I storm into our dorm room, tossing my bag onto the floor with a huff. "I swear, Laura, I'm done with these boys!" I exclaim, throwing my hands up in the air. "Why does dating have to be such a disaster?"

Laura glances up from her laptop, her warm eyes filled with concern and a hint of amusement. "What happened this time, Jo?"

I flop onto my bed, staring at the ceiling as I recount the latest catastrophe in my love life. Something that is unfortunately becoming a pattern. "You remember that cute Hinge guy? Well, he just completely stopped texting me. Nothing! We even exchanged numbers!" I sigh, in my trademark dramatic Jo fashion, tossing an arm over my eyes. "I'm cursed, Laura. Cursed!"

My roommate chuckles softly, closing her laptop and moving to sit beside me on the bed. "You're not cursed, Jo. You're just...unpredictable. Maybe these guys just can't keep up with you." She gets a thoughtful look. “What did you text him, anyways? Before he stopped messaging you.” She pauses, then quickly adds, “actually, I really don’t want to know.”

I peek out from under my arm, a wry smile forming on my lips. "Something wild and crazy indeed. Yeah, that’s a good description of me!" Oh Laura, she knows me so well.

Laura's tender laughter fills the room as she pats my leg reassuringly. "Don't worry, Jo. You'll find someone who can handle your unique brand of chaos. I mean, look at me and my boyfriend. If I can find someone who puts up with me, there's hope for you too."

I can't help but grin at her optimism. "You and your boy toy are a match made in heaven. But still, a girl can't help but feel a little jealous of your steamy escapades." I wink at her, feigning a sultry expression. "Maybe I could join in and make it a party?"

Laura rolls her eyes, but her cheeks flush a pretty shade of pink. "Not happening, Jo. Besides, you know I don't share well," she teases, lightly nudging my shoulder. "Now, why don't you tell me what you're really looking for in a relationship? Maybe we can figure out a better way to find someone who can keep up with you."

I sigh, sitting up and leaning back against the wall. "I don't know, Laura. After getting out of an all girls school, I was so excited to get a chance to just get at the boys. You know, the entire time I was there, I didn’t mess around with the girls at all? NONE! Not once. High school was incredibly unsexy.”

I sigh, for the third time in as many minutes. “Now I’m regretting it. I had a buffet!” Laura laughs, dang, she’s got a good laugh. It makes me feel better.

“I just want someone who gets me, you know? Someone who can appreciate my energy, or can even add to it. Get wild themself." I pause, glancing over at her. "Is that too much to ask? Maybe it is too much to ask. That’s it, I’m switching to girls!"

Laura smiles and reaches over, giving my hand a comforting squeeze. "No, it's not too much to ask, Jo. You deserve someone who loves you for who you are, and I know you'll find them someday. Girl or guy. Just don't give up, okay?"

I nod, feeling a warmth spread through my chest at her words. "Thanks, Laura. I'll keep trying. And who knows? Maybe the next guy will be the one to sweep me off my feet...or at least not ghost me.” Our friendship is a rock in the stormy sea of my dating life. I really do love her.

Laura's eyes suddenly light up with an idea. "You know, I saw a flier in my art class today. They're looking for figure models," she says, glancing at me with a cheeky grin. "You've got a great body, Jo. Maybe you should show it off to the boys in the class."

I perk up at the suggestion, my mind already racing with the possibilities. "Do you mean I can get naked in front of people?" I ask, a mischievous glint in my eyes. The thought is thrilling. The people need to see me! And a captive audience… now that I can get into.

Laura hesitates, her brow furrowing slightly. "Well, I'm not sure if it's nude modeling, but they'll definitely be able to appreciate your figure. And who knows? Maybe you'll catch someone's eye."

I can't help but imagine the scene: me, standing confidently in front of a room full of eager art students, their eyes drinking in every curve and line of my body. The thought sends a shiver down my spine, and I can't help but feel a little turned on.

"You know what, Laura? I love it. I'm going to do it!" I exclaim, clapping my hands together. "And who knows, maybe I'll find my very own artsy Prince Charming in the process."

Laura laughs, shaking her head at my enthusiasm. "I can't believe you're actually going to do this, Jo. But hey, if it makes you happy, I'm all for it. Just don't forget to invite me to the wedding when you and your art boy - girl? - tie the knot."

I reach over and give her a playful shove, grinning from ear to ear. "Oh, you'll be my maid of honor, don't you worry. And I promise, the bachelorette party will be wild." She has no idea how truly wild it will be…

We both dissolve into laughter. I’m feeling better already. I casually strip out of my dress to get into something more comfy. Laura is so easy to be around that I lounge in my underwear for a bit.

She’s so good to me. Even if she won’t let me watch her and her boy toy. Alas, can’t have it all.

I pace around the room, energized by our conversation, and start striking various poses in front of Laura. "What do you think? Am I figure model material?" I ask, playfully arching my back and exaggerating my curves.

Laura giggles, watching me with amusement. "Definitely, Jo. You're a natural."

Oh yeah, she loves it. Let’s push it! I spread my legs wide, leaning back with my hands on my hips and winking at Laura. "How about this one? Too much?"

Laura bursts into laughter and playfully shoves me, causing me to lose my balance and tumble onto the bed. "Jo, you're going to get yourself kicked out of the class before you even start!"

I can't help but join in her laughter as I scramble back to my feet. My antics continue, as I strike a series of increasingly outrageous poses, each one more absurd than the last. Laura watches me, her laughter filling the room as I dance around like a maniac.

Finally, she wipes tears of laughter from her eyes and shakes her head. "Okay, okay, you've made your point. You're going to be the best figure model that art class has ever seen. But seriously, Jo, I need to study."

I grin, giving her a mock salute as I stop my impromptu performance. "Aye aye, captain. I'll let you get back to it."

Still chuckling, Laura returns to her desk and opens her laptop once more. I flop back onto my bed, my head filled with visions of art studios and adoring audiences. In that moment, I know it’s all going to work out. Even if it’s not nude modeling. You know, I bet they’ll let me take my clothes off if I ask very, very nicely…

≋ ≋ ≋

The next day, I’m on my way to yoga to improve my flexibility for my upcoming figure modeling gig. I've never really been into it, but I figure now's as good a time as any to start. After all, think of all the poses I’ll be asked to do during the modeling session. I better be prepared!

Seriously, think about it. I bet they’ll want me to do all these impossible positions – balancing on one hand while my legs form intricate knots in the air, or twisting my body into a human pretzel. How could it work any other way? Normal poses are boring to draw, right?

Oh man I really should have been doing yoga for the last 10 years or so, I’m totally fucked. The thought of it is both exhilarating and slightly terrifying, but it’s a challenge. Jo never backs down from anything! I’ll show them, they won’t -

Suddenly I slam into something - someone. We collide in the middle of the sidewalk, sending books and papers flying in every direction. Oh, it’s a boy! A nerdy boy! The boy – bespectacled, with a mop of curly brown hair – looks utterly mortified as he stammers an apology.

"Oh, gosh, I'm so sorry! I didn't see you there," he says, his cheeks turning a bright shade of red. "I was just...um...well, it doesn't matter. Here, let me help you with that."

He bends down to start gathering my scattered belongings, and I quickly join him, feeling a little guilty for not paying attention. "No, it's my fault," I say, flashing him my trademark huge smile. "I was totally zoned out, thinking about, well, crazy poses and stuff. Getting tied into pretzels, you know."

The boy looks up at me, half curious, half confused. “Crazy poses? Like, for yoga or something?"

I chuckle, oh yeah, he’s a smart one, saw right through me. "You’ve got it! I could tell by your looks you’re a real smarty. Yup, I’m gonna be naked. And there will be lots of people. And I’ll be a pretzel. So I’m going to yoga. So I can become a pretzel, which I can’t do now. Obviously. That’s what I’m thinking about, of course." That should clear things up. Oh hey, he’s cute…

His eyes widen even further, and he seems to be at a loss for words momentarily. "Oh, um, that's really cool," he finally manages, his voice slightly higher pitched than before. "I'm sure you'll do great."

We finish gathering my things, and I take a moment to really look at him. There's something endearing about his nervous energy, and I can't help but feel drawn to him. "Thanks," I say, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "I'm Jo, by the way."

He smiles, pushing his glasses up his nose. "Uh, hey, nice to meet you, Jo. I'm Ethan."

Perfect. Time to go in for the kill. "You know, Ethan," I say, flashing him my other trademark sultry smile as I lean in close. "I could use a handsome guy like you to help me practice my poses. What do you say? Tie me up in a pretzel? Double twist." Then I hit him with the eyebrow pumps. Nobody can resist the eyebrow pumps. Let’s throw in some eyelash batting too… Perfect.

"Uh, I, um... I really appreciate the offer, uh, Jo, but I actually have to, uh, go. Yeah, I have a... a study group! I'm late for my study group!" He quickly gathers the rest of his stuff, his face flushed with embarrassment.

Before I can say anything else, Ethan practically sprints away, leaving me standing on the sidewalk, slightly bewildered. I let out a sigh as I watch him disappear around the corner. "Boys," I mutter under my breath, shaking my head.

≋ ≋ ≋

A few days pass, and the whole time I just can’t wait to get naked in front of some cute art students! It’s finally the day! As I arrive at the art studio for my figure modeling gig, I mentally prepare myself for the wild adventure that awaits. Time to get psyched Jo.

Show them what you got!

The building is an old brick structure, with large windows that flood the space with natural light. It's the perfect setting for a bunch of creative souls to bring their artistic visions to life.

Visions of me.

I stride into the studio, ready to make a splash from minute one. Easels and art supplies are scattered about, and the room is filled with the intoxicating scent of oil paint and charcoal. A diverse group of artists buzzes with excitement, eagerly anticipating the class.

I zero in on the teacher, a middle-aged woman with a kind smile, and sashay over to her. "Hi, I'm Jo, your model extraordinaire for today!" I announce with a flourish, extending my hand.

The teacher shakes my hand, clearly amused by my entrance. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Jo. I'm Ms. Thompson. Thank you for joining us today."

I survey the room, taking in the unique personalities that fill the space. My mind starts racing, imagining all the wacky poses I'll strike to inspire their creativity. I’m gonna blow their minds. I can't help but grin at the thought.

Decked out in a tank top, skirt, and matching underpants, I'm dressed for comfort and ease of undressing. Let’s get these rags off quick.

Oh, Ms. Thompson's smiling at me, waiting for something. So welcoming! Message received. Time to get naked. "Ok, dropping to the skivvies!" I announce, and start sliding out of my skirt. Ms. Thompson's eyes widen in surprise, and she quickly interjects, "No, no, not yet, Jo! We'll start with you clothed and ease into the session."

I pause, my hands still on my top, and chuckle. "Oh, right! Of course!" I laugh, flashing her a wink. "Just testing you!" Dang. I’m not getting naked today? What’s the point! Well, $200 is $200…

As the class begins to settle, I take a moment to revel in the anticipation and excitement that fills the room. As I survey the attendees, taking in all the artists and their unique quirks, my eyes suddenly land on a familiar face. Hey! It's Ethan! The nerdy boy from our sidewalk collision! I can hardly contain my excitement.

"ETHAN!" I shout, waving wildly and drawing the attention of everyone in the room. "Fancy seeing you here, smarty-pants!"

Ethan's eyes widen in shock, and he quickly covers his face with his hands, oh, sad. You know what - I bet he’s disappointed that I’m still clothed. I resolve to get him a good eyefull eventually. The other students exchange amused glances, but I'm too focused on Ethan to give them any mind.

Hmm. I can practically hear the wheels turning in my head as I decide that the best course of action is to give him a little sneak peek of the Jo show. My pops always said straightforward is the best solution. Here we go.

With a dramatic flourish, I raise my arms, striking a pose and flashing a coy grin in Ethan's direction. "Don't worry, Ethan!" I call out, my voice dripping with enthusiasm. "The real fun is just about to start!"

Ethan's face turns a brilliant shade of red, and he tries to hide behind his sketchpad. Oh, he’s excited! Meanwhile, the other students and Ms. Thompson laugh at my eyebrow waggle trick. I’m telling you it always gets them.

Ms. Thompson, still chuckling, takes control of the room. "I'm glad we have a model with such a sense of humor, and comfort with her body. It's going to make today's session much more enjoyable for everyone!"

With a playful salute, I reply, "Aye aye, Captain! Here to serve and entertain!"

Ms. Thompson instructs me to take center stage and get comfortable while everyone gets to their spots. As I make my way to the middle of the room, I can't help but feel a surge of excitement ripple through me. I take a deep breath and mentally prepare myself for my debut as a figure model.

Once everyone is in position, Ms. Thompson announces the first pose. "Alright, Jo, let's start with something simple. How about a casual seated pose?"

I nod enthusiastically and plop down onto the stool, leaning forward, striking a relaxed pose. The artists around me begin to sketch, their eyes darting between their canvases and my form.

As the graphite and charcoal dance across the paper, I can't help but feel a sense of pride swelling within me. Here I am, in the spotlight, inspiring these creative minds with my very presence. Finally, my people.

I steal a glance at Ethan, who seems to be absorbed in his work, and I can't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with him. We're both here, making art together. So romantic. As his eyes scan my face, I give him a wink. He doesn’t respond. Playing hard to get, huh?

Just as I’m starting to get bored sitting on this stool, Ms. Thompson’s voice rings out in the hall. "Jo, are you comfortable changing into your underwear for the next poses?”

I grin. This is gonna get good.