regina is about to step behind the podium to give a press conference. she applies a coat of vaseline to her teeth so that she will keep smiling no matter what happens. ken is standing behind her, massaging her shoulders. regina feels cheap when ken massages her shoulders. ken pulls a compact of nars bronzer out of his trouser pocket. he begins to apply bronzer to the apples of regina's cheeks. regina has already applied bronzer or had it applied to her four times. regina feels insignificant in comparison to the layers of nars bronzer on her skin. regina thinks that she would rather be behind the podium giving a press conference than be massaged and bronzed by ken. she moves towards the entrance to the conference room. ken says sparkle sweetie! sparkle my little starlet! regina thinks about how much she hates the word sparkle.

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