no easy task and I know you’ve got a lot on your plate, but I also know that you can handle it, starting Friday. I have regulars on the weekends that are very particular, but you’ll learn. Also, never let anyone back to the shrine, or let them see the spirit book. Certain things are for our eyes only.”
    â€œAnd all of the clients don’t know ’bout her powers or that she is still my best friend, so keep your mouth shut and be careful of what you hear.”
    I know how they get to talking in the beauty shop. That’s why Mama has her very own day reserved.
    â€œWe’ve always had the touch, Jayd, that’s no secret. But keeping it is. Using other people’s thoughts against them is not only wrong, it’s as close to a sin as I believe there is. That’s how people get tricked and used, basically become zombies for others to use up. We never want to drain people, Jayd, especially not those we love. That’s not how we get what we want.”
    I remember how scared Trish looked when she found out I was still braiding Rah’s hair. I wonder—if I concentrated hard enough, could I get inside of his head?
    Reading my devious expression, Netta scolds me with her eyes. “We fortify the mind, not strip it. Use your powers for good, little queen. You’ll learn soon enough how to get everything you want, and more, without scheming. Remember that and you’ll do just fine.” Netta curls a perfect bump onto Mama’s crown. I guess my cleansing worked for her, because she’s definitely got her mojo back now. “Now, finish reading about the lady with half a crown, and after you’re done with that, please finish putting the finishing touches on the decorations and sweep the floor.”
    Working with Netta’s going to be a lesson all its own, and with Mama right here I’m sure I’ll get the lessons of a lifetime. I’m just glad to be here and close to home for a change, even if it does mean more work for me. That’s just how the hustle goes sometimes, I guess. And we hood folks know all about getting our hustle on.

4
    Straight Outa Compton
    â€œNiggaz start to mumble, they wanna rumble/
Mix em and cook em in a pot like gumbo.”
    â€”N.W.A.
    Â 
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    I didn’t get a chance to talk to Mickey or Nellie at all because of my AP meetings all day yesterday. Now that they’re not talking again, it’s going to be difficult hanging out. I thought after the game this past weekend everyone would resume chill status, but I was so wrong. Rah has been busier than ever, trying to get as much paper as he can in his hands before the holidays and before his court date. He’s got a good lawyer, but she’s not free. I miss Rah when he’s not around, but I understand all too well about getting your hustle on.
    Speaking of hustling, Mickey’s ain’t so tight these days. All of her drama is seeping into other people’s lives, including mine, and my school friends are already too close to home as it is. I was always uncomfortable with the fact that