Page 28 of Allure

“Do you even like kale?”

“I never had it before,” she mutters.

“Maybe try spinach next time,” I suggest.

She sighs and then eats the next bite. Watching her chew is painful, but after she swallows, she offers me a smile. “It’s getting easier.”

“To choke down.”

“It’s not too bad,” she protests.

“Here.” I take my fork and wait for her to nod before doing like she did, dipping my fork and stabbing some kale. I put it in my mouth and chew. Honestly, I want to gag and spit it out. I know there are some people out there who actually enjoy kale. I’m just not part of that number, and the more I chew, the more I want to spit out.

In fact, that’s what I do, picking up my napkin.

"Seriously?" She rolls her eyes. "I was taught that you never waste food." She furrows her brow. "Maybe teaching kids to always finish their plates isn't the best idea. I get not wanting food to be wasted, but if the portion is too big and they're full… Kids, hell, everyone for that matter, shouldn't eat until they're full. We should eat until we're satisfied."

“Portion sizes might be a better way to go instead of just trying to force down healthy food,” I say. “Maybe try whole grains or wheat instead of white carbs. Tiny stuff like that. Start small.”

“That might make it easier for me to stick with it,” she murmurs, “but you know what I think we should both do?”

“What’s that?” I put down my fork and pick up my knife, cutting the second half of my wrap in half, which isn’t the best of ideas because it makes a huge mess.

Before Dawn can voice her idea, I wave over our waitress and ask for a small plate. As soon as she gives it to me, I push the slightly more intact half of the wrap onto the plate and hand it to her.

I wait for her to try to take a bite, give up on picking it up, and fork some into her mouth.

“How’s that?” I ask with a grin.

“So good.” She sighs. “Why is it that all of the food that’s not good for you tastes so damn good?”

“Maybe it would be better to order what you want and ask for a box right away and put half away at the start and have that for lunch the next day,” I suggest.

“Yes, but still, if you get the Tour of Italy… I still need to order better options, but kale… I’ll finish this, but I might wait a bit before ordering more kale.”

I chuckle. “So, what’s your grand idea? What is it we should both do?”

“You keep talking about wanting to be stronger, right?”

I nod. “I’ve been meaning to check out the gym on campus.”

“It’s all right, I guess, but I think we should join a fitness center.”

I lift my eyebrows. Money’s not an issue, but the gym on campus is free.

And probably is filled with college-aged meatheads who are going to take one look at us and probably put Declan and his friends to shame.

“I love that idea,” I say. “You’re right. Talk is cheap.”

“I didn’t say that,” she protests.

“Actions matter. First thing tomorrow, we’ll go check out fitness centers and pick out the one for us. How does that sound?”

“Like a plan.” Dawn grins. “I’m so glad that we got matched up as roommates.”

“Me too.”

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