Page 73 of Rebound
“Tell him we don’t need his criticism,” Jules adds.
“Jules says we don’t need your criticism,” I record and send.
Drew replies right away. “Good thing I’m not criticizing Jules.”
“That’s because you’re scared of her.”
“Nice try. I know she’s with you so I’m not going to say anything.”
Jules holds out her donut for me and I take a bite, licking off the icing from my lips. I can’t remember why or when I stopped eating donuts. I eat healthy most of the time, but I prefer donuts over cookies when I’m going to indulge myself.
I’ve always been a big believer of eating what you want as long as you eat healthy and within your goals and limits. Even when I was playing and training every day, I never gave up dessert. Food is so important for your physical and mental health, for your soul. I’ve always hated the negativity tied to it and whenever interviewers asked me about my diet, I was very honest with my opinion.
As a millennial woman, I grew up believing size zero was the norm and nothing can be farther from the truth. Food is another thing that men have ruined for us.
As women, our bodies are not one size fits all and no one ever talks about the weight you gain during puberty, pregnancy, the bloating every fucking month because we’re literally bleeding.
“We should stop by that one bakery and pick up some cupcakes,” I say.
“The one that looks like a haunted Victorian house?” Jules asks.
“Yes! Are they still open? They had some of the best baked goods I’ve had in my life.”
My phone chimes again with another message from Drew. “What’re you two up to?”
“We’re going to see the witch.”
His reply is instant. “Lavinia.”
Jules and I burst into giggles because he sounds exactly as disappointed and appalled as we expect him to.
“He sounds like a Dad whose teenage daughter told him she’s intopunk rock.” Jules makes the devil horns with her hand and I can’t control my laughter.
Lavinia
I had a witch cleanse my aura today.
Roman
I hope you didn’t pay her.
Lavinia
She also told me you’ve been touched by the devil.
Roman
Interesting. Somehow, I thought the devil would be above non-consensual touching.
I grinup at my phone. I’m in bed, all tuckered out after Jules and my trip to see Selene, the witch, and then my parents’ house to pass out candy to kids. It’s been a tradition of ours since we were in college. Every Halloween, we drive to Salem.
Jules and I ate too much candy and too much pizza at my parents’ house. I’m going to be in a carb coma for weeks.
Lavinia
I ate a lot of pizza tonight. And a slice of lasagna. And candy.
Roman
