She insisted that he was just a friend from the block, but was careful not to divulge his name. Rhonda mock-pleaded with Von not to kill her childhood friend, knowing damn well if he went looking for True, he’d likely be out of her hair forever. Though it was tempting, she didn’t want to be the cause of Von getting murdered, or True going to prison. After whispering lies about how she respected his gangsta too much to play him dirty, Von eventually calmed down.

After jetting upstairs to check on the kids, Rhonda came back down and got in the truck with Von. They hit a few spots in Harlem so he could check on a few things and see some people he knew. Rhonda didn’t mind, because the longer they stayed cruising, the less likely he was to ask for some pussy. As if reading her mind, Von suggested they get a room.

“Von, you know I can’t leave my kids in the house by themselves. I’ve been gone long enough,” she protested.

“Come on, baby. A nigga is backed up,” he pleaded.

Rhonda saw the thirst in Von’s eyes and decided to play on it. “Nah, Von. We can’t do that. I’ve got to cook dinner for the kids and I gotta meet somebody later on.”

“Who you gotta meet?” he asked.

“Nobody,” she replied.

“Rhonda, don’t fucking play with me. Its bad enough I come around and find you hugged up with some supposed friend, now you got a date and shit.”

“It’s not a date, Von.”

“Then what is it?”

Rhonda didn’t respond. Instead, she busied herself looking out the passenger’s window. Through reflective glass, she could see the insecurity in his face. She let a few dramatic seconds pass, then turned to face Von. “Listen, daddy, if I tell you where I’m going, you have to promise not to get mad.”

“Stop playing and tell me,” he demanded.

“Okay, this is the deal. Welfare is supposed to have been paying part of my rent, but I got a letter in the mail saying they fell behind with the payments. I’ve tried calling my worker, but keep getting the voicemail. If I don’t come up with the balance, they’re gonna try and put me and my kids out.”

Von’s eyes got wide. “What? Why didn’t you tell me you needed some bread?”

“Von, you know I don’t like to come to you like that. You do enough for me as it is.”

“So what’s up with this person you’re supposed to meet?”

“Well, I know a guy who works at this strip club. He says he’ll let me tend bar there a couple of nights a week so I can make a few dollars. The thing is … I have to tend bar topless.”