Page 50 of Plus Size Player

We ended the call and I almost let myself get caught up in what Russ could have in store for us. Just imagining it put a smile on my face and a flutter in my belly. There was something about him,about our time together, about the way he made me feel that was indescribable.

I like him.

The thought took me by surprise.

It wasn’t that it was untrue. I did like him. But unlike the other times, it felt different. It felt deeper—almost like the feeling was embedded in me.

That made me uncomfortable.

Immediately, I backtracked, explaining the thought away.

I’m just excited about the event and the job and the opportunity…

I had a few things in my closet that I could wear to The Player’s Ball, so I wasn’t worried about finding something. I just needed to figure out how I could find an RL Fashions piece to work with something I already had. Then I had to figure out what Dru was going to wear so I could send him his information. Then I needed to book my appointments.

“I have so much to do,” I mumbled aloud as I made my way into my closet.

But surprisingly, it didn’t take long.

I thought it would be easier to find something to go with the elegantly sexy black-and-white cocktail dress I’d gotten last year. But I’d been dying to wear the showstopping red dress I’d yet to find a place worthy enough to debut. The cups that held my breasts and the skirt of the dress were made of red layered mesh. The space that covered my torso was red lace. Even at my height, the length of the dress, in heels, brushed the floor, and it even had a slight train. And like a hidden surprise, the split that stopped mid-thigh only exposed my leg when I stuck it out.

After having my outfit figured out, I felt like the rest of my list was light work. I figured out what I wanted Dru to wear and called Charlotte to see if she had what I was looking for. Because she did, I sent Dru the information I’d gotten from the email Sasha had sent me, and I told him to pick up his shirt from Charlotte’s Webb. He called to confirm pickup and I checked him off the list.

I made all the appointments I could, but I wasn’t able to book a hair appointment at the last minute. Instead of worrying aboutit, I spent the rest of the night trying out different styles. It was time-consuming, but worth it when I came up with my final look. I washed and deep conditioned my hair, twisted the thickly coiled strands, and sat under the dryer for an hour. It wasn’t until after I climbed in bed that I checked my phone.

Russ: Everything is booked, and I’ll pick you up seven o’clock Sunday morning.

Nina: Seven o’clock in the morning!

Russ: I know it’s early, but we have to be on time. I promise you it’ll be worth it.

Nina: It always is with you. I’ll meet you at your hotel at seven. What do I need to wear or bring?

Russ: Wear sneakers and something comfortable. And as long as you pack some shoes you can dance in, I’ll take care of everything else.

A chill ran down my spine.

This is the energy I like,I thought as I wiggled my toes under the covers.

8

My heart raced with excitement as the car slowed to a stop in front of the abandoned train station that had been converted into an event space. I went to a wedding there a few years back, but it looked different. As I climbed out of the car and looked up the twenty-five steps that led to the front doors, my stomach fluttered with nerves. The realization hit me hard enough to knock the wind from me.

I’m part of this.

There were so many people wearing unique cocktail dresses, fashion-forward suits, and just colorful expressions of style. I felt like I was in my element, and I hadn’t even entered the building.

My hair was twisted into the most perfect Bantu knots, with gold wire gently woven through each. My red dress fit my body flawlessly and showed off my curves. My gold shoes peeked beneath the skirt of my dress with each step and matched my gold clutch. I put my perfectly manicured hand against my belly and took a deep breath.

“You look gorgeous,” Dru gushed as he walked up to me on the sidewalk.

I took a step back and looked him up and down. “So do you!”

Wearing a black suit and a white, black, and gold RL Fashions T-shirt, Dru looked good. I rolled his sleeves up a little to show off his forearms and then I grinned. “Yes.” I eyed him appreciatively. “Yes!”

He offered me his elbow and I accepted.

“What is this?” he asked me in awe as we headed toward a man with a clipboard. “I’ve never been to anything like this before.”

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