Page 125 of Last First Date

“I feel like I either need to wear a bag over my head or move,” I complained. “And moving doesn’t work because I still have my same face. Unless I go to New York and I’ll blend in with the millions of people there.”

“You can’t move,” Meredith said.

“I know, but I can’t handle this,” I said.

“Come on, Waverly. You’re practically living every girl’s dream! Being a model is amazing, and you look stunning in those pictures,” Meredith exclaimed, her eyes filled with enthusiasm.

“And she got an offer,” Janie revealed.

I looked at her and rolled my eyes. “And I’m not interested.”

“What offer?” Meredith asked.

“They want her to be a model for a new body-positivity campaign,” Janie said.

I sighed, sinking into the couch, feeling the weight of the conversation settling around me.

“No way! That’s awesome. You have to do it!”

“Mer, you know I’m not cut out for this. It’s not me. I’m not a model. The attention, the scrutiny? It’s just too much.”

“You shouldn’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable,” Janie said, nodding. “Modeling might be glamorous, but it comes with its own set of challenges.”

Meredith pouted, clearly disappointed. “But imagine all the fabulous places you could go, the people you could meet. It’s like a fairy tale!”

I chuckled and shook my head. “I’m just not cut out to be in that world. It’s too much. I like my anonymity. I like being able to go shopping without people looking at me and whispering.”

Janie gave me an approving smile, her focus always on my well-being. “Waverly, you know we support whatever makes you happy. If modeling isn’t it, then so be it. We just want you to be yourself.”

The conversation continued into the night, exploring the pros and cons of the unexpected attention that had come my way. Meredith argued the perks of fame and the exciting opportunities that could arise. Janie, the voice of reason, reminded me of the toll it could take on my mental well-being.

“It’s not just about the glamorous side of it, Meredith,” Janie argued. “The constant scrutiny, the expectations can be overwhelming. I don’t blame her. Look at how crazy some of the Hollywood celebrities get under the heavy weight of fame.”

“Meredith, there’s no denying the allure of this world,” I interrupted. “But it’s not just the glitz and glamour. It’s also the downfalls, the grueling hours, the loss of privacy.”

Meredith’s eyes narrowed slightly, her expression thoughtful. She knew I had a point but wasn’t willing to give in just yet. “Still, Waverly, think of all the good you could do. A body-positivity campaign? That’s meaningful. You’d be helping to promote self-love and acceptance.”

I sighed deeply, taking in Meredith’s argument. There was truth in her words. However, there was also a heavy responsibility that came along with it.

“I get what you’re saying, Mer,” I said slowly, “And a part of me wonders if I should take on this role for the greater good. But another part of me is petrified of losing myself in this whole whirlwind.”

“I just think it would be so cool to have a model friend. Imagine going to events together, rubbing shoulders with the elite.”

I rolled my eyes playfully. “We already do cool things together. I can introduce you to interesting people without turning myself into a runway model.”

While Meredith’s dream of having a model friend might have been momentarily dashed, she understood that my happiness came first.

“How about the Knox situation?” Janie asked.

“Screw Knox,” Meredith sneered. “He doesn’t deserve you.”

I chuckled lightly at Meredith’s fiery disdain for Knox. “You’re right,” I said, my voice brimming with newfound determination. “Knox or no Knox, model or not, I get to choose my destiny.”

Meredith clinked her glass with mine, a proud smile spreading across her face. “Damn straight, you do!”

Janie leaned back on the couch, brushing away nonexistent dust from her jeans. “Has he explained the situation?”

I shook my head. “No.”