Free Insatiable by Allison Hobbs Page B

front of Boathouse Row over there,” Kai said, pointing. “I’m sure you’ve seen the back view from the expressway—the rows of tiny houses that are always lit up as if it were Christmastime…”
    “Oh yeah.” LaVella brightened. “I used to call them Santa’s houses when I was a little girl.”
    Kai groaned inwardly; she couldn’t have cared less about LaVella’s silly childhood remembrances. However, seeing that LaVella was now a bit more relaxed, Kai cut the motor and spoke in a kind tone. “Do you mind if we sit here for a while and talk? We’ll get your food shortly.”
    “I’m not really that hungry and it’s getting late. My mom’s watching my kids and…” LaVella’s voice trailed off; her worried expression returned.
    “Hey, relax. I don’t intend to keep you out late, hon.” Kai flipped LaVella’s ponytail playfully. “I just want to help you. I used to have a weight problem also,” she lied.
    “For real?” LaVella’s eyes widened. “But you’re so thin.”
    “That wasn’t always the case. My parents spent a lot of money sending me to camps for fat adolescents.”
    “Are you rich?”
    “My parents are wealthy. I reap the trickle-down effect of their wealth.”
    LaVella looked appropriately impressed.
    “That’s why I chose to major in nutrition. My minor is addiction counseling for eating disorders. That’s also why I’d like to help you,” she went on. “I know you’re underprivileged and can’t afford the intense therapy that would be required to overcome the grip your food addiction has on you.”
    “I like to eat, but I’m not addicted; I mean…I can stop myself if I really tried…”
    “You’re grossly overweight,” Kai said crisply.
    “Wait a minute, I ain’t that bad.” LaVella giggled nervously.
    “Well, according to the charts I rely upon, a woman of your height and weight is, unfortunately, considered morbidly obese.”
    “Morbidly obese!” LaVella leaned forward, indignant.
    “I’m not saying that I personally believe you to be morbidly obese. I’m just telling you what the charts indicate and how you’re viewed by society.”
    LaVella fell silent and pressed her head against the leather headrest.
    “Ease up, girlfriend.” Yuck! Kai had never used that colloquial expression, and hoped she’d never have to again. However, she felt speaking in jargon was a necessary tool in forming an intimate relationship. Her therapist would be so proud. Ha! She reached over and caressed the back of LaVella’s neck.
    “By the time we’ve finished, you’re going to be flaunting your beautiful new body in a two-piece swimsuit.” Kai chuckled. When LaVella joined in the lighthearted laughter, Kai cut her off, her tone turned serious. “You have to be honest with me. We’re going to be together a great deal during the next three months. We’ll be best friends—closer than best friends. We’re going to know each other intimately.” Kai stroked LaVella’s cheek. LaVella tensed, looked away.
    “I’m going to expect you to keep a journal of every morsel that passes your lips. I think I’ll start you at fifteen-hundred calories a day and a structured exercise routine, an hour a day, five times a week. But tonight, the sky is the limit!”
    “You said something about us knowing each other intimately—what did you mean?”
    “You know…” Kai looked off in thought, then turned back to LaVella. “I want to be really close to you during this time of change…metamorphosis. But the wonderful future I envision for you won’t come to pass if you’re hesitant to share everything with me.”
    “I wouldn’t lie about what I eat ’cause I know the scale is gonna tell the truth.” LaVella chuckled nervously and fidgeted in the passenger seat.
    “That’s true. But in order to effectively treat your disorder, I’ll need to know intimate details about you—your thoughts—your behavior.” Kai noticed LaVella flinch when she heard the word disorder .