Gretchen laughed, a high, unsteady laugh, too loud and long, until Melissa gave her an arch look and said, “No more voddy for you, little Gretchen.” “I’m fine!” she sang back. “Totally down, right Marcus?” “I’m sorry?” said Marcus. “I’m down. You know. Down.” “I don’t know what you . . .” “You know,” she said, her eyes unfocused. “It’s a street thing, dog. ‘I’m down with OPP, yeah, you know me . . . ,’” she sang, flashing ludicrous gang signs. “Oh boy,” said Marcus. “You need to go to bed.” “Just tryin’ to keep it real, homes.” “OK,” said Marcus.
