The Glamorous Life, page 24
Bambi was happy for Egypt, but she dreaded hearing bad news from Tricia. She hoped she didn’t have some sickness or something from when she was drinking all the time. What if she’d gotten a disease from some man? Whatever it was, she’d better face up to it.
“Now, Mommy, give it to me. Tell me,” she demanded to know.
“It’s not that bad, actually. It could be good after the initial shock wears off,” Egypt assured her friend.
Tricia began to cry, and Bambi went over to the plastic-covered sofa and hugged her mother. Egypt moved over to be closer to Bambi and put her arms around Bambi to comfort her. Bambi told her mother in a soothing tone, “You know whatever it is, I’ll understand. We’ve been through hell and back, so what can be so heavy that I can’t handle?”
Tricia wiped her eyes with the tissue that Egypt handed her. “Look, baby, every decision that I have ever made concerning you has always been with your best interest at heart.”
“I know that, Mommy.”
“Since I’ve stopped drinking and been going to church, I’ve been thinking a lot, wanting to get this off my chest, so I can be free and not have to carry any burdens around.”
“Okay, Mommy.” Bambi glanced at Egypt, who already seemed to know the big secret.
“Since you were small, you’ve always asked me why your middle name is Lloyd’dess. I’ve always told you it was after someone who was dear to me, right?”
“Yes, you said a close friend who lived far away but was always dear to your heart,” Bambi said.
“Well, that man’s name is Lloyd, and he is your father.”
“What?” Bambi said, shocked.
“Listen, let her finish,” Egypt interrupted, because she knew questions were being conjured up in Bambi’s head.
“His name is Lloyd ‘Slot Machine’ Pitman. We grew up in the same neighborhood. He was older than me, and I loved him so much. But he had a girlfriend at the time, and he loved her more than he could ever love me. He was known for robbing banks and for his money. I started seeing your father— well, Bob—to make him jealous.”
Tricia took a deep breath and continued. “Once Lloyd found out I was pregnant, there was no doubt he knew it was his, but he got locked up two days after I told him. He didn’t have any way to get me any money because his girlfriend had all the money, and he couldn’t tell her about me because then he’d put himself in the situation of her leaving with all of it. Being the hustler that he was, he didn’t want to see you without, so he told me to play on Bob and use Bob as my ticket out of the ghetto. I did that simply to make a better life for you.”
Bambi said, “So Bob isn’t my father.”
Bambi was confused, but happy knowing that she hadn’t been written off by her father. Although her mother had no reason to withhold such a heart-wrenching secret from her, she was relieved because she was sure that anything that Lloyd could offer her was better than Bob ever had.
“No, he isn’t. I’m sorry, baby. It’s killed me over the years to withhold that information from you for so long. I see so much of Lloyd in you. Everyone says you take after me, but when I see your finesse and how you can look into the ugliest situation and find a hustle in it, I could never take the credit for it. That’s all Lloyd. Baby, all I can say to you is that I am sorry.”
“Ma, there ain’t no need to be! I know you did best—and what you did was out of love. I only wish you would have told me earlier while I was dying for Bob to love me. I would have been happier having a father in prison who loved me than a father out here who could give a damn.”
“I didn’t know how you would react.”
“Where is he now? Lloyd, I mean.”
“He just came home from jail a couple of months ago. He’s asking about you but agreed not to bother you if you are happy.”
“I want to see him.”
“It’s more,” Egypt said. Bambi turned to look at her friend. “I know I have always been the closest thing you’ve had to a sister, but you have a real sister. Her name is Yarni, and I met her. She’s just like us.”
“For real!” Bambi got excited.
“Yes! I met her for lunch. She’s a year older than you. Y’all have the same birthday. Y’all have the same taste. She has one of the same Prada bags you have; she’s fly like you. Y’all even walk alike.”
“For real! I can’t wait to meet her.”
“You will soon,” Egypt said.
“So, Ma, when did you see Lloyd?”
“Well …” Tricia looked like she was at a loss for words.
“Well, he was actually the one who gave me the other half of the money for my plastic surgery.”
“For real?” Bambi was shocked, but then a thought ran across her head. “Well, dag where he get money from if he’s been locked up all those years?”
“Bambi … baby, let me tell you. I told you yo daddy is a stone-cold hustler from the heart. He could take soda cans and turn them into millions. But seriously he’s just spending his money from the seventies, that’s all.”
“Dammmmnnnn … tell Daddy Warbucks I said ‘Don’t hide it, divide it.’ No, I’m just playing. I really can’t wait to see him,” Bambi said. It felt like her life was finally coming together. She had it all—the man, the baby, and now, finally, her daddy. This was her payday, as far as she was concerned.
Bambi turned to her mother and hugged her. As she felt her mother’s arms around her, she said, “I’m so happy. Thank you for telling me everything. Thank you so much.”
CHAPTER 39
At the End of the Day
After the whole ordeal in North Carolina, Bambi had to rush to New York for a live taping of Oh Drama! to discuss party planning. She didn’t want to go, but she also didn’t want to upset her new publicist, who had been working so hard for her lately. With all Bambi’s personal drama, she had missed a couple of things the publicist had set up. No matter how she was feeling, she knew she had to put on her game face and pull it together, and she did.
Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that far back in the rain forest of Central America, BET would even be an option and Loot’chee would be watching. He damn near shit his pants when he heard her voice and saw her in the flesh still maintaining, looking like a million dollars, hands and ears blinging. And federal prison khaki brown wasn’t the color she was wearing, either.
“This bitch played the fuck out of me!” He shook his head and said, “I don’t believe this slick-ass, conniving bitch!” The more he studied how relaxed and carefree Bambi looked, talking about her life as a party and event planner, the madder he got.
“I am really happy, and I love what I do,” she said with a wide smile.
“This no-good beeitch got me sitting down this ma’fucka living like Tarzan, getting ate up by vampire mosquitos and shit. While this bitch is living the damn glamorous life.” Loot’chee laughed a little because he couldn’t believe how she had played him.
“What would you say to up-and-coming party planners who desire to be at your level in the game?” the host of the show asked.
Bambi looked confidently into the camera and shot straight from the hip. “Never give up; always know that you can do anything you put your mind to. Just stay focused and don’t let the haters or any people who mean you no good stand in your way.”
At that moment Loot’chee felt like she was talking about him. He screamed at the television as if she could hear him, “Bitch, you wanna fuck wit me? You crossed me! Don’t nobody cross Loot’chee Meney and get away with it!” He guzzled down his Guinness Stout and slammed the bottle on the table. “You wanna play with me? Try Lotto. You would’ve had better chances winning! I promise you, you gone be dealt wit. Yo ass ain’t untouchable!”
He pulled out his gun and shot the television set, emptying the entire clip into the television.
“Damn that bitch made me waste my new hollow-point bullets on her scandalous ass! Now I gotta kill the bitch twice now. A no-good bitch!”
Once she was done filming, Bambi’s cell phone rang. It was Brent Jackson the attorney, calling to confirm that the charges had been dropped against Lynx because the case was flimsy at best and there was no witness. Bambi knew that Lynx would be returning soon. Her life would be normal again.
Meanwhile, Columbo was at the police station canceling all the arrangements he had made for his retirement party. Since Ronnie’s death had been ruled a suicide, he had no case against Lynx. So he had to start over from scratch and find a cunning way to build a new case against Lynx, his number-one nemesis. After all his phone calls were made, he went out and got drunk with his police buddies.
Across the North Carolina border, in a small apartment in North Durham, on the television, a news reporter updated: “The body found in the Town Hotel has been identified as Ronald Shaler. The medical examiners have ruled this death a suicide.”
Ronnie sat, tears streaming down his face. His identical twin brother, Donnie, was dead and somehow had been identified as him.
He knew that there was only one person who could pull off such a clever plan: Lynx. The beautiful girl the night before … Everything was all a set-up, and he’d fallen for it. He hadn’t seen it coming because the drugs had his mind. He’d had no idea that his brother would have to pay the price for his mistakes. He had paid dearly by losing his brother, but out of every bad situation comes something good. Well, now all his problems were washed away. Columbo would leave him alone. Lynx would forget about him. Although a part of him had died, he felt that the rest of him could live.
Now he could start a new life somewhere. Maybe he’d get clean and find a new game. But one thing was for sure, Ronnie thought. Lynx was gonna pay someday.
At the end of the day everyone thought that they could start a new life, turn over a new leaf, and toast to new beginnings, but they all seemed to forget that sometimes you just have to charge it to the game.
All in all, the saga continues….
Acknowledgments
I was always told to make my visions so big that the only way they could ever come into existence is if God stepped in! So, first and foremost, I have to give all the glory and praise to God. It is only because of His favor and blessings that I am here today.
I reflect over the period as I breathed life into this book.
I lost tragically and gained tremendously. I lost a couple of friends. Money was stolen from me without a gun. I was back-stabbed time and time again, and had a major surgery. But the most detrimental thing, the straw that really broke the camel’s back, was when I talked and laughed until 11:30 p.m. with my grandmother, who was so full of life and also the most influential person in my life, only to get a call at 6:00 a.m. that she had went on to glory. Through all that I had experienced in life— the pain, the heartbreaks, the struggles—nothing could prepare me for such a life-changing blow. But through it all, I weathered the storms in my life.
For years I never knew who my true warriors were. Kennisha and Timmond, you two are the joys of my life. Thank you for understanding and being excited about my career. Mommy, as always you stood beside me. You were the general in my army, taking on the nanny role at times when you had your own life going on. My stepfather, Balldey, thanks for loving my mother as you do. Lord knows I know she can be a real boa constrictor (smile). Elouise Perry, for loving me as if you birthed me, you have the power to make me find the best in a bad situation. I am so thankful for our unique relationship!
Dee, I can sometimes drive you crazy with all my drama, but without a reasonable doubt, I know you got me. Niecey Butler, wow! You are one of my dearest friends. I thank you for being so loyal to me through it all. To my “twin” Tamia Washington, there is no way I could ever repay you for being my backbone during my surgery and for being my caretaker, surrounding your own life around my medicine times and doctor appointments and never complaining about my whining and all my extra theatrics. Katona, I can’t thank you enough for always being on standby and available when I need you to meet me at the mall in thirty minutes! Your opinion is greatly appreciated. Sheva, throughout all the years we’ve fought like strangers and we’ve had some of the best of times. But all in all I love you, and never forget it. Dedria, I know you got me and I got you. Melissa, I know I am constantly worrying and pressuring you to get a million things done for me. After my lip smackin’ and tantrums, you always come through for me. This is to the talks and laughs we have … you know which ones I am talking about. Pat MacEnulty, although we are very different, we are so much alike. I love you like my mother pushed you out too. Joi, as always, you continue to hold me down and are always on point early whenever I ring your phone, eternal love to you. My sistah Wahida, who would have thought two chicks with so much spunk would turn out to be so close, look at us. Chandra Steward, it amazes me how we both are caught up in our own lives, but it only takes one phone call for you or me to hit 64. It’s only a minute before your magazine (damn, damn, damn) is going to be a major publication! Diaamah, you are such a sweetie pie.
To my three divalicious friends: Sharissa, keep smashing ’em baby! I know that our daily talks are so routine, but when you call and you ask, “You OK?”, it means so much. Thanks for sharing all visions with me for your soon-to-be-multiplatinum-selling album, I Found Love. The book diva, Neechie (Chunuchi), girl … we have got to keep the clown radar on at all times (smile). Maybe we should write a book on that. You are so talented. My shopping partner, BT (Brenda Thomas), there are so many great things I could say about you. Thanks for being ready to go to combat at the drop of the dime for me, and also for being able to tell me to calm down and cease-fire.
Uncle Sonny, you have been like a father to me, loving me as only a father could love his daughter, always wanting to be my protector, watching out for my best interests at times when I don’t know what’s best for me. Dad and Joanne, Kim, you will never know how much it meant when you drove eighteen hours to see me on Thanksgiving. Thanks bunches.
Brenda Williams, thanks for stepping in, assisting me in my matters big or small when I felt so overwhelmed. You were right … you are the best at what you do. To the best promoter of all times, my Auntie Trena Buck, girl, Don King ain’t got a thing on you … Oodles and ca-zoodles of thanks to the official Internet Queen, publicist, and travel companion. Cousin Cha, you wear so many hats and you never complain. Much love! The whole Alan Furs family, especially Dena, my personal furrier, you keep me laced in the latest hottest furs. Thanks so much!
To my Wayne, I owe you so much. I thank you for making me your first priority over everything. I know that you wouldn’t let me hit the ground if you were falling yourself. My brother Jerron, although at times you are like a wedgie, always on my butt and full of do-do, I love you and I know that you only want the best for me. Craig, for keeping me on my toes and loving me under all conditions. What would I do without you? Knowing I have your boundless love is more than anybody can ask for. David Slatton, I don’t have to put it out there, but you know what for, thanks a bunch! Kathy always being so pleasant and working me in.
To the fallen soldiers on lockdown, to the ones I know and the ones I don’t. I know your pain, struggle, and the hourly battle you fight within the unjust system. At times you may feel like you are alone, but never are you, for you are in my heart. There is not one night that doesn’t go by that you are not in my prayers.
Endless thank-yous to my Johnnie Cochran of the literary world, Pam Crockette. I am so proud to say that you represent me. Thank you for believing so passionately in my career. You have been more than just an attorney. You’ve been, at times, my inspiration and motivator. After our talks I feel I can conquer the world.
To my Random House family, thank you all for assisting me in making history and for welcoming me into your world with open arms. Extra special thanks to my editor, Melody, for allowing me to keep my voice, making my transition to the majors as painless as possible and for stressing to everybody just how important this project is. Also for seeing my vision for Street Chronicles, A Nikki Turner Exclusive. Danielle Durkin, always being so patient no matter how crazy my question is. Carl Weber, thank you bunches for thinking of me when putting out some of the hottest projects! Marc, for getting me such a great deal that put me in a situation that, without a doubt, I could provide for my children. Earl Cox, for consulting me through all the endless drama no matter.
To the people who make all this possible, my fans. I could never thank you enough. I thank you and love you not only for reading me, but for spreading the word like an epidemic, sending me e-mails, letters, and coming out and sometimes driving many miles to see me. It all lifts me up and keeps me going more than you could ever know. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Please stay tuned for I95, yet another Nikki Turner Original. To the many street vendors and bookstores who’ve welcomed me into your stores and always made me feel so at home, I thank you.
This book, The Glamorous Life, could not be complete unless I thank the ones who did this long before I ever thought of putting it down. Shelia E and my dear friend, Cool C, I told you young jun was going to do like never before! Thanks for having my back!
To Tresure Blue and KaShaun, I love y’all … thanks for believing in me enough to take my advice. Brandon McCalla, you are truly a talented warrior, your ideas and drive amaze me. Kedy, Seven, Larry, Akbar, Kim I love y’all for seeing my vision for Street Chronicles and understanding the big picture. You all are so talented!
Lastly, to all those who attempted to steal, kill, and tried to destroy my life in anyway possible, what you never realized is that it all makes me that much more determined to do what I do best. So, the only thing I can do for you is keep lifting you up in prayer!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nikki Turner is a gutsy, gifted, courageous new voice taking the urban literary community by storm. Called the “Princess of Hip Hop Lit,” she is the bestselling author of the novels A Hustler’s Wife and Project Chick. Visit her website at www.nikkiturner.com, or write her at nikki@nikkiturner.com, or at P.O. Box 28694, Richmond, VA 23228.
“Now, Mommy, give it to me. Tell me,” she demanded to know.
“It’s not that bad, actually. It could be good after the initial shock wears off,” Egypt assured her friend.
Tricia began to cry, and Bambi went over to the plastic-covered sofa and hugged her mother. Egypt moved over to be closer to Bambi and put her arms around Bambi to comfort her. Bambi told her mother in a soothing tone, “You know whatever it is, I’ll understand. We’ve been through hell and back, so what can be so heavy that I can’t handle?”
Tricia wiped her eyes with the tissue that Egypt handed her. “Look, baby, every decision that I have ever made concerning you has always been with your best interest at heart.”
“I know that, Mommy.”
“Since I’ve stopped drinking and been going to church, I’ve been thinking a lot, wanting to get this off my chest, so I can be free and not have to carry any burdens around.”
“Okay, Mommy.” Bambi glanced at Egypt, who already seemed to know the big secret.
“Since you were small, you’ve always asked me why your middle name is Lloyd’dess. I’ve always told you it was after someone who was dear to me, right?”
“Yes, you said a close friend who lived far away but was always dear to your heart,” Bambi said.
“Well, that man’s name is Lloyd, and he is your father.”
“What?” Bambi said, shocked.
“Listen, let her finish,” Egypt interrupted, because she knew questions were being conjured up in Bambi’s head.
“His name is Lloyd ‘Slot Machine’ Pitman. We grew up in the same neighborhood. He was older than me, and I loved him so much. But he had a girlfriend at the time, and he loved her more than he could ever love me. He was known for robbing banks and for his money. I started seeing your father— well, Bob—to make him jealous.”
Tricia took a deep breath and continued. “Once Lloyd found out I was pregnant, there was no doubt he knew it was his, but he got locked up two days after I told him. He didn’t have any way to get me any money because his girlfriend had all the money, and he couldn’t tell her about me because then he’d put himself in the situation of her leaving with all of it. Being the hustler that he was, he didn’t want to see you without, so he told me to play on Bob and use Bob as my ticket out of the ghetto. I did that simply to make a better life for you.”
Bambi said, “So Bob isn’t my father.”
Bambi was confused, but happy knowing that she hadn’t been written off by her father. Although her mother had no reason to withhold such a heart-wrenching secret from her, she was relieved because she was sure that anything that Lloyd could offer her was better than Bob ever had.
“No, he isn’t. I’m sorry, baby. It’s killed me over the years to withhold that information from you for so long. I see so much of Lloyd in you. Everyone says you take after me, but when I see your finesse and how you can look into the ugliest situation and find a hustle in it, I could never take the credit for it. That’s all Lloyd. Baby, all I can say to you is that I am sorry.”
“Ma, there ain’t no need to be! I know you did best—and what you did was out of love. I only wish you would have told me earlier while I was dying for Bob to love me. I would have been happier having a father in prison who loved me than a father out here who could give a damn.”
“I didn’t know how you would react.”
“Where is he now? Lloyd, I mean.”
“He just came home from jail a couple of months ago. He’s asking about you but agreed not to bother you if you are happy.”
“I want to see him.”
“It’s more,” Egypt said. Bambi turned to look at her friend. “I know I have always been the closest thing you’ve had to a sister, but you have a real sister. Her name is Yarni, and I met her. She’s just like us.”
“For real!” Bambi got excited.
“Yes! I met her for lunch. She’s a year older than you. Y’all have the same birthday. Y’all have the same taste. She has one of the same Prada bags you have; she’s fly like you. Y’all even walk alike.”
“For real! I can’t wait to meet her.”
“You will soon,” Egypt said.
“So, Ma, when did you see Lloyd?”
“Well …” Tricia looked like she was at a loss for words.
“Well, he was actually the one who gave me the other half of the money for my plastic surgery.”
“For real?” Bambi was shocked, but then a thought ran across her head. “Well, dag where he get money from if he’s been locked up all those years?”
“Bambi … baby, let me tell you. I told you yo daddy is a stone-cold hustler from the heart. He could take soda cans and turn them into millions. But seriously he’s just spending his money from the seventies, that’s all.”
“Dammmmnnnn … tell Daddy Warbucks I said ‘Don’t hide it, divide it.’ No, I’m just playing. I really can’t wait to see him,” Bambi said. It felt like her life was finally coming together. She had it all—the man, the baby, and now, finally, her daddy. This was her payday, as far as she was concerned.
Bambi turned to her mother and hugged her. As she felt her mother’s arms around her, she said, “I’m so happy. Thank you for telling me everything. Thank you so much.”
CHAPTER 39
At the End of the Day
After the whole ordeal in North Carolina, Bambi had to rush to New York for a live taping of Oh Drama! to discuss party planning. She didn’t want to go, but she also didn’t want to upset her new publicist, who had been working so hard for her lately. With all Bambi’s personal drama, she had missed a couple of things the publicist had set up. No matter how she was feeling, she knew she had to put on her game face and pull it together, and she did.
Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine that far back in the rain forest of Central America, BET would even be an option and Loot’chee would be watching. He damn near shit his pants when he heard her voice and saw her in the flesh still maintaining, looking like a million dollars, hands and ears blinging. And federal prison khaki brown wasn’t the color she was wearing, either.
“This bitch played the fuck out of me!” He shook his head and said, “I don’t believe this slick-ass, conniving bitch!” The more he studied how relaxed and carefree Bambi looked, talking about her life as a party and event planner, the madder he got.
“I am really happy, and I love what I do,” she said with a wide smile.
“This no-good beeitch got me sitting down this ma’fucka living like Tarzan, getting ate up by vampire mosquitos and shit. While this bitch is living the damn glamorous life.” Loot’chee laughed a little because he couldn’t believe how she had played him.
“What would you say to up-and-coming party planners who desire to be at your level in the game?” the host of the show asked.
Bambi looked confidently into the camera and shot straight from the hip. “Never give up; always know that you can do anything you put your mind to. Just stay focused and don’t let the haters or any people who mean you no good stand in your way.”
At that moment Loot’chee felt like she was talking about him. He screamed at the television as if she could hear him, “Bitch, you wanna fuck wit me? You crossed me! Don’t nobody cross Loot’chee Meney and get away with it!” He guzzled down his Guinness Stout and slammed the bottle on the table. “You wanna play with me? Try Lotto. You would’ve had better chances winning! I promise you, you gone be dealt wit. Yo ass ain’t untouchable!”
He pulled out his gun and shot the television set, emptying the entire clip into the television.
“Damn that bitch made me waste my new hollow-point bullets on her scandalous ass! Now I gotta kill the bitch twice now. A no-good bitch!”
Once she was done filming, Bambi’s cell phone rang. It was Brent Jackson the attorney, calling to confirm that the charges had been dropped against Lynx because the case was flimsy at best and there was no witness. Bambi knew that Lynx would be returning soon. Her life would be normal again.
Meanwhile, Columbo was at the police station canceling all the arrangements he had made for his retirement party. Since Ronnie’s death had been ruled a suicide, he had no case against Lynx. So he had to start over from scratch and find a cunning way to build a new case against Lynx, his number-one nemesis. After all his phone calls were made, he went out and got drunk with his police buddies.
Across the North Carolina border, in a small apartment in North Durham, on the television, a news reporter updated: “The body found in the Town Hotel has been identified as Ronald Shaler. The medical examiners have ruled this death a suicide.”
Ronnie sat, tears streaming down his face. His identical twin brother, Donnie, was dead and somehow had been identified as him.
He knew that there was only one person who could pull off such a clever plan: Lynx. The beautiful girl the night before … Everything was all a set-up, and he’d fallen for it. He hadn’t seen it coming because the drugs had his mind. He’d had no idea that his brother would have to pay the price for his mistakes. He had paid dearly by losing his brother, but out of every bad situation comes something good. Well, now all his problems were washed away. Columbo would leave him alone. Lynx would forget about him. Although a part of him had died, he felt that the rest of him could live.
Now he could start a new life somewhere. Maybe he’d get clean and find a new game. But one thing was for sure, Ronnie thought. Lynx was gonna pay someday.
At the end of the day everyone thought that they could start a new life, turn over a new leaf, and toast to new beginnings, but they all seemed to forget that sometimes you just have to charge it to the game.
All in all, the saga continues….
Acknowledgments
I was always told to make my visions so big that the only way they could ever come into existence is if God stepped in! So, first and foremost, I have to give all the glory and praise to God. It is only because of His favor and blessings that I am here today.
I reflect over the period as I breathed life into this book.
I lost tragically and gained tremendously. I lost a couple of friends. Money was stolen from me without a gun. I was back-stabbed time and time again, and had a major surgery. But the most detrimental thing, the straw that really broke the camel’s back, was when I talked and laughed until 11:30 p.m. with my grandmother, who was so full of life and also the most influential person in my life, only to get a call at 6:00 a.m. that she had went on to glory. Through all that I had experienced in life— the pain, the heartbreaks, the struggles—nothing could prepare me for such a life-changing blow. But through it all, I weathered the storms in my life.
For years I never knew who my true warriors were. Kennisha and Timmond, you two are the joys of my life. Thank you for understanding and being excited about my career. Mommy, as always you stood beside me. You were the general in my army, taking on the nanny role at times when you had your own life going on. My stepfather, Balldey, thanks for loving my mother as you do. Lord knows I know she can be a real boa constrictor (smile). Elouise Perry, for loving me as if you birthed me, you have the power to make me find the best in a bad situation. I am so thankful for our unique relationship!
Dee, I can sometimes drive you crazy with all my drama, but without a reasonable doubt, I know you got me. Niecey Butler, wow! You are one of my dearest friends. I thank you for being so loyal to me through it all. To my “twin” Tamia Washington, there is no way I could ever repay you for being my backbone during my surgery and for being my caretaker, surrounding your own life around my medicine times and doctor appointments and never complaining about my whining and all my extra theatrics. Katona, I can’t thank you enough for always being on standby and available when I need you to meet me at the mall in thirty minutes! Your opinion is greatly appreciated. Sheva, throughout all the years we’ve fought like strangers and we’ve had some of the best of times. But all in all I love you, and never forget it. Dedria, I know you got me and I got you. Melissa, I know I am constantly worrying and pressuring you to get a million things done for me. After my lip smackin’ and tantrums, you always come through for me. This is to the talks and laughs we have … you know which ones I am talking about. Pat MacEnulty, although we are very different, we are so much alike. I love you like my mother pushed you out too. Joi, as always, you continue to hold me down and are always on point early whenever I ring your phone, eternal love to you. My sistah Wahida, who would have thought two chicks with so much spunk would turn out to be so close, look at us. Chandra Steward, it amazes me how we both are caught up in our own lives, but it only takes one phone call for you or me to hit 64. It’s only a minute before your magazine (damn, damn, damn) is going to be a major publication! Diaamah, you are such a sweetie pie.
To my three divalicious friends: Sharissa, keep smashing ’em baby! I know that our daily talks are so routine, but when you call and you ask, “You OK?”, it means so much. Thanks for sharing all visions with me for your soon-to-be-multiplatinum-selling album, I Found Love. The book diva, Neechie (Chunuchi), girl … we have got to keep the clown radar on at all times (smile). Maybe we should write a book on that. You are so talented. My shopping partner, BT (Brenda Thomas), there are so many great things I could say about you. Thanks for being ready to go to combat at the drop of the dime for me, and also for being able to tell me to calm down and cease-fire.
Uncle Sonny, you have been like a father to me, loving me as only a father could love his daughter, always wanting to be my protector, watching out for my best interests at times when I don’t know what’s best for me. Dad and Joanne, Kim, you will never know how much it meant when you drove eighteen hours to see me on Thanksgiving. Thanks bunches.
Brenda Williams, thanks for stepping in, assisting me in my matters big or small when I felt so overwhelmed. You were right … you are the best at what you do. To the best promoter of all times, my Auntie Trena Buck, girl, Don King ain’t got a thing on you … Oodles and ca-zoodles of thanks to the official Internet Queen, publicist, and travel companion. Cousin Cha, you wear so many hats and you never complain. Much love! The whole Alan Furs family, especially Dena, my personal furrier, you keep me laced in the latest hottest furs. Thanks so much!
To my Wayne, I owe you so much. I thank you for making me your first priority over everything. I know that you wouldn’t let me hit the ground if you were falling yourself. My brother Jerron, although at times you are like a wedgie, always on my butt and full of do-do, I love you and I know that you only want the best for me. Craig, for keeping me on my toes and loving me under all conditions. What would I do without you? Knowing I have your boundless love is more than anybody can ask for. David Slatton, I don’t have to put it out there, but you know what for, thanks a bunch! Kathy always being so pleasant and working me in.
To the fallen soldiers on lockdown, to the ones I know and the ones I don’t. I know your pain, struggle, and the hourly battle you fight within the unjust system. At times you may feel like you are alone, but never are you, for you are in my heart. There is not one night that doesn’t go by that you are not in my prayers.
Endless thank-yous to my Johnnie Cochran of the literary world, Pam Crockette. I am so proud to say that you represent me. Thank you for believing so passionately in my career. You have been more than just an attorney. You’ve been, at times, my inspiration and motivator. After our talks I feel I can conquer the world.
To my Random House family, thank you all for assisting me in making history and for welcoming me into your world with open arms. Extra special thanks to my editor, Melody, for allowing me to keep my voice, making my transition to the majors as painless as possible and for stressing to everybody just how important this project is. Also for seeing my vision for Street Chronicles, A Nikki Turner Exclusive. Danielle Durkin, always being so patient no matter how crazy my question is. Carl Weber, thank you bunches for thinking of me when putting out some of the hottest projects! Marc, for getting me such a great deal that put me in a situation that, without a doubt, I could provide for my children. Earl Cox, for consulting me through all the endless drama no matter.
To the people who make all this possible, my fans. I could never thank you enough. I thank you and love you not only for reading me, but for spreading the word like an epidemic, sending me e-mails, letters, and coming out and sometimes driving many miles to see me. It all lifts me up and keeps me going more than you could ever know. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Please stay tuned for I95, yet another Nikki Turner Original. To the many street vendors and bookstores who’ve welcomed me into your stores and always made me feel so at home, I thank you.
This book, The Glamorous Life, could not be complete unless I thank the ones who did this long before I ever thought of putting it down. Shelia E and my dear friend, Cool C, I told you young jun was going to do like never before! Thanks for having my back!
To Tresure Blue and KaShaun, I love y’all … thanks for believing in me enough to take my advice. Brandon McCalla, you are truly a talented warrior, your ideas and drive amaze me. Kedy, Seven, Larry, Akbar, Kim I love y’all for seeing my vision for Street Chronicles and understanding the big picture. You all are so talented!
Lastly, to all those who attempted to steal, kill, and tried to destroy my life in anyway possible, what you never realized is that it all makes me that much more determined to do what I do best. So, the only thing I can do for you is keep lifting you up in prayer!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nikki Turner is a gutsy, gifted, courageous new voice taking the urban literary community by storm. Called the “Princess of Hip Hop Lit,” she is the bestselling author of the novels A Hustler’s Wife and Project Chick. Visit her website at www.nikkiturner.com, or write her at nikki@nikkiturner.com, or at P.O. Box 28694, Richmond, VA 23228.
