Page 99 of Plus Size Player

I met a photographer, makeup artist, hair stylist, and a bunch of RLF employees. The only people who looked familiar to me were Remedy and Angelica.

Remedy Rose was holding court, speaking emphatically about something. The moment I looked at her, all I could think about was Russ. The siblings didn’t look alike, but they had the same eyes. They didn’t have the same personality, but they had the same commanding confidence. She was his married sister who lived in the area.

I would’ve never connected those dots.

I was shook.

Interrupting my thoughts, Angelica beckoned me over and showed me what I would be wearing. Even though she wasn’t friendly, she acknowledged me and seemed to be in a pleasant mood as she went over each look.

It wasn’t until I saw the clothes that I felt the ripple of excitement shoot through my limbs.

I was the first model there, but the others soon followed. It wasn’t long before we’d completed hair and makeup and were camera ready. Dressed in a denim skirt and a deep V-neck RLF sweater, I smiled at my reflection in the mirror. My legs looked good. The sweater hugged me sexily.

“You all look great,” Remedy complimented us as we positioned ourselves in front of the large white backdrop. “We’re going to do group shots and then individual ones. Let me introduce you to the photographer…”

We got acquainted and then old-school rap music came blastingfrom overhead speakers. There were at least fifteen people at the shoot who were just watching, but I blocked all of them out. The models and I had already discussed what we should do for our group shots, so we moved into position effortlessly.

“Nina, you’re up,” the photographer called out as I walked over to do my solo shots.

As I was posing, I lifted my chin and looked slightly to the left. The smoldering look I was giving faltered the moment our eyes locked.

Russ!

I was not expecting him to be there. I was not expecting him to be watching me so intently.

It’s his job,I reminded myself.So, do yours.

My heart beat a little faster knowing he was watching. But I was a professional and I wasn’t about to let him get in the way of my bag.

“Yasssssss,” Taisha cheered.

When I finished, I went over to where the models were huddled, and we waited for Matias to do his thing. When we were all done, we were directed to change into our second and then third outfits to do the process all over again.

By the time we finished, it was four o’clock in the afternoon. I was hungry and tired.

“You all did an incredible job,” Remedy remarked as she approached us.

“Thank you,” we said in unison.

“They transformed with each new look,” she continued, turning to her brother. “Isn’t that right, Russell?”

“Yes,” he answered, seeming to avoid eye contact with me at all costs. “You looked good and cohesive. I know they got some good shots.” He checked his watch. “If you’ll excuse me.”

He stole one fleeting glance at me before he turned and walked away. The look lasted two seconds, three at the most. But I felt that shit everywhere.

Swallowing hard, I shook slightly as I watched him walk away.Mm, mm, mm—

“The rest of the week will run about the same amount of time,” Remedy continued. “Different photographers have different processes, so don’t hold me to that. But at least you can estimate a plan. Tomorrow’s shoot has a seven o’clock arrival time. Check your email if you need the address.”

Tuesday’s photoshoot took place in a garden park on the outskirts of town. It was a fun, lighthearted shoot where we laughed the entire time. But it was hot and there were bugs flying around annoyingly. I hated it. The other models were the only thing that made the shoot a good time.

“These jeans feel so good, right?” Jacqueline marveled, smoothing her hand down her slim hips.

I nodded. “I’m impressed.”

“I love the way these hug my thighs,” Taisha commented.

“Yeah, my ass looks great,” Matias quipped, turning and shaking his ass.

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