Also by Janine A. Morris
DIVA DIARIES
SHE’S NO ANGEL
Published by Kensington Publishing Corporation
Playthang
Janine A. Morris
KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.
www.kensingtonbooks.com
All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.
Table of Contents
Also by Janine A. Morris
Title Page
Dedication
Acknowledgments
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
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A READING GROUP GUIDE - PLAYTHANG
Copyright Page
I dedicate this book to two angels ...
my uncle, Webster Dub Young,
and my friend, Renesha Bowen-Smith,
who both passed away
while I was writing this book.
Love and miss you.
R.I.P
Gone, but not forgotten
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, I would like to thank God for all his blessingsand mercy. I still have to pinch myself sometimes that this is me living this life. It feels like a dream to be fulfilling all the goals I set for myself as a little girl. I am completing my third year of law school and my third book will be in stores this year. I know you can do anything you set your mind to, but I still feel so blessed to be living out my dreams. God has been good to me.
I also thank God for granting me with my parents to whom I owe so much.To my amazing parents, Julius and Carolyn Morris,thank you.You guys have been a perfect example of makingit happen and never giving up. I thank God that you guys raised me to have the self-worth and self-confidence that I have, and that you taught me right from wrong and loved me enough to make sure I knew I had options. Thank you for supportingme in all my dreams and endeavors and for being there emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially. I truly don’t know what I would do without you guys.
Ahmad Meggett, when I met you a decade ago I had no idea you were going to fill my life with so much joy for so long.You constantly push me to “keep it up” and you remain a friend that I can depend on as well as a man that I can love. From the breakfasts in bed and the instant piña coladas to the shoulder to lean on whenever I need one, you spoil me.You are beautifulon the inside, extremely handsome on the outside, you make my life magical. There is not one thing about you that I would change. You are too good to be true. I thank God for sending me the person that I feel extremely confident is my true soul mate. I hope that six more decades go by and we still have this amazing “something that we share.” You still are—and I hope you will always be—“my air.”
My twin brother Jason who is no longer with me in flesh but in spirit, thank you for giving me the motivation to do twice as much, enough for you and me both. To my siblings, Tashah Bigelow and Julius Morris J.R., thank you for always being there when I’ve needed you and for guiding your baby sister. Tashah, as you know it will always be automatic and when we don’t want to deal with anyone else in this world; we always have each other. J.R., my big brother, time has flown and we have grown so much.Although life has made it where we are not joined at the hip anymore you are always there for me when I need you most, and I will always be proud to be your little “big” sister. My sister Lisa, I love you and as you said, “It’s in the blood.” My brother-in-law Alex, you’re still my Alexy Palexy who lives in a galaxy. My nephew Hamilton, you are growing into such a fine young man. I love you so much, if you only knew just how much joy you’ve brought me since the day you were born. My nieces, Tylah and Leila, keep being the strong and smart little ladies you are.You are my little princesses, and you make me proud.
To my second family, Henry, Cynthia, Rashard, Rashida, and Leslie Meggett, I don’t think you understand how truly blessed I feel to have you all in my life. Ma and Dad Meggett, I am alwaystelling people about how great you two are, how much you inspire me and how much I love you both from the bottomof my heart; and I sincerely mean every word of it. You make me feel comfortable and treat me like your own child and that means a lot to me. (And Ma, thanks for supporting my writing career the way you have.) Rashard and Leslie, congrats on your new marriage and new home, all you have to do now is make the new baby ... let’s get to it. Rashida, you are the little sister I never had, and you and Sekai (K5) have made such beautiful baby twin boys. To my new nephews, Alijah and Amari Guy, welcome to the world and may you enjoy all the spoiling we will bestow upon you. To Grandma Doris, Uncle Junior and Uncle Peter,Aunt Berta, Aunt Cookie, Tanika, Troi, Candice, Kevin, Brandi (congrats on the wedding bells), and Brian—thanks for treating me like family.
To my Aunts Val, Ann, Kirby, Ruthann, Zelda, Frankie, Earline, Dorothy, and Barbara; and my Uncles Joe, Ray, Dwight, June, William, and Gregory, thanks for your role in my life and for all your support. My father is one of seven, my mother is one of ten, and all seventeen of my grandparents’ children had children,some up to five. So as you know there are too many cousins to name, but to my amazing loving and large Morris and Young family, you are my five fingers that make a mighty fist.You know who you are, love you all. Lauren and Gordon Dillard, we are the YOUNGest, and we have the duty to take the world by storm.
Ebony, they say friends are for a season, reason or lifetime; I think we have ruled out a season and a reason and I’m looking forward to the rest of our lifetime of friendship. The rest of the Fabulous 5, as always, I love you chicas; Derica, Sytieya, Nicole, and Rene. I have always been selective with friends, who I keep around me because I truly believe negative people can drain you.You girls have been what friendship is all about, and I love that we are all growing as women together. I am looking forwardto several more years of birthdays, vacations, girls’ nights out and Secret Santa’s with you ladies. Love you all. Speedy Claxton, over ten years of friendship and I love you dearly; we can talk about anything and manage to have a blast just by going out to eat. They hate on us because they don’t understandus. Ira “Bo” Miller, you are one of the most enjoyable people to be around. Where’s the comedy without you? Snap, thanks for always supporting everything I do.You are a great person and God will bless you for your kid’s charity and warm heart. Jacinta Claxton—I love how we always agree, great minds think alike, Sammy Martin—the ball of fun fire that you are, Mona and Marc Thompson—congrats on the baby, Karen St. Hillin, Malyka Muhammad, Kim Cutler, and Larry Davis, thanks for all the support and years of great memories; I hope we continue to make more. Tenille Clyburn, I love you, lil’ missy, you make one realize true friends are hard to come by.
Alicia McFarlane and Kimberly Ginyard, I’m happy that I’m gaining more from law school than just legal knowledge, a degree,fulfillment of a childhood dream, and a piece of paper that’s going to remind me every day that I’m unstoppable. I’m happy that I also gained two great friends in you girls.You’re both astounding women and I’m happy to
have crossed paths with you. To all my other friends, old and new, thank you for all the love and support; Martha Cuellar,Vanessa Quinones, Nadia Sang, Carl Slater, Billy Barnett, Jared Hall, Leighton Shields, Serge Thelamuque, Phun, Ozfather, Trice Palendacour, Kevin Darius, Dulani,Taneha Gillard, Brandi Monique, Jennifer Wade, Tina Chadha, Kimberly Pena, Nicole and Chrissy Begelow, Andrea Bernard—BBC, Diandra Ortiz—BBC, Summer—BBC, Taja Blain, April Debartolo, Timothy Mitchell, Samantha Stechler, and Tamanisha Miller.
To my editor Rakia Clark, thank you so much for everything. You are a beautiful person inside and out, it’s a pleasure to work with someone as inspiring and understanding as yourself. To my agent Sarah Camilli, thanks for believing in me. My publicist,Adeola Saul, thanks for being the one who can be both my friend and upfront about business. Jessica McClean, thanks for all the support and guidance.
To my other author friends, Candice Dow and Daaimah Poole, you guys have been like my sisters in this. Candice, I appreciate the way we can pick each other up, motivate each other, and reignite the fires inside of us to keep shooting for the stars. Donna Hill, Nikki Turner, Tova, Zane, and Karen Quinones; thanks for the kind words and words of advice. Karen Thomas and LatoyaSmith, thank you for everything. Stacey Barney, thank you for sharing your wisdom and helping to mold my versatility.
Denise Warren, thanks for keeping me and half of the tristate fit. I love you and I wish you another twenty-one years of successwith Body by Denise.
Frank Iemetti, thanks for being my mentor, my boss, and my friend.You have always been someone that stands out amongst a crowd, being honest, forthright and caring, and it’s an honor to know you and work with you. Nikki Smith, we meet people every day and every now and then one of them was meant to be in your life.You are good people, and I’m glad that our days at Emmis led to a great friendship. I love you, mama. Bugsy, my gained uncle, you know I love you like I’ve known you all my life. There is no explanation for how great a person you are other than God is in your heart. Koren Vaugn, from day one you’ve been my home girl and will always be. Marc McLaughlin,thanks for always looking out and all your love. Deneen Womack, what are we waiting for? lol. DJ Envy, DJ Absolut, and DJ Clue, it must be a Queens thing that makes us so real; thanks for everything. Keisha Monk, thanks for the love; see you at BBD. To Travia Charmont, Shaila of the Kiss Morning show, Julie Gustines, Jacques Thomas, Gwynet Cowan, Hulio, Vito, Miss Jones, Ray Ramos, Toya Beasley, Talent, Lenny Green, Nema Jackson, Monse, TatWza, Randi Hatchel, Shelby Woods, DJ Camilo, Chris Nadler, Ebro (congrats), Rose Crichton, Gigi, Donyshia Benjamin, Pat Robinson, FunkmasterFlex, Mister Cee, Cipha Sounds, Angie, Ben Burnside and Ben Finley, Mark Halupa, and all the other greats at Emmis, I wish you continued success. Ife Moore, on-air in NC, thanks for all the support.
Jay Brown at Def Jam, Jeanine McLean at MBK Management, John McMann, Mike Kyser, James Brown, Cheryl Singleton, and Pia McBain at Atlantic, Karen Rait at Interscope, Sean Pecas at Def Jam, Dontay Thompson at J Records, Lisa Ellis at Sony, John Menielly, Joe Riccitelli, John Strazza, and Jeff Sledge at Jive Records. Nelson Taboada at G-Unit, Sherise Malachi, Dave House, Rodney Morandi, Patty Laurent, and Latesha Williams, thanks for everything.
Last, but most certainly not least, all my readers and supporters, I celebrate you. Carol Mackey at Black Expression, thanks for supporting me since day one. All the book clubs and the bookstoresthat support and carry my novels, and all of you who have picked it up and allowed me to share the thoughts in my brain for a moment in your life—I celebrate you. Thanks so much, and I hope to continue to entertain you with my stories.
If I have forgotten anyone, please forgive me. (The law books have my brain kind of fried.)
1
The look on her face expressed a clear level of discomfort. It seemed Ms. Grant wasn’t prepared for the question that Jordan had asked her. Jordan, on the other hand, was poised and bright-eyed, awaiting an answer.
The young lady was sitting directly across from Jordan, alongsideher colleagues. Jordan sat with only her client, Aminae Carty, who was an artist professionally known as Amina.
“I’m not sure I understand what you are getting at,” the young lady responded.
“What I’m getting at is there seems to be a lack of awarenesson your company’s part. Amina has sold over 300,000 singlesin this past month alone, without the backing of a major company. Therefore, I believe it is apparent that she is not your typical breakthrough artist, which is why I asked whether you are fully aware of her potential,” Jordan said, looking directly at the three people across from her.
Amina sat in the chair, trying to look as confident as possible,but it seemed that she was uncomfortable as well.
The colleagues on the other side of the table were all employedby Def Society Records.The young lady sitting directly across from Jordan was the director of business & legal affairs, Jill Turner. The other two faces belonged to Jill’s assistant and her manager of business affairs.
“Well, yes, we are aware that Amina made strides with her careerprior to deciding to join us. However, the support and funds that we plan to put behind her will take her career to another level, which may take her years to achieve on her own, if at all.”
“Ms. Grant, my client and I are well aware of what Def SocietyRecords is offering. If we didn’t feel it would benefit her, we wouldn’t be sitting here. However, we are also aware of how adding her to your roster will benefit you. Amina has done the hard work of generating her own buzz and awareness throughout the East and West coasts. She has a recognizable name, she has received radio airplay, and she is extremely talented.Adding her is a win-win for your company, and all we are asking is that you recognize that and not offer her the same deal you would offer someone who hasn’t accomplished as much.”
“Ms. Moore, I see your point, and at this time, this is all I’m capable of offering.”
“Well, we are not capable of accepting this offer. However, we greatly appreciate your interest and time, and hopefully we can do business together in the future.”
Ms. Grant looked surprised as she watched Jordan gather her folders and papers from the table.
“Ms. Moore, we would hate to lose out on the opportunityto work with Amina. Let me have a meeting with Shewayne,the president, and see if we can rework the budget to find a better figure to satisfy you and Amina.”
“That is fine. I will respectfully hold off the other offers until we speak again.”
“That will be appreciated.”
Jordan stood from her chair. As she pushed the seat farther back, she realized Amina was still sitting there, looking a bit perplexed. Jordan gestured to her with her eyes that it was time to make their exit. Amina immediately jumped up to stand besideJordan. Ms. Grant and her colleagues rose as well; they picked up their files from the table and began preparing to exit the conference room. Jordan and Amina both scooted their chairs back and began walking toward the door.
Everyone pretty much reached the door at the same time, and they exchanged words along the lines of “good-bye” and “I’ll speak to you soon.” Once the lobby was cleared, Amina and Jordan waited for the elevator. They stood there in silence for a few moments while the receptionist watched them wait. Once the elevator arrived, they both stepped in, and Jordan pressed the button for the ground floor.
“You OK?” Jordan asked Amina.
“Yeah. A little nervous.”
“About what?”
“Well, what if they don’t want me anymore?”
“Amina, I wouldn’t have jeopardized your career. I told you on the way over that the goal of today’s meeting was to get a better deal. I am certain that they will counteroffer with a much better deal.That offer she gave was not their best. I have known Shewayne for a long time now; I know he will send Ms. Grant back to us with the appropriate figures.”
“OK. I trust you,” Amina said with a shrug.
“Good.You should. I wouldn’t steer you wrong.”
Jordan and Amina walked out o
f the building onto Eighth Avenue and looked around.
“Which way are you headed? You need a lift somewhere?” Jordan asked.
“I’m good. I’m meeting some friends around the corner. Thanks.”
“OK. I’ll be in touch.”
Jordan walked down the street toward her car. Almost there, she looked up and noticed a Starbucks across the street. She began to cross the street to go grab herself a mocha latte, but halfway across she changed her mind. She realized she didn’t need the extra calories, and she needed to resist this constant urge of hers. So she turned back and headed toward her car. She walked a few feet and arrived at her black BMW X5. She beeped the alarm, opened the door, and sat inside. Once she settled in her seat, before she started the car, she reached into her bag and got out her BlackBerry. A look of disappointmentcame over her face when she realized that she hadn’t receiveda call or e-mail from Jayon the entire day. She was tempted to call him and ask where her hello was for the day, but she decided against it. Instead, she just started her car and pulled out into the heavy traffic of Manhattan to try to make her way home. Surprisingly, she didn’t mind the traffic; Jordan was in no rush to get home to her empty house.
2
It was the third time over the course of two weeks that Jordanhad been sitting on her front lawn waiting on Jayon. The two of them had gotten so busy with work these past few months that they had to make appointments to spend time with each other. However, the times they set seemed to be difficultfor Jayon to keep. The last time, he had Jordan waiting on him for almost an hour, and he said he was held up with a client at the office. This time, Jordan didn’t even care what his excuse was, because nothing seemed to justify him not answeringhis phone or calling her to let her know he’d be late.
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