Page 6 of Spending Forever With You

“Hollis, you're my best player to get something concrete on this story, I need you.” Omar begged me while I typed away on my laptop, finishing another story on my best friend’s ex-husband Quincey Wilson. For the last couple months this had been my top priority. Of course I had permission from Johnni, who only requested that I not slander his sexuality in an ugly manner, which I would never do.

Beyond the knowledge of finding out my friend was in a sham marriage, all the things Quincey and Quentin had done kept me busy.

“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.