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for gas money for your Mercedes, you gotta ’ go.”
    “Ah, that sucks.”
    “No it doesn’t, at least I find out these things before I fall too deep . Better early than after baby.”
    “True.”
    “Speaking of which, how’s the cuties?”
    “They’re good.”
    “Except for that cry-baby Angelina. When I get there, let me deal with her for a few days. Bath, food and down. None of the holding and rocking and cooing shit. Spoiled ass.”
    “She can’t help it. The doctor says she’s colicky.”
    “A medical term for cry-baby with gas. I’ll fix her.”
    Selange grimaced, “I’m scared already for my baby.”
    “Eh, she’ll survive. Since when have I harmed any kids?”
    “I know you’re full of shit. The minute you come, you spoil them worse than I do. “
    Shanda’s cheerful voice became softer, “How are you coping?”
    “Much better. I think I’ve finally accepted it’s done. It’s like I had to mourn or something.”
    “That’s not unusual. I’m glad to hear you upbeat again. You know I adore your ex-hubby and want whatever you want but you’ll meet somebody who’ll love you again. You’re lovable and that’s what got your ass in trouble in the first place.”
    “Oh, alrighty then. Remind me. Do I remind you of your shit?”
    “Constantly, but I have a hard shell, you don’t. Shit rolls off me, it sticks to you.”
    “Maybe, that’s because I wasn’t with my husband a couple of months. We were together for years.”
    “Don’t get sensitive. Anyway, go have fun. Have a few shots on me and I’ll see you next week Friday. I’ll call when I board the plane.”
    “No problem.”
    “Oh-oh Selange you there?”
    “Yes, what happened?”
    “Send one of those young fine dudes to pick me up at the airport and girl whatever you do, don’t ride along .”
    “I ‘m not going to ask why. I can imagine what you r horny butt’s thinking .”
    “D- i -c-k, say it with me girl. One time now, d- i -c-k !” Shanda rapped .
    “ You need therapy, get off the phone, I’ll talk to you later.” She chuckled. Her friend had nothing but a one track mind.
    Shortly, after that Selange arrived at the restaurant. Crazy Nicky headed for the valet parking but Selange stopped him. “Do me a favor this once Nicky, wait in the car. I would like to en joy dinner without you hovering. Just give me this, okay?”
    “But,” he started to recite all the reasons it wasn’t safe then relented, “alright but here,” he reached in the glove compartment for a snub-nose pistol, “take this. Put it in your purse.”
    She laughed then opened the sparkly clutch and showed Crazy Nicky her revolver. “Loaded and ready.”
    “Ah, you don’t say boss lady. Alright, I’m gonna ’ be across the street with my eyes on things. Go enjoy your dinner.”
    “Thanks, Nicky.”
    She climbed out and he watched her shapely silhouette enter through the polished doors and smiled. He liked that lady, she had class. One of the parking attendants rushed over, “ Sir , you can’t park here.”
    “I know, do I look like I can’t fucking read? Relax, I’m moving kid! ”
     
     
                                         
                                               
                                           * ***
     
     
     
    Jessica waved at Selange from a table on the westerly side of the dimly lit restaurant -lounge . Selange bypassed the hostess, “I see my party, thanks.” Then she scurried over and hugged the girl.
    As usual, Jessica’s enthusiasm traveled to her vocal chords, “OMG, look at you mami , hot-damn you bounce back like a rubber - band after having kids. That’s loco !”
    Patrons turned in their direction and Selange ignored their curious gazes. Jessica was Jessica. In a way she reminded Selange of Shanda. Sometimes, the women failed to censure their words or the decibel, but she learned