𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑋𝑜𝑛𝑒

𝑋𝐿𝑉𝐼𝑋

"I should be going, Tyra," I said, glancing at the time on my phone. Janet was sending her private jet to pick me up in the morning, and I didn't want to keep her waiting too long.

"Stay, Mariah," she said enthusiastically, suddenly throwing herself onto my shoulders, pulling me into a hug. "Pleasssse! Me and the other girls are having a sleepover. You never bond with us! Just stay another night with us, please!"

She had a point. I had been focused so much on my time with Janet, I hadn't made much time for the other girls. I rolled my eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Fine, but only because you begged me to stay."

Tyra squealed excitedly and clapped her hands. Her energy was infectious, and for a moment, all the stress I had been carrying melted away. Tyra had this way of making everything feel light, like nothing in the world could weigh her down.

"Yay!" she cheered, wrapping me in another tight hug. "I swear, you're going to have so much fun. It'll be just like old times."

I laughed softly and pulled away from her embrace. "You're lucky I like you, Tyra."

"You know you love me," she teased with a wink, sticking her tongue out playfully. "Now, help me get this floor ready for the girls. I hope you have some cute PJs," she added, dragging me toward the living room.

I laughed, following her into the living room, where she had started setting up for the sleepover. I had to admit, I was curious about what she'd done to "set the scene." Tyra was a little over the top when it came to things like this, always a touch of drama and flair, but that's what made it fun. I knew she'd go all out for this, and part of me was looking forward to seeing what she had planned.

"I'm sure it'll be cute," I said, surveying the room as we walked in. There were soft blankets and pillows piled up, making the space feel cozy. Tyra was setting up a large screen for movies, snacks already scattered across the table, and there were candles lit in the corners. She was definitely going for the full 'sleepover vibe.'

"Help me finish setting up," Tyra said, pointing to the blankets and pillows that needed arranging. "I want everything perfect. This is our bonding time, Mariah! Let's make it memorable!"

I smiled, enjoying the energy she brought. It was impossible not to feel lighter in her presence. I helped her fluff pillows and arrange the blankets, silently grateful for the opportunity to relax for the night. Even though a part of me missed Janet and wanted to be back with her, I also needed this moment of normalcy. Time to just hang out and forget about the pressures that came with being in the public eye.

The other girls would be here soon, and I was ready to let go for a while and just enjoy the night. There were six other models, that made us eight Victoria's Secret models. Gisele, Eva, Ines, Karolina, and Laeticia were all in attendance. They all seemed to know each other, their conversation flowing with ease as they laughed and joked. They shared stories, stories that I didn't quite understand yet, but I was happy to sit back and listen.

I could feel the warmth of their energy in the room, but a small part of me felt disconnected from the group, like I didn't belong in their established dynamic. Still, I didn't mind. I enjoyed being there, even if I didn't have much to add to the conversation. I was still new to this life, still adjusting to all the big personalities.

But then there was Alessandra. She sat by herself at Tyra's bar, perched on a bar stool, her posture a little more reserved compared to the rest. While the others were laughing and mingling, she remained quiet, her focus mostly on the glass of wine in front of her.

I couldn't help but notice her. There was something different about her, something I couldn't quite put my finger on. She wasn't standoffish, but there was an air of distance between her and the rest of the group, like she didn't quite fit into the easy camaraderie they shared.