LITMIR.BIZ

      KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.

       www.kensingtonbooks.com

      This book is dedicated…

      To Julie Ingle, a true mama friend. I don’t know what I would have done without such a good friend and neighbor those first few months of new motherhood. Blessings to you and your family always.

      And to teenage mothers taking care of their business: No matter how early in your life motherhood may come, your strength, patience, and prevailing energy is what ushers in a new generation. Don’t forget you deserve to grow up, too.

      ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

      “It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are.”

      —E. E. CUMMINGS

      To the people who have excelled personally and professionally because of Drama High: Keep on pushing, because I know I will. To my publisher, Dafina/Kensington: twelve books down and we are still moving forward. Thank you always for your support. And finally, to my readers: As I have said before, as long as you keep reading, I’ll keep writing. Thank you very much for your loyalty always. Keep flowing, keep hustling, keep working, keep praying, keep moving, keep striving, and keep pushing.

      THE CREW

      Jayd

      A sassy seventeen-year-old from Compton, California, who comes from a long line of Louisiana conjure women. She is the only one in her lineage born with brown eyes and a caul. Her grandmother appropriately named her “Jayd,” which is also the name her grandmother took on in her days as a voodoo queen in New Orleans. Jayd now lives in her mother’s apartment in Inglewood. She visits her grandmother on the weekends in Compton, her former home. Jayd is in all AP classes. She has a tense relationship with her father, whom she sees occasionally, and has never-ending drama in her life, whether at school or home.

      Mama/Lynn Mae

      When Jayd gets in over her head, her grandmother, Mama, is always there to help her. A full-time conjure woman with magical green eyes and a long list of both clients and haters, Mama also serves as Jayd’s teacher, confidante, and protector.

      Mom/Lynn Marie

      At thirty-something years old, Lynn Marie would never be mistaken for a mother of a teenager. Jayd’s mom is definitely all that and with her green eyes, she keeps the men guessing. Able to talk to Jayd telepathically, Lynn Marie is always there when Jayd needs her.

      Netta

      The owner of Netta’s Never Nappy Beauty Shop, Netta is Mama’s best friend, business partner, and godsister in their religion. She also serves as a godmother to Jayd, who works part-time at Netta’s Shop.

      Esmeralda

      Mama’s nemesis and Jayd’s nightmare, this next-door neighbor is anything but friendly. She relocated to Compton from Louisiana around the same time Mama did and has been a thorn in Mama’s side ever since. She continuously causes trouble for Mama and Jayd. Esmeralda’s cold blue eyes have powers of their own, although not nearly as powerful as Mama’s.

      Rah

      Rah is Jayd’s first love from junior high school, who has come back into her life when a mutual friend, Nigel, transfers from Rah’s high school (Westingle) to South Bay. He knows everything about her and is her spiritual confidant. Rah lives in Los Angeles but grew up with his grandparents in Compton like Jayd. He loves Jayd fiercely but has a baby-mama who refuses to go away. Rah is a hustler by necessity and a music producer by talent. He takes care of his younger brother, Kamal, and holds the house down while his dad is locked up and his mother strips at a local club.

      Misty

      The word “frenemies” was coined for this former best friend of Jayd’s. Misty has made it her mission to sabotage Jayd any way she can. Living around the corner from Jayd, she has the unique advantage of being an original hater from the neighborhood and at school.

      KJ

      He’s the most popular basketball player on campus, Jayd’s ex-boyfriend, and Misty’s current boyfriend. Ever since he and Jayd broke up, he’s made it his personal mission to persecute her.

      Nellie

      One of Jayd’s best friends, Nellie is the prissy princess of the crew. She is also dating Chance, even though it’s Nigel she’s really feeling. Nellie made history at South Bay by becoming the first black Homecoming princess and has let the crown go to her head.

      Mickey

      The gangster girl of Jayd’s small crew, she and Nellie are best friends but often at odds with each other, mostly because Nellie secretly wishes she could be more like Mickey. A true hood girl, she loves being from Compton, and her ex-man with no name is a true gangster. Mickey and Nigel have quickly become South Bay High’s newest couple.

      Jeremy

      A first for Jayd, Jeremy is her white on again /off again boyfriend who also happens to be the most popular cat at South Bay. Rich, tall, and extremely handsome, Jeremy’s witty personality and good conversation keep Jayd on her toes and give Rah a run for his money—literally.

      Mickey’s Man

      Never using his name, Mickey’s original

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