Allie
Things are finally looking up. I've been asked to do a video shoot with Hard Pressed and now that I have my new agent, I couldn't be more excited. I think it's different from the commercial I saw going on the other day. As far as I know, this is not for the app release.
It bums me out that I didn't get that important shoot, but this is the next best thing. Even though it's for something else. I don't know what it is exactly, but I’m on the right track, I just know it.
I trust Xavier, and I trust my new agent. At least it's better than working for that bitch, Cheri. This is a big company and to even get some type of work with them is a really big deal. This is my second gig. Maybe a steady stream of jobs is on the horizon.
Hard Pressed occupies a gorgeous building in downtown Manhattan. It's the hub of where every model wants to be. And I'm here. At last.
Walking through the modern lobby makes me feel as though I've really made it. There are agents everywhere talking into their phones and models milling about. Assistants are scrambling to get things done, and every now and then I see an important higher-up dressed in a power suit walking around.
I know the company from the sheer amount of exposure they have. They're all over the web covering everything from news to entertainment, fashion shows and red carpets. Hard Pressed covers all the big entertainment news so the fact that I even got this gig is a major moment for me.
I feel proud of myself. If I do well today, then it could really facilitate things moving forward. I can make a name for myself.
I do wish my new agent Harry had given me a better idea of what this video would entail. I haven't known what to prepare for or anything. But I guess I just have to trust him.
"Hey, Allie," an assistant says as she approaches me and leads me quickly toward some chairs. "Let's get you straight into hair and makeup."
Ah, my favorite part. What woman doesn't enjoy being pampered, especially for work? I truly feel like I'm living the life.
If things continue this way, then my dreams will most certainly come true. And I really have Xavier to thank for all of that.
"Allie, hi. I'm your makeup artist. Name's David. It's a pleasure to work with you."
Already, this is more professional than any other shoot I've worked on. I'm getting excited.
I sit in the makeup chair, and just as he starts to work his magic on my face, someone comes behind me with a blow dryer and begins to do my hair. Then a manicurist sets up shop next to me and works on my nails.
I'm being primped from every angle. This is a professional team in a professional setting, and I try to act nonchalant, as though I've seen it all before.
In truth, my old agent only got me the shadiest shoots in even shadier parts of town. Often, they would take place in someone's cramped apartment and I never felt as if I was going anywhere.
Hard Pressed is big. I feel like a real model. I feel like this is what I always envisioned when I thought about this career. And finally, it's all coming together.
I just have to calm my nerves and know that whatever the shoot is about, I can handle it. I know how to be charismatic and how to get the job done. If anything, I'll just fake it until I make it.
"So, have you ever worked for Hard Pressed before?" David says, bronzing me to perfection.
"Only once before. I did a little something for them and it was really great. So, I'm really grateful to have been asked back."
"Yeah," my hairstylist says. "If they asked you back that means they must've really liked you. This company doesn't just hire anybody. You have to be good."
They're making me feel more confident by the second, and I guess that's what a glam squad's for.
"I bet you say this to all the new models," I say, laughing.
"No, girl," David says. "You've got it all going on. You have something really special. Doesn't she, Maureen?" he asks the person doing my hair.
"Yes, honey, you're really beautiful and you should know that."
"Thanks, you guys, you don't know how good it is to hear that."
Their words and praises really do lift me up. I allow myself to sink into the salon chair as Maureen gives me a fragrant scalp massage and pulls conditioner through my hair.
I let myself be primped and preened and then I close my eyes and try a little visualization technique. I try to imagine every part of this video shoot going well, whatever it's about. I see myself feeling confident and ready. I think about how the camera loves me, and I do so well that they keep booking me for more events.
I'm so into my exercise that I nearly fall asleep.
The assistant comes in and tells me that they're ready for me on set. David applies some false lashes, and I open my eyes to see a stunning image of myself in the mirror. I normally don't look this good. God, I wish I could take this glam squad home with me.
Instead, I leave the makeup room and walk into the big set where the shoot will take place. It all seems very expensive and important.
It's intimidating in here. My agent isn't here, and I don't have any friends or family supporting me. It's just me, and I have to make this happen. It's time to shine.
A huge white screen falls from the ceiling over the floor and I see where I'm going to be on camera. A simple black stool is the only accessory.
I take a seat in front of the camera and try to angle my super tight jeans right. I want to look good and like I've done this before.
There's all manner of lighting prep going on around me and people holding microphones.
"Are you ready, Allie?" the director asks.
"I am."
"Okay, take one."
The cameras roll, and this is my moment. The interviewer asks me a series of questions that I try to answer to the best of my ability.
"Hi, Allie, how long have you been a model in the industry?"
I decide not to detail my sordid past with Cheri and keep things simple.
"Um, about five years now."
I smile bright.
"And do you have a strong social media presence?"
"Yes," I lie. "Well, it's building."
"Can you please describe your thoughts on how you think videos go viral?"
I'm still not sure what the shoot is for, but maybe it has something to do with social media? I know these types of shoots try to get candid, unrehearsed answers, so I try to answer the question with grace and poise and as much knowledge as I can muster.
"I think videos go viral when they have a lot of meaning for various groups of people. When more than one person can relate to something then it creates a unifying effect that has the power to reach a lot of people."
"Can you be more specific?" the interviewer says.
"Okay, well, for something to go viral, let's say a person named Jamie has the video. He then hangs out with Sarah and shows it to her. And then Sarah shows it to Charles, etc. this is how things get spread. Before you know it, it's spread around to everyone you know and everyone they know."
It seems like they just want to get a model's perspective on how you can get famous or something. Maybe this video will go viral and people will know my face and name.
It’s a little bizarre, but I just hope whatever it's for is a good cause. I know Xavier wouldn't put me in a compromising position. At least I don't think he would.
The interviewer asks me a series of similar questions, and I answer them all with truth and honesty. I try to move my body and make the lighting work for me and not against me. I try to come off as a real professional model.
At the end, it feels like a really long day, but I got to do what I love and so it didn't feel like work at all. This is what life should be about, doing what you love. I feel like I'm finally in the right place at the right time.
I'm excited I actually got to do a video shoot and speak my mind instead of just having photos taken. Don't get me wrong, I love doing photo-shoots but I also like other work. And in the end, it's about rounding out my portfolio. And this could definitely be a portfolio piece.
The glitz and the glamour of the day feel like second nature to me. I have no doubt I'm in the right career, and now that I've meet Xavier, I might even be in the right place romantically. We’ll have to see. He hasn’t mentioned seeing me again, but I’m hoping what happened between us was on the beginning.
As I head home, still in full makeup and hair, I feel like I’m floating on a cloud. I think about Xavier again. His gorgeous body and dark nature thrill me. But there's also something dangerous about him that I can't put my finger on.
I always go for the bad boy. And I always get hurt. I'll have to watch my step with Xavier, but in the end, he's too hard to resist. I know I'll give in to anything he asks of me.
I want to.
Because I want him.