Continuing going through their photos, I saw how photogenic they were. That was a good thing in this industry. Seeing that they weren’t shy in front of a camera and could produce quality photos just from being themselves, they would make it in this lane easily. I had so many favors I could cashin on with these two beautiful babies. I imagined my offspring having the same effect if I ever had any.
“Atkins. Why do I feel like I’ve heard about these people before?” I said aloud.
The way this name kept ringing as if I knew who this family was, was crazy. I was rarely in the Springs but over the past year, I felt as if that name had surfaced around the city more than it should’ve. Nothing was jogging my memory specifically, but the feeling of knowing them wasn’t leaving. I would know whether I was tripping or not as soon as Deena brought them up.
I shot a quick text to Nesh to see if she knew who they were as well. She knew the city better than I did. She texted back before I could set the phone down good.
Bestie: From what I know, Royce is a nutjob, but his wife is the sweetest. Why?
Me: Someone from their family is here for an appointment. I’ll call and give you the rundown when it’s over. Give me like thirty minutes.
Gap, Zara, H&M, … so many brands popped up as I flipped through their files. This was the first time in a long time where I wanted to step into my agent shoes and take them on myself. I would love to be surrounded by them and the happiness they could bring.
“Alrighty, we have Klarity, baby Essence, and little CJ Atkins. Atkins family, this is CEO Cheyonne Afor. Is there really nothing I can get for you?” Deena asked her. I assumed she’d already asked on their way up like I requested her to.
“No, I promise we’re okay. Thank you for asking again,” Klarity responded.
“If that’s all, then I’ll take my leave.”
“No. Deena stay and take notes for me… that’s if you don’t mind.”
“Of course.”
Standing, I rounded my desk with their files in hand and ushered them to the sitting area of my office. They took a seat on the sofa that was adjacent to the one me and Deena shared. I was all smiles as I realized Essence was wiggling her way out of her mother’s arms. She was ready to get down and cause a little hell.
“So, let me start by saying it’s very nice to meet you and your beautiful babies. I can see where they get their beauty from. You are gorgeous,” I complimented them.
“Oh, no ma’am. I see why you walked the runway the way you did. You not only have the height, but you have the face card as well. The internet serves you no justice. Ms. Afor, you are stunning and you’re a chocolate drop too. I just know the men be knocking down your door,” she threw back.
“They wish they could find my door girl. I don’t play with these men or give them a chance to do so. Plus, I’m fresh off the runway. I have to find my footing in this world again. A man would be nice but he’s so far down on the list.”
“I completely understand that. My husband appeared out of thin air and has been working my good nerve ever since. He’s one of my biggest blessings though, so I don’t complain. I’m actually here today because of him. He asked me to get the kids into modeling, especially Essence.”
I could see why he suggested it. They shared children that looked like they handpicked them out a catalog or something. CJ sat on his iPad behaving like a good little boy while miss Essence was crawling her way around the table to me. She looked like she gave them a run for their money at home. I picked her up once she was in reach and she immediately began to play with my pearl necklace.
“He told you right. Can I ask why my agency though? There are plenty of agencies in Sage Springs that could produce just as good.”
“Well, you’re the only Black owned. I did my homework,” she said winking. I smiled and nodded.
“That plays a big part in a lot of the clients reasoning. I guess I should’ve expected that by now. Okay, what are the other reasons then?” I questioned followed by a small chuckle.
“No one has thrown any salt on your name, not even the palm colored folk. I’ve asked around town and your agency get the most praise in the black community. That says a lot. We’re truly not here for anything other than exposure and the kids possibly going from modeling to acting. I know bigger platforms can be provided from those that know what it’s like to hustle for it. I’m just trying to give my kids a widespread of options.”
“I applaud you for doing so. Modeling was my way of taking care of my family and it became a great career to where I flourished in. I was able to keep our family off the streets, so I did something right. Nevertheless, I can help.”
Klarity’s cheeks hiked as her smile grew. Essence looked so much like her and so did CJ. Klarity could enter this modeling thing too and make bank. This entire family had the looks and personality that a lot of brands looked for. The kids were perfect for clothing brands while Klarity could legit run through the tattoo lane being the face of many magazines. The many favors I had could extend her way as well.
If the wife and offspring carried these features, I could only imagine how her husband looked. That wasn’t me wanting to see him just out of curiosity either. I truly wanted to know if beauty ran in their family. I made a mental note to look up the Atkins after the meeting. Nesh said her husband was a nutjob and I only interpreted that as he didn’t play with a soul about his family. A wave of envy washed over me but left just as quickly. Black women deserved to be loved properly and out loud.
“Thank you so much. Do I need to fill any more paperwork out? Do we need to submit more photos? Just tell me what I got to do, Ms. Afor,” she rattled off.
I couldn’t help but laugh at her response. She was excited, and I didn’t blame her. I felt like the kids would fill a void I didn’t know I carried for so long. Seeing their smiling faces would definitely keep my stress level down and probably my flares at bay.
“Tell me about them. Their personalities, what makes them uncomfortable, and anything else you can think of that would help me keep them content while we shoot.”
“Well, Essence acts like her father so that means she lacks all marbles. The little girl is crazy. She’s also spoiled so whatever the poor girl wants, give it to her or she throws a fit. CJ is my little introvert. He doesn’t really show you his fun side until he feels you out and decides whether he can be your friend. Other than that, they are a ball of joy,” she explained.
Essence was still in my lap playing with my pearls. She’d tugged on them a few times where I had to follow her direction of motion. It was something about babies’ strength that went unmatched to others. I didn’t mind though. With me being their agent, it was best if the kids got used to me now so moving forward all scheduled appointments encounters would be at ease for them.
