Carl Weber's Kingpins by Clifford “Spud” Johnson

boy. I didn’t mean to. Don’t worry; if she doesn’t call you, you can call her. Here’s the number where she called me from. I think it’s a cell phone number,” Doris May said as she passed him a slip of paper with a telephone number written on it. “I got it off my caller ID. Ain’t you glad I let you talk me into gettin’ that shit?”
    King smiled and said, “You damn skippy!” He got up and kissed his aunt on the cheek and said, “Everything happens for a reason. Shay’s come back into my life for a reason and I know it can’t be nothin’ but a good one!”
    â€œHold on there now, boy, there’s something else she told me.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œShe told me that she’s involved with someone.”
    â€œShe got a nigga?”
    â€œUnless she done switched sides, I assume so.”
    â€œThat’s nothin’. You know how she feels about me. Why else would she call if she didn’t want to get back with me?”
    â€œWhy don’t you take this one step at a time, boy? Don’t take anything for granted. Wait a day or so to see if she calls you. If she doesn’t then give her a call and see what the deal is.”
    â€œYou know what, that’s the best advice you’ve ever given me. I’m gon’ do just that, Aunty.” He gave Doris May another kiss and happily left her home and headed back to the block. Yeah, shit is goin’ my way for real! And I love it! He turned up his music when he got in his ride.
    When King made it back to the block he saw Tippi talking to Nutta. Nutta was telling Tippi about how much money he was making out in Midwest City as King came and joined them. “What’s up, big homie?” Nutta said to King.
    â€œWhat’s up with you, young one?” King said as he gave Nutta a pound. “Tell me somethin’ good.”
    â€œHow ’bout I’ve been servin’ my ass off out there in Midwest City at Boleg and Cuddy’s new spot. That shit is rollin’ nonstop. I need some more work ’cause I’m done. Boleg and Cuddy are out that way now doin’ ’em while I take a break, but I’m tryin’ to get back out there before the late-night shift. That’s when it really pops off. Feel me?”
    â€œFa’ sho’.” King turned toward Tippi and said, “Go get him a bird and a half. That should hold you for the night.”
    â€œYeah, if not then I’ll snatch whatever Cuddy and Boleg got left.”
    â€œCool.”
    â€œHave you gotten at Keko? I heard his thang is jumpin’ off proper out in Del City too. Looks like it’s more than firecrackers poppin’ off for this Fourth of July weekend.”
    â€œI haven’t heard from that fool in a few days. I’ll get with him later on though. I was thinkin’ ’bout hittin’ the club tonight, though. You tryin’ to roll with me before you head back out to Midwest City?”
    â€œNah, I’m gon’ chill at the pad and relax for a li’l bit. I’ll get at y’all tomorrow, though.”
    Tippi came out of the trap carrying a brown Louis Vuitton knapsack with a kilo and a half of powder cocaine inside of it. She gave the bag to Nutta, smiled, and said, “Just like T.I. say in that song, ‘What You Know ’Bout That.’ Here your Louis knapsack; where the work at?”
    Nutta accepted the bag from her and said, “You got jokes today, huh, Tippi? At least you ain’t out here stabbin’ nobody today. That got to count for somethin’.”
    â€œThe day’s not over with yet.”
    â€œYou need a role model. I’m outta here,” Nutta said as he shook hands with King. He smiled at Tippi and said, “Be nice out here.” He was laughing as he climbed inside of his truck and left the block blasting his music.
    Tippi shook her head and laughed when she heard Nutta’s