Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 35961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 180(@200wpm)___ 144(@250wpm)___ 120(@300wpm)
At one time that was me.
My clothes suddenly feel too tight and small around my middle. Why can’t I lose the weight already? I’ve been walking a lot with Clara. Maybe I should say goodbye to carbs forever. She’ll convince me to go on this date and whoever “gets” me will be disappointed. Clara is also a ten.
I am not.
“Crap,” she grumbles. “Sorry. My mouth just says shit sometimes and it comes out mean. I don’t want to hurt your feelings. You’ve just seemed happier lately. I thought it was a good time for you to get your feet wet with dating again.”
I’m happier because Brayden chases away a darkness that’s settled over me.
“Just tell me you’ll go on the date,” Clara says. “Please. I’ll even do your eyeshadow. You know I’m basically a genius when it comes to eye makeup.”
I don’t disagree there.
“Oh, hey Brayden,” Clara calls out. “Tell Casey she’s beautiful and deserving.”
Without hesitation he says, “Casey, you’re beautiful and deserving.”
“See,” Clara crows. “Even the neighborhood kids think so.”
Brayden comes into view and gives me a curious look. Why does he have to always be so unintentionally cute? He doesn’t even have to try. A backwards ball cap on him paired with his crooked grin makes me weak.
“I’m trying to convince her to go out on a double date tonight,” Clara explains. “She needs to have a little fun. Someone will appreciate my bestie.”
I freeze, caught in Brayden’s confused stare. Then, his shoulders slightly hunch and his lips tug into a frown. It makes my chest physically ache.
Tell her no!
But my brain keeps chanting things like, “Date someone your own age,” or “Bradyen doesn’t need someone with your mental baggage,” or “You could make a bad situation worse by hooking up with the neighbor’s son.”
No is on the tip of my tongue, but I can’t push it out.
He finally lifts his chin and meets my gaze, hurt shining in his lovely green eyes. “If he doesn’t appreciate you, he’s a fucking fool.”
With those words, he storms off, taking my heart with him.
“See,” Clara says, oblivious. “A fool. Come on, let’s get ready.”
As much as I don’t want to be meeting these gym guys at the restaurant, I keep telling myself it’s the right thing to do. I actually put in a lot of effort, too. My jeans are new, and I think they look sexy on my curves. The black shirt I’m wearing is slightly cropped and shows my cleavage. I’ve paired it with lots of fun jewelry and cute wedged shoes.
I can do this.
I look great and am ready to date.
When we enter Smoke & Sugar, I immediately recognize Savvy at the hostess stand. She’s young, like Brayden, and stunning. Her long brown hair has been swept up into a messy knot on top of her head. She wears a simple black uniform, but it just looks cute on her tiny frame.
I wonder if Brayden flirts with her on their way to school each day.
How could he not? I mean, look at her.
“Casey,” she greets, grinning. “So nice to see you.”
I’ve spoken to her a handful of times when getting the mail or while walking the trail. She’s a sweet girl, but there’s a fire in her eyes that can’t be ignored.
Clara stiffens. Oh, that’s right. Savvy “stole” Travis from her. I give Savvy a tight smile and then stand close to my friend to offer my support.
“We’re meeting a couple of guys,” Clara tells her coolly. “Are they here yet? Tall, muscular, handsome?”
She falters a bit, clearly shaken by Clara’s iciness. “Uh, yes. I’ll take you to them.”
Clara struts ahead of me in a figure-hugging dress that shows how great she looks from head to toe. I’d felt good when I left the house, but now, my familiar insecurities scratch to be let out.
A man with blond hair hugs her. She blushes at his attention. Must be the one she’s crushing on.
“I’m Wyatt,” the guy confirms, offering to shake my hand. “This is my buddy, Conrad.”
Conrad is hot. Exceptionally hot.
“Hi.” I shake Conrad’s hand. “Pleasure to meet you. I’m Casey.”
He gives me a quick once-over and then lets his eyes linger on Clara. A flash of embarrassment burns through me. I’m obviously the “not cute” one and he’s rethinking this date.
Awesome.
We sit down and I’m forced to look at Conrad. Clara chats animatedly, making everyone chuckle. Conrad skims his gaze over me again, and I see his lip pull up slightly.
Disgust.
He’s repulsed by me.
I can feel myself shrinking on the inside. If only I could make that work on the outside too. The menu has lots of delicious items, but I find myself searching for a salad or something healthy.
“So, you guys know Clara from the gym?” I ask, keeping my eyes on the menu.
Conrad chuckles. “It’s where we meet all the hot chicks. You should go.”