Her heart rattled with a rhythm that made her stomach ache. It thrummed at a rapid pace, making her chest jostle.

Swan brushed a strand of hair off her forehead. Her makeup sweated. Her lips were a dull red color with an added hint of gold eyeshadow. Swan thought she looked like last year’s enamel evening bag. She stood in front of the studio audience, focusing her gaze on the camera.

“Welcome to another wonderful show!” Swan announced. “We have a great line of guest stars lined up, including Rue Morgue and Goldie Channing!”

The audience applauded. Swan fought the instinct to cover her breasts; she was wearing a teal ball gown that was better fit for a dance floor. Everyone was eyeing the low cut; they remembered the green bikini from that show. Swan wished she could f...

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