Page 18 of Thick Girls Take Chances

“It’s been a long time since I had a home-cooked meal.”

“Do you ever cook for yourself?”

“Not like this,” she said. “Easy things like sandwiches or in the winter I make a pot of chili or soup and have it for a few days.”

“I get that. I don’t cook a lot since Grace moved away. I usually snack during the day and go out with my pole friends or grab takeout for dinner.”

“I’m so happy you started taking those classes.”

“Me too. My friend Sophie tried to get me to go for two years.” I scooped up a forkful of jasmine rice. “Thankfully I finally gave it a chance.”

“It’s been good for you.”

I nodded as I chewed.

“Both physically and mentally. It’s a great workout and learning how to climb the pole and do all the tricks gave me something to focus on besides my divorce.”

“Are you going to miss it while you’re here?”

“I am, but the break is nice too.”

“Have you looked to see if there are any studios close by?”

“No, my plan is to stay active and exercise so I’m not totally out of shape when I get back. But I’m sure there’s a studio within a reasonable distance if I wanted to go.” I chuckled. “That or I can put up a pole in the house. I’m sure you’d enjoy it too.”

A smug smile spread across her face.

“I know a young handyman who could install it for you.”

I shook my head and groaned.

“You’re way too obvious, Aunt Winnie.”

“You never did tell me how your date was Saturday night.”

“He took me to a cute Italian bistro and the food was amazing. I had a nice time.”

I’m sure she’d love to hear about the fantabulous kiss, but I’m not sharing that. I didn’t even tell my pole peeps details, even though they each texted and tried to pry them out of me.

“Any plans for a second date?”

“We’re going hiking Wednesday,” I said. “I should be home for dinner if you want to go somewhere.”

“Don’t rush home on my account.”

“I won’t rush home, but we’re going sometime in the morning, so I doubt I’ll be out too late.” I wiped my hands and placed the napkin on my empty plate. “Besides, I’m here to spend time with you.”

“You’re here to relax and be inspired. I imagine spending time with Max Corbin could be very inspiring.” She bobbed her eyebrows. “I won’t share anything you do here with your mother or grandmother. What happens at Aunt Winnie’s stays at Aunt Winnie’s.”

“Yeah, I know. I’ve never been able to find out what my mom did during her summer visits here. But whatever she did, it convinced her to not let me come by myself once I was a teen.”

Aunt Winnie laughed then closed her mouth and pretended she locked her lips.

“But seriously, I wish I spent more time here. It’s so beautiful.” I looked around at the scenery then back at Aunt Winnie. “When my mother wouldn’t let me come for extended visits, I swore that once I turned eighteen, I was going to. Then I met John and didn’t want to leave him. And you know my mom would have had a stroke if I wanted him to come here with me.”

“You can’t change the past, so there’s no use lamenting about it.” She patted my hand. “I believe everything happens for a reason. Who knows what would have happened if you did visit? You could have wanted to stay like I did, or you might have met someone who suited you better than John. Then you wouldn’t have Grace.”

“You’re right.”

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