Page 109 of Plus Size Player

“I follow you on social media.” A short woman with a cute fade haircut sat next to me. “Kiya didn’t tell me her cousin was a celebrity.”

I laughed. “I wouldn’t say celebrity.”

“I thought you looked familiar at dinner last night and then it hit me today.” She pulled out her phone and showed me that she followed my page. “I’m trying to get my followers up. What would you suggest I do?”

“What do you do? What’s your thing?”

“I cut hair.”

“I would just consistently post your work. Show your skill. Show your personality. And figure out what you want to say and make sure you’re communicating that to the audience.”

She opened up a notes app and typed what I’d said. “Thank you. I know you’re just trying to chill and don’t want to talk work, but I have one more question and then I’ll leave you alone about all this. I promise.”

I took a sip of my drink. “Okay, let’s hear it.”

“How did you get into being a social media content creator?”

“I’ve always loved fashion and I couldn’t find big fashion girlies to follow. So, I became what I wanted to see. And then people were in my comments asking about the outfits and expressing a desire to find similar pieces. I was putting clothes together in a way that other people weren’t and helping to change the narrative of big-bodied style. I enjoyed the impact of that.” I smiled. “I still enjoy that. And I connected with my audience over fashion, style, and my personality. I’ve stayed true to my brand. And that’s why I suggested that you figure out what you want to say and then say it consistently.”

“Is it hard to have a relationship when your life is so public?”

“I’m authentically myself, but I am also private. I don’t use names or specify the places I’m going to be. I don’t share too much. No one I date knows what I do for a living.”

Her glassy eyes got big. “Really?”

“Really,” I confirmed.

“So, your man doesn’t know—”

“Nina doesn’t have a man. She has men,” Kiya interrupted with a laugh, plopping down next to me. “As long as they stay in rotation, she won’t ever settle down.”

“What?” the woman screeched. “So you mean to tell me you’ve never had one that you were so down bad for that you wanted to let everyone else go? One that had everything you were looking for?”

My alcohol-infused brain quickly flashed moments with Russ through my mind, and I shut my eyes tight and shook it off. “Nope,” I answered.

“Can I steal my cousin from you?” Kiya asked, interrupting. She grabbed my hand. “Come with me.”

I allowed myself to be pulled toward the VIP bathrooms.

“I’m sorry if she’s asking you a million questions,” Kiya apologized. “Ever since she realized you were my cousin, she’s been fangirling.”

My smile grew. “It’s fine. Honestly, it made me smile.”

She freshened her lipstick and then glanced at me. “What’s going on with you?”

I shook my head. “Nothing.”

“When she was questioning you about settling down, you had a look on your face.”

“A look?” I frowned, shaking my head again. “I don’t know what you mean.”

She eyed me suspiciously. “You had a look. I can’t describe it. But it made me think that maybe you were uncomfortable. And the only reason I could think that it would make you uncomfortable is if there was some truth to it.”

“What do you mean?” Jerking my thumb toward the exit, I gave her a questioning look. “I just took that man’s number on the dance floor!”

“Yeah, but you seemed disinterested.”

“We didn’t talk much, but he could dance.” I shrugged. “If we end up talking more, I’ll let you know how he is.”

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