month, she look it pretty hard.
But instead of diving onto the jagged rocks of Lake Michigan, she decided to dive into a gallon of double fudge cookies and cream ice cream, followed up by endless amounts of ribs, chicken and candy bars. Now looking at her reflection in the mirror, she regretted letting food comfort her. She had noted the thin stretch marks on her stomach and the underside of her arms had begun to disappear. Her mom always told her vitamin E and cocoa butter would get rid of any small blemish over time. She was putting it to the test. The results were better than she expected; the thin stretch marks were virtually invisible.
She held her arms outstretched and was thankful the flesh didn't jiggle; there was still hope. Natasha finally settled on a pair of black front pleated slacks and a satin smoke gray button up shirt with faux mother-of-pearl buttons. She searched her shoe rack for the perfect footwear, spotting a pair of black leather ankle boots with a two and a half inch heel. Two inch heels were challenge enough for her to walk in. She couldn't see how Annette managed to walk in six inch spikes every day let alone dance in them five nights out of the week. Leaning over the vanity, Natasha applied her makeup. Because of her caramel complexion, she chose flesh toned cosmetics by Anisi. She preferred the more “natural” look. She appreciated cosmetic companies that acknowledged other flesh tones in the world.
“Well, look at you. Don't you look gorgeous! I like how you did your hair; it turned out nicely. I was doubtful, but it's all good,” Annette said, smiling at her friend's crinkly long locks. “I like that whole ethnic look, remind me to try that style.”
Natasha looked at her friend with raised eyebrows. “I think if you were to try this look out, you may end up looking like a tumbleweed. I think your hair would look so cute with spiral rods or braids, You should do that Annette, it would look so cute! Ain't you tired of the old 'Hailey Barrymore' look?”
“Shit girl, not if I still look good I'm not!” Annette said with a swivel of her hips and a shake of her well rounded derriere.
Natasha giggled at her friend. “So you're working tonight?” she asked. “I thought you were off this Friday?” She sat down at the table and began preparing her plate, adding small servings of everything. She thought twice about adding bacon and the ham, or grits, toasts and the hash browns all together, but then decided you only live once. Taking small portions of everything, she settled back into her chair and started stuffing her mouth.
“Yeah, I have to be there at seven o'clock. I wasn't going to work tonight, but then Sara wanted to switch nights with me so that she and her asshole boyfriend could patch up their sinking relationship. They're planning on going to a hotel or some sleazy motel, for a passionate night of three-two minute intervals of sexcapades. So I'm on the night shift. The only good thing about it is that it's a Friday night so the place will be super crowded and the tips will be oh, so lovely! This body's going to get mama that new car, ain't that right!” she exclaimed, then proceeded to lap dance in her chair.
“Your ass is disgusting,” Natasha said with a mock grimace.
“On the contrary, my ass is firm, round, bodacious and I know how to work it! Do I need to demonstrate?”
“Oh god, no! I don't know how much more of your ass obsession I can take!” The two women laughed and continued conversing as they finished their breakfast.
The time was 10:42 A.M., and Natasha had everything she needed. She had her resume, references, portfolio and confidence. She headed down to the Chicago Word for her appointment. She had heard through a friend of a friend, whose cousin worked at the popular and well credited newspaper, that there was a position available for a photographer. It was a long-shot but a shot nonetheless; she hoped the position wasn't already filled. She