Keyshia and Clyde by Treasure E. Blue

that? She gonna get tired of you after a while.”
    Clyde’s statement didn’t even move her to answer him. She simply stayed in character and said, “You want to know why, Clyde Barker?” Coming out of the last shoe, she continued, “ ’Cause I know she ain’t doing her job. I useta go downtown and spend hours just wanderin’ around stores like these. I useta see white ladies buying up the store, and I saw how they got treated. They be yellin’ to salesladies that they like this and like that, they carried it fo’ them as they stood by waitin’ ta carry another piece like they their own personal clothes carrier.” She looked at Clyde. “If I’m gonna spend this kinds of money, that bitch gonna do her job to earn her commission.”
    The sales manager came over, frustration written on her face. “What can I help you with now, or did you finally find a pair that you like?”
    Keyshia remained calm as her voice changed. “Yes, yes, I did, and would you be kind enough to have them rung up and packed for me?”
    The sales manager scanned the dozen boxes of shoes and boots and asked, “Okay, which one do you want?”
    Keyshia said, “Why, I want all of them, and I’m paying cash.”
    The saleslady smiled as she repeated, “You, you said you want all of them?”
    Keyshia nodded. Clyde enjoyed watching her work the lady over. The manager let out a goofy laugh and said, “Well, all I got to figure out now is how to get all these boxes over to the sales register.”
    Keyshia suggested, “Well, there a big strapping-looking employee right over there.” She pointed at the security officer who was stalking them. “And I’m sure that he may be more than willing to assist you.”
    She smiled at Keyshia and said, “Thank you, I think I will ask him.” The saleslady raised her hand in the air and snapped her fingers in his direction. The security officer ran toward her at breakneck speed, knocking over a few items in the process. He was a huge, grim-faced man. By the time he got to them, he was out of breath and his barrel chest moved in and out, ready to rumble. The sales manager simply pointed to the floor and told him, “Carry all these boxes over to the register for our guest.” She walked away.
    The security officer stood there like a dunce, so Clyde jumped in and said, “You heard her, you peeping motherfucka, carry all our boxes to the register!”
    After Keyshia paid the bill, she asked the saleslady to hold on to the boxes of shoes because she hadn’t finished shopping. She was more than happy to oblige. Keyshia then turned to Clyde, smiling. Clyde scratched his head as he looked at the long white receipt in her hand and said, “I see that you are one of those expensive girls.”
    Keyshia unfolded the receipt and continued smiling. “You only live once.”
    Not convinced, Clyde said, “True, but when that shit runs out, what are you gonna do then?”
    â€œI just worry ’bout that when it happens. It wouldn’t be my first time or gonna be my last time I don’t have shit.”
    â€œBut still, jerking your money on material shit ain’t the answer. You never gonna know when you gonna need it.”
    Keyshia dismissed him again. “You sound like you old. You worry too much. Clyde, you got to learn to live a little or you life gonna pass you by. I don’t know how happy your life is, but nobody never gave me shit!” Clyde remained silent. Keyshia picked up on it and said, “Yo, I don’t know ’bout you, but I ain’t never shop like that before. I ain’t ever have nobody ta do something like that for me. I watched other people do it, I dreamt about it, and I promised myself first time I get a chance, I’m gonna see how it feel.” She grabbed his arm and looked in his eyes. “Because of yo’ help,