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“Yeah… particularly for a twenty-five-year-old Puerto Rican,” she laughed as if I were being stubborn and foolish.
“No.”
“Uh, yes.”
“He likes magazine hotties.”
“You are a magazine hottie.”
“Yeah, maybe for Highlights Magazine. I feel like a girl amongst women out here.”
“I see what you mean.” Camilla gave me some playful side-eye.
“So, you agree?”
“I do. But not for the reason you think. You’re gorgeous, trust me. You don’t need to be some amazonian blonde to be desired. You need confidence! That’s what’s sexy, that’s what’s attractive.” Camilla tucked a strand of my hair back into my ponytail. “Honestly, I’d kill for these curls; I know Nick would, too.”
“You’ve had too much Jingle Juice,” I scoffed.
“It’s true! Your hair is to die for! Your lips are real, your smile is white, your skin is glowing like Rockefeller Center.”
“Ok, now I know you’re drunk.”
“Maybe, but so are you. And what you need is a Christmas angel to give you a little push.” Camilla swiped at my phone once more, double tapping not one, but three of Nick’s photos. The little red hearts popped on the screen, showing that I liked his photos. I wasn’t even following his account.
“Camilla!” I screeched, snatching the phone out of her hands.
She cackled. “Don’t unlike them either. It’ll be more awkward if you do.”
“I can’t believe you.” I tossed back the last of my drink, stuffing my phone back into my purse.
“Believe it. And that’s not the only gift I’m giving you.” She reached into her bag, pulling out a carefully wrapped box with a large red bow.
“A real gift?”
“Yes. Well, it’s actually the last item for your countdown. I’ve been keeping my eye on your posts, and they’re a massive hit on instagram.”
“They’ve been a big hit for my personal life, too. As long as this one doesn’t get chewed up by Marty.”
“Well, this one is meant to be shared… but no dogs for christ sake. Maybe Nick can help you open it.”
“Ugh… I need another drink.” I slid my arms into my matching plaid blazer, fixing the gold hoops in my ear.
“Remember… it’s all about confidence. Trust me. My ugliest moments are when I’m most insecure… It’s not me, it’s my fear.” Camilla gave me a quick hug as I turned away, package in hand, and a pep talk that felt more like a cheer up, than an actual plan I could ever pull off.
4
Elena
#4 He Comes With the Best Type of Baggage
I couldn’t believe Camilla, my personal romantic assassin, liking the most random posts on Nick’s Instagram feed. Like it were a car wreck, I couldn't help but stare, recoiling at the illuminated heart that sat below a photo of Nick holding a Donny Hathaway album from years ago.
“Aww Jesus,” I whispered to myself, shivering in the dim lobby of my apartment complex, smashing the elevator button once again. I had one goal, and one goal alone; get upstairs, avoid Nick at all costs, and enjoy the martini induced deep sleep that I earned.
I leaned against a row of mailboxes, tucked in the corner as the front lobby door swung open.
I fought from groaning, peeking up from my phone whose low battery logo flashed on my screen.
