“Maybe, but you don’t trust the situation. You’re so busy worrying about what might happen in the future that you’re sabotaging something that’s developing right now.” When Dominique didn’t respond, Faith continued, “You’re my big sis and I’ve always admired you—how you go after what you want, and how strong and confident you are.”

“I wasn’t always, Faith.”

“Yes, but very few knew it. You faked it until you made it, and when the men in your life brought disappointment you stepped up to the plate and handled your business. But sometimes it’s okay to let go of some of the control. Especially when it comes to Jake, you’re going to have to take off your chief hat and brush off those feminine wiles that are currently gathering dust. He sounds like a good man and you deserve to be happy.”

“I am happy. I have my work.”

“Your work can’t keep you warm at night.”

Dominique smiled. “True.”

“So just go with the flow, and let things unfold. And keep me posted.”

“I will, Faith. Now, tell me, how are you doing?”

They talked for almost an hour, and afterwards, instead of reaching for her laptop, Dominique reached for the television remote and turned on the set. Wendy Williams was on The View, talking about her experiences in radio and television, including her stint on Dancing with the Stars. Unable to totally disconnect from work for more than a few moments, Dominique reached for her phone and sent a text to Emily, the senior writer, requesting that the magazine contact Wendy’s agent for a possible cover and interview. Then she sat back and listened as the ladies of The View fired questions at Wendy, who answered them with humor and truthfulness. Dominique remembered that Reggie had brought up Wendy’s name before. Her editorial staff were probably already on it. She punched the remote and turned the channel, flipping through game shows, more talk shows, news channels, and sports. After five minutes of seeing some of her one-hundred-plus channels for the first time, Dominique deduced that those who didn’t have all day to spend watching TV weren’t missing much. She turned off the tube and powered up her laptop, checking e-mails and the other goings-on at Capricious. All seemed to be in order and though she knew she should make a move towards the office, she still didn’t feel ready to step into her editor-in-chief shoes.

Dominique got up to use the bathroom. On the way there, her home phone rang.

“Who could be calling me on my home phone?” she asked aloud. Everybody who knew Dominique knew that she was at work at this time on a Monday morning. She looked at the caller ID and her frown deepened. “Mama?”

“Hey, Nikki.”

“I’m surprised that you called my home phone. I’m usually at work by now.”