Page 8 of Doll Face

I step out of her office, confident that I can do just that. I know what we had all those years ago was special. But I was young and dumb and threw it all away for my career. Not that I regret that, but I wish I hadn’t had to choose between the two. I’m getting older, and I miss being with Barbie more than anything.

I text Ken and let him know I’m on my way back, and I head to the photo shoot. I’m not sure what the shoot is for but I know my agent wants me to be there with a big smile on my face. According to the fashion world, I’m getting older, and even for a plus-size model, my career will be changing soon. I’ll become the mother in the shoot instead of the main attraction, and sure, that’s weighing on me, but it’s also a little bit of a relief. I’ll be able to hang in the back of the shoot and not be the main attraction—something I thought I’d never get over being.

Sometimes I can’t help but wonder what my life would’ve been like had I not taken the modeling job that ended my relationship with Barbie. Would we still be together? Would we have broken up anyway? This is my second chance. This is my way to rewrite our history, and I’m not about to lose my chance. I knew being sent to New York after so many years in London was a sign. What kind of sign? A sign that I had to give it another go with Barbie. Even if it changes everything for me. She’s beyond worth it.

Arriving at the shoot, I find Ken already dressed and all done up. I’m not late. Ken just likes to be early for everything. I plop my butt into the chair and scroll through my phone as the makeup artist does wonders on my skin. I’m about to check in on Barbie’s page again when I get a notification.

You have 1 new follower.

I click on the link and butterflies float through my chest. Barbie is now “following” me. Maybe this actually is the start of something brand-new. As much as I enjoy thinking about my past with Barbie, maybe I’d be better off approaching this as something brand-new. I should try to get to know her as the person she is now and see if our feelings are still there. Seeing her again didn’t change anything for me, but I know I still have some convincing to do on her part.

Chapter 4

Barbie

Now that Kenzie has left me alone, I have way too much time to think. Of course it was Kelly who had to barge in and ask if we’re back together. But why didn’t I just deny it? Something about Kelly and my parents being on my case about who I’m dating lately made me want to show them I’m not as lonely as I seem.

That I’m not lonely at all.

But of course Kenzie thinks she has a chance with me now, and I don’t know what to do about that. My head is spinning, so I open my door and ask Midge to run and get me a Pink Drink from downstairs. I can barely focus on paperwork or anything adjacent.

“Here you go.” Midge comes back a few minutes later with my drink. I smile and take a hearty sip. She heads back to her desk, and I think about Kenzie.

I pull out my phone and decide to look at her Instagram. It’s the same handle it used to be, and don’t ask me why I remember, but I do, so I find her profile easily. She has thousands of followers, and many of her posts are about her modeling shoots. She’s in her underwear a lot, which only turns me on. I love how body positive her page is. She doesn’t hide any of her curves or stretch marks, and it’s easy to tell that none of her pictures are edited. She’s authentically herself. I don’t overthink it, and before I know what I’m doing, I’m hitting the follow button. I mean, I need some way to contact her, don’t I? She follows me back almost immediately, and I grin.

I set my phone down and try to get some actual work done to no avail. I’m about to give up for the morning when Kelly comes in my office again.

“I’m going to put a bell on you, I swear,” I say. Kelly is always barging in without so much as even a quick knock.

“Your doors are see through, you can see me coming.” She shrugs and takes a seat across from me.

“What do you need?” I ask with a sigh.

“I need a favor! And you still owe me for not telling Mom and Dad about you and Kenzie.”

“Okay.” I groan and roll my eyes. “How could I ever forget?”

“I was supposed to go to this charity auction tomorrow, but I’m headed to Hawaii with Mom and Dad, so I was hoping you’d go in my place?” She smiles, showing all of her pearly-white teeth.

“Do I have to?” I wince. Going to these kinds of things alone makes me a target for the rich and single, and I hate it.

“There’s an open bar, and I said we’d donate a basket of toys for their auction.”

“Oh.” I sigh.

“Pleaseeeeee?” She elongates the word and gives me her best puppy dog eyes.

“Yeah, that’s fine. Send Midge all the information, and I’ll be there.” I give in.

“Really?!” she asks, clearly excited.

“Yes.” I nod.

“Perfect!” She beams like she’s up to something but I’m too afraid to ask.

“I’ll be sure to go in your place.” I smile. I like going to events like this—when I’m not alone—especially ones I can dress up for and donate money to. It’s part of why I don’t currently have a millionaire status, but I am a big supporter of giving back whenever I can. I mean, why do I need so much money, anyway?

“Thank you! You’re the best!” She blows me a kiss with her hand and heads out of my office—but I’m sure it won’t be the last time I see her today.

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