Page 150 of Plus Size Player

“The Russ being your boss situation. What other situations do you have?” she laughed.

“Well, the Russ situation is the main one. He says he’s handling it. Paperwork is being drafted and we actually went out last night. It was a small restaurant on the outskirts of town. Low lights, very intimate, extremely romantic. But I couldn’t help but feel like we were hiding in the shadows. Fashion Week is going to be big—possibly for the both of us—so we can’t afford to get caught.”

“But if he’s working on it and y’all are back to going out on dates, his plan must be legit.”

“I’m choosing to believe that’s going to work out. Especially because I have another situation. RLF brought on another model to replace me.”

“What?” she screeched.

I told her about the RLF link to Bowen and Bowen’s preference for Gabby.

“I’m so sorry,” Aaliyah wailed.

“No, it’s fine.”

“If you weren’t at my party, you would’ve been at that event and—”

“Liyah,” I interrupted. “It’s not your fault! There was no way I was missing your party. You’re my best friend and it was your thirtieth birthday. I’m glad I was there.”

“But I feel bad you missed out on Bowen.”

“Bowen should feel bad they missed out on me!”

We talked for a few more minutes and then we got off the phone. I took a shower and then climbed in bed. I briefly texted with Russ before I took a nap. He was in and out of meetings finalizing the runway show and didn’t have a lot of time, so I told him we’d talk later. I edited content and responded to comments until I driftedto sleep. When I woke up from a nap, I got dressed and then went to dinner with the other models.

We were having a good time, exchanging stories in a more relaxed manner than we had the first time we’d gotten together. A few weeks ago, after The Player’s Ball, we were getting to know each other. Our dinner was our first time together in a relaxed atmosphere and free from RLF eyes and ears.

And it was a time!

I’d just finished laughing at something Matias said about his DMs being flooded when my phone vibrated against the table. I picked it up and smiled.

Russ: I’m finally home and the only thing I can think about is this place I want to take you. Are you free right now?

Nina: You had a long day!

Russ: Yeah, I’m going back and forth about what I want to do for the runway show. Work stuff that I’m trying to leave at work. What are you up to? Are you free?

Nina: I’m at dinner with the others. Where is this place you’re thinking about taking me?

Russ: Let me pick you up from the airport on Sunday and surprise you.

Nina: I’ll be getting off the plane with other people who represent your company.

Russ: I’ll figure it out. Just be ready on Sunday. And call me when you’re free.

“—and clearly Nina’s got one,” Taisha teased.

I looked up from my phone to find everyone’s eyes on me. I wasn’t texting for that long, but I clearly missed something.

“What did I miss?” I asked, locking my phone and placing it on my lap.

“We were going around asking who was single,” Jacquelineanswered before leaning forward. “From the way you were smiling and texting, I would guess you aren’t single.”

“The way she keeps dodging my advances, I’d guess she’s not single either,” Jonah chimed in.

I laughed. “Y’all are funny.”

“So again, dating? Single? In a relationship?” Taisha wondered, pointing at me. “What’s your situation?”

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