“What do you think? Can I pull this off?” Chase did a turn in front of her.
“Hmm… I’m still deciding. I think I need you to do a little model walk for me.”
Chase shook his head with a smirk, “Not a chance.”
“Alright, alright. Even without a model walk, you looksogood.”
“Yeah?” He glanced at himself in the mirror. “I’m gonna have to take your word for it because my comfort zone is jeans and a T-shirt.”
“It’s missing one thing…” Maggie walked to a shelf and grabbed a faded leather brown roll. “Every cowboy needs a belt right?”
“True cowboys have a giant buckle on theirs, but I’m guessing that’d be too authentically cowboy.”
“Yeah, that’d be a little much but this gives the same vibe.”
“I trust you, I think… But for now, I’m gonna change back into my normal clothes.”
Maggie couldn’t help beaming at him. Chase was so handsome and yet, so down to earth. He was also clueless as to the effect he had on women. He had yet to notice, or at least acknowledge, the parade of women lingering in the dressing room area. A few even snapped photos while gawking in his direction.
“Maggie! We need you on register ASAP,” Ada’s voice blared in her ear-piece.
“Be right there,” Maggie replied. She headed to the checkout counter, hoping Chase wouldn’t think she abandoned him.
After checking out a handful of customers, Chase stepped forward.
“Thanks for helping me up my style game.”
“Anytime. It was fun.” Maggie’s face felt sore from smiling.
“You still up for coming to the show tonight?”
“Of course. I can’t miss your urban cowboy debut.” She slipped him the friends and family discount as she totaled his purchases, but she still worried that he’d be appalled by how much his new apparel cost. Either he didn’t mind or he hid it well because after Maggie handed him the receipt, he simply said, “Thanks again, see you tonight,” then headed out the door.
“You’re drooling.”
“What?” Maggie was surprised to find Ada standing behind her as she watched Chase leave.
“Don’t worry, I don’t blame you. He’s a dime.”
Maggie didn’t know how to respond so she just shrugged, “He seems like a good guy.”
“Oo sorry sweetie. Don’t let those gorgeous looks fool you. I have yet to find agoodguy in LA. Hot, famous, rich? Yes. Good? No way. They don’t exist here.” Ada leaned against the counter with her hand on her hip.
“Really?” Maggie bit her lip.
“Maybe my experiences have me jaded. I hope I’m wrong… but I rarely am.”
Maggie was bummed by Ada’s reality check.I guess I don’t really know Chase. Mom always warned, “If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.” Am I being naive?
As Maggie walked along Third Street Promenade after her shift, her eyes felt heavy and her feet ached. She couldn’t wait to veg out at home for a few hours before heading to Chase’s show. But first, she needed some food to quiet her rumbling stomach.
Thankfully, she noticed a deli. Like everywhere else in LA, there was a long line. Maggie snagged a pre-packaged egg salad sandwich to avoid the wait. Splurging, she even grabbed a can of mandarin San Pellegrino.
With her sandwich and drink in hand, she made her way towards Santa Monica beach to begin her walk home. Near the pier, she noticed a man holding a cardboard sign that read, “Homeless Needy.” Glancing down at her sandwich and drink, which were clearly visible, she regretted trying to be eco-friendly and saying no to the cashier when he asked if she needed a bag.
Maggie had encountered countless homeless people in her month of living in Los Angeles, but she had yet to figure out what to do. She always wanted to help, but she also heard her mom’s warnings about safety.Be careful. People are always looking for someone to take advantage of.Maggie knew there was some truth to her statement. As a woman, it felt like she needed to be extra careful. But, she also didn’t feel right about ignoring someone in need.
Looking down at her sandwich, she walked quickly by the man and gave a small smile.Whatever you’ve done for the least of these, you’ve done for Me,popped into her mind.
