Free The Roof is on Fire by Brenda Hampton

and turned around.
    â€œShoot,” she said, coming into the living room and plopping down on the couch. “I got hungry. I couldn’t sleep for nothin’, and my stomach kept on grumblin’. I need a loxtative or somethin’.”
    I didn’t bother to correct her; those days were long gone. If she didn’t care about her incorrect usage of words, neither did I.
    â€œI don’t know if those cheese puffs are going to help your stomach. You may want to try something like a banana or some yogurt.”
    â€œNo, thank you. I’ll stick to my cheese puffs and figure out my bowels later. Meanwhile, what you doin’ up so late?”
    â€œI’m watching a good movie on cable. I also had a lot on my mind and couldn’t sleep.”
    â€œLike what?”
    â€œYou know, like what’s up with this house. I wonder how all of it will end. I also have some ideas in my head to make it end sooner. I guess my question for you is what’s your take on all of this? What do you expect to gain and how serious are you about being the last person here? More than anything, are you staying for the money?”
    Jada didn’t hesitate. “You’re damn right I’m here for the money. Ain’t you?”
    â€œAt first I was. Now, I’m not so sure.”
    â€œThen, why else would you stick around? If it’s not for the money, then you may as well leave.”
    â€œNo, I don’t want to leave. I’m kind of enjoying myself here. Roc and Jaylin are a trip. I’m intrigued by both of them.”
    â€œI am too, but I’m more intrigued by winnin’ that money.”
    I paused for a moment to look at the TV. Truthfully, I was in deep thought again. “Let me ask you another question, Jada. Is there any way possible that, if I win, we can split the money? Or if you win we’ll split it?”
    â€œNo, ma’am, I’m sorry, there ain’t. I remember how it went down in that movie with Larenz Tate playin’ Frankie Lymon. He had all them wives, and after they agreed to split the money, Vivica Fox wound up takin’ the money and runnin’. Women can’t be trusted, and you know that I ain’t got no reason to trust you.”
    â€œNo you don’t, but I guess that’s something I’ll have to earn over time.”
    â€œGood luck with that.” Jada stood up. “I’m goin’ to the bathroom, then I’m goin’ back to bed. I had a weird-ass dream. Do you know what it means when you find yourself caught up in a bedroom with four men?”
    â€œIt means that you’re a freak with some serious sexual desires.”
    â€œI don’t know about all of that, but let me tell you what happened in my dream.”
    Jada started telling me about her dream. I cracked up and covered my mouth in disbelief. What kind of person had a dream like that? I couldn’t even picture Jaylin dancing to that song and begging her to be with him. Nor could I visualize Roc swinging on a pole and smacking his ass.
    â€œWere the grapes sweet?” I jokingly asked. “That was too funny.”
    â€œThe grapes were real sour, but, girl, the men showed up and showed out in my dream. Do you think I should tell them about it?”
    â€œNo, Jada, please no. They would think you’re out of your mind.”
    â€œThat’s what I figured. By the time Prince showed up, I was happy to get out of there. I started runnin’ for the door and they all came after me. Even the men in the orchestra chased me.”
    â€œWow. I don’t know what to say about that dream. The message behind it is so confusing. Have you had sex with a lot of men?”
    Jada looked up, seeming to be in thought. “Not really, but I don’t know what you might consider a lot of men. I’m sure I haven’t had more than you, but I could probably count the number of men I’ve had on both hands.”
    â€œWell, good