Page 155 of Plus Size Player

I quirked an eyebrow. “Oh, really?”

“The plans I had for us had to be rescheduled because you have an early morning tomorrow.”

Confused, I frowned a little. “I don’t have anything tomorrow. I have a nail appointment on Tuesday.”

“You have a fitting at six o’clock tomorrow morning.” He searched my face for a moment. “You’re walking in the show.”

23

The RLF runway show was taking place on Monday, one week from my first fitting. The models were selected at the beginning of the summer and were measured and assigned outfits long before I was brought onto the RLF team. So, when I arrived for the early Monday morning fitting, I was the last piece of the puzzle.

The pieces showcased were the highlights of the upcoming spring-summer line. Everything I’d worn and highlighted on social media were fall and winter ready-to-wear pieces that were available on the site and in select stores. The outfits I’d seen for the show were cool and interesting, but still wearable. I was fitted for the final piece: a white asymmetrical dress combined with a black sheer trench coat. While Angelica checked the fit of the dress on my body, I learned that I was slated to walk down the runway with Russ.

Excited was an understatement.

I got goose bumps as I imagined being on a catwalk for the first time and then sharing that moment with Russ. I was so giddy I could barely stand still. As I stared at myself in the mirror, I felt overwhelmed with joy, pride, excitement, and love. I was in a gorgeous outfit that Russ designed… as I prepared to be in the RLF fashion show during New York Fashion Week… where I would be walking down the catwalk with the designer… who happened to be the man I loved.

Biting the inside of my cheek, I blinked back tears.

Russ’s vision and concept were realized from the wardrobe, set design, runway setup, and music selection. I was so happy for him, and proud of him. I’d spent Monday and Tuesday working with Lori, Angelica, the design team, and the show coordinator. It was a lot, but I wanted to do well—not just for myself but also for him. I wanted to make sure I made his first show a success. But more than anything, I wanted to make him proud.

Russ left for New York on Tuesday and wouldn’t be back for a week. He was so busy getting everything ready for the show, we only talked before bed. He told me he wanted me to text him updates, but I didn’t want to disturb him throughout the day. But after Wednesday’s fitting, I couldn’t help myself. I sent him a text message as I walked to the conference room for the meeting.

Nina: This dress is so sexy! I want it.

Russ: It’s yours.

Grinning, I started to reply.

“If it isn’t Ms. Runway Model herself,” Jacqueline remarked from out of nowhere.

I almost dropped my phone.

Regaining my composure, I slipped my phone into my pocket and greeted her. “Hey!”

“Congratulations are in order. I wish it was me, but I’m not a hater.”

I nodded. “That’s fair. Thank you.”

We walked through the conference room doors and Taisha squealed, “Congratulations!”

Her joy was infectious, and I couldn’t help but giggle a bit. “Thank you!”

She jumped to her feet and clapped enthusiastically. The three of us were the only ones in there so we were a little louder than usual. When I was close enough, she hugged me.

“And don’t think I didn’t see you with that tall piece of work at the airport,” Taisha mentioned. “He seemedveryhappy to see you.”

I laughed nervously as we took our seats. I tried to read her face and her expression, but I couldn’t.

She didn’t see who I was with, did she?

“Who was happy to see Nina?” Jonah asked from behind me. “Nobody is happier to see her than me.”

“Her man,” Jacqueline said in a singsong voice.

“Maybe we should’ve hung around to check out Jonah’s competition,” Matias joked as the guys took their seats at the table.

“The way that man had her in the air when I drove by, I don’t think there is any competition,” Taisha speculated. “Sorry, Jonah.”

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