Page 37 of Plus Size Player

I wasn’t sure how I made it on time for the conference part of the weekend, but I did. Everyone was going to be dressed to impress so I refused to be outdone. Wearing a green pantsuit with a cropped black-and-white houndstooth top, I felt like a sexy fashion industry professional. My hair was brushed into a high Afro puff and my makeup was soft and pretty. I was proud of how quickly I’d gotten ready.

Since I was ahead of schedule, I made my way to the small coffee shop in the lobby before the workshops began. After grabbing a specialty coffee, I wandered to the hotel event space located next door.

“Nina, you look great,” Bree greeted me as I entered the large room.

“Thank you! So do you,” I complimented the woman, who was wearing a black pencil skirt and a gray eighties rock band T-shirt that had been cut up.

“The workshops are in the other ballroom—behind the front desk.” She put down her clipboard and gave me a hug. “But I’m glad you’re here. Every time I went to go talk to you last night, you were dancing.”

“I couldn’t help it! The DJ was playing hit after hit. You should’ve come out there, too.” I took a step back and checked her out again. “I love how you put that together.”

“Thanks! And girl, my man would’ve lost his mind if I’d been out there with another man,” she snickered.

“Do you have a lot more to do before the workshop starts?” I wondered, checking the time. “You want to walk over together?”

“I would, but I’m waiting for—hey!” Bree’s eyes shifted behind me.

I turned around and saw a woman who had that air of importance to her. She strolled up to us wearing a red minidress with the matching oversized red blazer. From the expensive shoes and the confidence in her stride, the woman was clearly in the fashion industry. I couldn’t help feeling like there was something very familiar about her.

Is she a model? An influencer?I wondered silently as I took in her entire look.She’s definitely a boss.

And from Bree’s reaction, I could tell she was important.

“Remedy, hi!” Bree greeted her. “I pulled the paperwork for us to go over everything. But please, take a look around and tell me if there’s anything that you need for your session.”

The woman glanced at me and then back to Bree.

Bree gasped. “Oh, how rude of me!” She looked back at me. “Remedy Rose, this is Nina Ford. Nina, this is Remedy Rose of RL Fashions.”

My eyebrows shot up. “Oh, wow,” I blurted, sticking my hand out. “Nice to meet you!”

Giving me a firm handshake, she looked me up and down. “It’s nice to meet you as well.” My top was an RL Fashions top, and her eyes lit up when she noticed it. Her striking features were highlighted when her lips curled into a smile. “You have style.”

“Thank you.”

She didn’t need to know that I hadn’t realized RL Fashions made more than streetwear until a few weeks ago. She also didn’t need to know that I’d gotten the top from a thrift shop. I was a lover of fashion, and I spent a good amount of time seeking out cute pieces. So since I’d stumbled upon the top I was wearing, I’d created a list of other items I wanted from their site.

I opened my mouth to tell her I was excited about the upcoming line. But before I could say a word, she’d turned her attention back to Bree.

“I need to speak to you privately,” Remedy stated, checking her watch.

“I’ll leave you two to it,” I uttered, sidestepping whatever was happening between them. “Remedy, it was great to meet you. I love your shoes. Bree, I hope we get more time to speak later.”

As I walked off, I heard Remedy say, “Does she model?”

I smiled as I sashayed out of the room and to the other side of the lobby.

Entering the morning workshop, I heard Amber giving the opening welcome and saw Sherita, Gabriella, and Toni at a table near the back. Giving them hugs and then taking my seat, I prepared to learn how to grow my brand and my bank account.

Eight hours later, after the learning portion of the weekend had come to an end, we all went to our rooms to change and get ready for the cocktail party. When I linked back up with my friends, we did a mini-photoshoot before we went downstairs to the networking event.

“This is going to be a big deal,” Toni stated, fiddling with her bracelets nervously. “Some of the brands tonight could give us the opportunity to be commercial models. I heard Bowen is going to be here.”

Getting a modeling contract with Bowen would be a big deal. They were the biggest plus size clothing line in the country. Theywere based in Los Angeles but had stores in many big cities. Known for their quality and attention to detail, the line spent the last five years becoming a powerhouse. They hired social media influencers and fashionistas to promote their brand, but they only used established models in their campaigns and runway shows.

I nodded. “A Bowen campaign would add weight to our careers and open so many more doors.”

“I know,” Gabriella agreed softly. “I’m freaking out a little bit.”

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