Page 66 of A Curvy Girl’s Hurricane Survival Guide

I look at myself in the mirror again. I do already have it on…

Sonny

Please?

I smile at the text. “What the hell, why not?”

I angle the phone at the image in the mirror and shift my pose, trying to find the most flattering one. Even still, I won’t include my face in the shot. It’s too embarrassing. I snap it quickly and send it before I can change my mind.

Sonny

You look good enough to eat. It’s even better than I pictured.

I look at the message, stunned. Is he being polite? Does the picture not show how it clings? How it pulls across my hips? Isn’t it obvious?

I default to my usual, self-deprecating humor.

Cai

Delicious like a stuffed sausage?

Sonny

????

Is it uncomfortable?

He really genuinely likes it!

Cai

No, it’s comfy, just a little snug on the booty.

Sonny

I noticed. It’s perfect

I’ll have to get used to being with someone who appreciates my body, instead of politely putting up with it. Have I ever dated someone who doesn’t recommend I eat right or exercise instead of giving compliments? Suggested I’d look better if I lost five or fifty pounds? Made comments like, “You have a pretty face, if only…?”

I look in the mirror again, trying to see myself through Sonny’s eyes. Why have I been with men who seem to dislike what they saw when they look at me? Not that I have to be for everyone, or that there shouldn’t be some standard of self-care, but I should’ve seen the men who tried to change me while merely tolerating my appearance as a super huge red flag. Another thing Sonny has opened my eyes to.

I smile mischievously. If what he likes is raw, unrestrained, uncensored Cai, I will deliver!

I grab my toiletry bag, understanding the assignment.

SONNY

It has been a long time since I watched the clock, eager for the day to end so I can execute the plan that has been running through my head all day.

Sure, I could have left whenever, but I don’t want anyone thinking I’m not committed to this launch, or, even worse, resenting Cai for this change, especially if she starts working with them.

As soon as appropriate, I bolt and grab the pickup truck I’ve rented. It has been prepared to my specifications; actually, better than I imagined. I am buzzing by the time I pull up to the house, patting myself on the back for not having spoiled the surprise out of excitement.

“Cai,” I call when I step inside. “Ready to go?”

Cai appears at the top of the stairs.

I literally forget how to breathe.