Page 85 of Plus Size Player

The two of them squealed and the mixture of disbelief and delight ricocheted. There were a million questions flying at me at once.

My heart pounded with the same panic that hit me earlier. I’d never felt compelled to be with a man before Russ, and it was as frightening as it was exhilarating. I was more nervous about my feelings and my unexpected title than I was starting my first day with RLF.

“I go in and pull pieces today. I find out the photography and the appearance schedule today.” I let out an excited noise. “Happy is an understatement.”

“This opportunity is amazing,” Jazz pointed out. “Your career is just going to keep growing and elevating. This is just the beginning.”

“You said you wanted to take things to the next level, and now, a few months later, here you are,” Aaliyah marveled. “So proud of you.”

I felt my heart swell with their words. “Thank you both so much.” I slipped into my cream-colored sandals. A wave of excitement fluttered my belly as I took in my final look. “I’m so ready for this.”

“Are you nervous?” Jazmyn questioned.

“No, not really nervous. I know I have what it takes. It’s more first-day jitters than anything.”

“Once you walk into that building, you’ll be fine,” Aaliyah assured me. “And after yoursatisfyingweekend, you’re going to carry that energy into the day.”

“That’s true,” I agreed. “I do feel like I’m on a high right now.”

“So, you have the job of your dreams, the man of your dreams, and—”

“And he’s so perfect, we will overlook his kingpin status,” Jazz interjected.

Laughing, I decided not to tell them that Russ and I had made it official. They were going to be excited. Hell, I was excited. But I was also nervous and overwhelmed. The idea of dating just one man—even one as perfect as Russ—felt risky. It felt like I was putting all my eggs in one basket. And since it was the first time I liked a man enough to want to be in a relationship with just him, they would make a big deal of it. And admittedly, itwasa big deal. But once I said it out loud, it would be real.

A smile pulled at my lips as nervous energy swirled in my belly.

I’ll call and tell them as soon as I leave the office.

“Are you denying that you like The Fun One?” Aaliyah’s voice elevated two octaves, bringing me out of my thoughts.

With my phone lodged between my shoulder and my ear, I reached for my bag and then made my way out of my apartment.

“Of course I like him!” I answered. “I wouldn’t spend time with any man I don’t like.”

“But I can tell there’s something different there,” Jazmyn chimed in.

“It’s…” I couldn’t even find the words to argue with her, because it was different with him. “We enjoy each other. We have a lot of fun together.”

“You went to a ball as a paid model for RLF and you sounded more excited about your spa date and fuck session,” Aaliyah pointed out. “Every time you talk about him you sound so… happy.”

I rolled my eyes as I climbed into my car. “I had a good weekend. Your overly romantic ass is reading too much into it.”

“I can understand why you’d think Aaliyah is romanticizing the situation. She’s looking for a boyfriend,” Jazz countered. “But I’m divorced and actively not looking for a man, and I also think there’s something between you and The Fun One.”

“You say you don’t play favorites, but he’s clearly the front-runner,” Aaliyah said with a singsong tone.

I couldn’t deny that. He was my favorite. He’d been my favorite from the beginning. And hearing my friends say what I’d finally come to realize was low-key hilarious.

“I enjoy my time with Russ,” I simply stated as I pulled out of my parking spot.

They are going to lose their shit when I tell them we’re together!

“Oh, he’s Russ now and not The Fun One,” Aaliyah teased.

I pulled into traffic, trying not to laugh. “I know what you’re getting at.”

“I have a question,” Jazz announced. “What are the cons with Russ? Besides the illegal employment thing.”

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