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Chapter One

Candy

I look around at the crowded art gallery and sigh Before I can even attempt to say what’s on my mind, Alex interrupts me

“Oh, coabout theand enjoy it”

I nod, though I can’t say that , and I can’t help it We’ve got a lecture early on with the kind of professor who locks the door at the exact starting time of the class – and then refuses to let you pass if youti party

Alex isthe sa on the wrong side of Professor Clarke She insisted on dragging allery, and I don’t really knohy I agreed to it – except that maybe I must have been sleep deprived when she asked me

“Oh, look,” Alex says, pointing ahead at a lewd painting that depicts a nude fe… very X-rated “Tits”

I shake noringto pull my hand free

Alex laughs “What’s juvenile about adult content?” she asks “You’re only saying that because you’re so prudish”

“I a my cheeks heat There’s not a lot I can say to her, truth be told: if she needs proof that I’m not a prude, I don’t have in, and I’ve never even had so uess I’ve spent a lot of etting out there to date

But the way I look probably has solance around the other women here, and I know I stand out Most of theht or barely-there dresses that show the lean lines of their bodies Their long, shapely legs lead to flat stomachs and pert chests, more like models than art buyers Actually, I realize, most of them probably are models, come here to meet artists

And then there’sand curvy from head to toe, currently wrapped in a white dress that covershouse toto focus on the art instead of co myself It’s not that I hate my body, but when I’m around women like this, I definitely feel… inadequate

“Why don’t you get so towards a small table that’s been set up with refreshments for the party I’m sure she didn’t mean it in a bad way, but fro, it just sends me deeper into a spiral

“No, I’ ht without food and lose a little weight along the way “I’ll keep looking at the art with you”

“Alright,” Alex says, then winks “But I’o check out the food anyway”

I stifle a groan I should have knoas looking too o for the snacks first so she wouldn’t feel bad about stuffing her face too I’ht

We et there, an older wo around to estureher with an exuberant friendliness The woure, so I trail away on ht where I vowed only moments before that I wouldn’t be

Oh well, I think, reaching for a cocktail stick stacked with different types of cheese, olives, and some kind of artisan ham There are worse places to find yourself on a weekday evening At least the food is free

I people-watch as I graze the refreshAcross the rooaze falling on hiure, even from behind – he reminds me of a fitnesshis shoulders and biceps, s from his hips in such a way that you can’t help but notice how s are, too