Page 6 of Doll Face

“What’s got you in a slump?” my best friend, Ken, asks. He’s as gay as I am, and a male model, one I’m often paired with for shoots. Over the years, we’ve bonded and become close—so much so that I feel like I know him better than almost anyone else.

Ken and Kenzie, BFFs for life.

“I just saw Barbie,” I explain.

“And I’m assuming she wasn’t exactly excited to see you?”

“No, not at all.” I sigh.

“Well, at least you tried.” He hands me a bottle of water, and I take a long sip.

“I’m not done yet,” I say, determined.

He raises an eyebrow. “You’re … not?”

“I’m going to try again tomorrow and the next day and everyday we’re here until she talks to me.”

Ken stays quiet. I know what he’s thinking.

“Look, if she really wants me to stay away from her, then I will; I’m not some crazy ass stalker. But I can’t give up without trying my hardest for her,” I say.

“Then you must have some kind of plan.”

“I’m going to stop by her job tomorrow with roses and hope that she’ll talk to me.” It doesn’t feel like much of a plan but it is enough of a start.

“Well, as long you’re doing what you think is best. You know her better than anyone.”

“I hope you’re right.”

* * *

The next morning, I head to Barbie’s job and sweet talk her doorman into allowing me to deliver the bouquet of pink roses, her favorite, in person. He is sweet, and once I start talking about true love, he buzzes me up with no problem. It is quite unsafe, but hey, it isn’t like I am going to murder her if she refuses to be with me.

I’m walking down the hallway of offices when I spot a pink one at the end of the hall. There are clear glass doors, and I see a few people, but not the one woman I want to see.

“Hi, I’m here to see Barbie.” I smile politely to the frazzled redhead at the desk in front of her office. I’m assuming it’s her assistant.

“She’s not in yet,” she says.

“Can I wait? It’s important I get these flowers to her.”

“Wow, a delivery woman who makes sure the flowers get delivered? You can sit right there; I’m sure she should be here any minute now.” The woman smiles. I don’t correct her or tell her who I am, just in case she’s heard of me.

Five minutes later, the elevator doors open, and Barbie walks down the hall in her pink heels. She’s wearing a long pink coat, a pink blouse, and a light pink skirt. She looks like CEO Barbie. I crack a smile. I always knew she was destined for a position like this. Her face falls when she sees me.

“W-what are you doing here?” She turns to the redhead. “What is she doing here?”

“She said she was here to deliver flowers,” she says nervously.

“I didn’t tell her who I was,” I say. I don’t want anyone getting fired or into trouble because of me.

“Midge, call security. This is my ex-girlfriend,” she says with a deadpan expression, staring at me. Midge looks at me with wide eyes and goes to pick up the phone.

“Barbie, come on, just talk to me.” I hold out the bouquet of flowers, and she looks at them and then back at me.

“I don’t know what you want to talk about.” She crosses her arms over her chest.

“Can we talk in private?” I eye Midge, and she’s holding the phone up to her ear while looking between us.

---