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“Wow, that’s huge, a far cry from where you were two weeks ago, and this is the first I’m hearing about it?”

Ariel gave a nonchalant shrug. “It was sort of one of those things that happened unexpectedly. Just got the call yesterday. It’s pretty cool, actually. I met with the exec this morning and will model four different covers for each season. If they like what I have to offer, then they’ll come back for more. What’s even cooler, I get to choose the outfits and keep them when it’s all over. Getting a pretty nice sign-on bonus, as well.”

Stassi’s face fell. It was hard not to be jealous. There were times when they would both be gushing over their modeling gigs. She bit her lower lip, trying not to show her jealousy. Ariel continued to ramble on.

“I’m thinking something cute and flirty would be the ideal shoot for summer. What do you think?”

“Um yeah, I would say so.” Stassi sipped on her beer.

“Oh, and you know what? There’s a total Goddess that is modeling with me. I got to meet her, as well.” She smiled. “Maybe I’ll meet my happily ever after through this job. Oh, and my nails…” she squealed. “They’re going to give me a complete manicure.”

“Well, you would deserve it. You’re going to do great, Ariel. I’m happy for you.” Ariel was so excited, and Stassi didn’t have the heart to put a damper on her parade. Ariel needed this boost in her life, and Stassi would do what she could to make sure she wasn’t the rain in the scenario.

“I shouldn’t be gushing like this.” Ariel took a swig of her beer. “You can slap me at any time.”

“Nonsense.” It was only a matter of time before her father was able to get back to the position he was in. Stassi could do what she had to get by, but as soon as possible, she would get out there and get back to the life she had left behind.

“Well, I’ll cool it anyhow. You don’t need to hear me babbling on. What about you? How is it slumming with the common folk?”

“Common folk? That’s harsh, don’t you think? You’re talking about real people here.”

Ariel arched an eyebrow, and Stassi closed her mouth. “Gosh, Stassi, I was only kidding.”

“I know,” Stassi mumbled. She couldn’t believe how quickly she was to be angered by a simple comment, but it was true. Ariel didn’t even know these people. And while Stassi wasn’t extremely close to anyone, she had started to see bonds forming. She didn’t want anything to get in her way. “I just don’t want it to get back to these people that I think I’m better than any of them. Ya know?”

Ariel shrugged. “Not sure that I do. I mean, who would I tell?” She smirked, and Stassi looked around, shrugging. Anything could happen. She would rather play it safe. “But I’m glad that you felt compelled to defend them; that shows a lot, actually. You’re not struggling as much as I thought you might.”

“Gee, thanks.” Stassi took a swig of her beer. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“As you should. It was a drastic change for you. Totally get it. Have you made any work friends yet?”

She sipped on her beer as Stassi considered that one question. It’d been less than ten days; could friendships be formed in such a short time?”

“I would say there’s some potential there. The first few days, I was eating my lunch at my desk, but then I realized that wouldn’t show anyone that I was open to talking to them, so I would say that’s a first step. Friendships will come, but just take it slow.” Her mind went to Sage, and she felt her cheeks getting warmer. She looked down at her beer and downed the rest of it.

“What’s that look for?” Ariel laughed. She then opened her mouth. “Is that because there might be someone that could be more than a friend?” She practically squealed as the words came out.

“No way!” Stassi snapped. “And lower your voice. It’s way too soon to even consider that. Besides, I’m not going to be here that long. Why get too close to anyone just to abandon the job and the relationships?”

Ariel frowned. “You certainly can’t think that way. Be open to it. You just never know what could happen.”

Stassi thought about those words, but she shrugged them off. A friendship was one thing. If something happened there, she would gladly accept it. As for anything more, there wasn’t any reason to consider someone along those lines.

Sage

“What about her?” Lena asked, holding up her phone.

Sage rolled her eyes and laughed. “Do you ever give up? Why do you always feel like I need to be in a relationship?”

Lena snickered. “Because I want you to be happy.”

Sage grabbed a French fry and tossed it in her mouth. “And still I wonder if I’ve ever given off the impression that I’m not happy. I’ve always prided myself in looking with the glass half-full mantra. So, if I am showing you something else, do tell.”

Lena shrugged. “Not as far as relationships go.”

Sage rolled her eyes and turned to look off at the cafeteria entrance. Stassi walked in and Sage caught herself staring. There was something about her. When she started, she gave this persona that she was rather high-maintenance, with her earrings and makeup. But she got the feeling that something had shifted because suddenly she was toning down the look. Still beautiful, most would say, but just not trying to act like she was above everyone else. Perhaps it was Stassi who was finally coming into her own. Starting a job somewhere was always difficult, especially when you didn’t know anyone. When they had the impromptu lunch in the courtyard, Sage saw that she could have misjudged her first impressions. And it was possible that maybe Stassi would make it in the end. Stranger things had happened. With just a little coaxing, anyone could succeed.

“Don’t even think about it,” Lena mumbled.