Page 10 of Bewitch

I turn around and nod crisply. “Yes, I’m back. I’m also on your schedule nor formally, so we’re going to get me in shape. I’m here to do the time.”

“Did you do anything that I told you about yesterday?” he asks.

“Today’s kind of a free day,” I inform him. “I can do whatever.”

“You can, but if you get hurt—”

“I don’t think I’ll get hurt carrying five-pound weights.”

“Your arms are shaking,” he points out.

“Isn’t that a good thing? Means muscle fibers are breaking down and will repair themselves and be even larger, right?”

“That’s the theory, yes.”

“So, what’s wrong with that?”

“I’ll order those baby weights for you,” he says. “The last thing I need is for you to drop a weight on your toes and break them and blame it on me.”

“The blame would be on me, then, not you. Don’t worry. I’m not the kind of girl to blame others for my problems.”

“You’re just the kind of girl who eats her feelings.”

He might as well have dumped ice over my head. It’s the truth, but that doesn’t mean he should say it, and it stings like mad, especially considering I binged yesterday so badly.

I lift my chin. “Your bedside manner sucks.”

“Good thing I’m not a doctor.”

“If this is your way of motivating people—”

“Not people. You.”

I flare my nostrils. “So you talk differently to guys then to girls, huh?”

“Yes. Everyone needs to be pushed in different ways. Don’t worry. I push everyone’s buttons. If I can’t motivate you, I can’t be an effective trainer. If you don’t want to be a cow for the rest of your life—”

“I’m not a cow.”

“If you don’t want to be a heifer—”

“Most women would report you for that.”

“If you don’t like the term, then don’t let it apply to you.”

I flare my nostrils. “That the best you got?”

“Just wait until tomorrow.”

“So you can poke fun at my weight some more. Thanks.”

“All you have to do is quit already.”

“Why do you want me to quit so badly?” I snap, stepping closer to him. I’ve never wished so much in my life that I had started karate because I want to swing at him. Not while the weight is in my hand of course.

“I don’t want to waste my time.”

“Right. And the only way you would ever be seen with me is if I pay you. Got it.”

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