Rekindled Romance

Cassidy eyes widened. “Really? That’s the coolest magazine ever.”

“Thank you.” Shelby couldn’t help a swell of pride at the compliment. She’d worked hard to make the magazine a success. It broke her heart to think it might be discontinued under the new management.

“I can’t believe that’s your magazine. Wait until I tell my friends.”

“Well, it’s not mine. I don’t own it. I only work for it, but I’m glad to hear you like Tween Scene so much. What’s your favorite section?”

Cassidy thought a moment. “The one where they show you what to wear and what not to wear. And the makeup one, and the part where you talk about TV stars. Only...I’m not allowed to read it.”

Shelby stopped midbite. “What? But you’re so familiar with it.”

“I know, but Dad says it’s too grown-up for me. He says the articles aren’t good for girls my age.”

Tween Scene precisely targeted Cassidy’s demographic. Did Matt really disapprove or was he steering her away from the publication because she was the editor? Come to think of it, did he even know she was connected to the magazine? Could his comments be solely objective? Doubtful. Tween Scene was perfect. “I’m sorry to hear that. We try very hard to make the magazine appeal to girls your age. If your dad won’t let you read it, how do you know so much about it?”

A guilty smile moved her lips. “I read it at Molly’s.”

“Oh. I see.”

“You won’t tell Dad, will you?”

“No. But do you think you should be disobeying your father?”

Cassidy shook her head. “But it’s such a cool magazine.”

Cool in the young girl’s eyes. Inappropriate in her parent’s. Which one was the truth? As far as Shelby could recall, nothing in Tween Scene should cause concern in parents. Apparently, Matt’s overprotective streak ran to more than just their hearts.

“I wish I was thin and pretty like you,” Cassidy said, her voice soft and wistful. Shelby made a quick survey of the little girl. She wasn’t rail thin, but she wasn’t chubby, either. She was nicely filled out and starting to transform into a young lady. “I think you’re perfect.”

Cassidy smiled. “Thanks, but I want to look like that girl on the cover last time. You know, the one where she was wearing those cool jeans and that striped top with the patches.”

She remembered it well. It had been one of the best covers all year. “That was Yasmine.”

Shelby thought about the child models and celebrities she worked with regularly. They were nothing like Cassidy. Most were mature beyond their years and bone thin. Nearly all the models were older than the preteen image Tween Scene promoted. Something about that bothered her, but she wasn’t sure what.

“I wish I could look like that.” Cassidy sighed wistfully. “She’s so cool.”

Shelby could remember when she felt the same way. She’d look at the girls in the magazines and long for a magic wand that could transform her into a glamorous model.

“I have an idea.” Shelby moved to the table and pulled out her smart phone and opened her laptop.

“What are we going to do?”

“You’ll see.” Shelby winked, opening her camera app. “I have a magic wand.” She motioned Cassidy to stand against the wall. “Okay, now strike a pose.”

Cassidy giggled self-consciously. “I don’t know what to do.”

Shelby began taking pictures. “Pretend you’re a model. Pose like you see the girls on the cover of my magazine.”

A few minutes later, Shelby moved to her laptop and pulled up the images. “Come watch.” Cassidy came to her side. After selecting her editing program, she scrolled through the shots to find the best image to work with. First she added highlights and fullness to Cassidy’s hair. Next she made her eyes larger and deepened the color, adding sparkle for good measure. A click of the mouse slimmed the neck and added hollows to the cheeks. Another whitened the teeth. One more trimmed the body line.

Lastly, she turned her attention to the clothes. She lightened the hue of the jeans and changed the color of the blouse to a jewel tone that better complemented the new deeper shade of her eyes. A few more minor touch-ups, and Shelby leaned back in her chair. “Well, what do you think?”

“Oh wow. I look like a TV star.” She was breathless. “That is so cool.”

Shelby gave the girl a quick hug. “You look exactly like the girls on the covers of my magazine. In fact.” She made a few more clicks and added the magazine banner across the top of the page, making the picture resemble the cover of Tween Scene.

“It’s me, but it’s not me. Oh thank you, thank you,” Cassidy gushed, bouncing up and down. “This is so awesome. Can I have a copy?”

“Sure. I’m not connected to your printer though. I can email it to you so you can print it out. What’s your address?” Shelby typed in the address, attached the file and hit Send. “There you go. Do you know how to print on your computer?”

“We only have Dad’s. He won’t let us have our own. He says we’re too young.”

“I’m sure he’ll print it for you when he gets here.” She glanced at the wall clock. Matt would be home before long. “What are you doing for supper? Should I be putting something in the oven?”

Cassidy shrugged. “I don’t know. Aunt Laura usually made something for us, but she’s not here now.”

Cassidy’s eyes grew wide, and Shelby saw excitement building.

“What?”

“Can I cook supper for Daddy? I could surprise him.”

It was a sweet idea. “Do you know how to cook?”

“A little. I help Aunt Laura sometimes. I know how to make lasagna. My gramma showed me how.”

Shelby was warming to the idea. She used to love to cook, but like many of her favorite pastimes, she’d given it up for lack of time. “I think that’s a great idea. Let’s see if we have everything we need.” Cassidy jumped into the task with gusto, surprising Shelby with how much she knew. Working with the little girl on the dinner and helping her through the process was a surprisingly satisfying experience.