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“Don’t worry about it,” he says. “Things are not that formal around here. So, Colton told me you’re looking for a job.”

I nod excitedly. “That’s right. I just got back from France and am wide open for any job opportunities. I have some acting experience that might come in handy here.”

“Great, so you aren’t opposed to wearing a costume?”

“Not at all. I’d love to.”

I can hardly contain my excitement. He wants me to wear a costume. That can only mean one thing. He’s going to give me the job of park princess! I can just imagine myself posing for pictures and shaking kids’ hands all day while blowing those cute hand kisses. It’ll be a breeze.

“You’ve come to the right place, and at the perfect time, may I add. One of our students who works here over the summer has got mono, so we need a replacement ASAP.”

I take a deep breath in an attempt to compose myself, and to hide the fact that I’m ecstatic he’s offering me a job. “Perfect. I’ll take it.”

Frank’s eyes light up with surprise. “Really? You don’t need any extra info? No questions on your part?”

“Uhm, maybe work hours and wage?”

I’m just asking because he seems surprised I don’t have any questions. I’ll take this job even if it’s minimum wage and twelve-hour days. I need the money. Plus, working as a princess or at another entertainer job will look great on my résumé. It’s acting after all.

After we sort out wages and working hours—both of which sound reasonable—Frank takes me to the costume department.

“This is Macy,” he says. “She takes care of all the outfits, makes sure they get cleaned regularly, altered, repaired… that kind of thing. Macy, this is Elle.”

“Hi, love,” Macy says as she shakes my hand. “What can I do for you?”

“She’s filling in for Tara. Could you give her the right costume? And then have someone walk her over to her spot?”

“Sure thing.”

“Good luck, Elle,” Frank says. “Pop into my office any time you have a question or a concern.”

“Thank you. I’m absolutely stoked to be here.”

Macy walks toward the back of the room to grab my costume while I admire the racks of clothing. There are rows of neatly folded yellow polo shirts, all stacked by size on wooden shelves. Then there are racks full of costumes for the entertainers, ranging from princes and princesses to pirates and bears. I let my hands trail the hems. I can’t believe how lucky I am. Who would’ve thought that I’d find a great job mere days after returning home? I don’t know how yet, but I’m going to profusely thank Colton for guiding me toward this fantastic opportunity.

Macy appears from behind one of the clothing racks, a huge brown blob of fabric in tow. What on earth is that ugly thing?

“Here you go,” she says.

I take the giant monstrosity from her arms. “What is this?”

“Your costume, love.”

I frown. “Costume? This? Mine?”

The thing is so hideous it’s taking away my ability to form a normal sentence.

“Yes,” she says. “For the hot dog. These are the buns, and your body will act as the meat.”

I stare at it, wide-eyed. “Buns?”

“Didn’t Frank explain?” she asks in a soft voice. “You’ll be manning one of the hot dog carts. All food vendors dress up as the food item they’re selling.”

“And I’m a hot dog?” I ask, stating the obvious.

“Gotcha. Now, why don’t you try it on?”

I let out a puff of air. “Sure, but how?”