Well, no more.
I dig through my drawer until I find a pair of black stretchy tights and an oversized T-shirt. I pull them on and assess myself in the mirror. My breasts are huge as well. Some of the weight has gone there too. And my ass. My ass looks ginormous.
What the hell!?
No!
Just no.
I’m going to have to buy a new wardrobe if this continues, and I refuse. I’m going to the gym and cleaning up my diet.
I yawn into the back of my hand while going through to the kitchen and put the kettle on. It is not even noon, and I am already considering a nap. The couch is calling my name yet again. I’m going to answer that call because today is my final day as a slouch.
I reach for a mug when there’s a knock on my front door.
I frown. I’m not expecting anyone.
I go and open it, and it’s Robyn, and she looks like someone lit her up from the inside. She’s in a pretty top, and her hair is down, and she’s practically vibrating on the spot.
“What are you doing here?” I say. “Not that I’m not pleased to see you, because I am. I thought you’d be with Ridge. Get in here.” I step back and wave her in.
She comes in, still doing that contained bouncing thing. I close the door.
“I take it that yesterday went well with Ridge’s dragon?” I say.
“So well.” Her voice comes out a little breathless. “It was— He loves me. They both do. His dragon is so beautiful and sweet, Carla. He walked right up to me and let me put my hands on him. It was the best.”
“I’m so happy it went well.” I smile. “What did I tell you? You were worried for nothing.”
“Turns out you were right.”
“I’m always right. I just put on the kettle. Do you want some tea?” I gesture toward the kitchen.
“Yes, please.”
She follows me over there and leans against the counter while I get the mugs. She has this expression. Like she’s bursting.
“Okay,” I say. “What else? There’s more…out with it.”
She holds up her hand, the back part toward me. Palm down.
I look at it.
It takes me a moment, because the ring is subtle. It’s not a diamond but a pretty pearl in a rose-gold setting. My brain takes a beat to organize the information.
I gasp. “Oh, my god.” I put the mugs down. “Is that what I think it is?” I’m grinning.
“It belonged to Ridge’s mother,” Robyn says, and her voice is soft and filled with emotion. “His father made it for her. It was her engagement ring.”
“Robyn.” My mouth is hanging open. “Are you engaged to Ridge? Is that what this is? Did he ask you yesterday?”
She nods, biting her bottom lip.
“Oh, my gosh! No way! Are you actually engaged right now?” I know it’s a stupid question to keep asking, but I ask it anyway.
“Yes, I’m an engaged woman.”
I put my arms around her, and she puts her arms around me, and we stand there holding each other for a moment, and there is something burning behind my eyes that I have to blink away. She laughs against my shoulder, a little teary herself. We both sniff a few times.
