OK, it's noon on Tuesday, the day before I take off for my two week vacation to the Philippines. I get the call asking if I could do an interview with Nikki Zeno that afternoon. Damn, what timing! Not that I didn't want to do the interview. I mean who wouldn't want to talk to a beautiful model, especially Ms. Zeno? I'd seen her website and I'd be stupid not to do this, but I have to leave for San Diego at 8 p.m. the next day and I haven't even started packing. Nikki Zeno. Pack mosquito repellant. Nikki Zeno. Pack your tightie-whities. Guess what I chose? Look's like I'll be the mosquito buffet with dirty underwear. She's gonna owe me a new set of Fruit of the Looms and owe me a rubdown with some ointment. I figure it'll be a good deal!
I gave Nikki a call from the celly on the way to San Diego around 9: 30, telling her that I'm running late. She sounded a little hurried as well: She's at a Bikini contest in Orange County. She said she'll give a call back around 11 p.m. Its now midnight. This will never get done on time.
2NR: So where are you at now?
NZ: I'm just about to grab a bite to eat. I don't know where to go yet.
2NR: Two taco's for 99 cents at Jack in the Box!
NZ: Exactly! I'm pretty sure that's where I'll end up at.
2NR: So how was the bikini contest in Orange County?
NZ: Well it ended up being a topless contest.
2NR: Look, you don't have to try and get my attention. I've seen your website. I'm looking at your pictures from the site...is that a real tattoo?
NZ: Yeah. I have two. A heart on my belly and an angel on my back that says "90% Angel"
2NR: What would the other 10 percent be?
NZ: That's my naughty side.
2NR: 10 percent is not a lot of naughty...
NZ: (Laughs) I'm still a good girl for now.
2NR: What's your nationality?
NZ: Italian and Puerto Rican.
2NR: Tonight it's tacos but which foods do you like more?
NZ: Italian. I like pasta but Puerto Rican food is good too. Rice and sausage...
2NR: My man Bart loves sausages. What's your favorite type of music?
NZ: I'm a hip hop and R&B girl. I would say J-Lo but I don't think she can sing. But she's just got herself into everything-movies, music and clothing. I think my favorite artist right now is Beyonce.
2NR: Mmmm. Bootylicious. Her new video gives me seizures. I've seen your resume. No music videos but as far as contests...I have to say I think you've won too many times. Give another girl a chance.
NZ: It's not even updated! I've won 3 competitions since May.
2NR: How's it feel to win first place?
NZ: It is an amazing feeling. You feel so beautiful. It's unbelievable. I don't even think a guy could make you feel that way. It's beyond what a guy can give you.
2NR: You haven't met me in person yet...
NZ: What's that? My phone cut out.
2NR: Nothing. At NOPI Nationals you got fourth place.
NZ: That was a great feeling too. I represented California and I was fourth out of all these other girls.
2NR: What does a person have to do to win?
NZ: I work hard on my body. I work out 6 days a week: kick boxing, basketball, stair machine. I really try to look my best. Although, I think I'd like to improve my legs. I want them a little more ripped. Sometimes it's who you know. Sometimes it's the crowd that chooses. Sometimes it's legit. Sometimes you sleep with the judge! (laughs)
2NR: So how do I get to judge the competitions you're at?
NZ: What's that? My phone cut out again.
2NR: Nothing. So an easy wink and smile could get you higher in the rankings. You won second at Miss Asian Model Expo.
NZ: Yeah! That was the best one I ever won! I got Second Hottest Asian Girl.
2NR: How did you even get on the board? You're not Asian.
NZ: I know! (laughs) There were these ballot boxes at each model's booth where voters drop their raffle tickets...I guess they liked me!
2NR: You are an honorary Asian now. By the looks of your resume it seems you've trained yourself for, at least, television acting.
NZ: Yeah. I just finished doing a hidden camera show called "Oblivious." Tomorrow I'm shooting "The Man Show." I think I'm doing Playboy's "Girl Next Door."