New Beginning

CHAPTER SEVEN

I was up a little early because I had an interview on this show called "Girl Talk". It was a show dedicated to women audiences about many different topics discussed by a panel of women. I actually enjoy the different conversations they have on the show so it was definitely a honor to be a guest. I just wasn't looking forward to the questions they'll probably be asking because I know majority of them will be about my marriage and so forth. It would just be another interview of my lying straight through my teeth, pretending I'm happy, that we're happy. I only keep this charade going because my relationship is so public and we really have people that are "fans". I mean people even have pages just dedicated to our relationship alone classifying us as goals. I also didn't want to tarnish Danny's reputation nor did I want people to know I was really out here being stupid putting their inputs in about my marriage. Nah sis, I rather be dumb in private if I just got to be dumb.

When I finished getting dressed I decided to check my phone before I got out on the road. I had several Instagram notifications and dms that I would read later. I had a message from Danny and I couldn't help to roll my eyes once again. He sent a picture of us together at our wedding saying, "A real union. A bond that might bend but they could never break apart no matter how much they tried. Love u Raya, you're my everything, & ima show you what u mean to me!"

I replied back and said, "I wonder how a bond could bend ? Someone would probably have to loosen the knots? I wasn't that someone.."
I don't think Danny truly understood how tired I was of the same cycle. A woman has to get fed up at some point and I felt my breaking point. Moving on from that, my heart smiled to see Chris also sent me a text.

Chris

Good Morning Love, I just had to text you this morning to tell you I woke up thinking about what you said about that man with that toupe yesterday & I straight died. You funny as hell man. Anyways have a good day beautiful & don't let anyone ruin it for you ❤️

.....

Haha, you had me cutting up yesterday. Thanks for allowing me to really be myself 🥰

.....

I wouldn't have it any other way. I just got to the gym so I'll text you later. I don't want you to think I'm a wack ass texter cause I'm not.. just working!

......

Lol okay gotcha. Thanks for the heads up & you have a great day too 🤗

****

"Coming to visit us today, we have Raya Williams! Let's give her a warm welcome as she comes," Brenda, one of the co-hosts, shouted giving me my cue to step on set. I don't care how many interviews I do, I always gets nervous as hell. Putting on a brave face, I waved my hands smiling big trying to make it to my seat. The audience was going crazy and I was little shocked by that, but that's because I'm always forgetting that I actually have a little fan base. Social media is crazy like that.

"Wow oh my gosh," I huffed feeling humbled.

"They love you girl, how are you today," Erica, another host, greeted me. I was such a big fan of hers because she reminded me of Naomi.

"I'm great, I can't complain. It's such an honor to be here today."

"We're honored to have you," Brenda answered before getting into it. "So first of all, I just want to say congratulations on your new deal with Rihanna's Fenty line. That's really big. How did that whole ordeal come about?"

"Uhh, well I met Rihanna years ago when my husband was working with her on the Anti album and everything and we had a few conversations here and there, over time developing a friendship. Long story short when she first announced her line she told me she wanted me to model for her lingerie so of course I did. Gradually, we she offered the idea of me being one of the investors in the business and I did so now the rest is history."

"That is so dope. I love seeing black women coming together and making business happen. Do you enjoy working with her and the company," Erica asked.

"Oh yeah definitely," I nodded. "It's always inspiring to be around individuals who are creative and innovative all at the same time so I learn so much and I'm grateful you know just to be apart of the team."

"Riiight, riight. So you and Danny have been together for-- what six years now," Brenda asked.

"Yes ma'am it's been six years," I answered already feeling annoyed.

"How has it been for you all as a couple? I mean you both were so young when you got married and I mean so much has been changed since the times I was growing up with the social media, fans, people that are not fans, women, the list can go on. How do you both cope with that?"

"I mean it's all based on how you manage as a couple. Danny and I don't allow a lot of stuff or people to get involved with our marriage because as we learn it's just easier to keep our relationship private. You don't have to worry about extras if you don't allow extras in," I said looking in the camera. I'm hoping when this airs Danny sees this exact response.

"Not to be disrespectful, but Danny is a really handsome guy. You don't have to deal with women," Brenda asked still trying to intrigue. I laughed to hide my annoyance before I answered.

"Danny knows what he has at home and he has enough sense to not ruin that. We have a beautiful family with two beautiful children neither one of us are willing to risk that."

"Not even the rumors of him cheating don't phase you?"

"Hell no," I answered looking her in the eyes. "When people are jealous of what they can't have they'll say anything."

"I know that's right girl. Tell Brenda you know your man forget these haters," Erica egged on. I could only smile because little did they know I didn't have my man on lock like that but it sure as hell would be nice to know I had a man that I could confidently say wasn't embarrassing me. I thought about Chris and how great of a man he seemed to be, but it hasn't been a whole week so it's a stretch to even compare a man I knew nothing about to my husband I've known for years but it was still something about Chris that made me ponder if he really was as great as he seemed.