Read Online Boy Trouble by Reshonda Tate Billingsley - Free Book Online Page B

recognize Mynique?” I laughed. “If you blinked, you missed her. She was a nineties sitcom star who had been looking to revitalize her career. Well, Mynique, girl, this ain’t the way to do it,” I said, giving my full Wendy Williams flavor. “But a little birdie told me this isn’t Mynique and Demond’s first public feud. In fact, we hear he makes no secret about how much he puts them paws on women. Of course, Rumor Central is staying all over this story and will keep you updated as we get more info. When we know it, you’ll know it, too.” I turned back to camera one. “More Bow Wow baby-mama drama. We’ll have that story after the break.”
    The music came up again as I tossed to the commercial break. I knew Demond was going to be pissed, but he’d lost all major cool points with me when he’d put his hands on Mynique, so I couldn’t care less about him being mad. And the way she had just acted with me, I definitely didn’t care if she was mad.
    â€œHey, good stuff, Maya,” Tamara called out, giving me the thumbs-up as she scurried across the studio. I used to really respect Tamara back when I worked for Miami Divas. Back then, she’d seemed like a serious journalist. Now, all she was was a Mona from Love and Hip Hop wannabe, constantly trying to chase her reality star, at anyone’s expense. She had been getting on my nerves lately, but I was glad to expose Demond and his abusive ways.
    Manny gave me the stand-by cue again and then, I came back and wrapped up the rest of the show, including my own personal two cents on why women shouldn’t endure abuse. I closed with how women should love themselves enough to walk away and I gave the 800 domestic abuse hotline. I could only imagine Mynique sitting at home, fuming. She hated me with a passion as it was, so it’s not like I had anything to lose, as if I cared about her anyway.
    â€œMaya, absolutely loved it,” Dexter said, catching up with me as I left the set. “That’s the Maya we all know and love.”
    â€œGlad you liked it.”
    â€œYep, some of your best work. But um, kill the commentary,” he added.
    I stopped and turned to face him. “Excuse me?”
    â€œI’m just saying, we just want you to give us the dirt. Straight, no chaser.”
    I had no idea what in the world that meant, but it didn’t sound good.
    â€œI’m sorry. I don’t understand.”
    He kept that stupid smile. “I’m saying, we love the dirt. Save the lectures for the other shows. All that ‘love yourself’ crap. Nobody wants to hear it.”
    â€œMaybe some people need to hear it,” I replied.
    Ugh, Dexter made me sick. Was it so bad that I wanted to be more than just some sleazy gossip show? But Dexter was ten times worse than Tamara, so arguing with him would be pointless.
    â€œFine, Dexter,” I said, turning and continuing down the hallway. It wasn’t like I had plans to be lecturing anybody, but if I felt like adding my two cents on a story, I should be able to.
    I had just made it back into my office when my telephone rang. A few months ago, I’d had a stalker and then my fan base had gotten ridiculous, so I had made it a point to have all of my phone calls screened. That’s why I was surprised when Sheryl, the front receptionist came on and said, “Hey, Maya, there’s a girl on the phone and she really wants to talk to you.” I raised an eyebrow. Sheryl knew I didn’t take random calls. She must’ve sensed my hesitation because she added, “She’s crying and I don’t know, but my gut tells me you should speak to her.”
    I let out a heavy sigh. I was tired but decided to see what Sheryl was talking about.
    â€œHello,” I said, picking up the phone.
    â€œHi, Maya Morgan?” the voice softly said.
    â€œHi, this is she. How may I help you?”
    â€œUm, you don’t