“Yeah, dude. And that's game,” Del says, rubbing salt into their wounds. “Take it like a man.”
“I would if you played like one,” Nigel says, throwing his own shit in the mix. “Y'all play worse than the Lakers when Shaq and Kobe were competing for best bitch of the league.”
“Who you calling a bitch?” KJ says, stepping out of Jeremy's face and into Nigel's. Even if Nigel stands a few inches shorter, KJ doesn't want to mess with him. Nigel was recruited to sack players for South Bay, and he'd be glad to do it right here on the basketball court, if need be.
“Is everything all right over here?” Mr. Adewale asks, catching us all off guard. Me and my girls are mesmerized by the scene, waiting to see who will throw the first blow. And Chance, Nigel, and Jeremy all look ready for the fight.
“Yeah man, everything's cool,” Nigel says, being the first to back down. “This game isn't over.”
“Anytime, any place, baby. You call it and I'll be there,” KJ says as he and his team retreat toward the locker room. “It's going to be my court no matter where we play.”
“We'll see about that,” Nigel says, passing the ball to Mr. Adewale as he comes over to give Mickey a kiss before heading back to the weight room. I hope he works off some of that frustration before he hurts someone.
“Jayd, you want a ride? From the looks of it, it's about to storm,” Mickey says, suddenly in a generous mood. There must be some magic in Nigel's lips because my girl's mood has completely changed.
“Yeah, thanks. Chance, are you okay?” I say, noticing the black scuff marks across his new kicksâand I know how sensitive dudes can be about their shoes.
“Yeah, I'm cool. Jeremy, you should've kicked his ass when you had the chance, man.”
“That's not the way to handle it, trust me,” Mr. Adewale says, dribbling the ball and shooting some practice hoops. I see he's got game, too. “But you should have a ref around next time, just in case.”
“You're right, man. Next time,” Jeremy says, responding to Mr. Adewale but looking at me. I think we should hit the road before I get into some trouble of my own.
“I have to get going,” I say, signaling my girls to get up. “Good game. I'm impressed with both of you.”
“Why thank you, Lady J,” Jeremy says as Chance takes Nellie by the hand, escorting her down the bleachers. “You ladies want to grab something to eat?”
“Oh, I can't. I've got a ton of work to do.” I wish I could hang out after school more, like other students do, but Mama would have my ass in a sling if I didn't stick to my regular schedule. “But how about tomorrow? It's an early day.”
“Tomorrow it is,” Jeremy says, helping me down too. I forgot how much of a gentleman he can be.
“And thanks for being our cheerleaders,” Chance says, kissing Nellie's hand as Mickey leads the way out of the gym. I think she's had enough of us and our white boys for one day.
“Mickey, do you have my sweater in the car?” Nellie says, getting in the back since I'll be dropped off first.
“No. I left it at home. I'll get it to you tomorrow,” Mickey says, starting the car as Keisha Cole and Missy Elliot blare out of her speakers, making the trunk shake.
“No, Mickey. I need it now. I have my outfit picked out for tomorrow and it includes my red Bebe sweater. You'll have to take me to your house to get it.”
“Ah, hell no. I've got to get home,” I say, emphatic about not going to the other side of Compton today. I'm not in the mood for seeing Mickey's family, her man included. “Besides, that's out of her way to go all the way to her house and then back to mine.”
“Not if she takes the 105. And besides, you were supposed to give me that sweater back weeks ago. I'm not getting out of this car until I have it in my hand.” Nellie can be more demanding than Mickey sometimes. It's a wonder they're friends at all.
“Fine. I'll give you your damned sweater,” Mickey says, barely catching the on-ramp to the 105 East from the 110. I don't feel good about this detour in my day at all. I knew I should've taken the bus home, even if it meant getting a little wet. It's better than dealing with Mickey's side of town any day.