Free Woman of Substance by Annette Bower Page B

tried to understand the influences a negative body image had on a woman’s life.
    Her attention was yanked back into the present when she heard Jake mention “appetite suppressant.”
    “. . . The Bushmen ate the pulp of succulent Hoodia Gordonii for thousands of years during long hunting trips because it controlled their need for water and food. This plant is part of their ancient knowledge and is now under clinical development by a licensed drug company to find a cure for obesity. The San need assistance to protect the plants’ environment and their own lifestyle.”
    Robbie knew about suppressants. Her group had confirmed her research about experiencing rapid heartbeats, mood swings, and expense. Maybe there was a new medical bullet on the horizon. But what did the suppressant do for the crunch of food, the brilliance of a plate of green vegetables and red strawberries, or the social activity of eating? Didn’t anyone else see the irony in an appetite suppressant after a wonder meal?
    Jake spoke about the changes brought to the community by those from outside, with examples of permanent housing and individual wages earned for individual work. He speculated for a moment about how changes seemed to move from the outside toward the inside of a community. He knew that every time he visited with another culture he left something behind and brought something forward to his own life.
    Even Brad’s attention was held. Usually a few minutes into a presentation he was nudging her to call attention back to himself. Though Sam was the love of Brad’s life, Brad felt he couldn’t share that fact with the business world yet. But if Brad continued on the fast track, it wouldn’t be long before Mr. Lawson would find him indispensable and Brad and Sam could attend these functions together.
    The serving staff unobtrusively slipped between the tables with refills of coffee, tea, and ice water.
    For now, Robbie felt safe in stealing a long look at Jake’s full, open face. His broad smile, his white teeth, his deep brown eyes seemed to look directly at her. The room was decorated for the season where gifts were given and received.
    “You okay?” Brad’s arm cushioned her back from the chair.
    She leaned into him with a wispy smile on her lips.
    “Close your mouth. You’re drooling.” Brad’s breath tickled her ear.
    “But he’s handsome and a Ph.D. and I’m swooning and wishing that the universe will look after my love life for a few minutes. Indulge me.”
    He leaned closer, then kissed her cheek. “Consider yourself indulged.”
    “Thanks. I’m done now. I have a big life ahead of me after I get my degree. I’m not looking for love in all the wrong places.” She was a student and Jake was a faculty member and never the twain shall meet. She leaned her head on Brad’s shoulder before she filled her mind with more clichés, then watched the end of the formalities as Jake accepted his small token of appreciation with practiced grace.
    As the overhead lights brightened, people stood, stretched, and chatted. Robbie saw the Master of Ceremony lead Jake and Jean Clifton straight to Brad and Robbie’s table.
    Brad’s boss, Mr. Lawson, pumped Jake’s hand heartily and turned his attention to Brad. “This is the man who should be working with you, Dr. Proctor. If anyone can set up your cause in a wide network, it’s Brad Mason.”
    “Glad to meet you, Mr. Mason.” Jake stretched his hand to Brad.
    Robbie watched as the two men seemed to reach an understanding during the firm handshake. “I’d like to have the opportunity to draft some ideas and discuss them with you, Dr. Proctor.”
    “Sounds good.” Brad turned to Robbie. “I’d like to introduce Robbie Smith.”
    Jake nodded and extended his hand. “It’s nice to see you again.”
    Robbie smiled and felt her hand secured in his. He remembered her. She sobered when the white-clad Clifton moved toward her.
    Robbie stepped back. “I’ve learned my lesson. I