Total pages in book: 43
Estimated words: 43856 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 219(@200wpm)___ 175(@250wpm)___ 146(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43856 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 219(@200wpm)___ 175(@250wpm)___ 146(@300wpm)
The scent of fresh roses and lilies filled the entire building.
Everything about this space screamed indulgence, and for once, I felt like I belonged here.
Not because I was here for work.
No.
This moment was mine.
The high-level suite I’d splurged on?
Mine.
The black fur coat that gave me a very classic Hollywood look.
Mine.
The shimmering hot pink gown that hugged every curve—hips, thighs, belly, bust—like a second skin?
Mine.
The confidence simmering in my chest?
All mine.
Laila pulled my attention back to her. "Promise me you'll have the time of your life tonight."
“I promise.”
“No matter how the night goes, okay? Remember, you're a queen."
“I am a queen.” I strode forward.
Heads turned as I moved through the lobby—men and women alike. Some glanced discreetly, their gazes darting to me and then away, while others lingered, openly watching.
I couldn’t tell if their attention was because I looked fucking amazing tonight or because they weren’t used to seeing a plus-sized woman unapologetically owning her space in a shimmering, bright pink gown that was anything but subtle.
In fact, a lesser version of me might have shrunken under their gaze, might have smoothed her hands over her hips or tugged at the hem of her dress in an effort to disappear.
But tonight?
Tonight, I was done with hiding.
Done with blending into the background.
Done with playing small to make other people feel comfortable.
BBW women were always told to wear black. Always encouraged to hide their bodies in shapeless, flattering silhouettes that promised invisibility.
The world didn’t want us to stand out—not too much, not like this.
But tonight, I was saying to hell with all of that.
You are worthy. You are deserving. You are goddamn beautiful.
I made those words my mantra, repeating them from the moment I left the movie set, throughout the entire plane ride, and even as I unpacked and got ready in New York.
I didn’t just let them float through my mind—I clung to them like a lifeline, letting them echo in every corner of my thoughts.
Over and over, they looped: You are worthy. You are deserving. You are enough.
And then something shifted.
For the first time in a long time, I felt those words take root deep within me, anchoring themselves in places I hadn’t realized were still hollow.
I wasn’t just repeating them to convince myself anymore.
I wasn’t just hoping they’d stick.
I believed them.
Every single word.
I said them until they began to drown out the noise of my self-doubt. Until they weren’t just words but truths I carried with me everywhere I went.
My bestie brought me back to the phone conversation. “You’ve got this, Rae.”
I could feel the warmth of Laila’s encouragement wrapping around me like a shield.
I smiled. “Laila?”
“Yes.”
“What the hell would I do without you?”
“Girl, you would do what anyone would do when they’ve lost me, lay in a fetal position in some corner and cry.”
I laughed. “Well. . .I’m so thankful for you. I love you, girl.”
“And I love you more.”
I continued toward the entrance. “Now when are you going to send me a sexy picture of you in that red dress?”
“I haven’t squeezed into it yet.”
“Why not?”
“I’m enjoying my ability to breathe for as long as I can.”
I smirked. “It is not that bad.”
“I should have went a size up, but such is life. I’m wearing that damn dress, even if it burst open on the sides by the end of the night.”
I chuckled. “Bring your fur to cover it up.”
“You know I will.”
“What do you think Jerry has planned for you tonight for Valentine’s?”
“That bastard didn’t plan anything.” She huffed, a blend of irritation and humor in her voice. “I reserved it all. He better be on his best behavior too, or I swear, I’m taking a page out of your book next Valentine’s Day and taking myself out instead.”
“Hey, don’t you talk bad about Jerry.” The grin on my face softened into something warmer.
Laila let out a dramatic sigh. “Alright, alright. I won’t throw him under the bus entirely. He has been pulling his weight, especially with the twins.”
“Yep.” I slowed my stride as I reached the entrance of the Four Seasons.
The doorman smiled warmly at me and held open the door.
As I stepped outside, the cool Manhattan air kissed my skin.
I returned to my conversation with my bestie. “You’re doing amazing as a new mom, Laila. Seriously, to me you’re a superhero.”
“And what are superheroes without a sidekick?” Laila quipped, though her voice had relaxed, and I could hear the affection underneath the joke. “Jerry’s been my sidekick for sure. He works all day in that dentist office, dealing with people’s raggedy ass teeth to only come home and stay up with the babies all night so I can get at least a couple of hours of sleep. He’s running on fumes, but he’s still doing it.”
My heart warmed. “That’s love, Laila. Real love. He gets it.”