“And we’re done,” he shouts over the music while his camera performs its last flashes. Rashad drops the camera. “Those were dope, Tor.” He glances down at the digital screen. “I think they’ll be struggling with which one to go with for this series.”
This series was the easiest. This photoshoot is for female athletes; more of a feminist piece, in my opinion. According to Elle, the renowned magazine, Sugar&Spice, invited me to showcase my various faces. Faces as in not just what I’m known for, but all the roles I play in my life. I’m not married yet and don’t have kids, so my images are limited to boxer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. The series we’ve just finished was the boxer.
“The next one is—” Half-mindedly, Rashad cuts me off. “Uhhhh…” he hesitates, flipping through the pictures.
“Entrepreneur,” his assistant answers.
“Yeah.” Rashad’s head comes up briefly. “Listen, Tori. I need you focused on this one.”
“What do you mean?”
“I know you hate acting. This will be that for you.” He supplies a crooked smile and I know what he means.
I’ve worked with Rashad a few times on different projects, and have rubbed elbows with him at events. He’s one of the best around and is in crazy demand. From Blackwood, he comes with a nurturing, yet no-nonsense policy. He’s young, yet full of wisdom and it shows with his direction.
I head to the dressing room to change and prepare for the next series, trying to dismiss him. But I’m really playing it cool. He’s just challenged me, and I have to deliver. Young Lord’s “Sunset Showers” has me humming as I approach Jade Bailey.
“Ase Garb sent these over in your size.” She holds up a pair of pointy-toe heels. “but I think you should be barefoot for the philanthropist series.”
“Entrepreneur is next.”
Her short, petite frame follows me to the dressing area. “I know. I’m just letting you know the direction I’m trying to go into.”
Jade Bailey is the Partner’s Ambassador for Love is Action, the sports agency I’m signed to. She’s responsible for making sure the agency’s corporate sponsors have placement on our public platforms. Ase Garb, a growing top-tier Black designer for footwear and accessories, is one of the Love Is Action’s corporate partners. Those of us signed to an endorsement deal with them must wear their merch as part of our contractual agreement. That’s a cakewalk for all of us. Ase Garb’s in high demand across the globe. But if not careful, I can easily miss occasions to wear their merchandise, and that’s why Jade here comes to shoots and the like where I’ll have opportunities to fulfill my agreement with the designer and my agency.
“You know I’m good with what you choose. I’m starving,” I mutter on the move, paying her a glance. Jade’s little legs are keeping up with me in four-inch heels. Per usual, she’s photoshoot ready as though she’s the subject of the camera. Her blonde curls bounce with each step but her lined lids squeeze, nearly covering those beautiful green orbs. “You okay?”
“Back pains.”
“Take off those heels, girl. You’re pregnant.”
“Never. These heels got me pregnant.” Her model-worthy smile has returned with the flicking of her tongue.
“You’re so nasty. How does Trent deal with that all day?”
She laughs. “Like you said, I’m pregnant. You’ll see soon after you and Deon tie the knot.”
That mention makes my stomach knot, and I wonder if Jade’s heard all the rumors. I don’t think she’d take them lightly if she did. But shoot, everyone’s talking about it. Spilling That Hot Tea has been on my neck more than TMZ.
“Entrepreneur’s next, right?” ShawnNicole rasps, twirling a metal curling iron in her hand at the vanity booth as we enter the dressing area.
“Yeah,” Jade answers before splitting paths with me.
“Good. I’m going wavy for this one,” ShawnNicole adds. “Did you see the suit she got for that shoot?” Her chocolate posture screams excited with her fists in the air. “It’s all that!”
Wordlessly, I try to allow the vibes of “Sunset Showers” to absorb into my bloodstream as I strip out of the sports gear from the last series of pictures. It’s an old hit now, but one of my favorite albums. I think I like it better than his latest.
“Here.” I’m handed a heather gray suit and an ivory blouse on hangers. “I’m still waiting on Jade’s assistant to bring over the shoes and jewelry to pair it with.”
“Thanks, Drea.” I accept the clothes and quickly, yet carefully put them on.