Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 89985 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89985 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
The moment I arrived in town, after getting the job at the diner, along with a library card, which I rarely used, I also decided to join the gym.
My parents had often criticized me about my size. It had been never ending, so I decided to change myself completely. So far, I’d been able to lose a couple of pounds. I also found them in the food served at the diner. I wanted to look so different that my parents would never recognize me. I knew it would take dedication and time.
Losing weight had never been my strong point. I’d been placed on so many diets. My mom, in trying to impress my father, had even attempted to starve me. That didn’t work either. My weight was always a problem to them.
I thought swimming would help me the most. It was a lonely thing to do. I didn’t need anyone else to watch me, or keep an eye on my progress, and it worked a lot of muscles by simply going back and forth. This sounded like an awesome plan. The only problem was I didn’t know how to swim.
Since joining the gym, I had tried different machines and rooms to help me, but none of them worked.
This was supposed to be my solid solution. Now, the one guy I’d been determined to stay away from was the one person who insisted on helping me. This surprised me.
For the next two hours, he got me working on my stance, my posture, and working my body until it was at just the right angle. He wouldn’t allow me to let go of the side of the pool.
By the end of the session, my arms hurt, and my legs felt like they’d done a marathon rather than kicked out repeatedly to the same rhythm.
Peter called time to the lesson, and helped me out of the pool.
My legs ached and I knew I wasn’t going to have any trouble sleeping tonight. I was already so tired, but I had to get ready for my shift that started at nine.
“I want you back here tomorrow,” Peter said.
“What?”
“You heard me.”
“But … don’t you think there needs to be a break in between?” I didn’t know if I wanted to see him again. I wasn’t even sure if I was coming back to the gym. The thought of being around this stranger terrified me. I didn’t know who he was or why he’d come to Pickle Quest.
I couldn’t start asking a lot of questions in case he wanted to start asking questions, and I didn’t want to answer any of them.
“The only way you’re going to learn is to keep practicing. Think of muscle memory,” he said.
“And you’re going to be the one to teach me?” I didn’t want it to sound like I had a crush on him or anything. I didn’t. I’d promised myself not to get close to anyone.
“Yes, I’ll teach you, but it will have to be my method. No one else’s.”
I nibbled my lip. That didn’t exactly sound promising. In fact, it was a little terrifying.
“I don’t know how anyone else works here. I’m still new, and learning the ropes. I’m going to need to start taking clients soon. You’d be my first, and you’d be helping me out.”
I highly doubted it. Peter was a sexy man, and she’d already seen a lot of women interested in him. All he’d need to do was click his fingers and she had no doubt women would flock to him.
But, she did need this help. It was all part of her plan, and what was the point in running away if she wouldn’t learn to defend herself?
“Okay, then I will see you tomorrow, six o’clock,” I said. I’d never been able to sleep in late.
In fact, I struggled to get to sleep, kind of out of fear. I didn’t imagine it helped the fear when your mother or father could walk in and start hurting you at any time. Yes, I had that. My dad had come in once, he’d been super pissed. I think it was because of something my mother did. Again, I didn’t know the whole story, but I was the one that got hit with the end of his belt. He even made sure to use the buckle. The pain had hurt so bad, and I still had the scars on my back, butt, and thighs to show for it. That hadn’t been a good day.
Afterward, it was the first time my mother had shown me any kind of affection. She’d been the one to rile my father, but I’d taken the beating she should have.
I couldn’t help but wonder about my messed-up life.
“I’ve got to get ready for work,” I said.
“Ah, you know what, I’ll wait for you. I’ve been designated with getting coffee and breakfast this morning. The order has already been placed. I’ll walk you to the diner.”