I'm Doin' Me 2 Read online

  With her eyes closed and her head back she was disturbed by a male voice. Her head jerked up—and there was a police officer standing over her with a flashlight in her face. “Ma’am?” he said again.

  “Yes, Officer, what is it? You scared the living crap out of me.”

  “I need you to step out of the hot tub, ma’am.”

  “Why? Why are you here? I didn’t call you.”

  “A neighbor called us, ma’am. What is your name?”

  Rose was shaking like a leaf. “Rose, Rosemary Jennings,” she recited with her hands up.

  “I’m going to need you to come out of the water. This house belongs to a Tiffany Richardson. Not a Rosemary Jennings.”

  “Yes, she’s the owner. I’m her best friend. She knows I’m here.”

  “Anyway, can we clear this matter up?”

  “Yes, sir. I’ll be happy to give you her number. And I’m naked, so please don’t make me come out of this water.”

  He turned around. “Please come out. I need your ID, ma’am.”

  Rose stood and got out as quickly as she could and rushed over to her robe. She put it on and proceeded to go inside of the house through the patio doors off the living room. She went into her bedroom and retrieved her license from her purse. She didn’t know the officer followed her inside, so she was shocked to see him standing near the French doors. She handed over her license and stood there feeling uneasy and wondered who decided to call the police. She wasn’t disturbing the peace, playing loud music, so what nosy neighbor called?

  After examining her ID, the officer talked into the radio attached to his shoulder, and Rose was trembling. “Yes, I need you to check a Rosemary Lynette Jennings, Illinois state-issued licensed,” he said and read off the license number.

  “Really, Officer, you can just call Tiffany; she’ll verify that I’m here,” Rose said going for her phone that was on the kitchen island a couple of feet from where they stood, and the officer yelled at her not to move. Rose jumped and instinctively put her hands up. The officer didn’t even reply. She slowly turned with her hands up and saw he had drawn his gun. “I was just going for my cell phone and my keys are over there on the kitchen island. I have the keys to this house and the car in the garage.” She was now shaking like a leaf.

  “Just stay where you are, ma’am,” he ordered.

  The bass in his voice made Rose tremble even more. She was hoping he wasn’t trigger happy, because she definitely didn’t want to be a cop’s next innocent victim, so she stood as still as her shaking body could stand. A few seconds later, the radio cleared Rose of any warrants or violations, and then the officer cooled his stance.

  “I’m sorry, ma’am, you can relax. This is just protocol. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” His voice was now gentle, and he put his gun back into his holster. He handed her back her ID. “You said you have the keys, ma’am?”

  “Yes, right over there, on the island.”

  “And how long have you been here?”

  “Since yesterday. I flew in yesterday morning, sir.”

  He nodded. “All clear. She is a houseguest, not an intruder,” he said into the radio.

  Rose exhaled. “Thank you, Officer. I’m just so shocked. I’m thinking maybe I should get a lock for that fence. I mean, you scared the hell out of me.”

  “I’m so sorry, Mrs. Jennings. A neighbor called saying she knew the owner of this place had moved out awhile ago and that no one should be here. She was concerned that someone had broken in.”

  “Well, I appreciate her concern, but the owner Tiffany, Tiffany Banks, knows I’m here. She and I are best friends, and I’m permitted to be here.”

  “I understand, Mrs. Jennings. I’ll let you get back to your soak.”

  “It’s Ms., and thank you, Officer Brady,” she said reading the name on his name tag.

  “Not a problem. Can I leave a card with you? I mean, you are new to the area, so if you’d like a tour guide . . .” he smiled.

  Rose’s brows raised. She was shocked. She just knew he wasn’t flirting with her. No makeup, wild natural curls, and she was as big as a house her insides screamed. “Excuse me?” she said as if she didn’t hear him.

  “I didn’t mean to be too forward. I mean, if you don’t want to . . . I can—” he tried to say, but she interrupted.

  “No, I’d like your card, sir.”

  “It’s Levi,” he said handing over his card.

  “Thank you, Levi, and everyone calls me Rose.”

  “Well, Rose, it was nice to meet you. My cell number is there so call me or text me if you’d like. My shift ends at eleven.”

  “Okay, I will.” She stretched out her hand, and he gently shook it. They walked out the French doors, and she walked him to the gate.

  “Yes, I suggest you get a lock for this gate. I mean, this is an upscale neighborhood, normally safe and quiet, but a beautiful woman like yourself can never be too safe.”

  “Thank you,” she blushed. “I’ll pick up one tomorrow.”

  “Great. Good night, Rose,” he said and walked out the gate.

  “Good night to you too.” Rose examined the card and ran in place to express her excitement. The officer was a walking calendar boy. Tall, tanned medium brown skin, and dark black eyes. He was clean shaved, and when he removed his hat inside the house she saw he had a tight fade. Before getting back into the water, she went for her phone.

  She texted him a quick message.

  Hi, this is Rose . . . It was nice meeting. This my num. Enjoy the rest of your night.

  Within moments, she got a return text.

  You too. If you don’t mind, I can text or call after my shift.

  I don’t mind; either is fine. Be safe.

  After that, she went out and got her goodie tray and turned off the hot tub. She locked up, set the alarm, and then dialed Tiffany. She had to tell her what happened, for one, and tell her about the miracle of her getting a man’s number. She was superexcited and talked to Tiffany until her other line rang.

  “Oh my God, Tiff, it’s him.”

  Tiffany yawned. “Okay, Rose, good night and don’t let him come over, understand? You are not easy,” Tiffany repeated.

  “Okay, bye,” Rose said and answered her other line. After the first ten minutes of nonstop chatter and laughs, she went for a glass of Pinot and stayed up half the night talking to her new L.A. friend, Officer Brady.

  I Need a Plan

  Episode 8

  Tracy

  Tracy paced her office back and forth, mind racing and her heart was pounding fast. She had just left a morning meeting with Mike, Mr. Green, and a couple other producers, and everyone had mind-blowing ideas that had both Langley and Mike smiling and nodding approvals. When it was her turn, she hadn’t had anything new; no updates or any new show ideas. Her answer simply was “Grapevine is on schedule and is going to be a sure-fire hit.” Mike’s face glowed, but Langley only gave a swift nod and turned to his superstar, Tiffany.

  “And you, Tiffany?”

  “Well, I have two new show ideas, but the one I want to propose is a sexy after-hours series that I’d like to call Chocolate Legs. My idea for it is to have an escort service that provides more than dates, like some sexy sexual adventures. The main character who I want to call Passion is introduced to this lifestyle by her new roommate when she relocates to New York to be closer to her ailing mother. In need of extra cash, she goes and not only does she make more money than she could ever imagine, but she becomes the one that all men desire. Eventually, this life will become routine until her mother dies and she finds the man of her dreams and wants to leave it all behind.”

  The corners of Mike’s and Langley’s mouths both curled up. “Again, Tiffany, I love the concept and idea, but the title, I’m not feeling,” Mike said. “Chocolate is bringing us back to an all-black cast, and we want diversity.”

  “I agree,” Langley said. “The main character can be a young, beautiful, black woman, but I want this ag
ency to offer a variety of women from different ethnic groups and since Sin City is coming up on its last season for after dark, this idea can be placed in that slot, or if we keep the title, we can put it on TiMax Black. That way, it can have an all-black cast if you like.” He turned to, Mike. “What do you think about that? ‘Chocolate Legs’ is catchy.”

  “That sounds good, but we should ping-pong it a little more before we finalize the direction, so have Myah coordinate a meeting with my assistant so we can revisit this in, say, a week.”

  “Yes, sir,” Tiffany smiled brightly.

  I’ll be damn, Tracy said to herself. This bitch always wowed the crowd, always has a great idea and always has Mr. Green eating out of her hands. When everyone stood, Tracy stopped Tiffany. She was fuming on the inside and still could not believe that Tiffany didn’t know who the hell she was. She was totally pissed that that bitch could take her gig and not even remember her face.

  “Ummm, Tiffany, do you have a second?”

  Tiffany paused, and then turned her attention to her. “Sure, what’s up, Tracy?”

  Tracy knew that addressing this issue right now was probably crazy, but she was tired of ogling at Tiffany, hoping it would hit her. “That show idea was great,” she said.

  “Thank you, Tracy, and again, congrats on Grapevine. I’ve heard good things.”

  “Yeah, thanks,” she said. She stood there looking at Tiffany, wanting to reach out and choke the life out of her, but she blinked and shook off that urge, and then continued. “I was just wondering and been wanting to ask you a question.”

  “Okay,” Tiffany said. She shifted her weight to her left side and tilted her head awaiting Tracy’s question. Tracy could sense she wanted to get the conversation over with, and she may have been a little irritated with her taking up her time.

  “You don’t remember me, do you?”

  “Remember you? What do you mean, Tracy? You’ve been here for what, a couple of months? I see you every day, so I’m confused. What do you mean remember you? Remember you from where?”

  “KCLN,” Tracy said.

  Tiffany still looked puzzled and confused. “Yes, I was at KCLN for a few years. That’s where Boy Crazy originated. Did you work there?” Tiffany looked at her, studying her face. Tracy could see that she had no clue or even remembered their brief encounter.

  “No, but I was supposed to work there,” Tracy said matter-of-factly. Now her arms were folded across her chest.

  “Okay, I don’t follow,” Tiffany said, folding her arms across her chest, not moving her gaze from Tracy. Their eyes were locked on each other.

  “Tracy Simms, Tiffany, I’m Tracy Simms.”

  It took a couple of seconds, and then clarity must have dawned, because Tiffany’s mouth dropped open. “Oh, Tracy, you were supposed to be the new writer for Boy Crazy. Now I remember you. You are that Tracy?”

  “Yes, I’m that Tracy. I was late, but you showed up and like pulled the rug right from under me.”

  “Oh, Tracy, I’m sorry. I had no idea back then, and I didn’t want to just take your job, but Todd insisted. I needed a job at the time, and that’s how it went down. I’m sorry, it wasn’t calculated or personal. I had no idea that the spot was for you, nor did I know that Todd had mistaken me for you until you walked in. It was unfortunate, but you know how it goes in this business.”

  “You’re right, I do know, so no hard feelings, right? I just wondered how you didn’t remember my face or recognize me. I mean, you did take my job.”

  Tiffany relaxed her stance and unfolded her arms. “Tracy, come on, you can’t still hold any ill feelings over that. That was ages ago and look where we are now. At TiMax. KCLN is like skid row compared to this place. Tell me you’re not still sore about that.”

  Tracy put on the fakest smile she could muster up and said, “No, not at all. I’d be crazy to still harbor ill feelings, right? Like you said, this is how it goes in this world. One day you’re hot, and the next you’re not.” She laughed.

  Tiffany agreed and laughed too. “That is so true.” Tiffany continued to giggle, and then placed a hand on Tracy’s shoulder. “Well, it was nice, Tracy, but I have to get over to set. Enjoy the rest of your day,” she said. She hurried off, and Tracy’s smile slowly faded as she watched Tiffany happily saunter away in her designer suit and Red Bottoms. The curls that cascaded down Tiffany’s back swayed to the rhythm of her strides. Everything about Tiffany, from her head to toe, spoke volumes, and Tracy’s anger had gone from simmering to boiling.

  She snarled, “Yes, bitch, I am crazy, and as soon as I figure out a way to knock you down from that throne you sit on, trust me, I will.”

  Incensed, she headed for her office. It was ten in the morning, but she needed a drink. Hell, she had the ingredients for a mimosa, so she hurried to make one. She downed it and made another one, and then she snatched open her office door and headed to Tressa’s office. Tressa was her only other option at that point. She was the only person she knew that hated Tiffany as much as she did.

  Tressa’s new secretary was there, and she stopped Tracy from walking into Tressa’s office unannounced.

  “Excuse, Ms. Simms, but Ms. Green is not available.”

  “What time will she be back in?”

  “I’m not sure. She’s in a meeting with Mr. Green. I was told to contact Mrs. Banks if an issue needed immediate assistance,” the young beauty said politely.

  The sound of Mrs. Banks’s name made Tracy’s skin crawl. She had never met Kory and didn’t want to, but that was another thing Tiffany trumped her on. A husband. That bitch had a husband. Tracy refocused and quickly said, “No message, I’ll come back.” She hurried to her office and said between tight lips to her assistant, “Get Mr. Harrington on the line, now!” Then she stomped into her office, and her chest heaved up and down. She realized she had to get a grip. Her horns were showing, and she didn’t want anyone to know that she was on a mission to take out Mr. Green’s star child, and she didn’t mean Tressa.

  “Ms. Simms, Mr. Harrington is on line one,” she heard her assistant announce from the intercom on the desk phone.

  She snatched the receiver from the cradle. “I need to see you now!” she blasted into the phone.

  “Ms. Simms, need I remind you that I’m the owner of this company, and I’m your boss?”

  She paused before she spoke. Mike was right, and she couldn’t afford to be thrown out on her ass. “Mr. Harrington, I must apologize.” She changed her tune quickly. “I didn’t mean to be rude or out of line.”

  “I’m sure. Now I have a meeting in five. I’ll get back with you later, Ms. Simms.” With no more words, he ended the call. That pissed Tracy off so bad she wanted to throw the phone. She was lost in her own mission, lost in her own unorganized conquest to destroy Tiffany Richardson-Banks or whatever that bitch’s name was. She had no master plan, nor did she know her next move.

  She got up from her desk and went over to the sofa and flopped down. Then she grabbed the unfinished mimosa and savored the flavor as it trickled down her throat. Too exhausted to plot or devise a plan at that moment she said, “Tomorrow. Yes, I’ll come up with something tomorrow.”

  No Way

  Episode 9

  Tiffany

  Tiffany hurried off, trying to get to the studio as soon as she could. She could not believe she had just had a face to face with the one she screwed out of a job. For a while, she had carried guilt about what had happened that day when she landed her job, but her intent was never to take anyone’s spot. She harped about it to Asia a few times, but Asia would always assure her that it was her destiny to get that spot at KCLN, and she had nothing to feel guilty or sad about.

  It had been Tracy’s misfortune, but it wasn’t something that Tiffany had set out to do. It just happened that way. She had addressed how bad she felt to Todd, Darryl, and anyone that knew how her job came about, and they’d all said the same thing. “This job was meant for you to have, so stop feeling bad.” Eve
n the sound of Darryl’s voice rang out in her head when she thought of him saying those words to her.

  Tiffany was out of the golf cart before it could make a complete stop. She hurried inside and searched for Darryl. Now that he had the opportunity to produce his first miniseries, she didn’t see him as often as she used to when they had worked side by side.

  “Dee, where’s Dee?” she asked a passerby. She didn’t want to take forever finding him.

  “He’s in the sound room,” the worker replied.

  Tiffany was off and yelled thanks over her shoulder. When she got to the door, she paused to catch her breath. She didn’t realize how fast she had been moving until her breathing increased. “Calm down, girl. This is no big deal,” she told herself. She wanted to consult with Dee before jumping to any conclusions about Tracy. Tiffany had to see if Dee had heard any rumors before she made it about her. She opened the door, and Darryl had on a headset so the engineer that saw Tiffany come in gestured to let Darryl know she was there.

  He removed the headset and looked around to see her. “Hey, Buttercup, how are you?” he said and hurried over to hug her.

  “I’m fine, darling. How are things going? How does it feel to be doin’ you?”

  “Fantabulous, love. What brings you to my tiny set, sugarplum? Marital troubles already, hummmm?”

  “No, Darryl, damn. Why do you always suspect something is going wrong in my castle?”

  “No reasons . . . I’m just being ole messy me.”

  “Well, Kory and I are fine. Still no bun in the oven, but that is an entirely different topic. You will never guess who I just ran into.”