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face.”
    Bernice’s eyes doubled in size. “I can’t believe what I just heard. Toots, did I hear what I think I heard?”
    â€œYou did,” Toots said.
    â€œSo I’m to assume that you think I’m . . . pretty, Ida? And that I need to work? And that people would want to turn their television sets on and look at my wrinkled ass?” Bernice started to laugh, then Toots. Jamie giggled, followed by Mavis. Sophie laughed so hard, she snorted and choked.
    And Ida wore the biggest shit-eating grin ever.

Chapter 3
    â€œI t’s a lovely thought, but I don’t have time. Remember, I was allowed to live in order to keep an eye on Mrs. Patterson’s place. I don’t think I’ll have time to do anything else. Between that and physical therapy, I’m just too danged busy,” Bernice said.
    Ida smiled. “I understand. But if you change your mind, you know where to find me.”
    â€œSo now that we’re all official models, aren’t we supposed to start jet-setting around the world, changing our clothes every three hours, eating celery sticks, and having affairs with married men? Isn’t that what models do when they’re not modeling? ” Sophie teased.
    Basking in the attention, Ida replied, “I wouldn’t know. Of course, I would expect that you ladies would always be on your best behavior while representing Seasons. None of that flipping Toots the middle finger, Sophie. That isn’t the image I want to create.”
    â€œYep. I got it, Ida. I promise not to pick my teeth in public, and I’ll be sure never to say ‘Shit,’ even when I have a mouthful,” Sophie retorted.
    â€œGood grief, that’s trashy even coming from you, Sophia,” Toots admonished. “I know you’re just trying to yank Ida’s chain, but the visual is disgusting.”
    â€œOn that note, I’d better go. Lucy will wonder what happened to me if I’m not there soon,” Jamie announced. “I’ll make the cinnamon rolls tomorrow and take note of the customers’ reactions.”
    â€œPerfect. Do tell as soon as you can. I’m anxious to see if the rest of Charleston’s sweet tooth is as bad as mine,” Toots said. She realized she hadn’t mentioned anything about her going to work at the bakery. Later, she thought. When this modeling stint was over. Lucy’s position was safe for now, not that it was ever in jeopardy. Froot Loops and coffee were Toots’s only claim to culinary fame.
    On her way out, Jamie stopped at the screen door. “I’ll call or stop over and let you know.” Without another word, she left the others to continue their discussion.
    Cutting straight to the chase, Sophie asked, “So when does this modeling job begin?”
    â€œRight now,” Ida said succinctly. “The sooner the better. I want all of you to start using the products immediately.”
    â€œI think she meant to ask, when will we make our television debut?” Toots corrected.
    â€œYep, that’s exactly what I meant. When do I need to make sure my legs are shaved and my upper lip is waxed?” Sophie asked.
    Mavis chuckled. “Oh dear, Sophia, we are going to have so much fun. I can see it now. And who knows? Maybe one of us will meet the man of our dreams.” She sighed, a wistful look on her thin face. Coco chose that very moment to lick her chin, and Mavis embraced the little pooch tighter.
    Sophie rolled her eyes, grabbed her pack of cigarettes, and headed for the screen door. Before going outside to smoke, she responded to Mavis’s musing. “I doubt that. Men in the modeling business are gay. Most of them. And I, for one, am not looking for a man. You either, right, Toots?”
    Toots jerked to attention. She followed her friend to the small stoop without muttering a word. And once they were outside, she took the offered smoke Sophie held out for her. Placing it