Hustler

I felt so “New Yorker Cool” today. About a month ago I was walking around the Upper East Side and this young guy stops me on the street. Now I usually get pissed off when people stop me, ask me for directions, etc, because I’m usually wearing my headset listening to music. Why don’t they stop and ask someone else who is not “busy”. Anyway, this dude stops me. He doesn’t have a bag with him (which is odd for any New Yorker not to have, especially in rush hour), but he’s dressed pretty normal. So, he stops me and starts talking. I take off my headset and give the “what the hell do you want with a smile” look.  I honestly don’t remember exactly what the hell he was saying but it was along the lines of- “Hi…how are you” (taking his sweet time) “I’m not from around here blah blah blah and need bus fare” This is when it hits me- This A-hole is just hustling me. Taking advantage of a sweet young lady! He just wants my money! I then smile, say “sorry” and walk away. Ugh. OY So what happened today?!! I was walking again on the Upper East Side with my headset on and this very same dude walks up to me, in the very same – “Hello miss, how are you” manner. What did I do? I looked at him, recognized him, put my hand up, shook my head, and walked away….without removing the headset. Damn hustler! But I felt so cool that I already knew his little trick. Like, – Bitch, don’t fuck with me. I’m a fast talking, fast walking New Yorker!