A laugh bubbles in my throat at how nosy she is, but I promise to give her the scoop before I walk a few steps to my dressing room. As a Core Eight girl, we all have our own rooms, and as my eyes land on my name on my door, I feel a sense of pride. While this has always been the goal since I first signed with Magic Model a few years ago, I had no clue I'd make it this far, but seeing my full name on this gold plaque reminds me that this is real.
I snap a picture of the plaque and post it to my story with the captionBack to work. Just as the door shuts, someone is knocking. I turn on my heels and let my team in.
Sitting at my vanity, my team sets up around me before we fall into our routine. I let my eyes fall shut as they start my makeup. “What do we think about my hair? Can we style it in these braids?”
“Of course, we can.” Annet shows me a few different hairstyles on her phone, then gets started on my hair when I pick one.
“You have three different outfits you need to change into by the way.” One of the girls who is off to the side voices.
“Three? We’re modeling jewelry. Why so many outfit changes?”
She shrugs and apologizes for not knowing, and I laugh softly.
“Please don’t apologize.”
She apologizes for apologizing, and I steal a glance at her but don’t recognize her.
“What’s your name?”
She glances over at Cara before her eyes settle on me. “Lynn,” she mumbles.
I smile at her, and Cara tells me she’s new and is shadowing under her.
“Well, she can’t learn much by shadowing, can she?” I peek over at Lynn. “Come, you can finish my makeup.” The room falls quiet, and I look around at them in confusion. “Sheisshadowing as a makeup artist, no?”
“Yes.” Cara clearly forces a smile. “But today is an important photo shoot and–”
“Every day is an important photo shoot.” I laugh softly. “You’ll be right here to help her if it doesn’t look good, let’s give her a chance.” I shrug and Lynn looks at Cara for approval.
Cara only nods towards me since it is my call, and Lynn trains her hopeful eyes on me. “I'm sure,” I reassure her.
A smile lights up her face as she makes her way closer and continues to blend out my makeup. My base is already done, which I personally think is the most important part, so she starts my eyes.
Cara barely gives any pointers, and before I know it, Lynn is applying the setting spray. She steps aside so I can survey myself. I glance at her in the mirror,and she fiddles with the setting spray nervously as Cara stands beside us, waiting for my reaction.
“Well, you don’t need to shadow Cara anymore.”
Lynn's shoulders drop, and Cara shakes her head, her glare settling on Lynn.
“Because it’s amazing,” I quickly clarify.
They both look over at me, and Lynn's eyes widen as her disappointment turns into disbelief. Beside her, Cara holds her head up proudly.
“Keep up the good work,” I tell Lynn before turning to Cara. “You're a good teacher.”
She nods gently as she thanks me before exiting the room with Lynn. My outfit crew brings in my clothes over, and I get changed before heading out to the photographer.
The photo shoot goes smoothly, as always, and ends fast, and I'm thankful for it after this morning's drama. I head back to my room to change but stop short when someone calls my name.
“Here you go.” The photographer hands me a small red leather box. “Please accept this gift on behalf of the company; it's been an honor working with you.”
“Awe, thank you so much. Likewise.” When I open the box, a small gasp escapes me. Beautiful stud diamond earrings shine back at me. I love them, but I already have a pair of them. I don’t tell him that, though, and thank him again before heading for my room. After I change back into my clothes, I grab the earrings and meet Helena in her car. On the route to my house, I debateon what to do with the earrings, but when Cee Cee texts me to tell me someone else loved her Surpise Me drink, I have her drop me off at the coffee shop.
“Back so soon? Just admit you're in love with me.” Cee Cee flirts, and I smile at her as I bat my lashes.
“I confess,” I play along as I make my way to the counter and pull the box from behind my back. “A token of my affection.”
“You’re joking.” She takes the box, and when she opens it, her jaw drops. “You arejoking.”
