Dirty Little Secrets (29 page)

One day at my acting workshop William Donovan, a famous movie star turned director, was our special guest. He wanted to give
the class pointers about how a movie came together. I was immediately drawn to the tall and unbelievably handsome middle-aged
man. He looked even better in person than on the movie screen. Although he was married, I had always dreamed of sharing a
passionate kiss with the gorgeous star. He had the perfect deep-brown complexion, and even though he was in his late forties
his body was solid. His eyes were dark and beautiful. You could stare into them and see an abundance of wisdom. I hung on
to his every word because I knew he was the man who would change my life. William Donovan would take me to the next chapter
of my life and help me become a star. I sensed it through my whole body.

“I would like for two of the students to perform a monologue in front of the class. When you’re finished, I will critique
your performance,” Donovan said, as if he knew whoever performed would do poorly.

The teacher pointed to me and a student named Michael. Instantly I started getting butterflies in my stomach. I didn’t want
to fall on my face in front of the man I knew was going to be my mentor. We did a scene from Frank D. Gilroy’s play
The Only Game in Town.
I stepped up to the front of the class, and I killed it. Michael did very well too, but something about my performance encompassed
raw emotion that ignited the room. There was dead silence as everyone paused and stared at Donovan for his reaction. When
he stood and applauded, the teacher and the entire class joined in.

“That was excellent. I must say I’m shocked but pleasantly surprised. My only advice to both of you is to continue with the
path that you’re on. I see great things ahead,” Donovan said.
When the class ended and I was on my way out, Donovan stopped me and formally introduced himself. “Hello, my name is William,
and your performance was superb. You have a bright future as an actress.”

Hoping that I wasn’t blushing too hard, I managed to say, “Thank you, Mr. Donovan. That is an honor coming from you.”

“No need to be formal; call me William,” he said as he gently touched my shoulder. “Are you in a rush? Because there’s a lounge
across the street, and I would love to talk to you about your goals for the future.”

“I’d like that too,” I said sincerely. We stayed in the lounge and talked for hours. William was the most intelligent man
I had ever met, and I wanted him in my life. After that evening, I knew this was the beginning of a long and prosperous relationship.

A few days later William called and asked if I could meet him at his office in the city. Of course I agreed and decided to
put on my pink Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress. I was definitely feeling pink, and I could sense that something amazing was
about to happen for me. It was a beautiful day outside as I made my way through Jersey toward Manhattan. When I reached the
Lincoln Tunnel and there was no traffic, a smile crossed my face. It was definitely a good day.

Soon I stood outside the tall building in Midtown, gaping through the glass doors and wondering with delight about the possible
news coming my way. I could no longer keep my destiny waiting, and I took the elevator to the top floor. Sitting in the reception
area waiting for William, I was a little antsy. A million and one thoughts were flashing through my mind, driving me crazy.
William finally emerged from his office wearing a pair of jeans that fit his bowlegs perfectly, and he gave me a warm hug.

“You look beautiful, Tyler,” William said as he gently spun me around, admiring my Marilyn Monroe–inspired wrap dress.

“Thank you,” I said.

“Come with me to my office. I want to introduce you to someone named Albert Moore.” I wondered who Albert Moore was, and
why William wanted me to meet him. With a beaming smile spread across his face, William lovingly grabbed my hand and put up
his arms as though introducing the new homecoming queen. “Albert, this is Angel,” he said. Who the hell was Angel, and what
did she have to do with me? I thought. I could tell the short pudgy white man was giving me the once-over. He started at my
silver Manolo’s, and worked his way up my pink dress to my glossy pink lips. When a small smirk appeared on his face, I instantly
felt he liked what he saw. Albert Moore finally spoke for the first time, and I realized my mouth was wide open. I was dying
to know who he was and why William felt he was so important.

“It seems you have found your Angel—and a potential superstar,” Moore said with a wide smile.

I couldn’t contain my enthusiasm and blurted out, “Superstar? Me?” William smiled and gave me a proud look, like a father
seeing his daughter graduate from an Ivy League college.

“Tyler, this is Albert Moore, the head of Icon Pictures. He just gave the stamp of approval that I needed for my project.”
Then William explained that the character Angel had the lead role in the upcoming movie he was directing, and he wanted me
to play her. One tear began to roll slowly down my cheek. William wiped the tear away and said, “My beautiful Tyler, don’t
cry. You’re in good hands, and I will make all your dreams come true.” He didn’t understand yet, but that was why the tear
fell— because in my heart I knew he would do just that. I prayed to the
sky and changed my stars. I finally changed the cards that had been dealt me. This was a new beginning.

After a few weeks of preparation I was on my way to Hollywood. Of course, Brian tried to make a big hoopla about me taking
Christian, but with the top attorney that William had gotten me, the judge came up with a temporary visitation schedule for
Christian. Brian would have to come to LA to see him. Of course, that was just the beginning. I was positive that Brian would
try to fight me tooth and nail to have Christian back in New Jersey. I couldn’t let that worry me, because too many extraordinary
things were happening in my life. I was on my way to Hollywood to become a major movie star, and there was no looking back.

Joy King
was born in Toledo, Ohio, and raised in California, Maryland, and North Carolina. She is representing a new genre of young,
hip, sexy novels that take readers behind the velvet rope of the glamorous, but often shady, relationships in the entertainment
industry.

Joy attended North Carolina Central University and Pace University, where she majored in journalism. Emerging onto the entertainment
scene in the late 90’s, Joy accepted an internship position, and immediately began to work her way up the ranks, at The Terrie
Williams Agency. She worked hands-on with Johnnie Cochran, The
Essence
Awards, The
Essence
Music Festival, The NBA Players’ Association, Moet & Chandon, and other entertainment executives and celebrities.

In 1999, Joy attended the Lee Strasburg Theater Institute before accepting a job as Director of Hip Hop Relations at Click
Radio, where she developed segments featuring the biggest names in hip hop. Joy pushed her department to new levels by creating
an outlet that placed hip hop in the forefront of the cyber world.

Joy makes her literary debut with
Dirty Little Secrets,
a novel that is loosely based on her life.

Joy lives in New Jersey with her son. Her hobbies include swimming, dancing, and attending fabulous industry parties so she
can implement them in her books. You can visit her at
www.joykingonline.com
.