A Not-So-Simple Life by Melody Carlson Page A

able to keep up with that and your schooling. Let me give my friend a call and see if you can go in and meet her. When’s your next day off?”
    “Tomorrow actually.” Then I glanced at my watch. “But I need to get back to work now.”
    “Well, I’ll call you after I talk to my friend and let you know how it goes.”
    “Thanks, Myrna.” I stood and placed my napkin on the table. “Thanks for everything.”
    As I hurried back to work, I wondered if what she was suggesting was even possible. Oh sure, I’d gotten some nice attention at work. And occasionally people would ask me about my interest in modeling. But I always just brushed those comments off. Besides the fact that I don’t think I’mvery attractive and don’t have the confidence for something like that, I hate the idea of parading myself around to be goggled at…or worse, criticized. Furthermore, I am not terribly fond of the fashion industry—okay, that’s a huge understatement. I mean, seriously, why would I even consider something like that?
    On the other hand, if I could earn enough money to get away from Shannon…well, that changes things. When I got home from work today, she was gone again. Big surprise there. So I’m telling myself that modeling, similar to working in retail, might simply be a temporary measure. A means to a better place. Just one more compromise on this rocky road of life.
    So by the time Myrna calls, I am hoping that her friend with the agency will want to see me. And as it turns out, she does.
    “The agency is called Montgomery’s. As I told you, my friend Felicity is the owner. Felicity Montgomery. She used to be with the Ford agency. But she finally got the nerve and the money to start up her own. And she’s already making a good name for herself in the industry. But she’s very selective about her clients, and she doesn’t even see people without a recommendation.”
    “I really do appreciate this,” I tell her.
    “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to go with you. But it’s in Beverly Hills and within walking distance. Well, for a young thing like you, that is. I myself would drive.”
    “I don’t mind walking.”
    So she gives me the address. “Your appointment is for ten o’clock. And do not be late. If there’s one thing Felicity will not tolerate, it’s tardiness.”
    “I’ll be there before ten.”
    “Good.”
    “Uh…what do I wear? I mean, is it kind of like an interview?”
    “Just look nice and neat. Most important is that you’re well groomed, Maya. Not that you’re not usually. But clean hair and nails. Not too much makeup, not that you have that problem. If you look like you did at lunch today, you’ll be just fine.”
    “Okay…”
    “And just be yourself. No need to put on any pretenses with Felicity. She’s sharp, and she can see right through people anyway.”
    So I thank her again and hang up. I feel nervous, and that bugs me. Really, modeling is stupid. Just a means to an end. And if Felicity Montgomery doesn’t like me, it’s no big deal. I still have my job at Ralph’s. Even so, the idea of making more money—enough money to live on my own—well, that’s slightly intoxicating. Freedom is calling.
    Maya’s Green Tip for the Day
    Most girls my age enjoy the latest, greatest personal products. But how about trying something more natural—and cheap? Did you know that a little baking soda mixed with water makes great whitening toothpaste? And it’s also a good mouthwash. Just half a teaspoon in a glass of water, and your breath will be fresher than ever. And if you have smelly shoes, you can pour a few tablespoons of baking soda into a pair of old socks, then put them in the shoes, and by morning they should smell a whole lot better.

Ten
August 20
    I was very nervous as I waited to see Felicity Montgomery this morning. I got there five minutes before ten and then waited for nearly half an hour as Ms. I-Don’t-Tolerate-Tardiness was running late. During that time I sat