I'm Doin' Me by Anna Black Page A

stands. Either way, I’m not renewing their contract.”
    Tiffany was floored. He was an old-ass racist. It wasn’t that he didn’t think the show was great. He didn’t like the fact of it being a black show. She backed away from the door.
    â€œDon’t cry, Tiffany, don’t you cry,” she instructed herself. She pressed the button over and over again until the doors finally opened. She rushed to her office and shut the door behind her quickly. She leaned back against it, slid down the door to the floor, and sobbed. She couldn’t believe it. Out of all the reasons for him to want them gone. Racist. He was an old-ass, racist bastard. She took a few deep breaths and wanted to scream.
    When she was able, she got up and went to her desk, flopped down in her chair, opened her drawer, and grabbed her Remy. She dumped the unfinished coffee that was in her cup into the trash and grabbed her unused napkins from her desk to wipe the cup out. She poured herself more than a shot’s worth, took a couple swallows, and caught her breath.
    There was a tap on her door. She wiped her face real good and said, “Come in.” It was Myah.
    â€œHey, Mr. Keiffer sent this down. Said you left it in his office.” She handed Tiffany her phone. She looked at her boss closely. “Tiff, what’s wrong?” She sat down in the chair across from her.
    â€œClose the door, Mee-Mee,” Tiffany said.
    Myah rushed over and shut it. “Tiff, what is it?” She came back and sat down. “What happened in the meeting with Keiffer?”
    â€œHe’s shutting the show down because he’s a racist.” Tiffany blinked back her tears. “He is a fucking racist, Mee-Mee.” She grabbed a Kleenex.
    â€œHow do you know that, Tiffany? What would make you think something so terrible about him?”
    â€œI heard him, he said the word ‘nigger’ loud and fucking clear. I heard him on the phone. It doesn’t matter what direction I take the show in, he still would have not renewed our contract.”
    â€œWhoa, Tiffany, that’s messed up. What are you going to do?”
    â€œWhat can I do, quit? I should just quit and walk away from this stupid-ass network.”
    â€œAnd give him the satisfaction of shutting you down? You are a hellava producer and a kick-ass writer. If you just quit and walk away now, he wins. Screw him, Tiffany, screw this network. You end this like you said you would and move on. This season is going to be so kick-ass he is going to be begging you to come back. Not one show in this network’s history has ranked higher than Boy Crazy, so don’t you dare think about quitting.”
    â€œYou know what, Myah, you are right. I just have to give up this hope of him seeing what a huge mistake it is to let Boy Crazy go. He doesn’t want us here. He doesn’t want to sit back and watch his white shows get stomped by our show. It’s a no-win situation and I am fine with that. I had a great show and it’s been a great run. KCLN is just a stepping stone. After this season, I’m sure someone will hire me, even if it’s for a new show.”
    Myah nodded and smiled. “Yes, that is truth.” She stood to leave and paused. “Tiffany, one more thing?”
    â€œYes, what’s up?”
    â€œWhen the show is done and you guys are gone, I hope you won’t be upset with me if I stay on. I know Keiffer is a racist bastard, but I have three kids, Tiffany, and this job has benefits.” Her words came out in a nervous rush. “I may have to stick around here after you guys are gone.”
    â€œMyah, that is fine. Why would you think for a second that I wouldn’t understand? You have to do what’s best for your family, and I wouldn’t blame you if you kept your position here.”
    â€œThanks, Tiffany. Truth, you are the best boss I’ve had since I’ve worked here and when it’s all