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Taja “Ta” Walker
Ihuffed and puffed the entire ride over to the club. Allison knew I didn’t want to be here tonight.
“I really hate that we have to keep dragging ourselves to these parties,” I groaned as we stood in line.
“Taja, you and I both need this more than anything. You need more clients, and I need to get in front of the right person so that I can score a deal,” my best friend, Allison, reminded me.
“I guess you’re right. I’ll check my attitude.”
Allison and I met in high school on my first day as a freshman. I noticed her sitting alone at the lunch table with her head down. Some kids walked by her, teasing and throwing things into her curly fro. I instantly became annoyed. I walked up to the group of kids who were bullying her and cursed them out in front of everyone. Allison had a big smile on her face after I finished. I introduced myself, and since then, Allison and I have been the best of friends.
Allison’s skin was dark chocolate, and her eyes were big and round. She was beautiful. If anyone couldn’t see the beauty in her, they were blind. By the time senior year arrived, Allison had grown another six inches. Her mother invested in Invisalign for her teeth. She developed her own style and learned how to do her makeup. The same people who bullied her wanted to be her friend, but she didn’t fold.
Allison always thanked me for coming to the lunch table that day. However, I am thankful for her. She was a true best friend. We attended the same college, roomed together, and graduated together. However, even with a degree in finance, Allison wanted to model. She took her journey seriously. The harder she worked, the more contracts and more money.
I currently work as a bank teller, but for the past year, I have been managing Allison’s marketing and social media part-time. Over the past year, I did so well with Allison’s marketing that I started taking on more clients. I perfected my skills and started receiving requests to help others. However, I was on a mission for a bigger contract, and Allison was too.
We were currently at a club called Pink Streak. It was the spot for up-and-coming models, artists, and actors to find their big break. Many executives and businesses recruited a lot of their talent because of the events they would have. Tonight was karaoke night, and it was packed. Allison decided it would be a good night for me to find more clients and for her to find a new modeling contract.
We walked further into the club while I checked my phone. Allison sucked her teeth and let out a frustrated breath.
“Don’t start, Allison,” I warned.
I knew exactly what the reason for the dramatics was. I just didn’t feel like hearing it.
“Let me say this, Ta. I’m glad you dumped his ass. He can’t keep a job, and all the bills fall on you. What man is out here allowing his girl to handle everything? Not a real one, I tell you that!”
“Yeah, but everybody has a time in their life when they fall on hard times. We both have experienced it. Would it be fair for me to do him like that? Jay is working hard. I believe him.”
“Whatever, sis. He is no longer your problem. You asked for space, so enjoy it,” Allison preached.
I didn’t want to hear her rant about Jay. It came more often than before. My relationship with Jay was okay. It could’ve been better, but right now, he was going through the stages of figuring out what he wanted to do with his life. Deep down, I knew once he figured it out, everything would be back on track. Still, I could not be his savior when I was trying to figure everything out. Jay and I had been together for almost two years before I called it quits. It was as if he wasn’t trying to elevate while I was breaking my back to get to the top. No matter how much I missed him, I knew this was for the best.
“Look, can we just get in here and socialize, please?” I asked. There was no need to bring up Jay. We were on a mission.
She clapped her hands together and smiled. “Yes! Work your charm, and I’ll work my magic. Let’s go, best friend!”
Allison and I separated and went to do exactly what she said. The club was crowded. There was a deejay, and he had almost everybody on the dance floor. The more I scanned the room, the more dollar signs I saw. If I wanted to get my name out there, I had to turn on my charm and work the room. Instantly, I started handing my card out as I made my way to the bar. In the process, I had at least an eight-second conversation with them. The trip to the bar took longer than an average person would, but again, I was on a mission. By the time I reached it, my mouth was dry, and I needed water. I looked across the room and smiled at Allison. She was definitely working her magic.
I waved at the bartender. “Water, please.”
“Taking it slow?” a beautiful blonde-haired white woman sitting beside me asked.
I smiled. “I’m staying sober tonight. I’m here for other reasons. I need to make sure I have a clear mind.”
“And what are the reasons?” she asked with a raised brow.
I giggled. “Not for those reasons. I am here to network and get my name out there. I manage social media accounts.”
I handed her my card. She looked at it and smiled.
“Taja Walker...such a pretty name. I’m Kara,” she introduced, extending her hand.
“Thank you, and nice to meet you, Kara.”
“Tell me, Taja, how did you get started in this line of work?”
