𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑋𝑜𝑛𝑒

𝑋𝐿𝐼

As I strutted down the runway, my back straight, my head held high, and my shoulders back, I felt the familiar confidence take over. My eyes stayed fixed on the target ahead, focused on that mark at the end of the runway. In my mind, I blocked out all the noise, the music, the commotion, the flashing lights. It was just me, my body, and the runway stretching before me.

I whispered to myself, "Breathe, breathe, Mariah." I focused on my breath, trying to steady it as I walked, each step deliberate, each movement graceful. But the closer I got to the end of the runway, the harder it was to breathe. The thought of Janet watching, her eyes fixed on me, added a weight to my chest that made every inhale feel deeper, every exhale more labored.

But I couldn't let it show. I couldn't let the nerves control me. I pushed through, keeping my pace steady, making sure I stayed in the moment, one step at a time. As I neared the end of the runway, I reminded myself that I was doing this for me, and for her. The pride I saw in her eyes when I was done would make it all worth it.

After the show, I found Janet waiting for me backstage, standing just outside the dressing room I shared with the other models. I wore a white robe over the lingerie I had been modeling for the show, still feeling the buzz of adrenaline from the runway.

"You looked great out there, Mariah," she said, smiling with pride. "You looked like you belong out there. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you looked better than Tyra Banks out there."

Her words hit me like a wave. I grew embarrassed, yet flattered, unsure how to respond. My cheeks flushed, and I glanced around, worried someone might overhear her praise. But the crew was busy packing away equipment, completely oblivious to our conversation.

Janet caught my nervous glance and gave me a wink, her expression full of affection. "Meet me at the condo when you're done with work," she said, her voice soft but firm.

"I will," I replied, a smile tugging at my lips. "I'll text you if anything."

With that, I snuck back into the dressing room, the warmth of her compliment still lingering in my chest. The other models were planning to head out to eat at a restaurant in the city, and they invited me to join, but I had other plans. My heart was set on seeing Janet, and that's where I wanted to be.

"Hey, Mariah," Joey greeted me outside the building, holding the door open for me.

"Thanks, Joey," I said, walking in ahead of him.

"How was the show today? Did you make a lot of bacon?" he asked, his tone teasing.

I giggled as we made our way toward the elevator. "It's not all about the money. But yes, I made some money."

"I know that's, right?" he chuckled, clearly enjoying the banter.

Once we were in the elevator, the conversation flowed easily. "So how long have you been working for Janet?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"Janet hired me when I had hair," he said, pausing for effect. "Soooo, that had to be in—"

I couldn't help but burst out laughing at his humor, and he joined me in laughter, making the moment even lighter. The elevator doors opened, and Joey led me toward Janet's door.

"So did she stress you out, is that how you lost it?" I asked playfully, knowing Joey had shaved his head at some point.

"Yeah man, you know Janet," he teased back with a grin.

I loved his sense of humor. Joey was hilarious, and his dry wit made every conversation feel like a fun exchange, no matter how serious it was. It was always easy to be around him, and I appreciated his lightheartedness in the midst of everything else going on.