She was the only person at the party who wasn’t wearing black or white—except for Stacia’s daughters, who were wearing matching red plaid dresses.
Cherry talked to Stacia’s dour mother-in-law and her reed-thin mom friends. She talked to Stacia’s husband about a red-light therapy that reduced inflammation. “It stimulates your mitochondria.”
Stacia finally cornered Cherry by the platter of almond flour crackers and cheese. “I was hoping you’d bring him...”
Cherry stacked some cheese on a dessert plate. “There’s no more him.”
Stacia’s face fell. “Really? Why not?”
Cherry shrugged. “It just wasn’t a good fit.”
“That’s not an answer.”
Cherry looked up at her. “We got into a fight.”
“About what?”
“My weight.”
Stacia’s outrage was immediate. “What?What did hesay?”
Cherry looked down again. The bells in her hair tinkled. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Why would Russ Sutton even ask you out if he had a problem with your weight?”
“Hedidn’task me out,” Cherry said pointedly. “That’s not how this started. We just slept together.”
Staciahmphed. “I’m really disappointed in him.”
“Don’t be.”
“Iam. I didn’t think he was soshallow.”
Cherry huffed out a laugh, looking back up at her. Stacia was wearing a white jersey dress with a gold chain belt. She looked slender and expensive. “Didn’tyou?” Cherry said. “He’s only ever dated beautiful women.”
Stacia looked fierce. “You’rea beautiful woman.”
“Right,” Cherry said.
“Youare.”
Cherry shrugged again. “I’m very pretty for a fat girl. It’s like being very pretty for someone with three eyes or no nose. Or very pretty for a malamute.”
“What’s a malamute?”
“It’s a dog.”
Stacia’s eyes got big. “You’re not adog, Cherry.”
Cherry glanced away. “That’s not what I’m saying.”
“Have you beendrinking?”
“Of course not.”
Stacia was shaking her head. “I hate that he made you feel this way. You’re normally so confident.”
“This is how I always feel, Stacia.” Cherry’s voice was flat. “I just don’t bother you with it.”
