Mia had just nodded at me politely when Jonathan got out of another car.
We stood there, six eyes meeting.
The comments started going wild.
[Ahhh, my toes are curling with embarrassment; I can't even look.]
[I wonder how Tamara feels right now.]
"How do I feel?" I thought.
I took a deep breath, my retirement funds waving at me from afar. I told myself to hang in there.
"Hi." Jonathan greeted us.
I said, "No need to say hi to me.
"I'm not human; I'm a rare coconut from the coconut tree."
I winked at both of them, grabbed my suitcase, and walked off swaying.
It was either explode in silence or die in silence.
Either way, after this job, I was done. After being scolded for so many years, who cared if my standards dropped a little?
Sure enough, that day, I shot up the trending list, and I got scolded once again.
I opened the door and saw Heath sitting inside.
[Holy cow, it's Heath Osborne.]
[He's so handsome.]
"Lol, I remember Tamara drew him once.]
[Hehe, I've still got that saved.]
[Hey ladies. My friend wants to see it too.]
[Don't you guys ever quit? Spreading that stuff is illegal.]
[How come Tamara isn't in jail yet?]
[I reported her. You're welcome.]
I started to consider going over to beg for his forgiveness.
The main victim seemed calm, so maybe he'd forgive me.
I tried to recall what I'd drawn back then. All I remembered was his killer six-pack.
And those pecs too.
"Tamara? Why are you standing in the doorway?" Earlene came out of the bathroom.
She was surprised.
She was a child star turned sweetheart actress. We were total opposites.
I smiled awkwardly and lugged my heavy suitcase to the farthest corner.
"Aw, Tamara, isn't that heavy? Didn't anyone help you? Heath carried mine," Earlene cooed.
"These guys, I swear."
She giggled and said to him, "Heath, go help Tamara with her suitcase."
[Wow, Earlene is scoring big!]
[Earlene is so kind, even willing to help Tamara!]
[So sweet. Turns out Heath only helped Earlene with her luggage!]
[The matchmaker is here. Everyone makes way.]
Heath glanced at me and stood up.
I panicked as he strode over purposefully.
"No need, I've got it," I said.
But it was too late.
He effortlessly picked up my suitcase, his muscular arms on full display in his short sleeves.
I couldn't help but notice how perfect they still were.
I swore that it was just a glance.
But the chat caught my look.
[Tamara: I'm watching, and I'm drawing.]