Free Keep It Movin' by L. Divine Page B

I’m supposed to be at the shop tomorrow, but there’s no time attached to my commitment. Netta has clients coming as early as seven in the morning, but she knows she won’t be seeing me until much later. Me and Mickey’s shopping day will have to wait until Sunday because tomorrow I’m all about making my money.
    â€œRah,” Faye says loud enough for everyone to hear, including Nia, whose high-yellow face has just turned a shade of deep red. I know she’s hot that Rah and I have maintained our friendship in spite of her hating-ass tricks. But like the rabbit says, tricks are made for kids, and I’m growing up. I can only hope she’s doing the same.
    â€œYeah, Rah. You know he’s good at working on cars. He and Nigel would love a new project.” I know they’re going to clown my ride, but I’m willing to take that risk if it means they can make it look better and drive safer. When I drove it a few weeks back I was surprised it made it up the steep hills in Redondo Beach.
    â€œBut your brother and sister aren’t here yet. Don’t you want to see them?” Now, my daddy knows they’re notoriously late for family events if they show up at all.
    â€œTell them I said Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.” I take my pile of food, kiss my stepmother good-bye, and head for the back door. I have to wait for my daddy to move the five cars blocking me in, but I’m ready to go, and he gets the message loud and clear.
    â€œOkay, baby. I know you can’t wait to show off your new ride,” he says, taking a quick bite from his plate before passing it back to Faye to cover up until he gets back in. She’s a good wife to put up with him and serve him like she does. Mama used to do that for Daddy, but he lost that privilege a long, long time ago. I’ll have to tell Mama about my day when she gets in from volunteering at the shelter later, if she’s not too tired. Otherwise I’ll catch up with her at Netta’s tomorrow. She has to drop off some hair products and I know she’ll want to take a look at my hoopty when she does.
    â€œThanks again, Daddy, and Merry Christmas, everyone,” I say to the whole lot of them without waiting for a reply. My dad’s busy collecting keys to reorganize the cars. At least when my brother and sister arrive they’ll have a good spot to park in.
    Too bad I didn’t bring my iPod to roll with. Maybe it’s a good thing. I need to focus and get to know my car better. I also need to pay attention to the road and keep up with Rah, who arrives right on time.
    â€œHey, Mr. Jackson,” Rah says from his open window. I can see Rahima in the backseat, knocked out. I guess she had a busy day at his grandparents’ house. If I could go back to being two I’d do it in a heartbeat. She has no idea of the drama that swirls around her.
    â€œHey,” my daddy says back to him. He’s never liked Rah too much and the feeling between them is mutual. My daddy finally moves the last car out of my way. I wave to Rah and get in my car, fasten the seatbelt and say a quick prayer to Legba that I make it home safely. I start the engine, which takes a few seconds to turn over, and gently press the gas. The loud roar of the engine sounds like a fart and smells like one too.
    â€œAre you sure this car is safe to drive?” I yell toward my daddy as he walks up the driveway, waiting for me to back out. He ignores my question and waves at me to get a move on. I know he wants to get back inside and rejoin the party and I just want to get a move on—period.
    â€œI’ll see you later, baby, and be safe,” he says. I pull off and follow Rah. I can’t wait to get to his crib and shake this day off in a real way.
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    By the time we arrive at my mom’s house, my car’s hotter than a chili pepper. I knew this car was a piece of shit and should’ve told my daddy so right