Page 69 of Bewitch

Iplay around baking all afternoon long, and it takes me some time but I’m finally happy with what I made. Did I eat a little more than I should’ve in the testing phase? Maybe, but Eliza doesn’t eat much protein because it gives her major gas, and Kaylie wasn’t around, and neither is Brooke, and I wasn’t about to knock down doors to get Guinea Pigs, although actually, that might be a good way to make some new friends… if they would like the treats. Protein balls instead of bars. Easier to pack and take one and eat it… although it’s also easier to shove more than one into your mouth too.

Totally not because Lucas called me out, but I’ve been toying with the idea of heading to the gym. Finally, I cave and opt to go. Why shouldn’t I see what I can do without him? And it might be nice to try a cardio machine for old time’s sake. Probably not, though. I like lifting weights. Who would’ve thought that? It’s the idea that I can become both strong and skinny. I never thought I would want to become strong, but the changes in my body is definitely more noticeable and quicker than ever compared to all of those times I tried cardio and ended up failing. I’m sure cardio works for others. I mean, look at all of those people with their Peloton bikes. But I failed time and again with cardio, and going outside of my comfort zone is helping me in so many ways.

When I enter the gym, I’m shocked to see Pamela is still sitting at the welcome desk. I mean, she’s there every time I come in, but I thought she would maybe have fewer hours over the weekend.

“Don’t you ever take a day off?” I ask.

“I don’t usually work on Sundays,” she says, smiling brightly.

“But don’t you get tired of working here all the time?”

“Not really,” she says, and I believe her. “People come here for so many different reasons. They want to lose weight or get stronger or get fit or try to work out through some demons. Whatever the reason, I want to be there for them with a smile on my face.”

“But what about your own demons?” I ask and then flinch. “I don’t mean to suggest that you have demons! It’s just…”

She laughs. “Dawn, I love you. No worries. I know what you mean. Yes, I have… demons… but my love language is helping others. I can do that with my job. Just by sitting here. Sometimes, gymgoers will come and tell me their stories. They need a listening ear more than they need this place. Sometimes, a girl will not know if she wants to punch something or ride a bike, and since I’ve been at this for a few years now, I can pretty much tell which one they need.”

“Punch something?”

Pamela grins. “We have a room toward the back that’s for boxers and martial artists. We don’t have any formal training with either. Not yet anyway. I’ve been asking for a break room.”

“What’s that?”

“A room specifically for breaking stuff.” She laughs and shakes her head. “The owner has thought about it, but it would probably require an extra surcharge because of having to buy more and more things for people to break.”

“Go to the dump,” I suggest. “Find TVs that aren’t smashed yet.”

“Oh, that’s a great idea!” Somehow, she lights up even more. I noticed you weren’t in earlier.”

“I need to sleep in, but I guess I missed this place too much to stay away.”

“Well, whatever you need, we’re here for you. Do you want me to see if another trainer can—”

“Nah. I’ll just do my own thing today.” I tilt my head to the side. “Are you sure you don’t want to just tell me what it’s all about?”

“What’s what all about?”

“You. I want to get to know you more.”

She laughs. “There’s not much to me, honestly. I do my job, help others, workout after my shift is done. I go home, read if my cat will let me. That’s pretty much all there is to it.”

“What do you like to read?”

Her face turns bright red. “Oh… ah…”

I grin. “Something naughty, huh?”

“Well, actually… yes.” She leans forward. “I don’t normally admit this but…”

“Go on.” I put my bag down and lean forward, rubbing my hands together. “I love to read good books. The smuttier the better!”

“Well, I’ve been reading a ton of alien romances lately,” she whispers. “Ruby Dixon and others. Ashlyn Hawkes and a few others. I just love the idea of being taken away, you know? Not that I’m not happy here, but the idea of a guy whisking me away… of fated mates… the one guy in the world who will always be there for you, protect you, keep you safe…”

“Do you need someone to keep you safe?”

“No, but an alien bodyguard? Doesn’t that sound amazing?”

“So amazing.” I giggle.

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