Any Way the Wind Blows - E. Lynn Harris [105]
“Cool your heels, honey. Sit down. If it’s that important, I will tell you. But I better not hear of you telling anybody that I revealed my sources,” LaVonya said.
“This is the only story of yours I am concerned about.”
“It’s one of your rivals,” LaVonya said.
“I don’t have any rivals,” I said. “My record is number one for the third straight week, it just knocked Destiny’s Child from the top spot.”
“Yeah, you’re the flavor of the moment, but keep your eyes in the back of your head. There’s a young lady named Marlana who’s on your tail. And just between me and you, I don’t think she likes you too much,” LaVonya said as she took a sip of sparkling water and then dabbed her lips with a cloth napkin.
“How does she know about Madison? I barely know that girl,” I said.
“But your former roommate, or house-sitter, what’s her name, whatever, told her,” LaVonya said.
“Windsor told her?” I asked as I suddenly felt my face become warm.
“Yeah, that’s where she got her information. But I wouldn’t be upset with Windsor. She loves you and didn’t do it to hurt you. She was trying to encourage Marlana not to give up her child for adoption. She used you as an example of someone who might have regretted giving up her child. Marlana tells me Windsor really loves you and thought sharing information about you would help Marlana. This Windsor sounds like she should start some type of diva rehabilitation service. Helping divas who have lost their way. It’s such a shame that Marlana used the information against you, but it will all wash out in the end. I just sorta took over when she got busy with her career and couldn’t harass you anymore,” LaVonya said with a satisfied smile on her face.
“How kind of you,” I said sarcastically.
“So are you ready? Can I turn my recorder on? People and Diva can’t wait to get this story.”
I stood up again and said, “Sorry, but I think they’ll have to wait.”
“What are you talking about?” LaVonya asked as she clicked her tiny recorder off.
“I’m on my way to another floor, where I have an interview with Monique Greenwood of Essence. I’m giving them an exclusive. And I thank you so much for the information,” I said as I grabbed my purse and headed for the door.
“Wait a minute. You can’t walk out on me like that. I’m getting paid big money for this story.”
As I reached for the doorknob, I turned around, looked at LaVonya and said, “You were going to get big money. I don’t think it’s a good idea to work with a writer who reveals her sources so easily.”
• • •
Club Mix (The Finale)
I Learned from the Best
A lot of good came from seeing Basil. For the first time I feel as if I have a clean slate and a real chance for love with Desmond. It feels wonderful to not have secrets. The response to the Essence article has been overwhelmingly positive and I looked fabulous on the cover.
In a couple of weeks, I leave to do my first feature film in North Carolina and Desmond will direct me. I’ll play the trophy wife of an older man in a film the studios are calling a black Big Chill. Denzel Washington is playing my husband. So I must be livin’ right.
Before I start filming, I’m going to visit Windsor and Wardell. Recently, she delivered a healthy eight-pound baby boy, Kelson Adams-Pope. When I spoke with her, she sounded happier than I’ve ever heard her, and for someone like Windsor, I guess that’s what’s called being delirious with joy. I decided not to tell her about what Marlana did, because in the end Marlana helped me shed some more layers of my past. Besides, I know Windsor would never do anything to hurt me. Every time I talk to Windsor or see her, she teaches me the power and beauty of friendship.
My CD is currently multiplatinum and my second single, “I’m Not in Love,” hit number one on all the charts—pop, contemporary and R & B. The first triple number one for Motown in a long time, so life is good.
Basil sent me the tapes, and I called Ava to let her know I had them. The conversation was an Ava special, and she yelled, hollered and