Page 32 of Plus Size Player

“Well, if it isn’t that, what’s going on?” she prodded. “I know it’s something good—I can feel it.”

I grinned. “I was calling to tell you about the email I just got.”

“I’m intrigued. Tell me more.”

“So, you know the influencer meetup that’s happening this weekend in New York?”

“Yes. It’s like a conference, right?”

“Yeah, something like that. It’s more focused on networkingand photo ops, but there will be a couple of speakers during our brunch on Saturday. But here’s what I called to tell you. Bree organized the speakers and the brunch. She just sent an email and confirmed that we’re now having a cocktail dinner, and reps from different companies are coming, including social media managers from fashion houses all over the country…”

As I read the names from the list Bree sent, Jazz’s excitement grew and flamed mine.

“Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait,” Jazz demanded enthusiastically. “Are you able to pitch yourself to these people?”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m gathering from the email.”

“You’re so good in situations like that! This is going to be life-changing for you, Nina!”

“I think so, too,” I agreed, letting my head fall back on the cushion.

“I’m so proud of you! You’re chasing your dreams and making your way through the world on your own terms. I love that for you.”

“Thank you.” I paused. “I miss you, girl!”

“I miss you, too. And I’m—oh, wait, someone’s at the door. I think it’s the doctor. But we need to talk before you fly out. I want to know everything.”

“I’ll give you a call tomorrow so we can discuss thatandso you can tell me what you have going on,” I told her.

We said our goodbyes and then disconnected the call.

5

“I’m about to put it on!” I greeted the camera with my signature opening. “Get ready with me, I’m heading to the airport. The thing about traveling is that you must combine comfort with style. You never know who you might run into.” I pursed my lips. “Believe me. Six or so years ago, after some late-night fun, my—ahem—friendand I popped into the store on the way home and ran into my supervisor at the time.” I leaned into the camera. “And how was she gonna judge me if she was out at four o’clock in the morning, too? Who and what I did off the clock was none of her business.”

I grabbed my purple jumpsuit with the belted waist.

“This is a Bowen original. I love the way this color complements my skin,” I continued, holding it in front of the camera. “And it is so comfortable. I love the way this spandex blend stretches over my curves but still offers support. The last time I wore this, I was approached by a man on his way to Tokyo for business and complimented by a mom wrangling two young kids fresh off a cross-country flight.” I shook the garment off the rack. “This ’fit is versatile…”

By the time I finished getting dressed, I’d highlighted all the reasons I loved it and why it was the perfect travel outfit. Even though Bowen was literally paying me to say it, I truly loved their pieces. On the way to the airport, I sat in the back of the taxi, editing the video. And by the time I took a seat at the airport bar, I had scheduled the video to be posted over my social media accounts.

That one video paid my rent for the month.

My smile grew.Life is good.

“I just had to let you know how beautiful you are,” a middle-aged man with gray streaks in his hair told me from the barstool next to me.

“Thank you,” I responded.

“Let me buy you a drink.” He lifted his hand in the air and gestured to the bartender. “What would you like?”

“Um…” I noticed someone down the bar drinking something that looked pretty. “That looks good,” I told him, pointing to the drink.

The man ordered it and then asked for his tab. “So where are you headed?”

“New York. And you?”

“Chicago. Headed back home to the wife and kids.” He winked at me. “You look just like my wife when she was your age.” He grabbed his briefcase and duffle bag. “Take care of yourself.”

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