The following is a fictional parody, not approved of, nor authorized by, the celebrities named.
None of the events are true.
This fictitious parody is protected speech under Hustler Magazine, Inc., et. al. v. Jerry Falwell.
No harm is intended toward the celebrities named.
Furthermore, publication of any and all trademarks contained herein are not authorized by, associated with, nor sponsored by the trademark owners.
~~~
Chapter 4: Christina Milian at the Video Music Awards.
~~~
I pulled up in the hotel shuttle van and beheld the majestic Palms Hotel. My plane touched down nearly an hour ago and I marveled at the golden sunrise that framed the Las Vegas skyline. Though it was early Sunday morning, the air was electric and I absorbed every bit of the energy that radiated from the city streets.
I was amazed at my good fortune. "Lady Luck? You with me, Mama?" I teased. I was definitely looking forward to completing this job, earning a considerable fee and gaining even more recognition as a makeup artist.
~~~
The past few months had been pretty damn awesome. I started my makeup artistry company in New York City, averaging about one or two jobs a week. I even scored jobs working with the incredible Beyonce Knowles and the extremely talented Ciara.
When I was new to being self-employed, that was about all I could handle. Once I became much more comfortable and had much more confidence in my work, I needed new challenges and more of them.
After a couple of months of steady work in New York's fashion industry doing smaller photo shoots and fashion shows, I got a lucky break. I scored a job in Miami working with Gabrielle Union. Soon after, I decided to relocate there. The water, the beaches, the sun, the warmth and the atmosphere all made me feel like I was in paradise.
Fortunately, I was able to snag many makeup artistry jobs in Miami. I busied myself with the numerous smaller-scale fashion shows, photo shoots, conventions and other events that were always being held in the Magic City.
I also started developing outlines for several projects I wanted to complete one day. I wanted to design both a how-to book and a DVD series that would teach various makeup techniques. I loved beautifully styled women, so I thought it would be the perfect outlet for my passion. I also wanted to form my own cosmetics company and develop a makeup line that featured rich, vibrant colors for medium to darker skin tones. I even thought about designing a calendar based on my best pictures.
Now I was in Las Vegas doing makeup for an international pop star at a worldwide music event. After the fast-pace of NYC and the busyness of Miami, I was ready for the ultimate in excitement. And where better to experience that than here in Vegas?
MTV was hosting the 2007 Video Music Awards here at the Palms. The VMAs, as they were popularly known, were always a wild event, and totally unpredictable. All types of people, from musicians to athletes to models to everyday folk, would descend on Sin City to party their asses off.
~~~
As I was about to let myself out of the vehicle, the door opened.
The sharply dressed concierge greeted me with a warm smile and a small bouquet of flowers. "Ms. Nikii Clarke?"
"Yes?"
"Welcome to the Palms Hotel. We've been expecting you. How was your flight?"
"Great, thanks," I said, as he helped me step out of the van.
"Ms. Milian is upstairs and she's expecting you. Once you check in, we'll bring your bags and show you to your room."
I smiled when I heard her name. Christina Milian, the international pop and R &B star, was asked to host the pre-show for the VMAs. Her numerous records and films topped the charts all over the world. I loved her style and I enjoyed meeting her previously in Miami.
"Thank you so much," I beamed. I certainly didn't expect such an elaborate welcome, so I was a bit giddy.
As the hotel staff unloaded my luggage, I caught my reflection in the hotel's glass doors. I knew the insane heat would be in effect, so I made sure to dress light, but still stylish.
I wore a thin, lacy camisole top to keep cool in the desert heat. Its deep violet color looked radiant against my satiny brown skin. White shorts and deep violet sandals added to my casual look.
As a stylish accent, I wore a few pieces of jewelry, including my brand new sorority pendant. I purchased the elegant piece with part of the proceeds from my Gabrielle Union shoot. The small, pink rose pendant on a thin gold chain hung deliciously between my full breasts.
Amethyst gemstones affixed to gold hairclips gathered my black, wavy, shoulder-length hair off of my face. However, only out of the van for a few moments, beads of sweat already dotted my forehead.
I quickly went to the front desk, accompanied by a handsome bellhop with my luggage in tow. A pretty Black woman with a gorgeous smile and a generous bosom took my information. As she deftly typed on her computer keyboard, I noticed her name badge: Monica. I definitely needed to keep that for reference.
Her seductive voice brought me back from my brief reverie. "Yes, Ms. Clarke. I have your info right here. You're in Room 608. And you have a roommate, Jasmin Ramirez." She typed again. "And I see there's a message here for you. You're to report to Ms. Milian's room, Suite 3602, by 8am."
Checking my watch, that gave me just thirty minutes to freshen up.
Thanking Monica, and winking at her for good measure, the bellhop and I quickly went up to my room. As he unloaded my luggage, all I had time to do was quickly freshen up, brush my hair and touch up my makeup. Thanking the bellhop with a generous tip, I bid him goodbye, grabbed my case and my photo book, which I'd updated with the Gabrielle Union pictures, and hurried up to Christina's room.
