GHETTO SUPERSTAR (7 page)

Spade looked at her. “I seen her hanging around for a while. She wouldn't have been here that long as pretty as she is if Pops didn't have a vested interest in her.”

“She is a pretty young thing, but you know your pops ain't interested in nothing young but a piece of chicken.”

“As pretty as she is, maybe Pops is changing his ways.” Spade continued to admire Fabiola.

“No, I don't see it,” he assured Spade.

“But you can't be sure, since you didn't see him going out last night alone either.”

Tonk took offense. “That's a low blow.”

“No offense. I know you love Pops but I am about to get this motherfucker and beat the block. Let me know if you know hear anything.”

“You know I will.”

Fabiola ended her conversation with Toy after Spade walked off. Tonk was walking down the hall away from the crowd and Fabiola wanted to catch up with him, but another person got in her way.

This time it was the chick dressed like the pregnant nun that approached him.

“I know this is a bad time, but do you happen to know the combination to the safe that Casino keeps at my house? I need to pay some of the bills that Casino normally takes care of.”

“Fuck naw, I don't know the combination to any safe anywhere. And if I did, I wouldn't tell you.” Tonk was amazed at how these money-hungry bitches were scheming while Casino was
lying in a hospital bed fighting for his life. “I do know this, though: I'll be by your place tonight to pick up that safe until I get word to do different—and it better be there when I show up.”

“Excuse me, Miss,” Jake said to the pregnant nun. “I need to talk to Tonk.” She rolled her eyes and walked off with her tail between her legs.

“Where'd you come from?”

“I just got here,” Jake said, giving Tonk dap. “How is shit going? And how the fuck did this shit happen?”

“Shit is still shaky. I'm not sho what went down. I heard five niggas just opened fire on him with techs while he was on his way inside Jackie's Halloween party. But right now,” Tonk said, “I'm more concerned about my man's health and trying to keep some order around this here place.”

“I feel you,” Jake said, slowly shaking his head. There was an awkward silence between them. “Is Spade up here?”

“Naw, man, he just left him. Had you been here earlier you could have caught up with him.”

Jake ignored where Tonk was trying to take the conversation and continued with his own. “I've been hitting that nigga all morning and he ain't answering.” Jake took a step closer to Tonk. “Spade do got the work, don't he? 'Cause I need to cop. It's the first of the month.”

“I'll let him know that you're looking for him when I talk to 'im.”

Fabiola sat down and began to digest everything that she had seen and heard. Knowing that everybody wanted Casino's money and really didn't care about him made her really want to get in and see him even more.

Roxy came back and handed Tonk a coffee. “Here you go.”

“Thanks, Roxy.”

“Look, Tonk, I need you to get some of these people out of
here. And we need to make sure for Casino's sake that none of these damn beggars get back there to stress him out.”

“You are so right. I want him to rest, that's all, so he can get himself out of here.”

Fabiola decided that she couldn't expect Tonk or Roxy to help or understand why she needed to see Casino.

She thought for a minute and then finally it hit her:
Aunt Rose!
Her aunt Rose had been working in the hospital's dietary department since before Fabiola was born. She didn't hestitate to give everybody a piece of her mind and her ass to kiss when she felt they needed it. Her coworkers knew how she was, and everyone from the doctors to the janitors loved her. If anyone could figure out a way for Fabiola to see Casino, it would be her aunt Rose.

After a couple of minutes of scrolling through the numbers in her phone—not finding what she was looking for—Fabiola dialed her mother's number. After someone picked up on the other end, she asked, “Ma, what you doing?”

“Looking for you,” Viola said. “I've only been calling you all day.”

“I'd left my phone in one of my other pocketbooks earlier, and been tied up for the past six hours. What's going on?”

“For one, your salsa lessons have to be rescheduled because the instructor had an emergency.”

“Is that all?” Fabiola mumbled under her breath.

“I heard that.”

“I'm sure you did, Ma. You don't miss much.”

“No, I don't. And if I were you I would want to remember how important it is for you to keep up with all your lessons, they'll keep you so much ahead of the game.”

Fabiola joined her mother in unison,
“Because that's what it's all about, being on top of your game.”

“Stop mocking me, child.”

Fabiola laughed. “Mom, just trying to add some humor to your day, that's it. You know I know you all too well. Why else were you calling me?”

“I need you to come by so we can get you prepared for the photo shoot. You know I've never stopped sending your music out, and one of the music execs that I met in New York finally responded. I sent him a package a week ago. He heard you sing, loves your voice, and wants to see photos of you,” Viola said enthusiastically. “You know how they do; they want to see if your look is marketable, and you and I both know that it is.”

“A'ight, Ma, that sounds good, but can you do me a favor?”

“What is it?”

“I need Aunt Rose's number.”

“Did you hear me?” Viola asked. “I have some people lined up that want to take a serious look at you.”

“Yes, I heard you.”

“Aren't you excited?”

“Yes, Mommy, yes I am, but I need Aunt Rose's number.” Fabiola wanted her mother to take off her manager's hat for a moment.

“Then why don't you sound like it?”

“Because I got some heavy stuff on my mind and I really need the number.”

“What can be heavier than the great news I just laid on you?”

“Ma,” Fabiola continued, “can you please just give me the number; it's very important.”

“Not half as important as what I am saying. Do you understand this man has called three times asking about you?”

“Okay good. Mommy, we will get the pictures done. I promise. Now please give me Aunt Rose's number.”

“What do you want with her?”

“I promise I will fill you in on everything later.”

“All right then, but I need you to head over here so we can work out the details for the photo shoot.”

“Okay,” she agreed. “Now, can you give me the number, please?”

“Here's the damn number, girl. Sometimes I just don't understand you.”

After writing it down, she said, “A'ight Mommy, thanks. Talk to ya later.” She hung up the phone, but before she could dial the number she had written down, her phone rang. It was her boyfriend, G.P.

“Hey, G.P.,” Fabiola answered. “Can I call you back in a minute? I need to make a call real quick.”

“I just need to holla at you for a second, that's it. I've been calling you all day and the phone been going straight to voice mail.”

“I didn't have my phone with me today.”

“Well, I need to see you.”

“Cool. Let me make this call real quick and then I am going to call you back.”

“Promise?”

“Yes, I promise.” Fabiola hung up the phone with G.P. and finally made the call to her aunt Rose, who was as crazy as a bedbug and loved Fabiola more than anything.

“Good morning,” someone answered, “SPCA, can I help you?”

“Hello?” Fabiola said, confused.

“Have you had your dog spayed or cat neutered?”

“Huh?” Thinking she may have dialed the wrong number, she said, “Aunt Rose?”

“That's what's wrong with this world today; everybody's too
busy to look after the welfare of the little kittens and little doggies.”

“I'm sorry,” Fabiola apologized. “I must have the wrong number …”

“What number you trying to reach, Fabs? You don't want to talk to me because I'm an animal activist today?”

“Aunt Rose?” she questioned. “Why are you talking about four-legged animals?”

“Duh …” Aunt Rose mocked, “because the ‘four-legged animals,’ as you call them, can't speak for themselves.”

Fabiola laughed. “I need your help, Auntie.”

“Anything, sweety, as long as I don't have to lie, cheat, or steal to do it.”

“No, you won't have to do any of those things.”
She didn't say anything about smuggling
, Fabiola thought. “It's just a small favor, that's all.”

“You always dragging on a damn conversation,” Rose accused. “This isn't the last note of a song. It's a conversation, baby. You ain't get that from my li'l sister, that's fo sho. Yo mother never did beat around the bush, especially when it came to trying to get what she wanted.”

“I need to get into the hospital to see someone,” Fabiola finally blurted out.

“Oh chile, that's my domain.”

Fabiola could hear the sound of dogs barking coming through the phone. “The SPCA or the hospital?” Fabiola teased.

“Both. But I was referring to the hospital.”

“I need to get in to see someone, but I'm not on the family visiting list.”

“A piece of paper never stood between me and what I wanted to get done. And besides, I think it's good for you to visit your
friends sometimes. All of that time you spend singing, and this lesson and that lesson, running here and there, doing this and that, you need to have some fun of your own, you still young, girl. You can't keep living your mother's dream.”

“It's my dream, too,” Fabiola cut in, “but I do agree that I need a break now and then. That's why I really need you to help me get in to see my friend.”

“You know I'll do anything I can to help you”—Rose raised her voice to be heard over the barking dogs—“after all, you are my favorite niece. Just don't tell Adora that I said that.”

“I won't.” Fabiola smiled.

“When do you want to see this friend?”

“Tomorrow, if it's okay with you?”

“You're gonna have to rise with the roosters.”

“That won't be a problem.”

“And you gonna have to come over and walk the dogs and cats for me one day.”

“Again, that won't be a problem.”

“And after you make it big you'll go back to school to be a veterinarian?”

“Ummmm, that might be a problem.” Not wanting to lie to her aunt, she said, “We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.”

Satisfied with her negotiations, Aunt Rose said, “Deal, baby. Meet me at six
AM
, where you dropped me off that time, and Aunt Rose gonna make it happen for you, you hear?”

The next morning, Aunt Rose was waiting at the prearranged spot when Fabiola walked up. Rose looked at her watch: 6:01. “You're late.”

“I got caught in morning traffic.”

“Just put this on”—Rose handed her a white smock—“and follow me.”

They made it past the nurses station on Casino's floor without incident. “I'll check on you in about twenty minutes,” Aunt Rose said. “If you need me before then—call.”

“Okay. Thanks, Auntie.”

The first thing Fabiola saw when she stepped into the room was Tonk asleep in a chair next to Casino's bed. Casino was awake.

Casino slowly looked up, connected to an IV. For a brief moment Fabiola felt sorry for him. He looked worn and haggard, like a piece of old leather that had been stretched to its limit. Fabiola wanted to let him rest, but she didn't come all this way to punk down. Fabiola's heart raced, and she felt unsure as she began to speak to him.

“Mr. Casino, please don't be alarmed,” she said, tiptoeing closer to him. “I'm not coming to ask for any money, as I'm sure others have.”

He looked like he wanted to respond, but Fabiola stopped him. “Save your energy, I can tell you're tired. I want to assure you that you can relax around me. I just want to say a few things to you.” He tried to speak again but seemed to be having a hard time.

Fabiola's voice forced Tonk awake. He was upset at himself for falling asleep. “Do you want her out here, 'Sino?” he said, looking menacingly at Fabiola.

Fabiola looked into Casino's eyes. “I swear I mean no harm and I come with good intentions. You helped me and my family and I just want to repay the favor.” She rubbed her sweaty palms together so she wouldn't fidget.

“No, let me hear what she has to say,” Casino slowly said.

“Three years ago, we were getting evicted and you came in and saved the day. You allowed my mom and sister to live in your house and you haven't tripped on them for rent or anything. And I really appreciate you, more than you will ever know.”

“You”—he took a deep breath and continued to speak slow—“are the singer?”

“Yes, you remember?” Fabiola got a little excited.

“He don't forget anything,” Tonk added, then asked, “Did you get a deal yet?”

“Not yet, but I still haven't given up. I have a photo shoot tomorrow as a matter of fact.” She then looked at Casino. “And that's why I can press forward, because of you. You didn't even know me and yet you believed in me.”

“Ah, it ain't nothing.” Normally Casino would have felt uncomfortable talking to a stranger, but he found it easy to talk to Fabiola. Maybe it was the pain medication or a combination of the meds, a pretty face, and her stroking his ego.

“Although it was something small to you, it was big to me. And we never got to repay you, so I'd like to repay you by simply being here for you in your time of need.”

“Baby, I am okay.” He pushed the words out. “I'm well taken care of.”

Fabiola wasn't convinced. “I know, but please, please just let me do this. You've done so much for me and my family already, but if you could allow me to at least come by and check on you, I will feel better about my mom never being able to pay you back.”

“You don't have to.” He took another deep breath.

“I really want to. I can read to you, I can talk to you. I can sing you one of my future hits,” she said with a tentative smile. “I can even watch out for the vultures, because you know they are circling the building, right?”

Casino smiled a little. “I know. They always are.”

“I just want to know that you are okay. Because quite frankly, from what I've witnessed in the waiting room, some of the people don't love you for you but love what you got.” Fabiola immediately
felt that she had overstepped her boundaries and blurted out, “I apologize. I shouldn't have said that.”