County Girl

By Deidra Michele

County Girl, is set in Los Angeles; the character-driven story is an urban drama with comedic undertones.

Girls don’t want to only just have fun; they want to shop, be genuinely loved, have financial security, loyal girlfriends, be great mothers, and be happy.

The heroine, Dena Thomas is the youngest one in her group of friends. After high school Dena’s friends move to California; a few years later, Dena graduates and makes her dream a reality by moving from Detroit to California. Enjoying the west coast lifestyle, Dena’s on a mission to find love and receive a Bachelor’s Degree. Life’s journey isn’t easy for Dena or her friends who have similar aspirations but their close sisterhood provides a shoulder for them to lean on. All experience different life dilemmas with love, heart breaks, career choices, single parenting, disappointments, and child support issues; while on their quest to find Mr. Right and to avoid Mr. Right now.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Deidra Michele
• Release date: Jul 4, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310889585

Deidra Michele

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Deidra Michele was identified as a dynamic self-starter. At a very young age, the Detroit native knew her life path would lead her to areas within the media; while she penned fiction stories in her notebook and experienced heightened inspiration as her high school’s official activities announcer.By 23, Deidra Michele tapped into her entrepreneurial spirit and became the owner of her very own nail salon near Detroit; Nails by Michele. Despite her successes, she still had a desire to lend her talents to members within the entertainment industry.Deidra’s aspirations reached fever pitch after she met and provided manicures to comedians Bernie Mac and Michael Colyar. Acquiring the slight taste of working with entertainers, Deidra Michele decided to take a gamble by shutting the doors of her nail salon to move out west. The decision would prove to pay off in a major way.Once relocating to sunny California, Deidra Michele embraced her role as an accomplished professional manicurist to the stars offering over 20 years’ experience. Deidra Michele has touched the hands of many Hollywood bigwigs such as Jada and Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, and Katie Holmes; television stars Duane and Tisha Campbell-Martin, comedians Martin Lawrence and Eddie Griffin, supermodels Naomi Campbell and Beverly Johnson, along with performers Toni Braxton, Kelly Roland, Macy Gray, Brandy and living legend Patti LaBelle to name a selected few.It was in fact within her career as a manicurist, she received the ultimate nudge of encouragement needed to fulfill her dream of being an authoress; Deidra Michele credits author Tajuana “TJ” Butler, who was also a client. Most importantly, her late mother Dorothy Dawson; a list of notable celebrities, family members and friends and life’s many circumstances as motivation to further her writing career.The good-spirited writer recently completed her first novel titled County Girl – a story, which surveys relationships, friendships, and triumph and child support issues. The message County Girl conveys, is one theorizing people can clash and still bond together in spite of their differences.Deidra Michele currently resides in sunny California where she is working on several impending narratives to share with the reading world.

Book preview

COUNTY GIRL

A Deidra Michele Original

Published by Deidra Michele

Smashwords Edition

Copyright Deidra Michele, 2010

All rights reserved

The Library of Congress has catalogued the first edition as follows:

County Girl

TXu 1-678-454, 2010

This is a work of fiction. The author has invented the main characters. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead is coincidental with the exception of the Executive Producer and the Beverly Hills jewelry designer who both have given their consent.

Contents

1. Introduction-main characters

2. Saturday

3. Shop, Shop, Shop

4. Sunday

5. Momma’s Going Out

6. Simpatico (Nice)

7. Damn, Damn, Damn

8. A New Day

9. South Coast Baby!

10. Los Angeles Next Top Model

11. There’s No Fury Like a County Girl Scorned

12. When County Girls Get Together

13. A Drunk Speaks Sober Thoughts

14. At Lasts

15. Life’s New Chapter

16. New York, New York

17. Two Months Later

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Back to Top

Note to the Reader

Life’s lessons may come from friends, lovers, or family members but we must recognize the messages, and if not, different experiences will continue to resurface until the lesson is learned. Every person has a unique desire to reach a goal, and many times others may not understand the yearning or see the vision, but this is only because it’s not for others to see. Family and friends’ emotional support can be very instrumental for one going through a heartbreak, financial challenges, or uneventful life experiences. Enjoy the characters’ journey, while their life’s lessons guide them to pursue their dreams and goals. The characters may remind you of someone you know or yourself, but the intention is to entertain, inspire, and bring awareness to life’s sensitive matters.

In loving memory of

Dorothy Dawson, my mother.

This book is dedicated to

women who recognize their inner strength, desires and despite the odds pursue their dreams to change their position for the best.

Also to

the single mothers who give their all to provide for their children; the fathers who love and support their children emotionally and financially. For the true female friends who understand what it takes to love one another, whether similar or indifferent, and who

provide a solid support system for their friends in the time of need.

Chapter One

Dena Thomas

Leaving Detroit and moving to California was always on Dena’s mind. Even as a little girl, she would ask her mother if they could move to California. Her mother would tell her no, but Dena told her mother she was going to move there one day. By the age of 18 Dena had moved to California. The move was ideal, since her high school friends Michele and Gladys were already living in California. During the four years of high school, the three friends were very close. They went to school dances together, skipped classes together, had sleepovers, and shared stories about boy crushes. Even in high school, Michele and Gladys had a way with connecting with the boys. Both girls received gifts from boys constantly, and it wasn’t a surprise they never paid to get in the school dances. Since Dena was their friend, she benefited from their perks, and being two years younger than the girls, she watched how her friends handled the boys. In return, since Dena was very book smart, she helped her older friends by tutoring them for their math and history classes. Michele and Gladys were very protective of Dena because she was younger and so innocent. Dena was the last one to lose her virginity out of the three—Gladys was the first.

Once Dena moved to Los Angeles, Michele and Gladys showed her around the city and helped with apartment hunting. Dena worked odd jobs for several years until she was hired at the Department of Motor Vehicles, and has been there for over ten years. In high school, Dena was the school’s radio announcer, providing the school’s news every day. Dena was known as the voice that everyone recognized in high school, giving the details about the basketball and football games and the school dances. Now she’s a thirty-two year old single, hard working woman, and a full-time student pursuing a degree in Communication. Dena rarely dates because she’s too particular and rightfully so. Dating isn’t difficult for Dena, but the five-six, athletic built, medium-brown skinned beauty is tired of the disappointments and has decided to focus on her studies and graduating. So instead of concentrating on finding a man, she finds enjoyment from exercising, shopping, and going to dinner with her longtime girlfriends.

Michele Mitchell

Dena’s longtime school friend Michele is the perfect example of never judge a book by its cover. At first glance anyone would expect the 5’8, slim figured, light-skinned, green-eyed exotic beauty to have the demeanor of a stuck up spoiled brat, but she’s anything but a Prima-donna. In high school, Michele was very athletic; she was a forward on the girls’ basketball team and she ran track. Although busy with sports, Michele found time to learn a few hustle tips from her good friend Gladys. After seeing Gladys work the boys and receiving special treatment; Michele recruited three guys to contribute to her high school girl needs. Being tall, toned, and exotic; Michele caught the eye of the school’s photographer who persuaded her to model for a competition he entered. Dressed in a pair of dark blue jeans and a wife beater tee shirt, Michele looked beautiful. The photographer, Ryan, captured her beauty and won the contest. Michele couldn’t believe how pretty she appeared in the photo, and this started the modeling interest.

Now, all grown up Michele looks like a super model, but when she speaks, it's clear she’s a girl from the hood. There’s no question she has very expensive taste and style. Michele’s wardrobe is a collection of the finest designer clothes and she’s known to have the baddest jewelry in the neighborhood. One wouldn’t believe she was the neighborhood salon’s shampoo girl who gets food stamps and welfare check assistance from the county, since she owns at least ten rental properties. Michele also has at least three men financing her desires and needs, which is a hustle introduced by her business partner and high school friend, Gladys.

Gladys Jackson

As a young girl Gladys watched her mother juggle men. As soon as one left their home another would appear. Gladys’ mother told her to address each man as uncle, and Gladys naturally greeted the men as such, and enjoyed accepting the gifts the men brought. Admiring her mother’s beauty, style, and charisma, Gladys observed how her mother smiled in their presence, gently caressed their hand when she spoke to them, and how she captured their attention. Birthdays and Christmas were so special, since Gladys received everything on her wish list, and she knew it was because of her mother’s relationship with her uncles. By her teen years, Gladys was old enough to figure out the men weren’t really her uncles, but she continued to address them as uncle anyway.

The gifts were more expensive during her teenage years. In high school, she was one of the few who received a car for a sweet sixteenth birthday. After watching her mother work the men, Gladys took an interest in the craft and decided to see if she had the gift of persuading boys to give her things. Gladys figured out which boys liked her and what they had to offer. Within weeks, she had a boy to give her his lunch whenever she asked, one who gave her five dollars a week, and one who did her homework. Like her mother, Gladys decided three was the magical number, so she always kept three boys around to contribute to her needs.

After high school Gladys’ mother decided it was time to move to the west coast. One of the uncles relocated to Los Angeles, so moving was perfect, since Gladys’ ill grandmother lived there. Gladys’ grandmother also had the talent of getting men to give her whatever her heart desired. As a little girl, Gladys’ mother watched different men come and go, bringing material gifts or leaving money. Gladys was able to spend one good year with her grandmother before she passed. During that year she gave Gladys so much knowledge on the hustling men game. Gladys would have made her grandmother proud to see she kept the tradition of the art of hustling men alive.

Connie Johnson

Dena’s cousin is forty-two, the mother of four, and has two sets of twins. Connie wears an unhappy uniform every day, which is her disposition. Often sarcastic and depressed, her appearance is proof she was once very pretty, but after four kids by two different men and several unsuccessful relationships, her attractive attributes have diminished. Connie only takes under the table paying jobs in order to hide her income from the child support system, which gives her the opportunity to take advantage of the system and to harass the oldest set of twin’s father.

Once upon a time Charles loved Connie; she was somewhat abrasive, but he tolerated her sporadic personality. The couple lived together for six years; life was good for Connie, having a handsome man of the house and beautiful four year old twins. Charles had decided to propose to Connie; one day after work he found himself in a jewelry store looking at engagement rings. Connie called several times but he didn’t answer; he didn’t want to make up a story or get distracted. When Charles walked through the door, Connie was very upset; more than usual. Charles didn’t allow her temper tantrum to faze him because he knew once she saw the ring he would be forgiven for not answering his phone, but Connie blew the opportunity. Connie’s anger got the best of her and she cursed Charles out, calling him a son of a bitch, which was very disrespectful; especially since his mother had recently passed away. At that moment, Charles realized he could no longer subject himself to Connie’s evil ways. Many times Charles would forgive Connie, since she was so insecure and often depressed, but he was tired. This incident was different because Charles raised his voice, which is out of character for him; he showed Connie the ring and thanked her for preventing him for making what could’ve been the biggest mistake of his life. Charles left that night and never returned. Leaving his twins broke his heart, but he couldn’t live another day with Connie.

Not long after Charles left, Connie moved in with her mother. After watching her mother’s failed relationships and the mistreatment from different men, Connie has lost hope of finding a nice man. Staying with her mother was short lived, since Connie was able to part of the reason why she was unhappy. The unhealthy relationship with her mother, not knowing her father, and the break up with Charles all contributed to her sadness.

Unsuccessful relationships have prevented Connie from believing in herself and being able to have real female friendships. Connie is the youngest of three, and she hasn’t spoken to her sisters, who are both married with children, in years. Whenever her sisters call she doesn’t answer the phone or return their calls. Seeing happy families and couples irritates Connie, which makes it impossible for her to be happy for others.

Connie doesn’t have any goals or aspirations and she doesn’t see a chance for happiness in her future. So, she faces each day dragging along in misery looking for company.

Chapter Two

SATURDAY

"Lately, waking up before the alarm goes off has been a regular thing, maybe it’sthe excitement of knowing soon I will be a lettered woman. Of course I will still have to keep my job until something better comes along, but I know it won’t be long." After thirty minutes on the treadmill and a shower, Dena makes a quick breakfast; grits and avocado. A favorite breakfast choice when there’s an extra twenty minutes to prepare it. The documentary, The Last Days of Left Eye touched Dena immensely. Left Eye from the popular female group TLC was one of her favorite rappers. Grits and avocado was one of Left Eye’s favorite meals and now it has become one of Dena’s; after seeing Left Eye so excited to have the combo for breakfast after fasting for over 30 days, she decided to try it. It’s ironic since she would have never put those two foods together.

Dena doesn’t take long to get dressed and apply her make-up; hair isn’t an issue since she’s been wearing it natural in the two-strand twist style. This is by far the easiest hairstyle she’s worn in a while, and since less time is spent on hair styling, she’s been able to sleep in a little longer.

California’s weather is unusually hot for June and it hasn’t rained since the beginning of February. California’s rush hour traffic is ridiculous. On Fridays you will hear people say, It may take you longer or traffic is bad. Friday’s traffic is always bad. Rush hour is very congested in the mornings whether a weekday or a weekend. There are always so many cars on the street, and it’s not a surprise to get caught in rush hour traffic even late at night or on the weekends. Normally, Dena is off on Saturdays, but every now and then she’ll switch with a co-worker to get Mondays off. The employee parking lot is not full, but a line is forming alongside of the building, with at least thirty people who will wait another hour before the doors open. People want to get their Department of Motor Vehicles business out of the way to enjoy the beautiful Saturday morning, or maybe take care of business before going to work. As a ritual, Dena pulls into a parking space, clears her head, prays, and repeats affirmations before enter the building. This helps to prepare for what lies ahead, since its not easy working for the State and dealing with all kinds of difficult situations and personalities.

State employees have a reputation of being rude and snappy, but Dena really does try to greet each person with a smile and aims to be as cordial as possible. Some of the employees will retire from the state; this is it for them; a good pension and retirement fund, so they’re just doing their time. For the past year, Dena has rotated from taking the driver's license pictures to working the front counter, but today she’s on picture duty, so this will be a comical day. Once the doors open, the people fill the room quickly. Everyone has a look on their face, which says they really would like to be somewhere else.

Okay, let the games begin.

The first customer is a nice lady, who may be in her early sixties. As she steps on the footprints to position herself, she poses as if she were a model back in the day and smiles like it’s a photo shoot for Ebony magazine. Customer number ten hands Dena his number and leans in close to ask her to make sure he has a good picture because he never likes his driver's license pictures. Number ten is dressed like he’s going out to a club, and his cologne is so strong Dena can taste it; she smiles and assures him he’ll like his photo. After taking the picture Dena checks to make sure it’s a good shot.

You’re going to like this picture, Dena assures.

You’re very pretty. I would love to take you out, number ten flirts.

The compliment catches Dena off guard, but she thanks him and of course declines the offer. Number ten is tall, dark, and handsome, but it takes much more to get her attention.

I particularly don’t care for the way he licks his lips in a fake LL Cool J way—he’s so not the LL Cool J type. Plus his cologne is too strong and I couldn’t imagine smelling it every time we went out. As a rule I just don’t date the customers; it’s bad for business, period.

Number twenty-five is a fly girl wearing Baby Phat gear and she has one of the best weaves Dena has seen in awhile, with beautiful Indian hair cascading down her back. Dena admires the weave but notices the makeup is too heavy.

Girlfriend must have stopped by the MAC counter on her way here. It would be perfect for television. Maybe she’s a video girl and is heading to the set after this.

Number twenty-five doesn’t smile and it’s evident she doesn’t intend to, so Dena snaps the picture. Dena can hear one of her co-workers, Teresa, telling a customer she has to pay all unpaid parking violations before she can update her vehicle registration. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have the funds, so Teresa gives her the red number eight tag, which must be placed in the window of the vehicle. The pass allows her to drive the vehicle until the end of August. This basically lets everyone know you didn’t take care of your business yet and you’re just buying time. The customer is actually upset with Teresa because she can’t register her car, so she snatches the sticker and quickly walks out. By the end of the day Dena is exhausted from hearing the complaints and feeling the different negative energy floating through the building. Ready to leave, she can’t pack up fast enough. Dena says quick goodbyes and exits to her car without looking back.

Time does fly when you’re having fun. Since I didn’t eat, I’ll have a nice early dinner at Chin Chins.

The drive from Dena’s job to Chin Chins on a good day without bumper-to-bumper traffic takes about twenty minutes, but today it’s a longer drive than usual because of the cars cruising La Cienega. At this point Dena doesn’t care, she’s just happy to be outside enjoying the warm weather and sights. Each lane has a long line of shiny cars, freshly washed; all sorts of convertibles, Bentley’s, Mercedes, BMW’s, Porsches, Range Rovers, VW bugs, Mini Coopers, Fords, Chryslers, and Chargers. Pretty much any car model and make can be seen on the street. People are walking their dogs, pushing strollers, jogging, and bike riding; enjoying the gorgeous sunny day.

Traffic becomes more congested as Dena approaches Wilshire Blvd; a delay occurs because the left turn lane is backed up with cars heading to the Beverly Hills’ stores on and around Rodeo Drive. Only going 10 miles per hour, Dena glances to the left as she passes one of her favorite restaurants; the Stinking Rose. Driving through restaurant row takes time, since many people are pulling in to different restaurants to valet. Lawry’s, famously know for prime rib, has a line of cars in the driveway. Across from the restaurant is a classy hotel, SLS, that has a great lounge and restaurant; cars in line for valet. As Dena crosses San Vicente, traffic comes to a stop in the front of the Beverly Center Mall; cars are pulling into the underground entrance, droves of people are taking the escalator up to the mall, and several people are going into the Grand Luxe Café restaurant. After passing Beverly Blvd the scene changes; both sides of the street have unique boutiques, furniture stores, a play theatre, and on the right is the known lingerie store Trashy Lingerie. Finally, picking up speed, Dena makes it to West Hollywood. LaCienega has a steep uphill road right before Sunset, which used to scare Dena when she first moved to Los Angeles, but it doesn’t bother her anymore. Caught by the red light waiting to turn left, Dena is happy she’s close to her destination. Sunset has many shops and restaurants; AX/Armani Exchange, Calypso, H&M, Jessica’s Nail Clinic, and home of many tattoo shops. Dena turns left into parking lot, which has a beautiful view overlooking the city.

Dena is seated outside at Chin Chins on Sunset Boulevard, drinking a glass of red wine, wearing a pair of Gucci shades, a tan halter dress, and tan leather sandals that are showing off the French pedicure. Looking Hollywoodish, taking in the scene, she observes the crowd of people walking by and those driving down Sunset.

I love to people watch on this street; it’s like watching television. These people look as though they don’t have a worry in the world, driving up and down the street in their Mercedes, BMW’s, Corvettes, Bentley’s, and Porsche’s. The women are so pretty and chic, while the men are handsome and stylish.

The waiter is a tall, thin Caucasian guy with a million dollar smile.

I would like to know who his dentist is. More than likely he’s an actor; I believe I saw him in a beer commercial.

After Dena orders, the waiter goes to the next table and Dena hears the couple congratulate him on booking a commercial. Dena was right.

The homes in the hills facing Sunset look so close together but they’re not. Sometimes Dena drives around the area and imagines how nice it would be to live up there. The traffic is heavier now since the early Saturday night crowd is starting to arrive. People are everywhere and there's something to do on every corner. The Standard Hotel, The Skybar, The Mondarin Hotel, Katana, and House of Blues are all very popular places to go on a Saturday night, and all are on Sunset Blvd.

It never really crossed my mind that I may hang out tonight, but I did dress the part today, so if the opportunity presents itself, I’m ready.

The waiter brings the food.

Here you are, my dear.

Thank you, what’s your name? Dena asks.

Anthony, but everyone calls me Tony.

Well, Tony, I have to tell you your smile is beautiful, I need your dentist.

Thank you! I’ll give you a card. Tony walks away and Dena enjoys the dinner.

After realizing she hasn’t received a call, she checks her phone, which was on vibrate so she turns the ringer on. Five missed calls and messages. Two calls were from her cousin Connie, the third message was her friend Michele, and the other two were from the co-worker, Teresa, who wants to talk about work. "If she only knew I’m so far away from that place I care not to think about it. When I leave work, I forget about it, and I definitely don’t want to think about it now while I’m sitting on Sunset, like a Hollywood starlet enjoying the scenery."

Tony walks by carrying two glasses of water and gives Dena a wink. "Cute guy, but I think he’s gay. Tony isn’t flirting, just being friendly. I’ve always had a magnetic connection with gay guys and I don’t have a problem with it. My mother always told me gay guys make the best friends, and I find it be true. My food was delicious, and this wine has me feeling very mellow." Two guys sit at the table next to Dena. The dark haired guy and Dena make eye contact, and he smiles and she returns the gesture. "The people are really friendly today, maybe it’s because the weather is so nice or because it’s the weekend." Tony walks over and hands Dena a couple of cards. One is the dentist’s business card.

"Not sure if you have plans tonight but here is a pass to the Skybar, I’m off