Left (Left 1)

“Liv, the girl, filling in for Lane, will fit them just fine. Plenty of men like women with meat on their bones. I think that frame is just right.”

“Oh.” Her cheeks turn red. I can’t stand people with exclusivity issues. We’re all unique. It’s part of the beauty of life. We’re all unique gifts, perspectives, and skills. This bullshit belief that one cookie cutter ideal of perfection fits all gives too many small minded people an inflated sense of self.

I’m too old to let a perky set of fake tits, and a small frame turn my head when her attitude is stank. I want a woman who can hold her own, help me raise my children with manners, intelligence and sense of self. I have girls. My job as a father is to build them up so strong, the world won’t be able to tear them down. There are double standards, and pressure I never thought about as a man. Then I had three children, two were born with the XY chromosome, and my eyes were opened.

“Make sure the clothes and accessories are ready to go. Ryan will be here soon. I’m going to be taking the lead on this project along with Ollie to make sure things run smoothly.” I leave her in the room.

***

I can’t help the smile that lines my lips. Originally from Haiti, Efia has a lilting accent I enjoy hearing. Couple that with her bright smile, and fun loving attitude, the girl is nearly impossible not to like.

“Good. And you?”

“Great. Work and travel are steady.”

“I’m shocked, she caught you at home,” I say.

“If my girl is going to be on a publication in front of God and everyone, I need to be here to make sure she’s on point.”

“The stylist, Shannon, is in my office if you want to take a look at the outfits, and talk to her. The photographer will be here in another thirty minutes or so. You guys are running early.”

“Early bird always gets the worm. Not that I think you’d let my girl be misrepresented.”

“Not in a million years.”

She pats my shoulder. “That’s why I like you. I’ll introduce myself. You work on calming her down.”

I nod and turn to face Liv as the hurricane known as Efia whirls on toward her next victim.

“I guess she doesn’t want me to introduce her," I say.

“There’s not a shy bone in Efia’s body. I’m sure she’ll be fine,” Liv replies dryly.

I reach out and twist a lock of shiny, soft hair around my finger. Straightened, it flows around her shoulders.

“We figured this would give us the most versatility. Usually, pin-ups are all about intricate hairstyles and volume.”

“I didn’t realize it had gotten so long.” I run my fingers through the thick mass, knowing its’ an honor to do so. She babies her hair.

“I told you the shrinkage is real,” she says referring to her hairs pension to curl up into tight spirals.

“Yes, but I love your curls.”

She smiles up at me. “Me too.”

“No matter what you do, you’re beautiful.”

“Thank you. Tell me exactly what you need me to do.” She shifts the topic, and I go with the flow. I’m bidding my time. A smart man knows when to take action and when to wait.

“Channel your inner model. Come on, you can meet Shannon and see the clothes they’ve picked out.”

I watch her thick ass jiggle as she walks toward the office in her black yoga pants and a black tank top. She doesn’t have to put effort in to making me want her. I never knew that kind of deep connection before. A look says as much as an hour of conversation. I’m in tune with her on a soul level. Amazing what a few more years of living can teach.

***

Liv

“Okay, we’re going to need everyone out for these next shots,” Ryan says.