“Damn, I see the shit you’re on. You only want me for my body. You’re not trying to have anything real with a nigga.”
She burst out laughing and I lifted Avi and held her in the air, tilting my head back. “Your mother only wants Daddy because he’s sexy.”
Avi kicked her legs and reached for my beard when I brought her down and kissed her face.
“Don’t corrupt my baby.”
I kissed Avi again and handed her back to Makari. “Let me go hit this shower so we can head to this meeting.”
Mercedes had reached out about a partnership. They wanted the whole family vibe for their new ads with their GLS SUVs. When I showed Makari the whip, she fell in love with it, so I agreed. Because if the numbers were right, and I signed off, they would gift her a custom one of her choice. I hadn’t told her thatyet, because she was dead set on a GWagon. I would still get her one but them shits were uncomfortable as hell, not meant for tall people, and drove like mid range trucks. For all the money they cost, they needed to do better. They were fly as shit but damn sure not worth it.
We pulledup to Crescent Towers where the meeting was planned for Mercedes with me carrying Avi because she crashed on the drive over. I had her in one arm against my chest with Makari on my other side holding her hand. We were taken to the back into one of their conference rooms where a short, overly animated woman greeted us. She also looked young as hell and I knew Black didn’t crack, but she damn sure didn’t look to be any older than a teen.
“Hi, I’m Kelly Davis, marketing director. Thank you so much for coming today, Mr. Hayes and Ms. Phoenix.”
“Thank you for having us.” I nodded and shook the hand she extended to me first and she repeated the motion with Makari.
“We’re excited to show you what we have in mind. Please have a seat.” She motioned to the table and I pulled Makari’s chair out, waiting for her to get settled before I sat next to her, adjusted Avi, and placed my hand on Makari’s thigh.
“Hayes…” A guy entered, smiling. He nodded at Makari but extended a hand to me which I shook. “I’m Calvin McKnight and we’re honored that you accepted the meeting. I didn’t think we would be able to get you in here. Been trying for a little over a year to partner with you but Tony kept shutting us down. When we reached out to Sovoya and she agreed to get you in front of us, I half expected you not to show.”
He flashed a smile, showing his excitement and I fought to keep my expression from showing how fucking annoyed I was. Raaj had been working to get me completely detached from Tony after he fucked me over and I still believed he was the one who leaked the information about me and Makari but I couldn’t prove it. He was also being a bitch about making this transition smooth because he was losing a lot of money with me but that was on him.
An old friend, Tayah Alexander, recommended her homegirl, Sovoya Lanier, who had some notable clients in Atlanta that played for the Chargers and Cannons. Sovoya’s career started by her working with Kenyon Porter who was the agent for a vet player I had hella respect for, Trevor Holt.
I took the meeting with Sovoya and out the gate, she was bringing in reputable deals. This was one of many deals she pulled together and she also put me on game about what Tony had been holding back because it wasn’t enough money.
He never even brought the offers to me. His greedy ass was just trying to get more money in his pockets and it made me look bad because they thought I was the one trying to cash out with ridiculous amounts.
“I apologize for the miscommunication but we’re good now,” I clarified with a tone that noted I wanted to move the fuck on.
“I’m not sure if Ms. Lanier discussed everything with you but what we would like is to feature your family for our new campaign for the GLS SUV line. With the intense research we’ve been doing, we understand that families want safety but they also don’t want to feel cheated on luxury. Both fit your brand.”
I smirked and arched my brow at the safety part. That damn sure wasn’t me and Calvin cut in. “Your new brand that is.”
“I’m assuming you already have the concept figured out.” I looked between both of them and Kelly nodded and lifted a remote.
A few seconds later there were visuals on the screen showing mock ups of the commercial with a family standing next to the SUV. Right after, a commercial played with a family showing a father holding their daughter, showing love and buckling her into the car seat in the back before he opened the passenger door to let his wife in. They kissed before he winked, rounded the vehicle, and got in. The cameras moved to the inside with them enjoying the luxury of the vehicle, turning the air and radio on and adjusting the seats. They looked like money and so did the SUV. I had to admit them shits were nice.
“Of course that family will be yours.” I nodded in understanding.
“Our goal is to run a campaign that focuses on balancing the professional excellence you have as a two-time Super Bowl champion and MVP with your family life with Makari and Avianna,” Calvin explained before Kelly continued.
“For every journey, you dominate.”
“Oh that’s cute.” Makari spoke for the first time and I chuckled because she was all in. I could see it in her eyes.
“We would do a photoshoot with the three of you, maybe at your home…”
“Nah, not at our house. You can use a rental.” I shut that down quick as hell and Kelly nodded.
“Understood. Everything can be staged for your protection and privacy but we would love a true authentic family moment.”
“With Avi?” Makari frowned.
“Yes, with Avi if you’re agreeable to that,” Calvin said.
“That’s up to you. If you don’t want her in the ad, we understand.”
