Page 87 of The Girlfriend Zone

“Ooh, this will be perfect for the next home game,” she says, plucking the shirt from its hanger. “It’s a little team spirit without screaming,‘Put me on the Jumbotron.’”

I nod, smiling, and ask—off-camera, of course—“And what will you pair it with? Inquiring fans want to know.”

She taps a nail against her lower lip thoughtfully. “We can’t go too literal—team colors can’t carry the whole look,” she says, pivoting to a rack of suit jackets. “This charcoal gray suit is the perfect finishing touch. It’s dark, so we can lean into his defender role on the ice.”

“And now the big question. Tie or no tie?”

“I’m a no-tie woman personally. He’s playing hockey, not presenting a PowerPoint.”

I stifle a laugh, and since she’s such a good sport, I toss out one more question. “And what about when he’s not playing hockey? Do you pick his clothes then too?”

With a confident smile, she says, “Of course. For the weekend when we take the kids to the farmers market for face painting, I’ll put him in a peach polo. It’s my favorite color, and he likes wearing my favorite colors. There you go.”

I stop shooting and meet her gaze. Her face is freckled and heart-shaped, a perfect match for her warm, open nature. “That’s so sweet that he likes wearing your favorites.”

“He’s such a great dad and husband,” she says, and these two are seriously couple goals with their affection for each other and their support. “I love to be able to help him shine since that’s what he does for me.” She pauses, her brow furrowing, and for a second, it looks like she’s about to ask me something. But instead, shesmiles brightly. “This is so much fun. What a great idea.”

“It was Miles’s idea,” I say, giving credit where credit’s due.

“But you’re the one who’s putting it together. Never underestimate that what goes into the cookie is just as important for its success as the idea for the cookie.”

That’s good advice there. “Thanks, I appreciate that.”

I shoot some B-roll of her in the closet, selecting clothes for the upcoming road trip, and on the way out, she stops me at the door, a curious glint in her warm brown eyes. “I’ve seen your photos…” she begins, her tone unusually tentative.

I wait for her to say more. I figure she means the pics on the team feed.

“And they’re so gorgeous. The lighting, and the sensuality, and the poses,” she blurts out, like it’s a relief to have said it.

“I’m so glad you like them,” I say, pleased she means the boudoir work.

Melissa exhales a little laugh, glancing at her nails. “I’ve thought about doing one of those shoots. You know, for him. But I don’t think I’d have the guts.”

That surprises me. She’s always so poised and self-assured. “You’d be amazing at it,” I say sincerely. “And if you ever decide to try, I’d make sure you feel completely comfortable.”

She brightens slightly, though there’s still a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. “Maybe someday. For now, it’s probably more my speed to offer cookies in the shape of bras or panties.”

“Sexy and sweet,” I say with a smile.

“Yes!” Then she gives me a goodbye hug since she’s a hugger, and I head on my way.

I edit the video that afternoon, tweaking every detail until it’s just right. Chanda posts it that night, and within hours, it’s racking up views.

My phone blows up with messages from Chanda, Everly, and even Zaire, all gushing about how great the video turned out. It hardly feels like my doing. Melissa is just…likable. Still, I reply with thanks and exclamation points to everyone.

The next evening as the team flies back from a quick trip to Chicago, I head to pole class with my friends. Along the way, a text from Miles lands.

Miles: Nice job, Shutterbug. We just boarded the flight, and Hugo is losing his mind over the video. He’s sent it to his family, his neighbors, his elementary school teachers—basically anyone he’s ever met. Also, Cookie Melissa is thrilled.

Leighton: I’m glad he loves it! She was easy to shoot, and you had a good idea.

Miles: You’re the one who made it happen.

That’s similar to what Melissa said, so I accept the compliment for what it is.

Leighton: Thank you. It felt good to contribute.

And truly, it did. I like being useful. I love being good at my job. And I absolutely adore having happy clients.

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