Page 87 of Plus Size Player

“I’m getting off the phone,” Jazz announced, amusement hinting at the truth.

“Well, while you sit in denial, I’m going to give you some real talk. It’s about time you got them cobwebs cleared out. And don’t be more worried about hurting someone else’s feelings than you are about hurting your own. If it needs to end, end it. But don’t end it just because you’re scared.”

She was quiet.

“Jazz?” I headed toward the elevator.

“I’m here,” she replied softly.

“Don’t be scared,” I repeated.

“You don’t be scared either.”

I swallowed hard.

The elevator door opened, and I walked into it with a handful of people. “I’m feeling really good and confident about today,” I declared. “Now that I’m here, I’m excited.” The doors started to close. “Oh, I might lose you in the elevator.”

“I didn’t mean about the job.”

My mouth was agape. Before I could even respond, she continued. “Have a great first day! You got this! Bye, girl!”

Even though she’d already hung up, I still had the phone to my ear. “Bye.”

I shook off what she said because I didn’t have time to analyze it. The doors opened and I got out with a man with a large portfolio.

“Welcome!” a woman greeted us.

I looked around, marveling at the change that had taken place in a couple days. The office looked completely different than it did on Friday. It went from a blank canvas to an actual fashion house. The décor was simple, yet sleek, with chrome-and-black furniture, interesting art in black frames, and enlarged black-and-white photos of models in RLF designs. The RLF logo emblazoned on the floor just off the elevator was the flashiest thing about it.

“You’re early,” she remarked to the man. “You can go back.” Then she looked at me. “How can I help you?”

I flashed a big smile. “I have a twelve o’clock meeting with Sasha.”

She picked up a phone and then directed me down the hall to the right. I followed her directions and Sasha met me in the hallway.

“Welcome, Nina!”

For the next half hour, we reviewed and went over paperwork. I signed all the necessary documents. Then I was given my schedule for September and input the dates in my calendar. I kept a straight face, but I was so excited I could burst.

“Now, let’s get you over to the showroom,” she directed. “Angelica is the head stylist and the person who will be critiquing yoursocial media posts.” Noticing the look on my face, she explained further. “Think of her as quality control.”

Before I could even respond, Sasha flung the door open, and we entered a space twice as big as the conference room.

“Oh!” I mumbled in surprise.

The showroom was an extremely large open room lined with racks upon racks of clothing. My eyes widened as I took in the impressive display. I didn’t know RLF had so many designs. After introducing me to Angelica, Sasha left to prepare for a meeting.

“I’ll have a packet for you to take with you and your parking pass,” Sasha said. “But right now, I need to get ready for a meeting so I’m leaving you in Angelica’s hands.”

“It’s so nice to meet you, Nina.” Angelica shook my hand. With a stern expression, she pushed her red frames up the bridge of her nose. “I need to get your measurements.”

She directed me behind a partition to get undressed. A few minutes later, she pulled the yellow tape measure from around her neck and got to work. Quietly, she jotted down numbers and continued to make notes until she was finished. The silence wasn’t stony, but it wasn’t comfortable. Small talk didn’t seem welcome, so I followed her lead. She told me to get dressed and to meet her back at her desk.

And without a word, I did.

She eyed me as I walked across the room toward her.

“You carry your weight well,” she said to me. “You would be good on a runway.”

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