Page 48 of Plus Size Player
“Are you busy?”
“I have two minutes before I’m about to walk into a meeting. Can I call you back in like an hour?”
“Yes, but can we reschedule tonight’s date?” I asked him quickly.
“Oh, uh…” I heard the papers stop rustling in his background. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, a work thing came up and I need tonight to prepare. Are you available tomorrow night instead?”
“I could be…” he stated slowly. “Yeah, yeah, I’m free.”
“I have an event that just came up and I think it would be fun to go with you. Iwantto go with you.”
I could hear him smiling as he said, “Send me the details. I’ll make it work.”
My mind already started running through outfits he’d look good in. “Sounds good, thank you.”
“No, thank you for inviting me to this… event. It’s cool that you’d want to go with—oh shit, I gotta go. Send me the details so I can come correct tomorrow.”
“Okay, thanks, Dru! Bye!”
Of the four men on my roster, Dru was the best candidate to take to The Player’s Ball. Dru lived locally. He was willing to change his schedule to do what I wanted him to do. He was full of romance and passion, so he’d dote on me and fawn over me like a good date should. And with his handsome face and swimmer’s build, made for semiformal attire, he would make me look good. All that energy and charm was exactly what I needed for my debut event with the company.
But he was also the biggest risk.
Dru seemed to be growing weary of being one of many. He denied it when pressed, but he was starting to express deeper feelings than what we’d originally agreed upon. Although I’d checked him on it, I could tell he was still fiending for something more. And I just wasn’t interested in anything more with him. He assured me he was good, but something told me he wasn’t.
But he was my only option.
James—The Funny One—was hilarious and kept me cracking up, but he was not fashionable at all. He would’ve been the worst candidate for a fashion event. He would’ve worked the crowd, and then they would’ve talked about me and him the moment we walked away. If there was more time, I might’ve been able to style him. But he was too far gone for a last-minute date.
Tyrell—The Smart One—had model good looks but I could see him being overwhelmed in a fashion environment. He wasn’t socially awkward, but he would’ve found a corner somewhere to stand and observe. He seemed most comfortable in the academic world and might’ve inadvertently dampened the fun party mood. He would’ve looked the part though.
And then there was The Fun One.
Russ—The Fun One—would’ve been the best choice. But because he didn’t live locally, it was unrealistic to invite him to a last-minute event. He was such a good time. It didn’t matter what we did, we always had a lot of fun and we just enjoyed each other. He was fashionable and we looked good together, so that would be good for my brand. He had a similar personality type, so he would be great in a social situation like that. There was no denying it: Russ Long was my first choice. But no matter how much fun I could imagine having with him both during and after the event, I knew he wasn’t a real option.
A time would’ve been had with that one,I thought as I pulled into my parking spot.
My phone dinged and my eyes lit up when I saw the name that flashed across the screen.
Speaking of the front-runner…I thought before picking up my phone.
Russ: I have some things lined up that’ll put me in Richland. Please tell me you’re free on Sunday so I can take you out.
A flashback to the last time we were together sent a ripple through my body. Our conversations between dates were great,but I always found myself anticipating our next meetup. Even if I wasn’t free, I would clear my schedule for him.
Nina: Depends on what you have in mind, me and my schedule can be wide open for you.
Amused, I got out of the car and made my way into my apartment. I’d barely gotten my shoes off when my phone rang. A smile stretched across my face as I answered.
“Nina…” Russ’s thick, deep tone sent a chill down my spine.
I loved the way he said my name.
“Hi, Russ,” I greeted him back.
“I’m going to be in Richland, and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my time than with you.”
