Party Invitation

"Are you telling me that you found an opportunity for me to be an MV heroine?" Natasha asked excitedly.

"Hmmph, don't dream. I don't have that much energy," Tony ruthlessly punctured Natasha's enthusiasm. "It is just a few passing shots. Even this wasn't yours originally."

"Oh, what happened?" Natasha asked as her inner gossip rose to the fore.

"Everything had already been settled. You know rap is mostly done by niggers like us, right? So, the chance for a white female like you to appear is very low. However, when they decided to shoot an MV, they put a character for a white female who smokes to appear in certain scenes," Tony explained.

"But, you said it wasn't for me," Natasha pressed.

"Doug's friend was responsible for finding the white female. Originally, another female was confirmed to play the scene. But, she suddenly called today morning and demanded more payment. She told that she got some other play and she won't come if they didn't pay her more."

"Oh."

"Initially, Doug's friend was worried. But, he enquired and found out that she didn't get any other play, but was just creating some drama at the last moment to increase her pay. She knows that not many white females will be willing to appear in a rap song. That too, in short notice,"

"So, she wanted to fleece some more money?" Natasha asked confused.

Was this reason enough to change the person? If Doug's friend wanted to deal with her after she filmed her shots, there would be a lot of ways to deal with that woman, isn't it? Changing the person this hastily sounded very unreliable to her.

"Yes, but things escalated when Kid Z found out about it."

"Oh, how did he find out about it?"

"Kid Z overheard Doug's friend arguing with the female on the phone and lost his cool. From what I heard, Kid Z had a bad experience with some followers extorting money from him when he debuted. So, he really doesn't like this kind of stuff. So, Kid Z grabbed the phone and told her to fuck off."

"Oops."

"Damn right," Tony snorted. "He didn't just stop there. He also gave an ultimatum to Doug's friend. Either he found a replacement and the shoot continued on as usual. Or he gets fired. So, Doug's friend didn't have much time to find a replacement. Either the ones he knew don't want to act in rap MV or they are pure little lambs who can't smoke."

"When I came in today, Doug's friend was visiting him and complaining about his situation. So, I strongly recommended you. He didn't even ask for your details. To him, it was like giving him a lifeboat. So, he immediately agreed. And here we are."

"But, you only asked me to call an hour ago. When is the shooting?"

"In another hour," Tony smirked. "He was very close to losing his job. Imagine, he only had two hours left. Even with you here, it will be tight to do all the preparations."

"Yeah, makeup and stuff will take some time," Natasha nodded agreeing.

"That's why I asked you to come immediately. Once you enter, do the shoot and leave. Do not talk about money and stuff. I will discuss it with Doug and find the right amount to charge," Tony said looking around furtively.

"What? You want to be my agent?" Natasha smirked.

"Look, I need to look out for Doug's face as well. I can't squeeze Doug's friend dry. I need to know Doug's attitude before talking to his friend about the money. Even if you didn't earn much, this opportunity is good for you, isn't it?"

"Oh, don't get your panties twisted," Natasha chuckled. "Even if it is for free, I am willing to act."

"Good, come let's head in."

*****

<CUT>

The director's sound echoed through the megaphone in his hands signaling the end of the shot. Natasha let out a deep breath and relaxed her posture.

With this, her portion of shots was completed for the MV.

Natasha's performance couldn't be said too bad. Initially, she went through a few NGs at the start of the filming. But, after adjusting herself for a bit, she soon found a comfortable space. From then on, it has been smooth sailing.

This MV wasn't a high-cost production or something. Most MVs shot for rap songs are typically rough in their production style. Even though Kid Z was a well-known rapper, MVs for rap songs aren't meticulously produced like they are for pop songs.

And the duration of filming wasn't long as well. This was typical for rap MVs of this time. Not to mention this MV that was created in a hurry. When Natasha looked at the script that was handed to her, she couldn't believe how perfunctory it was.

It was as if they didn't care about the quality at all. Most places in the MV looked incomprehensible to her. She almost thought it was a hoax at the beginning. Nevertheless, Natasha didn't raise any objections even though she felt she could do a better job in creating a good script for the MV than this.

After all, she was a nobody in the circle. It wasn't her place to point out how stupid the MV was. Her job was to complete her shots. And she did exactly that. After donning the makeup and costume arranged for her, Natasha obediently did everything asked of her.

After the initial few NGs, the filming had been very smooth. Even if an NG occurred, it was because of others instead of her. Furthermore, she didn't have many shots in the MV. Most of them were concentrated on Kid Z and his buddies.

Oh, and on the guns. She couldn't forget that bit.

Within a few hours, all her shots were completed. And her entry into the circle was done and over with. Natasha didn't know how to feel about this. It was as if everything that happened today was like a dream.

The only drawback was that her throat was now very sore. It wasn't easy to smoke cigarettes constantly. Especially, after she stopped smoking for a year or so. Her mouth felt uncomfortable and there was the taste of smoke constantly on her tongue.

Apart from that one bit of discomfort, everything went well.

Just as Natasha finished clearing her makeup and was readying to leave, the lead star of the MV, Kid Z waved at her. Curious as to what he wanted, Natasha went to him.

"Nat, right?" Kid Z asked. "We owe you one. You helped us out on short notice."

"Oh, don't worry about that," Natasha waved away his gratitude. "It is me who needs to thank you. I have been roaming all over Los Angeles for an opportunity. I didn't expect to act in such a big star's MV."

Natasha laid it on thick.

"Heh, Doug was right about you. You are indeed different," Kid Z chuckled.

"Oh, in what way?" Natasha asked curiously.

"The way you talk," Kid Z said rising from the chair he was sitting in. "Come, I will walk you out. You got your payment, right?"

"Nah, I am leaving that stuff to Tony," Natasha said walking alongside Kid Z towards the exit.

"Oh, you leave such stuff to your agent, eh?" Kid Z asked curiously.

"No, Tony is not my agent. He is my friend," Natasha shook his head. "He is also my brother. I trust him completely."

Kid Z looked at Natasha with a strange look.

"So, what's different about the way I talk?" Natasha asked as they neared the exit.

"You don't talk down to us," Kid Z said succinctly. "I have met several white people in my life. Even when they are working for me, they talk to us niggers in a superior tone. It is as if they all think us stupid. But, you don't."

Natasha didn't know how to reply to that.

"And when talking to me, you didn't talk in an ingratiating tone either. Most females who talk to me always act as if I fart rainbows. But, you talk to me like a normal person. I have missed such things in recent years."

"Oh, that may be because I grew up on the streets. So, I am not that sophisticated like most people," Natasha tried to divert the topic with a self-deprecating chuckle.

Kid Z's words made her a bit uncomfortable, to be honest. She wasn't accustomed to someone praising her normal attitude. Most of the time, people complained that she didn't have enough respect. Even Sean had done that on occasion.

"Oh," Kid Z looked at her as if seeing her for the first time. "That might explain some things. How are you leaving?"

"I thought Tony would drop me off, but I guess he is busy hanging out with Doug," Natasha shrugged. "I will call a taxi. This place isn't bad. I can get a taxi easily."

"No need, I will send you off with my car," Kid Z said and looked around. "Al! Al! Come here."

Kid Z hollered at a person standing far away. The person ran towards them hastily.

"You don't need to trouble him. I can get a taxi," Natasha said smiling wryly.

"Not a bother. By the way, the director complimented your skills very much. He couldn't believe you are a newbie. Good job."

"Thanks," Natasha smiled in embarrassment. "There wasn't much to do for me."

"Take what you can," Kid Z shrugged at her. "Al, drop her off, will you?"

"Sure thing Kid Z," Al smiled and rushed to get the car.

"I have a party at my house next week. You must come. There will be some surprises waiting for you there," Kid Z said mysteriously.

"If you are trying to get into my panties, don't bother. I am open to having some fun on the side," Natasha chuckled.

Kid Z looked at her strangely before chuckling.

"No, there is really a party. I am inviting you sincerely."

"Then, I will come. It is not as if my calendar is booked, right?"

"Then, I will see you at the party," Kid Z motioned her towards the car and Natasha nodded.

"Sure, see you around, big star."

Natasha bid goodbye and got into the car.

*****

A/N: Check out my other stories and let me know your thoughts...

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