Page 105 of Plus Size Player

Russ looked at me and then back to the photographer. “I hired you to do a job. Are you telling me you’re unable to do it?”

“No, no.” He shook his head with fervor. “That’s not what I’m saying.”

“We paid you for the memory card with the images. Let me get that from you.”

“Yeah, sure. It’s just the raw images.” The photographer took the memory card out and handed it to him. “Once I edit the photos, you’ll see what I can do. And I know I proposed the idea of the models flying because their clothes are fly. It was going to be a whole thing. And you said you loved my idea. You know I’ve wanted to work with you for a long time, so I was just trying to give you what you wanted.”

Russ handed the memory card to Remedy before he responded. “I said I loved how prepared you were. I didn’t realize that was your one good idea.”

“No, it’s not my only good idea. But it’s hard to work with fat—” He hooked his thumb toward me.

“Watch your fucking mouth,” he growled, eyes flashing. He stepped forward, getting in his face. “You’re fired.”

The photographer’s eyes bulged as he backed up. “You said if I did a good job here, I could work with you during Fashion We—”

“You think you can disrespect her… or any of my employees and stay on with me?” His voice was low and cold. “You’re fired.”

“But I didn’t—”

Through gritted teeth, he uttered, “I don’t tolerate disrespect.”

“She—”

Turning toward Remedy, Russ ignored the photographer. “Set something up for Wednesday and let Angelica know that we’ll be running these same outfits.” He pointed to a tall man who was hanging back but clearly listening to the entire exchange. “Pierre, help him get his shit and escort him out. I have a flight to catch.”

Without another word, Russ stalked toward the exit and disappeared through the door.

Remedy chewed the inside of her cheek as she beckoned to us. “Go to the showroom and give Angelica your outfits. Everything is still the same for Monday, but I’ll email you with details about this new Wednesday shoot.” She cleared her throat and turned to the photographer. “When they leave, I need to speak with you…”

The five of us silently made our way to the elevator. As soon as the door closed, everyone started talking at once.

“Holy shit!” Matias said before he burst out laughing. “I don’t even know what happened.”

“Wow.” Jacqueline put her hands to her face. “I’ve never seen anything like that before, and I’ve worked a lot of jobs.”

“I thought Boss Man was about to knock Camera Man out,” Jonah remarked.

Taisha asked, “Y’all didn’t hear how that guy was being shady?” She turned to me. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I answered.

“I didn’t hear him say anything shady,” Matias responded. “What did I miss?”

“What did he say?” Jonah wondered. “If I would’ve heard, I would’ve said something.”

“Was it when he asked if you had the right outfit on?” Jacqueline pondered. “I thought that was odd.”

I nodded. “Yeah, that was one of the things he said.”

Jacqueline pursed her lips. “Adding an extra day onto the shooting schedule when it’s already tightandlosing a whole photography session.” She gave me a look. “Thisdefinitelycost RLF some money.”

“Yeah,” Matias agreed. “Not to mention he probably still has to pay that dude for shooting, even if he doesn’t use the images—even after firing him!”

“You should tell Mr. Long what happened,” Taisha suggested.

The elevator opened and we all immediately stopped talking. The statement hung in the air.

Russ was exchanging goodbyes with a man carrying an extra-large portfolio. As soon as we left the elevator, the man entered it. I stared at Russ, hoping he’d look at me. But when he did, a chill ran down my spine. His face was unreadable, his eyes were narrowed, and his mouth was set in a hard line.

---