Page 56 of Last Witch Attempt
“Breadsticks,” Twila announced as she swept into the room with a huge basket that reeked of garlic.
“Those smell great.” Steve beamed at her, seemingly happy about having someone else to focus on. “I will say, the food in this place is amazing. I guess I know why you’ve put on those extra ten pounds, Landon.”
Next to me, Landon froze in mid-reach for the basket. “What?” he sputtered.
“It’s not a big thing.” Steve laughed. “Before you met Bay you spent half your time in the gym. I’m guessing you prefer spending your time with her—and this amazing food—now.”
Landon looked down at his middle and dropped his hand. “I haven’t gained ten pounds.” It wasn’t a question but he looked at me for an answer.
“Of course not,” was my automatic response.
He relaxed, if only marginally.
“Yes, because eating ten slices of bacon every morning couldn’t possibly make you gain weight,” Chief Terry said.
Landon’s glare could’ve shredded glass. “I don’t eat that much bacon.”
I snorted, then covered my mouth. “Sorry. Allergies.”
Landon’s glare grew more pronounced, which shouldn’t have been possible. “I’m not fat.”
“Of course you’re not,” Mom said as she appeared with a big platter of spaghetti. “You’re just my best customer.” She beamed at Landon.
I had to press my lips together to keep from laughing at Landon’s outraged expression.
“I work out,” Landon argued.
“When?” Chief Terry challenged. “And where? It’s not as if there’s a gym here. I’ve tried talking Winnie into turning the storage room into a gym. She says she needs that space for holiday decorations.”
“I work out,” Landon insisted. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“How did this become my fault?” I challenged. “I told you I wanted you to cut down on the bacon.”
“You said that was for my heart.” His tone was accusatory, and his hand went to his stomach to pinch. “I have abs,” he said, even though nobody cared. “They’re defined.”
“They are,” I agreed. I could have let it go. No, Ishouldhave let it go. “You used to have eight of them. Now you have four and a half.”
On my other side, Chief Terry hung his head. “Why did you have to go there?”
“He’s my husband. I have to tell him the truth.”
Landon whipped out his phone.
“What are you doing?” I asked him.
“I’m checking the rates for the gym downtown.”
“Ah, Witches and Weight Benches.” I smirked. “Are you going to buy a membership.”
“Go ahead and be a smart ass.” Landon shook his head. “They have a deal for couples.”
“Um … I don’t have a four-and-a-half pack.”
“We’re joining as a couple.” Landon was firm. “It will be a bonding exercise.”
I glared at my mother as she sat across from me. “This is your fault. If you would just cut down on the bacon?—”
“It’s not my fault you married a glutton,” Mom shot back.
