Chapter 1 #2
“I told you, Omar, I already have a headline after I submit this one to you. You can get Mariah. She’s good too and can use the tip,” I said, scanning the text really quickly before I emailed the file.
I rolled my eyes when I still felt him behind me. I turned to see him leaning over my cubby with those same fake ass puppy dog eyes that always made me give in.
I huffed.
“Whatever you have, pass it to Mariah and take this Rowe story. Please, Hollis. No one, and I mean no one, has dropped the receipts on this. Caught Live needs to be the first to report.”
“Then maybe it’s a dry well, move on,” I said dryly, not even wanting to go back and forth over this.
I wanted to type up the Talisa and Orlane tea and the other story I’d gotten the other night when I went to Black Diamonds.
A model named Miller Rose had been moving way too sloppily that night and got caught up in some shit.
“You and I both know that’s some bullshit. It’s wet and deep just like—” I cut his sentence short, not needing a visual for whatever was on the other end of that shit. I grunted my frustration before I spoke.
“I love how I keep telling you no fucking baseball stories and yet you find your way over to me with the bullshit.”
“Because I know you’re the best when it comes to getting close.
These muthafuckas can’t even sneeze without you knowing.
Remember, this is business, not the past. Memories die just like our feelings.
Sack the hell up and get me what I need.
” I hated the way his eyes lit up as the goofy grin began to form.
I also hated how true it was.
This wasn’t even supposed to be my life. I had a fucking journalism degree with a minor in marketing and business. I had dreams of owning my own magazine, and yet, somehow the path of my life rushed me into becoming a high paid gossip girl.
I loved my job working at Caught Live, but in moments like this, I missed something I never had.
“Before I agree, is Shepherd Rowe connected to he who shall not be named in any way?” I asked, as I crossed my arms over my chest, tilting my head, waiting for the lie.
I knew they were. I just loved when Omar lied to my face.
“No. This is strictly about Shepherd Rowe and the juicy ass scandal he’s currently in with his wife and her outside baby.”
“You know, Omar, it’s fucking scary how good you are at lying. Does your wife know you have these abilities?” I said, now scanning my emails for potential leads random people sent with the hopes of getting picked up and paid.
“Not as good as you are at getting the receipts to expose this Rowe story. Think about how big this one will be for your name. I’m talking gossip girl of the year. Maybe even an office, who knows, with an advance attached.”
I groaned, closing my eyes and rubbing my temples as Omar continued to sell me on getting this. Right now, the whole topic was pure speculation since no one had been able to get anything solid. All he said, she said. I mean, it would be good if it were true. Not the affair, but the tea.
“You stay breaking my fucking boundaries for a story, Omar. Ugh, I shouldn’t do this because I know you gon’ stress me out.”
He slapped his hands together, overjoyed by me yet again bending my rules.
“Thank you.”
“Aht aht, I need not only an advance for this shit, but it’s time we talk quarterly bonuses on top of that office.” I stretched my finger, pointing at him. I was serious. If I had to continue to be uncomfortable, it was going to at least come with money attached and a view of downtown.
“Done. How can I say no to my best asset? Oh, and I look forward to reading your piece on the update with the Wilsons. That’s a messy one for sure and I’ve been loving it.”
I offered a fake laugh as he walked away.
It was crazy how when Johnni said earlier this year that we didn’t talk about friends, I waved her off because of who it was. But lately, with Quincey now being a topic, it felt weird. No, he wasn’t my friend, but he was once a part of our family.
And yet here you are, delivering the gossip about him and his daddy for money.
At this point there was nothing I could do.
My work phone buzzed and I looked down to see a drop came through with the information they had so far on this Rowe piece. It wasn’t a lot but it was enough to get started in the right direction.
I closed my laptop and began packing my stuff. I was done in the office and heading home.
I had barely gotten in my door when the sound of my personal phone ringing had me dropping everything to dig into my purse. I smiled when I noticed it was Callie. I was sure she was on her lunch break between clients.
“Hey, sissy,” I sang after I hit the button.
“Hey, are you busy?” she huffed.
“Not for you. What’s going on?”
“I’m running late between my appointments and Derek is still at work, can you please go get Cami from Granny’s for practice? Why these folks have these early ass practices knowing parents still have work even if it’s summer break I’ll never know.” I laughed at her sounding truly annoyed.
I twisted my wrist to double check the time. I knew it wasn’t as early as she was making it seem.
Four-thirty.
“Of course, I got my little baby. I’ll drop her off later.” I didn’t mind getting my only niece. Even though Cami was Callie’s baby, she was my mini me.
Yes, Callie and I were twins, but we were nothing alike. Hell, we didn’t even look alike. While I had our mother’s features and our father’s rich dark skin complexion, Callie had his features and our mother’s sweet caramel skin tone.
I also had our mother’s attitude while Callie was the calm and collected one, much like our father.
“Ooh, good, thank you. Let me get back to business. I’m in the middle of butt length small ass knotless that wasn’t on my schedule.” She groaned, then continued while I only laughed. She stayed going off script with her clients. “Love you and I’ll see y’all later.”
“Love you too. Oh, and make that heffa tip you too.”
She kissed her teeth right before I heard the three beeps in my ear.
I smirked again, making my way to the living room, setting my work bag down then refilling my water bottle before heading out to get Cami.
Practice started at five-thirty and we would need food before we made our way to the field.
By the time I pulled up to Lacy’s house, Cami was already outside on the porch with Lacy and my uncle Ellis who had recently gotten out of prison.
“Auntie Holli!” Cami yelled as I parked my car, leaving it running before I got out. Of course, she ran over to greet me while Lacy hollered about letting folks make it out of their cars before running up on ’em.
“Hey cutie pie, are you ready to go?” Cami nodded while we walked toward the house.
“Then go get your gear then, girlfriend,” I said just as we reached the porch. I walked up on it, heading for my granny.
“Hey, Uncle Ellis. Hi, Granny.” I bent down, kissing her cheek.
“Hey niece, what you got going on witcha?”
“Nothing much, coming to take Cami to practice since Callie and Derek are busy working. Granny, if you need anything let me know and I’ll drop it off on the way back through town.”
Lacy waved me off.
“That’s why your uncle is here. He’s running for me like a good son. You just go take care of Cami and make sure you both put on your sunscreen. It’s a nice and hot one today. And make sure you feed her. She ain’t want none of the beans I put on.” I snickered.
“And thank goodness, Granny. You gon’ have that girl on the field dropping more than balls. I’ma stop and get her something on the way; don’t worry.” As if she heard the magic words of going to get food, Cami dashed out of the house with her bag and water bottle in hand.
“I’m ready!”
“Not without giving me my sugar you not,” Lacy said, causing Cami to rush her, completely burying her face into Granny’s body while accepting hugs and kisses.
“Bye, Uncle Ellis. Bye, Granny,” I said, with him giving me a nod as Cami gave him a hug goodbye too.
“See you later, alligator,” he teased, causing her to bust out in a fit of giggles.
“After a while, crocodile,” she sang as we made our way off the porch to the car. Once I had her locked in and I was in the driver seat, we hit the road for our first stop.
“So I was thinking Redmond’s for a quick snack before you hit some home runs. What you think?”
“Ooh yes! Ooh, can I get a lemonade too?”
“Now Cami, you know auntie’s rule. The meal ain’t complete without the cup of lemonade.”
“Because period, girlfriend!” I laughed at her sounding like me as we made our way across town.