“See, Angie… even if I could tell you over and over again how much of a smart man I am, I could also tell you that I’m really lazy. Unless we’re talking about going out to play soccer or anything sports related, I’ll make sure to make as little effort as possible. Books are part of that latter option.” He stated; sharing a grin with his friend. So, Malik knew where her perspective was coming from, because he was certain he wasn’t the only one that accepted willingly the idea of relying on audios more than actually reading. “Frustrating sometimes… sometimes it’s hard to compete against big companies that are also going after the same players as I am, but I’m managing. Got a new guy that– if he does focus on his career we can take him to places,” and he honestly believed in every single athlete he’d work for. “Well– see? I knew that you’d be my person for that! And, well, call me weak for the horror genre. I like the goosebumps that come along with some stories. Other than that, maybe some historical fiction could be a way to go, something new to explore. I wouldn’t mind those recommendations at all.”

"I'll let you know for sure. As of now, it's slated for a March release." The best part of her work was that she got to work closely with publishers and the authors themselves. Either she was designing the book cover for them or doing the audio narration. Sometimes both. Because of that, Angelia had all the inside information. "You know," she began, a finger rose and pointed at Malik in gesture and thought as she leaned forward a little, "I think more and more people are turning to audio. I know the vast majority still perfers to have the physical book in their hands and read and turn the pages, but in this busy life it's so mch more practical to get the audio book." Angelia was sure that when it came to long commutes or being stuck in traffic that most still listened to podcasts and music, she knew that audiobooks were on the rise there too. Aside from their usual place as having something on while people did housework or got other things done where they didn't have to focus or think. "How is business going for you? You must be so busy." As a friend, she always found it important to check in. "Whew," she fanned herself and took another sip of her wine, "I'm glad you asked because I am an endless source of recommendations. I think I prefer historical fiction or contemporary, and that's usually because I learn a lot. I also love novels that take place in other locations around the world rather than the usuals, and even more so if the location is kind of another character. You can feel really transported that way. I've gotten bored of mysteries, thrillers, and suspense lately because it's all become a little too predictable. What's your genre? I'll throw some recs your way."

Malik adored listening to people talk about what they did, especially when they were happy about it. After leaving his father’s business and enrolling as a sports agent, he understood the thrill of being able to talk about something that caused you some good. So, while listening to Angelia, all he was able to offer was a smile. A genuine one. “Let me know when it’s out for me to buy it, because I’m intrigued. Besides, I hardly stop on a daily basis to read so I think that audiobooks are the way to go when it comes to this guy right here,” he pointed at himself. “And I remember that movie briefly. What kind of stories do you enjoy working on more? Horror, action, comedy… either way, recommend me stuff that can help time pass by while in traffic.”

─── starter for @vancitystarters​ / capping at 4 replies

"You might want to grab another drink for this," Angelia began, glancing at the person she was sitting with. The look she wore on her face was one that said she had something interesting to share. Which, clearly, was one that she couldn't keep to herself. "This new book I'm doing the audio for," she went on without really giving them much time to prepare, "is basically a how-to for murder and getting away with it. I'm not just talking in a way that's so well written that you're taken up in the prodecural of it all, I mean that I actually feel a little awkward reading it. Saying the things allowed." The book read as something that had actually happened and the writer had gotten away with it. Angelia would swear this book was evidence in some way. "Did you ever see that infamous movie with Sharon Stone? You know, the one where she uncrosses her legs and shows her vag? Basic Instinct—" Her head was nodding, as if she were silently saying 'bingo!'. 

˖♡    — BASICS.

» Name: Malik Turman » Nickname(s): — » Age / Birth / Zodiac: 36 years old / November, 1st / Scorpio » Place of Birth: New York, USA » Residence: Vancouver, Canada — Kitsilano » Gender: Cis Man — He/him » Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual » Occupation: Sports Agent » Language(s) Spoken: English, Chinese and Spanish

˖♡    — PERSONALITY.

» Positive Traits: Charming, diplomatic, social » Negative Traits: Self-absorbed, vain, vindictive » Goals/Desires: To become the agent of some NBA players.  » Likes: Playing sports, telling lame jokes, massages, a good and expensive drink and clothes » Dislikes: Being controlled and being told what to do, his birthday and holidays in general

˖♡    — FAMILY.

» Father: Omari Turman » Mother: Angela Turman » Sibling(s): Younger sister and older brother (both unnamed) » Wife: Yaren Aksakar-Turman » Pet(s): —

˖♡    — BIOGRAPHY.

Malik was welcomed into this world on a beautiful afternoon in October at the city of New York in Tribeca. The second son of Omari and Angela Turman, back when the Turman Realty company was starting to pierce its mark not only in New York, but in the entire country. Although from the outside, people could perceive the luck of the three children that were born into this family, each one of them would offer a different perspective about it. 

Controlling could easily be the middle name of both parents as they were so focused on their empire, that — somehow — they envisioned their children weren’t independent people, but infants that they were able to control from the very first breath they took once they were born until they were responsible adults. 

They were all there watching Omari’s empire grow, hearing his father’s speeches that one day all of that would be passed to his children; sharing the importance of a good education and learning how to run the business, because he’d have to choose the person who would take his seat in the future. At first, Malik was too young to understand it all; but the first to crack was Malik’s oldest brother, although Malik was still entering adolescence his brother once turned eighteen years old, left their house as it was the only way to get rid of the control their parents had over him.

And then there were two, and with that the pressure that once was directed at the older brother, reached both Malik and his sister. And while his sister was okay with the plans their parents had for her, Malik was a dreamer. 

Ever since he was a child, he dreamt about playing soccer, to become a great athlete. And when he was young, he was really good at it. His parents accepted the idea of enrolling him in soccer classes because it was important to have a place to direct all the energy a child has, but as he was growing older the support was no longer there and getting in different teams caused Malik to notice that he wasn’t the very best as he assumed to be. And at home, instead of hearing that he could become better, he’d listen that it was pointless to attempt to follow that dream. The Turman’s weren’t meant to be athletes, you’re meant to get rich behind a table. 

And, although, he couldn’t accept it at first. Those words resonated well enough that Malik gave up on pursuing that desire and with that he enrolled in college, got his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree letting his parents know that while he wouldn’t be a soccer player, he’d still work in that field. That the company could be his sister’s, because he’d do what he could to become a sports agent and to be actually great at it. Surprisingly, they accepted the deal. 

Or so he thought, subtle offers of a job position in their business, following along a narrative that it was simply easier to be part of the company instead of trying to pursue something and being a whole new career apart from the real estate agency. It all seemed better than the idea of facing challenges. His privileges, at least, caused him to assume so. And perhaps, that would’ve been his entire life, if someone else didn’t enter it for the sake of lightening up his path and his individuality. 

Malik was tired, and it was what led him to Yaren as something more than friends. An agreement of a marriage in which both of them had something to gain from it, and after a beautiful ceremony he was no longer a handsome bachelor that all women wanted to pursue. As time passed by and months became years, his family understood that he wouldn’t divorce Yaren; that this wasn’t their middle son rebelling so late in life. And then, it was the end of his career as part of the family business and the beginning of the one he wanted to pursue: to become a sports agent. And for the first time in life, apart from siblings, he was able to have someone that was rooting for him and actually believing that he was capable of following part of his dreams. A different version of his dream, at least.

Truth being told at first, Malik didn’t see Yaren as anything but a friend, which led to a conversation that they could continue having relationships outside of their own. But it didn’t last long until jealousy started to play a part, as their relationship was no longer just a mere agreement with papers signed and feelings were there. Yet, the relationship remained open, with clauses that were respectful and pertinent to both parts. Malik is aware that he gained a partner for life and that, somehow, through the control of his parents, he found the love of his life. 

˖♡    — CONNECTION IDEAS.

To be written.

Something From Tiffany’s (2022) dir. Daryl Wein

kendrick sampson

˖♡    — TAG DUMP.