Chapter 10 Nyree
Today was the big day. I stood in front of my mirror in a rented tux. I had lined myself up and my waves were sitting lovely.
Jamel let me borrow some cufflinks and an extra Rolex from his collection so a nigga was looking fly.
I snapped a few photos of myself, tempted to send one to Asia, but decided against it. She hadn’t written me back last night. I didn’t want to come across as thirsty in case she wasn’t feeling me like that.
Soon as that thought crossed my mind, I got a grip.
I needed to stop doubting myself.
Asia was clearly feeling me as much as I was feeling her, though for whatever reason, she wasn’t ready to admit it.
Bravado back on ten, I texted her one of the pictures with a caption: All I need is you on my arm and I’ll be straight.
This time, she wrote back: Boy bye.
I chuckled at her playing hard to get, but when she hearted the picture, my grin widened.
Let me know how it goes when you finish, she said.
That gave me all the confidence I needed. She was opening up to me.
Will do, I replied, then got my head in the game. Grabbing my camera and shoulder bag, I headed out of my room and toward the elevators.
The ballroom was on the third floor.
I stepped into the elevator, tugging at my cuff links one last time to make sure they were secure. Jamel's Rolex felt heavy on my wrist – a reminder of the world I was trying to step into. The kind of world where you could have a "collection" of luxury watches.
As the elevator descended, I thought about Asia's response. She was playing it cool but interested. The thought put an extra bounce in my step as I exited on the third floor.
The hotel hallway was quiet, but I could already hear the faint sounds of music and conversation coming from the ballroom at the end of the corridor.
Two security guards stood outside, checking credentials.
I pulled out the lanyard Jamel had given me yesterday and slipped it around my neck before approaching.
"Photographer," I said, showing them my pass. They nodded and stepped aside.
The moment I walked in, I felt the energy shift. This wasn't just another wedding or family reunion. The ballroom had been transformed with subtle, elegant lighting. White roses and lilies adorned every table. Waitstaff in crisp uniforms circulated with champagne flutes and hors d'oeuvres.
Scanning the room, I recognized at least three NBA players, a couple of rappers, and was that the actress from that Netflix show everyone was talking about?
"There you are," Jamel's voice came from behind me. He was dressed in a tux similar to mine, but his was designer – Tom Ford or something equally expensive. "You ready to work?"
I patted my camera bag. "Born ready."
"Good. Julien's not here yet, but his people are. I want you to focus on getting candids for the first hour – people mingling, enjoying themselves. Then we'll do the formal shots once everyone important arrives."
"Got it."
"And remember, be professional but personable. These people need to remember you in a good way."
I nodded, already scanning the room for my first shots. "Where's the videographer? Should we coordinate so we're not in each other's way?"
Jamel pointed toward the far corner where a woman was setting up a tripod. "That's Nia. Yeah, check in with her. She's done a few of these events before."
I made my way across the room, weaving through clusters of well-dressed guests. Nia was bent over her equipment when I approached. She straightened up when she heard me, and I got my first good look at her.
She was stunning in a fitted black dress that managed to be both professional and sexy as hell. Her locs were styled up in an intricate updo, and her makeup was flawless.
"Hey, I'm Nyree," I said, extending my hand. "I'm shooting stills tonight. I figured we should coordinate, make sure we're not ruining each other's shots."
Nia's eyes traveled up and down my body before she took my hand, holding it a second longer than necessary. "Nia Davis. And I was thinking the same thing." Her smile was inviting. "Is this your first time working one of Jamel's events?"
"That obvious, huh?"
She laughed, a musical sound that drew attention from a few nearby guests. "A little. But it's cute. Don't worry, I'll show you the ropes." She stepped closer, adjusting my lapel unnecessarily. "Maybe we can compare notes after? I'm staying in the hotel too."
The invitation was crystal clear, but all I could think about was Asia's text. For the first time in a long time, I wasn't interested in an easy hookup.
"Thanks for the offer," I said, stepping back, "but I should focus on the job tonight. Maybe we can talk during the event though?"
A flash of surprise crossed her face before she masked it with another smile. "Sure, whatever works for you. I'll be over by the stage for the speeches later."
I nodded and moved away, feeling her eyes on my back as I began capturing shots of guests arriving.
For the next hour, I lost myself in the work, moving through the crowd, catching candid moments – a basketball player's genuine laugh, a subtle touch between a power couple, the impressed looks as people tasted the exquisite food.
I was adjusting my lens when Jamel appeared at my elbow.
"Vina just walked in," he whispered.
I looked up, confused. "Vina?"
"Vina Bonet! The singer? Two Grammys last year? Man, where have you been?" He shook his head in disbelief. "She needs a photographer for her album release party next month. I told her about you, showed her some of your work on my phone. She wants to meet you."
My heart stopped. Vina Bonet was major – the kind of client who could catapult my career into a whole different stratosphere.
"For real?" I managed to say.
"Yes, for real. Now come on, and for God's sake, be cool."
He led me across the room to where a petite woman with a cloud of natural curls was sipping champagne. Even from a distance, she radiated star power.
"Vina," Jamel said smoothly, "this is Nyree, the photographer I was telling you about."
She turned, and I found myself looking into the eyes of someone whose music had been the soundtrack to countless moments in my life.
"Nice to meet you, Nyree," she said, her voice just as melodic as in her songs. "Jamel showed me your portfolio. You have an eye for capturing people in their authentic moments. That's rare."
I found my voice. "Thank you, Ms. Bonet. That means a lot coming from you. I'm a huge fan of your work."
She smiled. "Call me Vina. And I'm thinking about—"
"Vina! There you are!"
Nia's voice cut through our conversation as she appeared beside us, camera in hand. She threw an arm around Vina's shoulders like they were old friends.
"I didn't know you'd be here tonight! How was the tour?"
Vina's face lit up. "Nia! It was amazing. I didn't know you were working this event."
"Always. You know Jamel can't have a successful event without me." She laughed, then glanced at me with barely concealed triumph in her eyes. "I see you've met the new guy."
Something in her tone made Vina look at me differently.
"Yes, we were just discussing photography styles.”
Nia nodded enthusiastically. "He's got a unique approach for sure. Very... amateur-fresh, you know? Reminds me of when I was just starting out." She squeezed Vina's arm. "Hey, are we still on for brunch tomorrow? I need to catch you up on everything that happened with Tyrone."
Vina nodded, already turning away from me. "Nice meeting you, Nyree. Jamel has my contact info if you want to send more samples of your work."
And just like that, she was gone, whisked away by Nia who shot one last look over her shoulder at me – a look that said, "That's what happens when you turn me down."
Jamel's face was blank, but I could feel the disappointment and anger radiating off him in waves.
"What the fuck was that?" he muttered once they were out of earshot.
"Some bullshit," I said, still processing what had happened.
"What happened between you and Nia?" he asked, seeming to catch on that she had sabotaged me on purpose.
I sighed. "I introduced myself to her right before the event started. She came onto me and I declined. Guess she took it personally."
Jamel ran a hand over his face. "Shit. She and Vina go way back – Nia did music videos for her when they were both nobodies. Vina trusts her opinion." He shook his head. "That was a solid opportunity, man."
"I know," I said, my heart sinking. "I'm sorry."
He clapped a hand on my shoulder. "It’s not your fault. Just... focus on tonight. We'll figure the rest out later."
For the remainder of the event, I threw myself into my work, capturing every moment with precision. But inside, I was conflicted. Had I made a mistake? In the past, I might have flirted back with Nia, maybe taken her up on her offer. It could have led to more opportunities, more connections.
Instead, I chose to honor my interest in Asia – someone I barely knew, who might not even be into me that seriously. And it had cost me.
As the night wound down and guests began to depart, I spotted Nia packing up her equipment. Our eyes met across the room, and she gave me a little wave, as if nothing had happened. The casual cruelty of it made my jaw clench.
"Hey," Jamel said, appearing beside me. "Don't let it get to you. That's how this industry works sometimes. Politics and personal shit."
"Yeah," I said, still watching as Nia left the ballroom with Vina, laughing like they didn't have a care in the world. "I just hate feeling like I'm being punished for trying to be a better man."
Jamel raised an eyebrow. "This about that girl you were talking to earlier?"
I nodded.
"Look, man, I get it. But in this business, sometimes you gotta play the game to get ahead."
I grunted in response and Jamel walked away.
Later, as I walked back to my room, camera bag heavy on my shoulder, I pulled out my phone. There was a new text from Asia:
How'd it go?
I stared at the message for a long moment, trying to decide how to respond.
Complicated. But I got some good shots. Why don’t you let me take you out when we get back in town? I’ll tell you all about it. A grin widened on my face as I awaited her reply.
Her response came after a few moments.
Sure. I guess we could do that.
I smirked. Still playing hard to get.
I’ll hit you when I get back in town.
As I unlocked my door, I still didn't know if I made the right choice tonight. But seeing Asia's text made the lost opportunity a little easier to bear.