Nothing Tastes As Good Page 3
As they waited for their food to arrive, conversation turned more personal.
“What was it you did for a living again?” Kyle asked.
“I’m a dental hygienist.” She’d told him that before. Well, she was pretty sure she had. Wasn’t he listening?
“Oh, right. Weird.”
“Why is it weird?”
“Oh, it’s not. I mean it’s a weird coincidence. The woman I told you about, the one who likes the same drink you do, she’s a dental hygienist too.”
“Uh huh.”
“Is there something wrong with your food?”
“What do you mean?” Kate glanced down at her plate. Everything seemed fine.
“It’s just that you’re picking at your food. You should have said something and I’d have made them fix it.”
She’d left the tortillas alone and eaten the filling. “Oh, it’s nothing. Just that tortilla’s have a lot of calories. A girl’s gotta watch her figure, you know.” She gave a light laugh, but it was forced.
“I like a woman who enjoys her food.” He grimaced. “Sorry, that came out kind of rude, didn’t it? You’re right. It’s hard to maintain a slender figure.” He grinned. “That’s why I gave up and decided to enjoy life.”
Kate took a sip of water, swallowing back an angry retort. How dare he judge her? Didn’t he know how hard it was to stay thin? Heck, it had taken magic to get her here. This date was not turning out quite like she’d imagined.
“What do you do for fun and excitement?” she asked. Hopefully a change of subject would get them back on track.
Kyle shrugged, “Nothing much. I like scifi movies, as you know. Old black and white ones. I like to travel and try new foods. The usual stuff. You? I read in your profile you like to skydive, hike, and paraglide. Sounds kind of tiring.”
How on earth did she admit she’d actually done none of those things? “Well, I do have calmer hobbies. For instance, I make my own Castile soap. You know, with olive oil. I like to add different herbs and essential oils to make different scents. I usually just give them away as presents, but sometimes I sell a few online. I don’t make much, but it’s enough to buy a bottle of wine now and then.”
“That is really strange.”
She frowned. “What is?”
“That woman I was telling you about? She has the exact same hobby.”
That was it. She’d had enough. “Why do you keep bringing this woman up? If you’re so enamored of her, why aren’t you on a date with her instead of me?”
“Because she isn’t interested. I don’t blame her. She’s totally out of my league.” There was sadness in his expression which only made Kate angrier.
“So, what, I’m second best? How dare you ask me out when you’re obviously hung up on someone else.” It wasn’t fair, and she knew. She’d been the one who’d run out on him. She’d been the one who had deleted her profile so he had no way to contact her. She’d been the one to pretend to be someone she wasn’t just to impress him. And it obviously wasn’t working.
“If you’ll recall, you’re the one who pretty much badgered me to ask you out. And you know what,” Kyle stood up throwing his napkin onto the table, “you’re right. I shouldn’t be out with you.” He threw some bills on the table alongside the napkin. “I’m sorry. You seem like a nice person and I thought we had some things in common, but…” He shook his head. “Good luck, Kaitlyn. You’ll find the right person for you, but it isn’t me. I should be finding Kate and convincing her that we could be good together.” And with that he strode from the table.
Kate sat there staring at his retreating form in shock. ”Wait! Kyle, I’m…”
But it was too late. He was gone.
* * *
“Branwen! Branwen!”
Branwen awoke to a pounding on her door which matched the pounding in her head. Tiffany had thrown another magnificent party which had resulted in an overindulgence of Irish car bomb cupcakes. Tiffany had sworn the alcohol got baked out of the cupcake. She hadn’t mentioned that the frosting was pretty much loaded.
“I’m coming. Geez.” Branwen staggered to the door and fumbled with the locks. “Kate. What are you doing here?”
“I need your help.”
Branwen stared at the slender girl, at her red rimmed eyes and the streaks of mascara running down her cheeks. No matter her size, Kate was obviously not a pretty crier. “Come in. I’ll put the coffee on. You might want to wash your face.” Branwen waved in the general direction of the bathroom.
A few minutes later they were seated at the kitchen table with steaming cups of coffee. Kate looked marginally more human. Branwen felt marginally more human. Or more goddess. Whatever. Though she was swearing off cupcakes for at least the next twenty-four hours.
“Now, tell me what’s wrong.”
“I’m confused.” More tears streaked down Kate’s gaunt face.
Oh, boy. Branwen loved this part. “What are you confused about?”
“I thought being thin would make everything perfect.”
“Didn’t it?”
Kate shook her head, her dark hair spilling over her shoulders. “Oh, no. Shopping is just as big a nightmare at size 2 as it was at size 16.”
Branwen snorted. “I coulda told you that.”
“What?”
“Nothing. Go on.” She gave an airy wave.
“Um, all these guys that used to ignore me or make fun of me suddenly think I’m hot. They all want to…to…well, you know.”
Branwen repressed a laugh. “Yeah, I get the picture. What’s the problem?”
“It pisses me off!” There was so much anger in Kate’s voice it took Branwen aback for a moment.
“I see.”
“Do you? Really? I mean these guys mocked me. They treated me like I was less than human all because I weighed a few extra pounds more than they thought I should. And now, just because I’m thin, they suddenly like me. I’m the same person!” Kate slammed her fist down on the table, sloshing coffee over the rim of her mug. “Oh, sorry,” she said, mopping it up with her napkin.
“Don’t even worry about it.” Branwen patted her hand. She had a lot of sympathy for this girl. She knew what it was like for the world to think you were beautiful. She also knew what it was like when they didn’t. Unfortunately Kate had gotten a lot more of the latter than the former. Which kind of sucked.
“And you know what’s worst of all? I went on a date with this guy I totally like and all he could talk about was me.”
Branwen frowned. “Isn’t that a good thing?”
“No, I mean the fat me.”
“Now I’m confused. This is Kyle we’re talking about, right?”
“Yes.” Kate blew her nose into her napkin.
“So, you went on a date with him in your current form.”
Kate nodded. “Yes. I was sure he’d like me once he saw me skinny, but it was like he remembered me. The me from before. And I think…”her eyes widened in shock. “I think he liked the old me better.”
This time Branwen couldn’t help the wide grin that crossed her face. “Of course he did. You think every man wants a skinny girl? Don’t be daft. Kyle happens to like a girl with a little meat on her bones. Ain’t nothing wrong with that.” She got up and rummaged in the cupboard for some cupcakes. Maybe she could eat just one.
“But our first date was horrible.”
“Was it?” Branwen placed a plate of vanilla-and-cherry cupcakes in front of Kate. “Here have a cupcake. Why was it so bad? Was it because he was a mean, nasty ogre who didn’t like you? Or was it because you let your lack of self-confidence get the better of you, and ran away before you gave him a chance?”
“Well, then, he obviously only likes me for my size,” Kate said stubbornly.
Branwen rolled her eyes. “Now you are being an idiot. He was perfectly willing to give it a chance and you two were having a great time when you were being yourself. But you thought that wasn’t good enough and you had to pretend t
o be something you weren’t. Sky diving? Really?”
Kate flushed with embarrassment. “It sounded more exciting.”
“Kyle liked who you were as well as what you looked like. What made you think he wanted some balls-to-the-wall action girl? You didn’t give him a chance the first time, and you gave him less of one the second.”
A slight flush stained Kate’s cheeks. “He’s so cute and funny and smart. I just couldn’t believe he would want someone like me.”
“Why wouldn’t he? You’re smart. And funny. And you both like cheesy scifi movies and travelling and food. That’s a start.”
“Yeah, but…”
“But nothing. Look in the mirror.” Branwen whipped a mirror out of thin air (one of her little party tricks) and handed it to Kate. “Look good and hard. What do you see?”
Kate frowned. “Fat Kate.”
Branwen snorted. There was something seriously screwed up with this civilization that a gorgeous woman could only see herself as fat. “Look harder.”
“Um, I have nice eyes.”
“Nice?” Branwen raised an eyebrow.
“Okay, they’re really pretty. They’re my favorite feature,” Kate admitted.
“What else?”
Kate frowned as she stared at herself, her real self, in the mirror. “I have really nice skin. I never noticed that before.”
“I think they call that alabaster.”
Kate gave her a wobbly smile. “I always thought I was pasty, but I guess you’re right.”
“Of course I am. What else?”
“My lips are pretty nice, I guess. They’re, um…”
“Kissable.”
Kate blushed a good, fiery red. “Yeah, I guess some people might think that.”
“This is just between you and me, but Kyle certainly thinks that.” Branwen winked at the girl causing another round of blushing. Oh, she did enjoy these little life lessons. “Now what else do you see.”
Kate held the little silver mirror a bit further away, eyeing her reflection. “I’m quite pretty, aren’t I?” The tone of astonishment in her voice made Branwen shake her head.
“Of course you are, you idiot. Beauty has zilch to do with the size of your body. All women are gorgeous, each in her own way, whether a size 2 or a size 22. Hollywood and fashion designers can say what they like, but beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, ages, and races. What do you think creates beauty in the first place?”
A little smile teased the corner of Kate’s mouth. “What’s inside you.”
“Indeed.” The girl was finally catching on. “And you, my girl, are drop dead gorgeous. Now get the hell out there and show the world what you’re made of.”
“Yes, ma’am.” This time Kate’s smile was wide enough to blind the sun.
* * *
Kate threw back her curtains, letting the morning sun flood her home. She smiled, reveling in the glory of the day, in the glory of being herself.
In usual Branwen style, it was as though the last few weeks had never happened. Which meant Tiffany didn’t remember Skinny Kate and neither did anyone else. In fact, it meant the second date with Kyle never happened either.
She’d taken all her skinny clothes to Goodwill and gone shopping again, this time with a positive attitude in tow. She’d been shocked to find there was a local plus-size lingerie shop stuffed to the brim with gorgeous under things. She’d come home with bags of the stuff.
The sales girls at the various clothing stores had been surprisingly helpful, putting together cute outfits for her to try on. Kate had been surprised to find out that with a few little tricks up her sleeve, she could get things to fit the way she wanted them to. Gone were the days of all black tops and shapeless gray dresses. In were cobalt-blue wrap dresses, tops in bright colors, and sassy boots over skinny jeans Who knew she could pull off skinny jeans!
Kate was feeling, in a word, fantastic. For the first time ever she not only accepted her size 16 self, she was loving it.
Her cell phone gave a little trill. It was Tiffany. “Hey, girl.”
“Hey, yourself. You’re sounding awfully cheerful this morning.”
“I’m feeling awfully cheerful. What’s up?”
“Well, I’m having a party this weekend. I know you don’t like to come to my parties, but I thought I’d invite you anyway.”
“Sounds fun.”
There was a pause. “What?”
“I said, it sounds fun,” Kate said. “When?”
“Saturday. Nine o’clock.” Tiffany’s tone was absolutely stunned.
“Great. I’ll be there. You want me to bring anything?”
“Maybe some little bowls of nibbles.”
“Sure thing. See you then.” Kate practically giggled as she hung up. She’d never, ever said yes to one of Tiffany’s parties. She’d bet anything her best friend was in complete shock right about now. “I guess I need to go shopping.”
* * *
Kate eyeballed a set of ramekins. Four dollars for a set of four wasn’t bad and they’d be great for serving nibbles at Tiffany’s party. Should she get one set or two?
“You can never have too many ramekins.”
The voice startled Kate out of her thoughts and she whirled to face the speaker. Dark hair just slightly curly. Eyes the color of emeralds. Oh, lord.
She finally found her voice. “You make a lot of soufflés or something?” she teased.
A smile curved his lips. His so very kissable lips. “Or something. I’ve been a chef for the last ten years.”
“Oh. I guess you would have used a ramekin or two then.” Kate’s smile widened.
“Yeah. I guess I would have.”
For what seemed like ages and yet no time at all they just stared at each other. Finally Kate couldn’t stand another minute. “Hi, Kyle.”
“Hi, Kate. I was afraid I’d never see you again.”
She swallowed, old fears rising to the surface. She shoved them down. She was the new Kate. The new curvy, gorgeous, fabulous size 16 Kate. The confident, smart, and maybe even a little bit funny Kate who liked cheesy scifi movies, travelling to foreign countries, and food.
“I’m sorry about the other night. I just…I got really nervous. See, I like you a lot and I just kind of freaked out a little. It’s been awhile since I dated and…”
“I like you, too.”
“What?” She stared at him, a little dazed.
“I said, I like you, too.”
“Oh.” She gave him a goofy smile. “That’s good.”
His grin widened and he flashed cute little dimples. “Yeah, it is. How about you buy those ramekins you’ve been fondling and you and I go get some coffee.”
“Okay.” Kate hugged the ramekins to her chest. “But on one condition.”
“What’s that?” Kyle asked.
“We get some cupcakes to go with that coffee.”
He laughed all the way to the checkout counter.
***
The End
About the Author
Shéa MacLeod writes urban fantasy post-apocalyptic sci-fi paranormal romances with a twist of steampunk. Mostly because she can’t make up her mind which genre she likes best.
After living in Portland, Oregon most of her life, she now makes her home in an Edwardian town house in London just a stone’s throw from the local cemetery. Which probably explains a lot. Fortunately, the neighbors are quiet.
In addition to Cupcake Goddess, Shéa is the author of the first three books in the ongoing Sunwalker Saga, and two books in the Dragon Wars series.
Other Books by Shéa MacLeod
The Sunwalker Saga
Kissed by Darkness
Kissed by Fire
Kissed by Smoke
Dragon Wars
Dragon Warrior
Dragon Lord
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Also by Shéa MacLeod
Cupcake Goddess
Be Careful What You Wish For
Nothing Tastes As Good
Soulfully Sweet
A Stitch In Time (A Cupcake Goddess Novelette)
Dragon Wars
Dragon Warrior
Dragon Lord
Dragon Goddess
Green Witch
Dragon Corps
Dragon Mage
Dragon's Angel
Dragon Wars Boxed Sets
Dragon Wars - Three Complete Novels Boxed Set
Dragon Wars 2: Three Complete Novels Boxed Set
Lady Rample Mysteries
Lady Rample Steps Out
Lady Rample Spies A Clue
Lady Rample and the Silver Screen
Lady Rample Sits In
Lady Rample and the Ghost of Christmas Past
Lady Rample and Cupid's Kiss
Lady Rample and the Mysterious Mr. Singh
Lady Rample Box Set One
Notting Hill Diaries
To Kiss A Prince
Kissing Frogs
Kiss Me, Chloe
Kiss Me, Stupid
Kissing Mr. Darcy
Omicron ZX
A Rage of Angels
Omicron ZX - Prequel
Omicron Zed-X
Sunwalker Saga
Kissed by Blood
Kissed by Moonlight
Kissed by Ice
Kissed by Eternity
Kissed by Destiny
Sunwalker Saga: Soulshifter Trilogy
Haunted
Soulshifter
Fearless
Sunwalker Saga: Witchblood
Spellwalker
Deathwalker
Mistwalker
Dreamwalker
Viola Roberts Cozy Mysteries
The Corpse in the Cabana