How you gon' let another man flirt with you when I sitting in front of your face? Sugar ignored him, and then spoke about something that troubled her. It's obvious that you're a salesman, but what exactly is it that you sell? She had an idea but wasn't sure because his appearance didn't scream drug dealer. He wore braces, sported preppy clothes, and carried a man purse.

Any other normal person with a legit business and nothing to hide would answer this question with ease, but Mike took offense. The sweet, polite attitude of the gentleman who had pulled her chair out and offered to pay for her meal a few minutes ago suddenly changed. Let me guess. You assume I'm some type of narcotics dealer because I stay on the phone, rent shabby motel rooms, and carry a bag everywhere I go. Look at what I'm wearing. Honestly, do I look like I'm that type of person?

Well, my pastor used to always tell me to beware of those who are wolves in sheeps clothing.

Do me a favor? Don't ask questions about how I'm able to pay for your food and how Im able to leave a large tip for that punk-ass waiter and be grateful you getting a hot meal.

Sugar rose and leaned over the table to Mike, almost causing the silverware, salt and pepper shakers and glasses to fall onto the floor. A couple eating across from them chewed quietly and lowered their voices to hear their argument.

First of all, I didn't ask you for shit. You voluntarily gave me the key to your room and offered to buy me something to eat. If I would've known you were going to throw this in my face and humiliate me I would've gone to a shelter or a soup kitchen. Damn you. Sugar rushed out of the restaurant.

Mike paid the amount he thought the food would cost then followed. When he caught up, he grabbed a handful of hair and jerked her head back. His warm breath touched her neck. Girl, what is your malfunction? You don't embarrass Mike Gallery in public. He swung his hand back and slapped her. Sugar fell in the street. Evidently, you don't know who I am.

Sugar spit blood from her split lip into the grass. Youre right, I dont. Your true colors have shown. I might be broke and homeless, but I refuse to kiss your behind or anybody elses to get a hand out.

Larry and the manager rushed to Sugars aide and helped her off the ground. Larry wiped the gravel from Sugars knees and threatened to call the police.

Mike had a felony capias warrant on file for failing to appear at circuit court, so he didn't want the police around. No need, I'm leaving. You coming, Sugar?

Larry put his two cents in. She's not going anywhere with you.

Mike looked as if he was about to buck, but walked to his car.

No, I'll be fine, Sugar said.

Yeah, she'll be fine, Larry said. She don't need you.

Thanks Larry, but I can handle this myself.

Sugar, I'm not leaving you way out here without a way back to the city. You coming or what?

I'd rather catch a cab.

I'm not giving you cab money when you got a ride already here.

Larry pulled twenty dollars worth of tips from his pocket and forced it into Sugars hand. You don't have to go with him if you don't feel safe.

She handed the money back to Larry. He's harmless. She pranced to Mike's Caprice, showing that she was okay and wasn't bothered by what transpired. She was truly afraid and bothered, but knew she had to do what she had to to keep from sleeping on a bench in the lonely tough streets. Thought you'd see it my way.

Oh, hell nah. She opened the door to get back out.

Mike started laughing, like he was being humored. Get your ass back in this car. I'm just fooling with you. Stop taking everything so serious. Relax. He stroked her hair and rubbed her shoulder.

Don't touch me. Just drop me off at 428 Bishop Boulevard please. I'll crash at Bobby's.

I didn't mean for us to start off on the wrong foot. Let me help you. I can help you. I've been there myself and I know how hard it is when you don't have anybody looking out for you. I'll put you down with my Aunt Gloria at Freedoms Bakery on Grove Road. It's only six bucks an hour, but you can stay with me and save your money so you can get on your feet.

Thanks, but no thanks. I'll be fine on my own.

Six bucks ain't much, but it's a hell of a lot better than standing on a dark street corner, sucking somebody off for money that ain't guaranteed.

He didn't even have to look in Sugars direction to know what kind of expression was on her face. He just stayed focused on a car that was tailgating him in his rearview mirror and smiled. Pick your jaw up off the floor mat. I found out about you the first time I saw you at the Food Lion grocery store.

And selling to your own people, killing them with that poison, is better?

No, but you don't understand.

So you're admitting youre a criminal?

Not really.

So were you disappointed and disgusted when you found out about me?

Nah, cause I was like shit, I want some too. Just playing. I was surprised cause you don't look like that type of woman.

And you don't look like a woman beater, but you fooled the hell out of me.

Stay in your place next time and it won't happen.

She was waiting for him to crack a smile again this time, but he didn't. He was dead serious. Help me understand your tragic drug-dealing situation.