Page 61 of Renascence

“Well, ideally I’d like to lose twenty pounds. Long term, I need something in place that helps me maintain.”

Rianne continues with her questions, Emily growing more uncomfortable with each one. She keeps glancing my way, so I believe I’m the problem. I excuse myself, holing up in my office until they finish. I keep busy, perusing the gym’s records. After checking the security cameras and seeing that the women are still at it, I perform a cursory inspection of the place. I’ve been lucky with the employees I have; they take good care of the business and are trustworthy. I don’t spend much time here other than to work out, so I depend on them. They haven’t let me down yet. I’m “observing” the pole dancing class when Emily approaches.

“Figured I’d find you here.” She smiles, shoving her hands in her pockets as she stands next to me.

“Who, me?” I turn to her with mock innocence. “Just checking on my customers. Helps for them to see the boss every now and then.”

“Uh-huh. And it just happens to be the half-naked ones swinging on a stripper pole.”

“Yup.” I throw my arm around her shoulders and move toward the door. “Especially the half-naked ones.”

She laughs, the sound like music to my ears. Emily deserves laughter, happiness, peace… love. I may not be able to give her all those things, but I’ll try my damnedest on the ones I can.

“What did Rianne say?” I ask.

She sighs. “Basically the same thing you did, that my BMI is normal. She’s going to work with me on a meal plan and exercise regimen.”

“Hate to say it… no wait, I don’t.” I turn to her with a triumphant grin. “Told you so.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Darlin’….” I stop, gripping her shoulders and turning her to face me. “I’d never lie to you, so trust and believe when I say you’re perfect. And I’m pretty damn certain I’m not the only one who thinks so.”

“You’re sweet for saying that, but….” Her eyes drop to the floor. “I’m not.”

“Youare, and fuck James for making you think you’re not. No matter what size you are, you. Are. Gorgeous.”

I catch the tears welling in her eyes before she throws herself in my arms.

“I wish I’d met someone like you instead of him.”

“I’m here now, Em. I made some pretty bold claims, but I can’t wipe the last ten years from your memory. Let’s just make some better memories, yeah?”

“Yeah.” She nods against my chest. “I’d like that.”

“Come on, let’s go.”

As I drive out of the parking lot, I try to think of a way to cheer her up. Sex would definitely work, but I want to do something else. Something selfless that makes her happy. There’s only one other thing I can think of that gets all women’s panties in a twist—shopping. I head out of town and toward the nearest mall.

“Where are we going?” Emily asks.

“It’s a surprise. I believe you’ll like it.”

“I’d rather go back to your place.”

I chuckle at her timid words. “You need to get fucked, Em?”

“When you say it like that it sounds… dirty.”

“Itisdirty. The way I do it, anyway.”

“All I know is you make me feel like I’ve been doing it wrong all my life.”

“You have. I bet you wish you’d visited your uncle sooner, huh?”

“Fuck yeah!”

She finally cracks a smile. Reaching over, I squeeze her thigh. “You know, for a school teacher, you have a filthy mouth.”