15 Shades Of Pink

by Scott, Lisa

  Micki shrugged. “More for me.” Little did she know our online group had a bounty out for eat-whatever-I-want-but-never-gain girls like her. Well, not officially anyway, but in theory.

  Cassidy flipped open her Cosmo and leafed through the pages. “Connor brought some hot friends, didn’t he?” She was busy checking out her boyfriend’s buddies while he was off swimming. But why? Connor was boyfriend perfection. She didn’t know how lucky she was.

  I pressed my mouth shut.

  “What?” she asked. “You’re not interested in any of them? Then who is your type?”

  Your guy, I thought. And it wasn’t just because he was good looking. I’d had the chance to chat with him at a few parties. He was funny and kind, and really listened to people when he talked to them. Unlike Cassidy, who always scanned the room for someone more interesting. Connor had a wonderful smile and kind eyes and told the best stories. If I ever got drunk, I might get brave enough to ask him why the hell he was with someone like her. But I hadn’t been drunk since sophomore year of college, so that wasn’t likely to happen.

  “Ease up there, Cupid,” Micki told Cassidy.

  Cassidy crossed her arms. “I’m just trying to help. Natalie hasn’t had a ton of dating experience because she’s always been big. I’m trying to help her navigate the waters. That’s what friends do.” Her lips curled into a satisfied smile.

  “I’ll be fine,” I told her. I lifted my chin, enjoying the warm, salty gust off the ocean.

  Cassidy blinked at me, accusingly. “Then why don’t you have a boyfriend?” With her long, wavy blond hair, size-two body, and big, bright blue eyes, Cassidy’d probably never had a moment of self-doubt in her life.

  I was still working on finding my first moment of self-confidence, new body or not. But I was getting there. I’d been on a few dates over the last three months. Nobody special, but still, I was getting my feet wet. I raised my chin. “I just haven’t met anyone interesting.” Truth was, I was scared of getting hurt. It hadn’t been a problem before, when no one was interested. Now, I didn’t know how to handle the possibility. It just seemed easier not to risk it.

  Cassidy jerked her thumb toward the guys next to us. “We’ve got four interesting guys right here who are spending the night one floor up in our condo. It’s your weekend to make a move, Natalie.”

  I lay back and pulled my hat over my eyes, but I could still see through the loose weave of the straw. “Try your magic on Micki.”

  Cassidy sighed. “Micki thinks she’s too good for everyone.”

  “I am.” She popped the last of her hotdog in her mouth and brushed off her hands. Micki wasn’t one to play the field. She was a serial monogamist who was in between men. When she found someone she liked, it was instant, unshakeable love. For a year or so, anyway.

  Cassidy ignored her, leaned forward, and waved. “Hi, honey!”

  Connor walked up from the surf, shaking out his hair.

  I sat up. This, I didn’t want to miss.

  “Isn’t he hot?” Cassidy asked with a sigh.

  “Of course. You wouldn’t settle for anything less,” Micki said.

  I held my breath as he came toward us. I’d heard all about how Cassidy met Connor two months ago at a conference. I got the run down on their first date, when he’d shown up with orchids instead of the predictable roses. She’d seen roses a few too many times to be impressed. He was gorgeous, polite, and nice. And if he made manager? Well, then he might be a marriage contender.

  If someone better didn’t show up first, I thought. I sighed, watching him jog up to us.

  “Are you finally done swimming?” Cassidy asked.

  “Yep. I figure that was a mile.”

  Cassidy rolled her eyes. “People don’t come to the beach to swim, Connor.”

  He laughed. It was a gorgeous, deep laugh that sent my insides squirming. “Actually, some people do,” he said.

  “He gets really cranky if he doesn’t work out,” she said, giggling. “Isn’t he crazy? Crazy gorgeous!”

  Connor plopped down on the towel in between Cassidy and me. Droplets of water sprayed my skin. I shivered, but I wasn’t cold.

  Jared wandered over from the boy camp. “Dude, happy hour up at The Shoreside. We’re heading over there now.”

  “Me, too!” Cassidy said, popping up, brushing sand off her butt. “Come on, Connor.”

  He shook his head. “I’d probably hurl if I drank a beer right now. I need to rest.”

  “Micki? Natalie? You guys coming?”

  “Who do you think put the “hap” in happy hour?” Micki said, slipping on her flip-flops.

  All of Jared’s friends stood up, too.

  I didn’t want to leave Connor by himself. And I really wasn’t in the mood to drink. Liquid calories go down way too easily. “I’ll stay here. I’m almost finished with my book.” I patted the paperback next to me.

  Cassidy rolled her eyes. “Good. Keep Connor company.” She ran to catch up with the guys.

  “That was nice of you,” Connor said.

  I looked off at a sailboat on the horizon. “I wanted to finish my book.” Do not start blushing!

  He gave a quick laugh. “The spine isn’t creased. You haven’t even started reading it.”

  Oh, I was blushing for sure. If he was that observant, what else was he noticing? “Fine. I’m busted. I just didn’t feel like drinking, and I thought it was rude to leave you here alone.” I pulled my sarong over my lap, as if I were covering a few belly rolls instead of the flat tummy I now had. Old habits and all.

  “It would be nice if my girlfriend was as considerate.” He looked out at the ocean and shook his head.

  “You don’t have to be considerate when you look like Cassidy.”

  “Bull. You’re just as pretty, and here you are.”

  I swallowed back my surprise. “I didn’t always look like this. I’m sure you’ve heard.”

  He grinned at me. “Yes, she fills me in on all her friends. But she really likes you.”

  I cracked open the book and flipped through the pages. “So, you like swimming?” Losing lots of weight meant thin thighs, but it didn’t magically reveal smooth conversational skills. I had zero practice chatting up hot men.

  “Swimming in the ocean is great. You don’t have to kick off the wall and turn around.” His shoulder muscles bulged as he leaned back. “Tomorrow, I’ll jog along the beach. Running in the sand? Now that’s a great workout.”

  I picked up a shell next to my beach chair. “I couldn’t walk a mile a year ago when I started my weight-loss plan. Now I run twenty miles a week. I love it. Never thought I’d say that.” I laughed, smoothing my fingers over the ridges. “I know a lot of people are waiting for me to just gain the weight back. But I feel so good now, it’s not going to happen.” I tossed the shell toward the water.

  He looked over at me and stared for a moment. I wondered if something was on my face. I tucked my hair behind my ear and then dragged my fingers through the sand like I was searching for something to grab onto.

  “It’s great that you can be so open about it. You don’t pretend to be something you’re not. I think a lot of people might try to hide it.”

  I looked into his clear blue eyes. “Why? I’m proud. It was a lot of hard work, determination and sweat.” I laughed. “Lots of sweat.”

  “Yeah, but it’s good sweat. Wanna join me for a run tomorrow?” he asked. “I’m heading out around seven o’clock. We can sweat together.”

  My heart rate kicked up like I’d already been running. Was he flirting with me? Probably not. I just didn’t have enough experience to know. “Sure, I’d love to run with you. Cassidy won’t mind?”

  He snorted, raising an eyebrow. “For one thing, she won’t even miss me. But no, she won’t mind. She’s far too confident to be jealous.”

  I was surprised how he was talking about her. He didn’t exactly sound like the smitten guy she’d been bragging about.

  We chatted about wor
k and I was laughing over a joke he’d made, when Cassidy and crew returned. “Aren’t you two cozy,” she said, her smile not quite matching the edge in her voice.

  “You didn’t tell me how funny Natalie is,” Connor said.

  I smiled at him. “It’s hard not to be funny when talking about our sales department. Sometimes I think we must be on a hidden camera reality show.”

  She plopped down next to us. “I know, right?” She reached over and squeezed Connor’s thigh. “So, this new restaurant opened a little ways down the beach. We’re going to check it out tonight. Hey, did you put your stuff in my room?”

  He leaned back from her. “I’m staying with the guys tonight to give you girls some space.”

  She crossed her arms and pouted. “You don’t want to stay with me?”

  I thought he’d placate her with a kiss, or rub her shoulder, but he didn’t. He just shrugged. “I figured Natalie and Micki would appreciate girls-only accommodations.”

  “You don’t care, do you, Natalie?” Cassidy asked.

  I opened my mouth, but Connor didn’t give me a chance to answer. “I’m staying with the guys.”

  She stood up and adjusted her bikini straps. “Fine. I’m going for a walk.”

  I expected him to go after her, but he didn’t. “I’m heading up for a shower,” he said. “I’ll see you guys tonight.”

  I watched him walk away and hoped my hot cheeks might be mistaken for sunburn instead of bottomless lust.

  “What’s with the two of them?” Micki raised her eyebrows. “Trouble in paradise?”

  “Must be the heat. They’ll kiss and make up soon enough.” I grabbed my cell and checked the time. “I’d like to go back, too.” I pulled on a cover-up and gathered my things.

  “Girl, when are you going to stop hiding the body you worked so hard for?” Micki finished off a Coke and tossed the empty can in her beach bag.

  I crossed my arms, still surprised to find so little of me there. “It takes some getting used to.”

  Micki put her arm around me. “I dare you to take it off and walk back to the condo in just your bathing suit.”

  My stomach lurched just thinking about it. “I’ve spent years hoping people wouldn’t look at me. That’s hard to change overnight.”

  “Good thing I’m here to help. You’re going to leave the beach a new woman tomorrow.”

  I laughed. “Good luck with that.” I put my straw hat on, flung my towel over my shoulder, and headed for our room.

  I showered and changed into a long, flowing sundress. Micki came in from the beach and mimed sticking her finger down her throat. “Natalie, we’re not going to a Woodstock festival tonight. We’re at the beach. Skin rules.”

  I looked down at my dress. Is it that bad? “I didn’t bring anything else.”

  “I did. What size do you wear?”

  I had to think about it; the sizes had dropped faster than the temperature at sunset. “Eight?”

  She gave me a doubting look. “I think you’re a six, sister. So am I. Let’s see what we can do for you.”

  Micki had brought two suitcases to Cassidy’s three. She pulled out four different dresses and laid them on her bed. “Which one do you like?”

  They looked smaller than shirts I used to wear. “These are really short.”

  She tucked her short black hair behind her ears. “Good. You won’t overheat. Pick one.”

  I hovered over the choices, which really were beautiful, but nothing like any dresses I’d ever worn. I ruled out the two strapless options, even though the red one was to die for. I’d be worried about a wardrobe malfunction all night.

  That left a peach-colored baby doll that would skim my knees if I were lucky, and a classic white dress, with flowers lining the straps. “Let’s try the white one.” I pushed back the fear bubbling up in my chest.

  Micki handed it to me. “And let’s put your hair up,” she said. “Show off your long neck.”

  It was easier to humor her than argue. I went to my room and changed into the dress, spending at least ten minutes examining myself in the mirror from every angle. I had to admit, it looked good. There wasn’t a bulge to be found. I went out to show Micki, feeling like a teenager trying on her first grownup gown.

  She shrieked and covered her mouth. “You look so good! You should totally hire me as your stylist. And good news, I’m cheap. Not in the trampy way, of course.”

  “Of course not.” I heard the shower turn on down the hall. Apparently, Cassidy had arrived while I was changing and was now getting ready. It would probably be a good hour before she was ready to go, so I sat down on Micki’s bed and let her do my hair and makeup. I’d been chubby since I was a toddler and hadn’t been to many makeover parties. I closed my eyes and smiled as she worked on my hair.

  “So, you’re really not interested in any of Connor’s friends?” Her fingers moved quickly through my hair, curling and twisting sections into an updo.

  I shrugged. “None of them are really like Connor.”

  She set the curling iron down. “Wait. You’ve got a thing for Connor?” she asked in a devious, hope-it’s-true whisper.

  My eyes flew open and I shook my head. “No, no. He’s just really nice and I thought his friends would be more like him. They’re overgrown frat boys.” I was shaking my head hard enough that my updo was falling down.

  “The lady certainly does protest a bit much.” Micki smirked. “Cassidy doesn’t deserve him. What that girl needs is a breakup worthy of a viral video. I can’t believe what men will tolerate from a beautiful woman.” She rolled her eyes.

  I let out the breath I’d been holding. “I know.”

  She doused my hair with more spray than I’d used in the last month. “If you don’t like any of his friends, maybe you’ll meet someone else tonight.”

  “Maybe.” I coughed, waving away the mist of spray that lingered in the air. “What about you?”

  She shrugged. “We’ll see. I don’t stress about it too much. When it happens, it happens.”

  She finished my makeup and I looked in the mirror. It was heavier than what I usually wore, but somehow it looked more natural than the results my fumbling around ever had. I hadn’t even felt this beautiful when I got all dolled up for prom at the salon and went with a bunch of girlfriends. I threw my arms around her and squeezed. “Thanks, Micki.”

  She stepped back and I dropped my arms. I forgot she wasn’t a hugger. “No problem,” she said. “It’ll be very interesting to see how the night turns out. Be sure to bring my dress home in the morning.”

  “Micki!”

  She winked at me. “You’re hot, Natalie. Deal with it.”

  I looked in the mirror and the reflection of the person looking back at me certainly was hot. But would I ever feel the same way inside?

  We sat outside on the patio waiting for Cassidy to finish getting ready. Micki put her head on the table and pretended to snore. “What’s she doing? Washing each hair individually?”

  The patio door slid open. “I’m ready!” Cassidy cooed. She’d straightened her long hair, which fell over her tanned shoulders. A hot pink, strapless mini dress showed off her perfect legs. She looked like an airbrushed model who’d stepped out of her Cosmo. Nobody would be looking at me next to her.

  Surprisingly, her smile fell when she saw me. “What’s all this?” She gestured to my dress.

  I smoothed my hands down my thighs. “Micki did an ambush makeover on me.”

  Micki set her hand on my shoulder. “Doesn’t she look fab?”

  “Yeah. Sure.” Cassidy shrugged. “Let’s go, girls. Reservations are at seven.”

  I drove, since I wasn’t planning on drinking much. Micki handed me her lip gloss for an extra coat before we hit the restaurant. “You look amazing,” she told me before we went inside. “Seriously.” She squeezed my shoulder.

  “Thanks.” I pressed my hand against my chest, hoping to calm my heart. I’d never gone anywhere looking like this. I lingere
d in the parking lot while Cassidy strode ahead. Micki grabbed me by the hand and pulled me in.

  I spotted Connor and his friends sitting in the back near a lobster trap tacked to the wall and a nice view of the ocean. I was aware of heads turning to watch us walk by. I gulped.

  Connor stood up when we walked over. Cassidy planted a kiss on his cheek, but he was looking at me. “You guys look great,” he said.

  Cassidy giggled and shrugged. “Thanks, sweetie.”

  Connor snapped his gaze from me, and a glare flickered across Cassidy’s face. Then it was gone, and she was laughing and teasing one of his friends about his sunburned nose and how he looked like Rudolph.

  I sat down and found myself directly across from Connor. Jared was next to me with a view down the v-neck of my dress. “You girls having a good time?” he asked.

  I took a sip of water. “It was a beautiful day. I love the beach.”

  “Natalie and I are going running tomorrow morning. We’re supposed to have terrific weather again,” Connor said.

  Cassidy narrowed her brows. “You two are running? Together?”

  “Yep. Found out she goes jogging just as often as I do.” He looked at me and smiled.

  Cassidy flipped her hair over her shoulders. “Natalie, did you go to the beach when you were really big?”

  “Cassidy!” Connor scolded.

  “What?” she protested.

  I closed my eyes and forced a grin. “I’ve always gone to the beach whenever I could. I love looking for interesting shells or beach glass. I found a piece once with a symbol stamped on it. It looked really old. Blue beach glass is my favorite. Hard to find.”

  “How cute!” Cassidy laughed. “Did you bring your shovel and pail? Maybe you can make a sandcastle, too.” She covered her mouth with her hand. “I’m sorry. I suppose that’s what people do at the beach when they’re not working on their tan.”

  I was used to witnessing Cassidy’s passive-aggressive bitchiness, but it usually wasn’t directed at me. I opened and closed my mouth, uncertain what to say. I’d spent a lifetime ignoring snide comments. Battling them back just wasn’t in my skill set.