The Date (Single Wide Female in Love #1) by Lillianna Blake Page A

what’s in that?”  
    “Only the most nutritious experience of your life!”  
    I looked at the glass of green sludge that was placed on the counter in front of me. “Oh.”  
    “Drink up! The texture is a little hard to get past, but try to think about what it’s doing for your body and how it will transform you from the inside out!”  
    “Look, Kevin, I’m all about trying new things, but this is not going anywhere near my mouth.” I frowned and met his eyes. “I appreciate what you’re doing here, but if you’re going to ask a girl out you really shouldn’t be doing it to boost your personal training experience.”  
    “I just thought we could get fit together!” He was still quite enthusiastic.  
    “Right—except you already have zero percent body fat. So really I’d be the one getting fit.”  
    “Is something wrong with that?”  
    “Not at all. But I’m not interested in a man who wants to change me. Either you take me for who I am right in this moment—not who you think I might one day be—or you don’t.”  
    “But, Samantha, you have so much potential.”  
    “I know I do. I’m working on my health and I will continue to, but not for any man. For me. Kevin, I’m sure you’ll find someone who is interested in your version of dating, but it isn’t me.”  
    “I’m sorry to hear that. I thought you were ready for transformation.”  
    “What I’m ready for is a shower and an ice pack to sit on. I’m not forcing my transformation. I’m letting it happen naturally. It may take longer than your brand, but in the long run, I’m transforming my life, not just my body.”  
    “Fair enough.” Kevin sighed. “Is there any chance you’d want to do a short testimonial that I could put on my website?”  
    “Bye, Kevin.”  
    As I walked—or more accurately, waddled—out of the building, I was glad to leave Kevin behind. He might have had the body of a god, but his personality was more akin to a goldfish’s.  

    I opened the door to my apartment and let out a groan as I stepped in. My entire body was already throbbing with pain from the workout. All I could think about was getting into a hot bath. I stripped down and ran the water.
    As I rubbed at the muscles in my legs, I thought about my body. I could admire Kevin’s dedication to fitness and his flawless physique, but I didn’t really want that for myself. I liked the softness of my body and thought my curves were sensual. I wanted to be healthier, but I didn’t want to be skin and bone, or nothing but muscle.
    I eased my body into the hot water with a sigh of relief. Even though I hadn’t enjoyed the date that much, I had actually enjoyed the rock climbing. It was something I hadn’t thought I could accomplish, but I gave it a shot, and managed to do it.
    As I closed my eyes and relaxed, my mind filled with images of climbing mountains. In my fantasy, I was strong, I was healthy, and I was determined to get to the top. I was also not alone.
    When I reached the top, I turned and smiled at the person who was climbing right behind me. The person I smiled at just happened to be Blue—my faceless Blue, who I could recognize just by emotion and energy.
    All of the peace I’d summoned with my relaxing bath disappeared. My chest tightened with pain. I would never meet Blue. He would never be the one at my side as I accomplished my dreams. The thought brought tears to my eyes. It was nothing I ever believed would happen.
    I climbed out of the tub and dried off. With just my robe on, I walked over to my computer. I had every right to be mad, to never speak to him again, but I just couldn’t imagine the rest of my life without him. Maybe we would never be in love, but that didn’t mean that I didn’t miss his advice and support.
    I sat down and began typing out an e-mail.  

    Blue,  

    I read your e-mail. I know that you think we can be more, but I no longer think that’s a good idea. I want you to be part of my