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Marriel Victoria Perez
12:00 PM
Location - Apartment
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The email came through around noon, just as I was finishing up edits on a recent shoot. It was from an assistant at Essence, a high-end fragrance brand that had been making waves lately.
They were launching a new collection and needed photographers and models for the campaign. The rate was solid, the exposure even better. Without thinking twice, I responded, confirming my availability.
A few minutes later, my phone buzzed.
"Hello, is this Marriel Perez?" A professional yet friendly voice came through the line.
"This is her."
"Hi, I'm Michelle from Essence. We received your email and we'd love to have you on board for the launch shoot. Would you be available this Thursday? We'd need you to bring a model as well, someone who fits the aesthetic of our brand."
That was nothing new. Clients often preferred when I brought my own talent—someone I had chemistry with, someone I could direct easily. And there was only one person who fit that bill perfectly.
Marianna.
"That works. I'll bring my usual model."
"Perfect. We'll send over the details shortly. Looking forward to working with you!"
I hung up and immediately turned to Leeanna, who was sprawled across my couch scrolling through her phone. "You got anything to do on Thursday, mama?"
She barely looked up. "Surprisingly, no. Why what's up?"
I tossed a pillow at her. "I need your support."
That got her attention. She sat up, tucking her legs under her. "Say less. When and where?"
"Haven't checked yet. Hold on." I opened the follow-up email that had just come in, skimming through the details. The shoot was in Houston, at some fancy-ass venue. "Damn, we gotta fly out for this. You good with that?"
Lee shrugged. "I ain't been to Houston in a minute. Could be fun."
I nodded, already mapping out logistics in my head. Everything seemed smooth. Just another job. Just another flight. Just another day in the life.
✪✪✪
𝖳𝖧𝖴𝖱𝖲𝖣𝖠𝖸
The studio was buzzing when we walked in.
A team of stylists, makeup artists, and photographers were already setting up, the scent of vanilla and jasmine lingering in the air.
Leeanna stood close beside me, her arms crossed as she surveyed the scene like she was expecting something to pop off. I, on the other hand, was all business, scanning the contract before checking in with the coordinator.
