“Nah, it’s Sampson, pretty lady. Not trying to overstep but why do I think I know you?” He was eyeing me and I had towonder just who this man was because if he even had an inkling of my background then he was way more than just a Texas restaurant owner.
“I must just have one of those faces. This is the first time I’ve ever been to Texas.”
He studied me for another beat before he nodded his head. I could tell he was completely unconvinced by what I’d said. “Must be. But come on so I can get you guys set up. I promise, Miss Sterling, this won’t be the last time you want to break bread with me.”
I sat back in my chair feeling like I couldn’t feel my face. “Oh my I can’t believe I ate that much food.”
I mean I could because the food was just that damn good. Sampson only asked what allergies I had and then he ordered for the room not bothering to give us anything besides drink menus. Aldrich had to be a regular because Sampson hadn’t even bothered to ask him what he wanted. The food was phenomenal and the steak was some of the best I’d ever eaten. Hearing the story of his family and how they raised their meat was inspiring and also slightly intimidating. Families like Sampson’s would definitely know of other wealthy Black families around the country. Mine would’ve overlooked his because of their continued endeavors in manual labor, but that didn’t mean the reverse was true. I hoped he wouldn’t ask me anymore questions because I wasn’t sure how I could answer them.
“It’s good to let loose once in a while. I swear Ami eats more than you do some days.”
I grimaced slightly not wanting to think that he was clocking how I ate because that would lead to problems.
“Well, I’m definitely going to cut back a few days to make up for this. It was definitely worth it.”
Aldrich watched me as he sipped his water before he set his glass back down on the table. “Instead of trying to starve yourself to death have you thought about working out?”
I looked up from the plate I’d been eyeing and trying to mentally calculate how many calories I’d consumed. After we’d gotten into that weird place I’d gone back to trying to control my world by controlling what I ate. I hated that I’d fallen back into the bad patterns of the past even without my mother around but it was clearly a stress response I needed to get over.
“I didn’t know that you would need to comment on the food I eat.” I tried to keep the bite out of my tone but with the way he looked apologetic, as though he hadn’t meant his words to be offensive, I hadn’t succeeded.
“I’m not judging you, I’m coming to you from a place of concern. You’re doing a lot through the day and you need fuel to do it. It’s not judgement, Sterling, I’d never do that.” Aldrich spoke softly but emphatically and I hated how easily I believed him.
“You think your personal chef is going to be less than some frozen meals I have prepared somewhere else?” I was trying to joke about the situation but he seemed to have no issue with answering me.
“If you’re just getting added on to what I’ve already got going, yes.”
I glanced over as Ami slept in her stroller before looking back at her dad. She’d completely knocked out after Aldrich fed her a bottle and it was strange to feel like I was on a date with my boss. But it definitely gave intimate vibes.
“I couldn’t ask you to do that, Aldrich.”
“I’m sure you couldn’t, which is why I was more than happy to offer.” He scooped up the last bite of the greens on his plateand looked as though he was waiting for me to refuse again so he could launch another counterattack.
“It’s unnecessary for you to do that. Besides, I’m sure I’m doing fine.” I hated the topic of conversation to be me and my weight. I was on the upper echelon of thick and my size had always been a point of contention. I didn’t want to bring that negativity with me into the peaceful space I’d carved out in Texas.
“When I went to school I studied anatomy and physiology. Got a whole degree in it and took a bunch of nutrition classes. Had to learn about body types and all of that.“ He leaned forward and braced his arms on the table like he wanted to get closer to me.
“I’m sure you did. I’m a nurse though, Aldrich, so I know a few things too.”
He nodded and glanced around before looking at me with a serious look on his face. “So why are you not taking your own well-earned advice?”
There was way too much to unpack with why I ate the way I did. “That’s a lot.”
He whipped out his phone and I had to wonder what in the world he was doing. After a few seconds, he spoke up and turned the screen around so I could see it. He’d pulled up the information on some of the meals I’d had at his house and I was suddenly embarrassed. “Yeah none of this is going to help you out. Not enough fiber, definitely not enough calories and the protein is too low.”
“I’m not an athlete. I know everyone is doing carnivore and—”
Aldrich shook his head as he tucked his phone away. “It has nothing to do with that. If you want to burn fat you need protein and you know that. So again, why are you ignoring the facts that are right there in your head?”
I could tell him it was because my mother rallied against anything that would put more bulk on my body. I was okay with eating lean protein but it couldn’t be enough that it would make me bulk up.
“What is it that you think I’m missing out on?”
“Weights. I’m sure that you do a lot of moving when you are working because I know you get those steps in at work. But not doing that right now has probably caused you to tailspin, right?”
“I’m not a football player. I don’t want to be big and bulky.” God only knew how I would become cannon fodder at the family dinner table if that happened. My foot tapped against the floor in irritation.
“First off, I’m not gonna recommend you press 250 25 times or no crazy shit like that. Lifting weights has the benefit of helping to reduce osteoporosis when you’re older. And having the ability to be strong is never a bad thing. Cardio only does so much for you and while it’s great for your heart it doesn’t help you tone. Muscle burns fat and even though I don’t think you need to do anything, if you want to jumpstart your metabolism, building muscle is the best way to do it.” Aldrich had kept his tone gentle the entire time but I knew he could back up every piece of advice he’d given me just by the way he looked. It was confident, words born of practice and not simple theory.
