Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23113 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23113 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
“So modeling works for me, at least I hope it will,” Misty adds, her cheeks blushing. “It’ll get me out there in front of people, and force me to walk my talk. It’ll also give young girls a reason to listen to me because modeling seems like the ultimate affirmation of attractiveness. And then, I can really drive my point home: you are beautiful just the way you are.”
I’m impressed.
“And you will, sweetheart. You’ll snag those modeling gigs. Soon, we’ll see your face on magazine covers.”
She nods hopefully.
“Not to mention it would be a fabulous job. I’d get my hair and make-up done for free! Doesn’t that sound nice? Of course, I realize that modeling’s work, just like anything else. You have to take care of yourself, and you can be on your feet for hours at a time. But still, it seems worth it.”
I nod.
“You’re clearly beautiful enough to be a model professionally, and you deserve to be admired. You know I love your curves, sweetheart, and I’d be the first person to buy any magazine with you on the cover. Mostly though, I think it’s great you want to inspire young girls to have confidence in themselves. That’s important.”
I reach across the table and take her hand in mine. She gazes at me tenderly.
“You really think so?”
I nod and give her small hand a squeeze.
“I know so, baby girl. You’re so saucy and independent, and nothing looks better on a woman than confidence. You’ll knock ‘em dead, I’m sure of it.”
Misty gazes at me with those warm chocolate eyes, and I can see that I’ve lifted her up. But that’s what I want to do. I adore my curvy girl, and I want to support her in her dreams. I want to see her excel, to fly, and to soar with the beauty and greatness of what she can accomplish. After all, with Misty in my life, I’m already ten times happier and so much more comfortable in my own skin. She’s done that for me, a battle-hardened veteran, and in return, I want to do the same for her.
6
Misty
I love the county fair. The smell of popcorn and funnel cake sits heavily in the air, sweet and syrupy. A circus march blares from every speaker just a touch out of time, causing it to sound like an unintended perpetual cannon as we stroll across the grounds.
We pass a young girl dragging a stuffed lioness away from a ring toss game. It’s cute because her prize must be three times her size, but she’s determined to carry the animal along. We pause to let her by as she marches to her parents waiting on the other side of the walkway.
Jordan puts his arm around my shoulder.
“Adorable, huh?” he whispers in my ear.
I admire his lack of restraint when it comes to PDA. I thought it might be weird for him, with the age gap and all. But this is our first official date and he hasn’t missed a beat! Being with Jordan always makes me feel really cherished and adored.
“I love kids,” I giggle. “Especially ones that have their own minds.”
Jordan growls in my ear.
“Me too, but I know our kids would be troublemakers. I can feel it in my gut,” he says. I’m momentarily stunned speechless, my heart racing. Our kids? Where did that come from? But then, the handsome vet spots a Ferris wheel and takes off practically running, grabbing my hand so that I have no choice but to keep up with him.
“Come on, we’ve got to get the top seat!” he growls excitedly.
“But Jordan, all seats make it to the top eventually!”
“Oh no, and here I thought you were a professional fair-goer. You see, there’s one seat that gets to stay at the top longer than all the rest. Before the wheel switches directions, it pauses for almost an entire minute, and I plan to get us that chair.”
I laugh breathlessly as we come to a stop.
“But how could you possibly know which cab we need for that?” I ask, looking high up into the sky. It’s a beautiful evening, and the stars are beginning to show themselves as faint twinkles in the sky. But Jordan is totally serious. He looks me dead in the eyes while placing both hands on my shoulders.
“I told you, Misty. I’m a professional when it comes to stuff like amusement park rides and silly fair games. Now come on! We’re going to miss it.” And off we go again, me laughing breathlessly. I don’t believe Jordan’s an expert at amusement park rides for a minute, but I like that he can be so silly around me. His playfulness makes everything fun and exciting.
When we reach the ticket gate Jordan steps in front of me and says something to the operator while pointing up at the ride. I can’t hear him, but I see the operator smile and agree.