How to be loved

26 - I can't lose myself.

HOW TO BE LOVED

26 – I can't lose myself.

Becky arrived at work early to finalize an important project for a major brand. The project featured Friend as the main model, accompanied by two newcomers. Despite her professionalism, Becky couldn't deny the pang of discomfort she felt at the thought of working with Friend. 

If it were solely up to her, Becky would have preferred not to have any involvement with Friend anymore. The past relationship, though no longer something she craved, still left an emotional scar. After all, they had been together for several years, and the memories still lingered.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Becky approached the meeting room and immediately addressed the project leader as she took her seat. "Drake, is everything set?" she asked, striving to keep her voice steady and businesslike. "Can you give me details of the shoot tomorrow? What else is pending?"

Drake looked up from his notes, nodding. "Everything is on track. The location is confirmed, and the equipment will be set up by early morning. The stylist team will arrive an hour before the models to get everything ready."

Becky nodded, jotting down the details. "What about the newcomers? Are they prepped?"

"Yes," Drake replied. "They've gone through their fittings, and we've briefed them on the concept. They seem eager and ready."

At that moment, Maria, the head stylist, chimed in. "I've reviewed the wardrobe choices, and I think we might need a backup plan for the second look. The fabric didn't photograph as well in the test shots as we hoped."

Becky frowned slightly. "Do we have alternatives lined up?"

Maria nodded. "Yes, I've already pulled a few options. I'll have them ready for approval by this afternoon. Would you like to see them too?"

"Great, and yes, please show them on the screen, Maria," Becky said.

As Becky was looking at the screen, her phone buzzed. "Can you pause it, please?" she asked, turning her attention to her phone.

Expecting to be annoyed by the interruption, she was pleasantly surprised. It was a message from Freen, "I totally had a sweet dream. I kissed you nonstop. Now I'm awake, I pray it'll be a reality. Good morning BB."

As Becky read the message from Freen, her lips curled into an uncontrollable smile, and a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. The warmth of Freen's words sent a flutter through her heart, causing butterflies in her stomach. The unexpected surge of happiness was a stark contrast to her usual composed demeanor.

Her colleagues, who had been focused on the meeting, noticed the change in her expression. They exchanged curious glances, silently wondering what had brought about this sudden joy. Becky's professional facade had always been unwavering, making this moment of vulnerability and evident delight all the more intriguing to them.

Maria, who was in the middle of presenting the wardrobe alternatives, paused, her curiosity piqued. Tom raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on his lips as he glanced at Drake, who shrugged slightly in response. Even Lily, who was diligently taking notes, looked up, sensing the shift in the room's atmosphere.

Clearing her throat and quickly refocusing, Becky said, "Alright, let's continue. Maria, please show the alternatives." She tucked her phone away, trying to mask the lingering smile. The team members exchanged one last round of knowing looks before returning their attention to the screen, eager to resume the discussion but undoubtedly curious about the source of Becky's sudden happiness.

Maria brought up the alternative wardrobe options on the screen, and Becky reviewed them with a keen eye. "These look much better. Let's go with these as backups."