Dangerous Curves 148

“Tom, do you notice a big influx of people at the gym after the holidays?” Asked Brent.

“Yeah for sure, January and February are my busiest months by far.” I said.

“Funny how people do that.” Said Alan who sat at the head of the table.

“Most new year's resolutions fail, and a lot don’t last through March.” I explained.

“I know, mine last year was for the end of the year to be built like Tom.” Said Torian (who was clearly sporting a bit of a beer belly) while his wife Kristen gave him a slightly embarrassed eye roll.

“Tom looks like a model.” Said Abby with a friendly giggle. “If working out could make you look like that, a lot more people would do it.”

“Guys, stop embarrassing my boyfriend!” Stephanie said with an arrogant smile.

“Stephanie, what’s your new year's resolution?” Kristen asked somewhat tauntingly.

“I guess it doesn’t matter, sounds like they’re all bound to fail anyway.” Stephanie answered dryly before shoveling more food between her lips.

“Tom is probably going to whip you into shape.” Kristen said in an authoritative tone as she looked directly at her sister and the pillowy girth she had developed in her upper arms and breasts, both of which were more than evident even through her white cashmere sweater which was surely fitting much more snugly than it was supposed to. Nobody could fill out a sweater the way Stephanie could.

“Yeah Steph you look like you’ve really been, enjoying the holidays.” Said Abby from across the table who seemed to be feeding off Kristen’s remarks. It appeared to me that both women were a little envious that Stephanie was younger and prettier than them, even after she had gained a considerable amount of weight.

“I was doing the Keto diet for a while.” Said Brent.

“Stephanie’s idea of a balanced diet is a cupcake in each hand.” Kristen said in a deadpan tone that got everybody laughing except for Stephanie and I.

“Oh she couldn’t be anymore beautiful then she is now.” I said as I put my hand on Steph’s thigh, trying my best to defuse whatever it was that they were trying to accomplish.

“Oh please we can give her a hard time, she’s always been the pretty one and she knows it.” Kristen said as Stephanie finally finished eating and put her fork down.

“That’s the best part of having Tom around is I can indulge at Christmas and the world’s hottest trainer is ready with a free session anytime I want, so pass the potatoes please.” Said Stephanie with a confident look on her face.

- Dangerous Curves