Flashback to Chapter 9: UBUNTU
Ava's P.O.V
But, real talk, like real shit, this ain't easy as it sounds or looks. The competition is real out here. It ain't even no different compared to where I started. On the streets, you always had to be the baddest bitch, the one who turned heads and made the most cash.
Other girls would always try to one-up you, steal your clients, or even mess with you to bring you down. You had to stay sharp, keep your game tight, and never let your guard down. Ever! Because in this world, ain't nobody got your back but yourself-my momma always told me that.
In the modeling world, it's the same damn thing boo-girls in this industry can be savage as fuck, just like on the streets. They'll spread rumors, sabotage your shoots, and even cozy up to the directors and producers to get ahead.
* * *
Flashback to Chapter 11:Deeper in the Abyss.
Ava's P.O.V
Mr. Pearson cuts through, "We've seen posts of you partying until dawn and behaving in ways that don't align with the image we've worked hard to build for you as a model in our agency"
"Yeah see I've never posted such on any of my social media timelines, I don't know where yall get that", I tell them, "And also, can't a girl just live her life? Is yall tryna control what I do 24/7?", I ask, annoyance growing in my tone of voice.
Lisa sighs and spreads sheets of photos across the table. Each one shows me in different states, and my behavior seems to be getting more erratic with each photo. In some, I'm partying wildly, while others show me in less flattering moments, clearly intoxicated and shaking my ass on rappers.
Honestly, that's me. I ain't gonna lie about that. But the real question is, would I ever post these? Did I even take these pictures? Hell to the damn no! How would you say that I posted these if I'm not even looking at the camera?
Mr Pearson clears his throat, "This isn't about you Ava, it's about the agency's reputation. We've received photos and videos of you behaving inappropriately in the clubs and it's putting the agency in a bad spotlight"
"When you say you've received photos and videos of me, you mean that somebody snitched on me right? Some bitch who tryna take my spot in the agency probably set me up and took these pictures while I was having a time of life in the clubs, right? Because ain't no damn way I'd post these f*cking pictures on my f*cking timeline!", I hit the table hard with the palm of my hand.
* * *
What happened?
"I'm fucking getting tired of this bitch taking all the good gigs like she some kind of princess up in here," Chrissy folded his arms, his lips pouting in annoyance.
"That's good", Tasha whispered, her tone low enough to avoid the echo of the empty bathroom.
"Bitch, fuck you mean that's good? She taking all the opportunities!", Chrissy's eyebrows furrowed as his voice rose.
"Sshhh!", Tasha pressed her index against his lips, "It's a good look that you feel this way about this because I have a plan-a plan to get the model game back on set with your spotlight shining brighter like never before, and I know you're the right person to pull it off with Chrissy", Tasha said with a whisper.
Chrissy released a deep breath, his jaw clenched, "I'm listening"
"Alright, look," Tasha held Chrissy's hands and looked up into his eyes, "One thing I've noticed about the bitch, she drinks like it's the last day of earth. But she's pretty good at handling the hangover. She works out, eats good, all that shit to maintain her modeling look, right?"
