Free Maya's Choice by Earl Sewell Page B

before my mother and Martin awoke. I knew that my mother didn’t really care where I was going, and I damn sure knew that Martin didn’t. I knocked on Toya’s door and waited for her to answer it. When Toya opened the door she had a black scarf tied around her hair, some baggy gym shorts and a tank top with the words What Are You Looking At? typed across her bosom.
    â€œDamn, yo’ ass is up early. Are you that frantic to get to do this?” Toya threaded her eyebrows and frowned.
    â€œI had a bad night and needed to get out of that house,” I explained as I followed her to her room.
    â€œIt’s cool, I understand.” Toya gazed at what I was wearing.
    â€œAt least you don’t have on those damn flip-flops today,” she said before entering the bathroom. I continued on to her bedroom and sat on a chair positioned against her window. Her son was in the bed asleep on his back, so I wanted to make sure I remained quiet. When Toya returned she was unwrapping her head scarf.
    â€œWho is going to watch your baby for you today?” I asked.
    â€œHis daddy is coming over to get him,” Toya said as she yawned.
    â€œWhat time is he coming?” I asked. Toya glanced at an alarm clock that read 10:45 a.m.
    â€œHe should be here by noon,” she said, moving around the room and getting dressed. Once she was dressed she pulled out two duffel bags and tossed one to me.
    â€œI have an extra one. You can use it,” she said. “That way there’s no confusion about who earned what today.”
    â€œSo, not only do I have to lift stuff, I have to carry my things,” I said, taking the bag.
    â€œYou’re on your own, girl. Everyone has to start somewhere. We’ll each work opposite sides of the street. When you reach the end of the street, turn around and make another pass. After that, head home and we’ll meet back here,” Toya said.
    â€œI’m nervous as hell,” I confessed.
    â€œI was nervous my very first time, too, but you’ll get over it, I promise.” Toya tried to ease my fears.
    â€œHere.” She tossed me her stun gun. “You can have it. My boyfriend is bringing me a new one when he comes to pick up his son.”
    â€œThank you,” I said, turning it on to make sure that it was fully charged. I was going to leave it with Toya until we returned, but decided to toss it into the bag she’d given me.
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    By the time Toya and I arrived, the festival was in full swing. The streets were lined with white tents where vendors sold their merchandise and there was a massive crowd of people. Music seemed to be coming from every direction and no matter where I turned there was something going on. Either someone was paying for a souvenir, buying food or watching the street performers.
    â€œThis is perfect and should be easy pickings because there are plenty of distractions.” Toya purposely spoke into my ear.
    â€œI see that,” I said, fascinated by the spectacle of it all.
    â€œThis is where we part ways. I’ll see you back at my place later tonight. Hopefully, we’ll both earn enough cash andprizes to make our pockets fat.” Toya grinned like a very satisfied cat. “Good luck,” she said and walked away.
    I adjusted my duffel bag, which was slung over one shoulder, and began walking through the crowd. The event was without question one that brought together many people from different cultures. Black, white, Latino and Asian. As I made my way through the throngs of people, I spotted a man wearing a red, white and blue summer short set with Puerto Rico spelled out across the back of his shoulders. He was riding a bicycle with a trailer hitch, towing two barrels of Popsicles he was selling. I thought he’d make a good target but I’d have to wait until he got off the bike. After following him for a while, I decided to move on and find some other person, because it would be too much