Musings of a Gossip Queen

by Victoria Bright

  Sex Bomb: Yeah, definitely. Can’t wait.

  A smile pulls at my lips as I read his last message. He’s so damn adorable.

  1:37 p.m.

  Still in the living room

  Just as I got into an episode of The Office on Netflix, someone starts banging on my front door. Milo jumps off the couch and darts off to the door, barking his head off.

  “Shush, Milo,” I say as I get off the couch and make my way to the door, looking through the peephole to see Taylor on the other side. She starts knocking rhythmically.

  “Carolina, open up! I have news! Caroliiiiina! I know you’re in here! Come on, open up!” she calls out on the other side of the door.

  I unlock the door and snatch it open just as she was about to knock again. “What the hell, Taylor? Are you trying to put a hole in my door?” I scold, inspecting the door. She pushes past me and heads to the couch. Yeah, I totally told her to come in.

  “Come and sit,” she says, plopping down on my couch. Milo prances over to her and hops up on the couch and onto her lap. I join them on the couch and curl up in the corner.

  “What?”

  “So I was up all night researching modeling agencies and such and submitting the pictures your boyfriend took of me,” she starts. I don’t even bother correcting her about the boyfriend aspect.

  “Okay and?”

  “Well, I uploaded my pictures to this one site that’s having an open casting call for an upcoming fashion show. They want me to walk! Can you believe it?” she gushes.

  “Are you sure it’s a legit job?” I ask. I don’t want to burst her bubble of happiness, but it just seems a little suspicious to get a job not even 24 hours after the photos were taken.

  “Of course it is. It’s the site that most of my model friends use when looking for work. I just didn’t have any pictures good enough to be taken seriously, I guess.”

  I smile at her. “That’s good news then! Congrats! Hopefully this will open the door to more opportunities for you,” I say and I genuinely mean it. Even though she’s a bit slutty, she’s still a good girl. She was nice enough to take me under her wing and help me out with stories for work, so it actually feels nice to help her with something that means a lot to her.

  “We should celebrate. What are you doing tonight?” she asks. The one time someone invites me to do something with them ahead of time, everyone then decides they want to do something that same night!

  “I have plans with a couple of friends tonight. Pajama party.”

  Her eyes widen. “Really? That sounds fun! Do you think they’ll mind if I tag along?” she asks, her gaze hopeful.

  I shrug and grab my phone. “I could text her and ask. I’m sure she won’t mind as long as you promise she’s invited to the next celebrity party you’re going to.”

  “Deal,” she says with a smile.

  I find Shayla in my phone and send her a quick message.

  Blake: Hey, my model friend wants to know if she can come to the party tonight?

  “So when is your fashion show? I’d love to come support you,” I say as I wait for Shayla to respond. Excitement flickers on Taylor’s face as she bounces in her seat.

  “It’s this upcoming Thursday. I’m actually a replacement, so I have a lot to learn in a few days. I’m stoked though,” she says and leans back against the couch.

  “Did you tell grandpa?”

  “Who?” she asks, her perfect features wrinkling in confusion. Oops.

  “Grady, I mean. Did you tell him?”

  She sighs and waves her hand in the air. “Why bother?”

  “After the way he made you feel, I figured you’d be rubbing your new gig in his face,” I say with a light chuckle. She stares at the ceiling for a few moments, scratching Milo on the belly before turning her head to me.

  “That was what I originally thought I’d do. But when I saw myself in those photos and realized that I had potential, I realized it didn’t matter what he or anyone else thinks. I may not get as many jobs as the other people he knows and that’s okay. I’m doing this for me, not to prove him wrong,” she says. “I just…I just want to be able to hold my own for once. Maybe this will be the change I’ve been looking for to get me out of my rut. I do have aspirations and goals, you know.”

  “Of course. I’m pretty sure your only goal isn’t to see how far you can push me before I lose my mind with your nightly rendezvous,” I say with a smirk.

  She giggles and gives me a playful push. “I’m serious, Carolina. I hope to be on the cover of some of my favorite magazines one day or walking in a show for one of my favorite designers. I dream about settling down with a nice guy and maybe adopting a couple of kids from a third-world country or something.”

  “Why not have your own?”

  “And ruin my body now that I’m finally on the verge of getting work? No way,” she says with a grin, making me assume that she’s joking. “Who knows what the future holds. I’m just taking it a day at a time, which is good enough for me.”

  I can’t help but feel proud of her words. If a simple photoshoot was enough to make her want to get her act together and really focus on her career and future, then more power to her. I’m totally here for it. I move closer to her and give her a small hug and smile at her. “That’s good for you, Taylor. I’m really happy to hear that. I think this gig is the start of something new for you.”

  “I think so, too. Now let’s cross our fingers and pray that a modeling agency will contact me about representation. That’s the ultimate goal,” she says, just as my phone goes off with a text message alert.

  Shayla: Of course. The more the merrier!

  “My friend says it’s fine if you come to the party,” I say. “We’re wearing pajamas, so try not to wear anything too crazy.”

  “Will there be guys?” she asks, wiggling her eyebrows.

  “No, just us ladies. It’s a girls’ night basically. Food, makeovers, movies—”

  “So like a sleepover?” she interrupts.

  I can’t stop the giggle that comes out. That was the exact same thing I’d said when Shayla asked me. “According to her, she says it depends on how drunk we get,” I answer.

  Taylor stands and puts Milo down on the couch. “Sounds like fun. What time should I be ready?”

  “I’ll text you to let you know,” I say, following her to the door. She steps outside the threshold and out into the hallway. Before I can close the door, she turns around and hugs me.

  “Thanks again, Blake. I don’t know how I could ever repay you and Simon for what you’ve done,” she says, placing her hand over her heart.

  “I’m sure Silas appreciates your help as well. I’m glad you both were able to help each other,” I say.

  She snaps her fingers and shakes her head. “Silas. I don’t know why that’s so hard for me to remember. I’ll be looking for your text!” She waves and heads back into her apartment. I smile to myself and close and lock the door behind me. Seeing her so happy about something that’ll help her is refreshing.

  You did good, Blake.

  4:23 p.m.

  Still in the living room

  Sex Bomb: You know what I just remembered?

  Blake: What’s that?

  Sex Bomb: I dared you to try to make it through Earthlings. Did you ever do it?

  Blake: I totally forgot! I’ll watch it now since I need something to watch. Where can I find it?

  Sex Bomb: YouTube. Good luck. It’s hard to watch LOL

  Eh, I’m sure it’s not that bad. I grab my iPad from the coffee table and settle back on my throw pillows, opening the YouTube app and searching the video. I click the first video and gather Milo in my lap as I prepare myself for what I’m about to watch.

  Bring it on, Earthlings.

  4:49 p.m.

  On the couch

  Oh my fuck. Oh my fuck. Oh my fuck.

  OH.

  MY.

  FUCK.

  I’m not even thirty minutes in and I already w
ant to turn it off. I grab my phone and text Silas, my heart in my throat.

  Blake: Omfg

  His reply is swift.

  Sex Bomb: It gets worse.

  I pet Milo as I continue to watch. My heart aches as I watch part one, which consists of learning the dark truth about pets. Things that I never thought about before, like animal breeders and pet stores, now don’t look so good. I at least feel good knowing that I adopted Milo. He was left out on the side of the road in a box, sick and frail. Once he was strong enough, I adopted him and he’s become my little fur baby. To see animals being in high kill shelters and then killed is heartbreaking. I clutch my chest as I watch cats be stuffed into a box and gassed. It’s like watching the animal version of the Holocaust. I absolutely lose it when I see someone throw a living dog into a garbage truck. Uncontrollable tears roll down my cheeks as I pause the video and hug Milo tight. Those poor, poor animals. To know that this is what goes on every day in high kill shelters, slaughter farms, and god knows where else is absolutely heartbreaking.

  I have no idea how I’m going to make it through the rest of this.

  5:31 p.m.

  Still on the couch

  The movie has been over for a few minutes now, but I can’t manage to do anything but stare at my iPad screen. What does one do now that they know the truth? There are so many things we don’t think about or question when it comes to the things we use and eat. If reincarnation exists, I wonder how many people would wish we were nicer to animals if they came back as the very animal they ate? Now that I know the truth, I’m overwhelmed with a new kind of guilt.

  I almost feel dirty to be sitting on a couch that came from the skin of a scared animal and walking on the rug from the fur of a helpless being. I send Silas a message telling him that.

  Sex Bomb: It’s normal to feel that way after learning the truth. We’ve been brainwashed to think this is okay for so long. It’s all a process. Don’t beat yourself about it.

  I wipe my eyes, give Milo a kiss, and try to regroup. The truth is a hard pill to swallow, that’s for sure.

  5:42 p.m.

  Kitchen

  I go into my kitchen with Milo in tow and put food down for him, watching him as he eats. My stomach growls, reminding me that I haven’t eaten in a while myself. I open my refrigerator and look at my options, suddenly feeling a bit queasy as I see all the meat on the shelves. Even though the video was eye opening, I won’t necessarily say I’ll stop eating meat cold turkey. I reach for the pack of sliced honey ham and swiss cheese to make a sandwich, but pause when I take the packages out. Images of the helpless pigs and cows flash in my mind.

  On second thought, I think I’ll have a big salad instead. I need to get rid of some of these veggies anyhow.

  6:12 p.m.

  Back on the couch

  Shayla: Do you guys know when you’ll be coming? Just want to know when I should start ordering food so everything will be ready by the time you guys get here.

  Blake: When would you like us there?

  Shayla: Maybe 7:30 or 8ish?

  Blake: Cool. We’ll see you in a few then!

  I find Taylor in my contacts to let her know when to be ready and turn back to my salad. I snap a quick picture and send it to Silas.

  Blake: Couldn’t bear to eat meat after seeing the video. It was intense.

  Sex Bomb: Yeah, it’s hard to digest. The salad looks good though. I’d definitely eat one with you.

  I grin as I stuff a forkful of lettuce into my mouth. He’s only been in my life for a couple of weeks now and he’s already rubbing off on me. I’m definitely not complaining, even though I’d like him to rub on me in a different way.

  But that’s neither here nor there.

  7:11 p.m.

  Bedroom

  I change into a matching pink camisole and pajama pants and grab my white bunny slippers. Throwing my hair in a messy bun, I check my reflection and shrug. It’s just a pajama party; how would one really prepare for that anyhow?

  A knock at my front door brings me out of my musings as Milo starts barking. I follow him into the living room and peek through the peephole to see Taylor.

  “I’m ready!” she exclaims when I open the door. She’s dressed in a pajama set similar to mine, but it’s blue. She takes one look at me and clasps her hands. “We’re practically twins!”

  I almost want to go back into my bedroom and change, but I don’t really have the time.

  “Let me grab my coat and then we can be on our way,” I say and walk over to the closet. I collect my coat and Milo’s leash, pick him up, and head out of my apartment.

  “I called an Uber. I’m not a huge fan of public transportation,” she says as we make our way down the stairs. “They should be pulling up right now.”

  Low and behold, a car is waiting for us by the time we reach the first floor. We hurry inside the car, the chilly wind cutting through the thin material of my pajamas. I give Shayla’s address to the driver and lean back in the seat with Milo on my lap. Tonight should be interesting. It’ll be nice to have a girls’ night with friends, something I haven’t done in a while. It’ll be nice to be able to forget everything for now and just enjoy myself.

  At least until reality hits again.

  7:46 p.m.

  Shayla’s condo

  On Monday, I think I’m going to ask everyone what their pay is. Both Silas and Shayla have really awesome apartments while we all work in the same place. I practically live in a shoebox and I’m paying almost $1,200 a month for it. I’m pretty sure she’s paying an arm, leg, and both of her kidneys for this place.

  We knock on the door and wait. The door flies open and she appears wearing white silk pajamas with her hair in a low ponytail. “You’re here! Come on in,” she says, stepping aside. Taylor and I enter the lively home as Shayla closes the door behind us.

  “Shayla, this is my friend Taylor. Taylor, this is my co-worker and friend Shayla,” I say. They exchange pleasantries and shake hands.

  “I just placed the order for the food, so it’ll be here soon. I hope you guys like pizza and wings! If that’s not your thing, I have fruit and veggie trays, too. One of my friends is a vegetarian and she wouldn’t come unless I had something for her to eat, too,” Shayla says with a roll of her eyes. I’m actually glad for her vegetarian friend. Now it won’t be a big deal if I don’t eat the things they do.

  Pop music flows from wall speakers and the air is filled will a heavy vanilla scent from lit candles. A couple of girls sit on a pile of pillows in the middle of the modern living room. They turn to look at Taylor and me.

  “Guys, this is Blake and her friend Taylor. Taylor’s a model,” Shayla says to the women.

  Carrie Jo comes from the hallway and moves over to hug me. “Blake! You came! And you brought your furry little cutie, too!” she says, taking Milo from my arms and snuggling him before turning her attention to Taylor. “It’s nice to meet you, too. Are you the friend that invites her to those cool parties?”

  “That’s me,” Taylor answers.

  “Come join us, ladies! We’re just sitting around blabbing until the food gets here,” Shayla says, guiding us over to the other women in the living room.

  The other four women introduce themselves as Marissa, Diana, Pia, and Vivian.

  “So what’s it like being a model?” Diana asks, biting into a strawberry.

  Taylor shrugs. “The parties are fun, but it’s hard work. The industry is so competitive, you know? You have to worry about if a designer will think you’re too fat or too short or maybe your nose is too long for their taste. It’s highly subjective, so there’s a lot of pressure.”

  “I bet,” Pia adds. “I’m sure it’s worth it though, yeah?”

  “It has its moments,” Taylor says.

  “Well, I think it’s absolutely cool that you get to rub elbows with celebrities. Carrie Jo and I tease Blake about how lucky she is to be friends with you. She’s only been with the magazine, what, two weeks? And she’
s already gone to like two parties. I’ve been in New York my whole life and haven’t gotten as far as she has.”

  “You guys will have to come with me one night! The parties are pretty lively. Right, Blake?”

  “Yeah, lively,” I mention absently.

  “I’d like that,” Shayla says and claps.

  Marissa looks at me and cocks her head. “You have a southern accent. Where are you from?” she asks.

  “North Carolina,” I answer.

  “Oh cool. I have family there. They’re in Chapel Hill. Do you know where that is?”

  “Yeah. You can’t be a North Carolina native and have never heard of Chapel Hill,” I say with a small smile.

  “How do you like New York?” Pia asks.

  “It’s fast compared to the south,” I say, dreading the attention on me. As if answering my silent prayers, there’s a knock at the door.

  “That’s probably the food. I’ll be back,” Shayla says and jumps up toward the door. Milo barks in Carrie Jo’s arms as Shayla pays for the food.

  “Shush, Milo,” I whisper, tapping him on the nose with my finger. He growls at me and continues barking at the door until Shayla closes it and comes back to the group with boxes of pizza and chicken wings.

  “I hope everyone’s hungry!” Shayla calls out, placing the food on a coffee table next to the couch. “I ordered more than enough. I’m sure my boyfriend will complain about it when the credit card bill comes in this month.”

  Pia reaches for a pizza box with a scoff. “Sometimes I have no idea how you two are even still together. He’s such a weirdo,” she says. The other girls giggle as Shayla shakes her head.

  “He’s a good guy. I mean he’s no Caesar, but he’s good enough,” she says with a shrug.

  I smirk at her, suddenly remembering that Caesar is her partner for the project as well as the conversation I’d eavesdropped on earlier in the week. “How lucky are you to be partnered with your crush for our team project?” I muse, grabbing a stick of celery and dipping it in ranch dressing.