Diary of a Mistress (14 page)

All praises be to Allah. Thank you for mapping this entire journey out for me. As Oprah Winfrey said once, “God will dream up bigger dreams for you than you will ever dream up for yourself.” And this is so true.

To the readers, retailers, book clubs, and vendors: you all are my biggest support system. Without you, my writing would be purposeless. Thanks for embracing me.

Rich, you are my backbone. Thanks for being right there beside me through everything. I couldn’t have made it without you. Love you.

Amir, your independence is a blessing because it allows me to do what I have to do. I am so fortunate to have you in my life. Allah made you perfect for me. I love you. Ooh Ma.

Mommy and Daddy, you two make me proud. You’ve come so far and I’m thankful that you both are here with me to share in my happiness. It wouldn’t have been the same without you. Keep doing what you’re doing. I love you both.

Blair, Qur’an, Whop, Tyree, Shamara, and Tiara: thanks for promoting me and putting your sister out there. Y’all know I love y’all.

Aunt Wanda and Uncle Jimmy, thank you once again. You two are always available and ready to help with any and everything. I can’t thank you enough for that. Love you.

Aunt Netta and Uncle David, I owe you a lot for helping with Amir. Traveling is so much easier knowing my baby is in good hands. Thank you with love.

Uncle Neil and Dwayne, thanks for providing my New York home. It comes in handy with those high hotel costs. Plus, y’all have much more hospitality—home-cooked meals and a car. You can’t beat that! Love y’all.

Aunt Merrie and Uncle Blake, just knowing that if I ever need you I can call on you without hesitation is a blessing. Many people don’t have that. I appreciate you two with all my heart.

Aunt Debbie and Uncle Wayne, you went out of your way to make my presence known in Balitmore. I can’t express to you how thankful I am for what you’ve done for me. You two deserve a standing ovation. Hugs and kisses. I love you.

Pam and PJ, you are the best in-laws. Thanks for all your help and support. If anybody got the word out about me, it was y’all. But what can I expect from the “Moses” of promoters and his wife? I love y’all.

Thank you to the rest of my family and friends for lending your support. Robert, Danyielle, David, Terrell, Tenika, Tiffany, Airis, Ajada, Kharla, Malikah, Teren—oh, and Teren, thanks for sharing your knowledge. Your degrees count for something (smile)—Aunt Paulette and Sean, Steve and Aunt Lisa, Jamal, Butch, Kevin, Aunt Mary-Jane, Aunt Theresa, Aunt Kenyatta, Aunt Anna, Aunt Joanne, and the rest of the Haleys, Ms. Helena, the entire King family, Ms. Sheila, Ms. Debbie and Mr. David, Ms. Norma, Johnnita, and family, Mr. Bernie, Ms. Sue and Adiza, Ms. Phyllis, the St. Christopher’s family, Ms. Marcia, Kelly, Art and Kia, Aunt Val, Angela and Kevin, Tillio and Tawanda and the rest of my ATL people, Ms. Robin, Aunt Rita, Nanna and the entire Augustine family, Nanny, Gus, and all the Colemans in Cleveland, Mom and Pop Cannon, Aunt Hope, my brothers- and sisters-in-laws, Jamal, Darnell, Phil, Al, Addrienne, Ashanti, Ashanta, and Keyani.

Thanks to Liza and Havis Dawson and everyone at Liza Dawson Associates; Cherise Davis, Meghan Stevenson, Jamie McDonald, Martha Schwartz, and everybody at Simon & Schuster; and Dawn Michelle and her team at Dream Relations. You all played very significant roles in getting this out promptly. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

Thank you, Karen E. Quinones Miller and Daaimah S. Poole, for your generosity and all your help. I needed it. It’s a blessing having people like you in my corner.

To other authors and friends—Omar Tyree, Brenda Thomas, Adrienne Bellamy, Shawna Grundy, Victoria Christopher Murray, Cydney Rax, Crystal Lacey Winslow, Mister Mann Frisby, and Nikki Turner—thanks for being so supportive of me and welcoming me to this industry with open arms.

Ed Crawford of Phatboy Media; Allen Stokes, Zachary Polland, and the Global Recording Group; Tiffany, Phyllis, and Wanda at Treo Models Inc.; Calvin Childs of Calvin Childs Photography, thank you all for helping me with my hustle.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me and participated in any of my endeavors. I’m keeping it moving just for you.

Ya girl,