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MORE, MORE, MORE!
By Sammie Jo Moresca, Leigh Ellwood, Victoria Blisse and Meg Winston
ISBN 978-1-60659-057-7
Featuring Sammie Jo Moresca's erotic romantic comedy, DIET ANOTHER DAY.
How do you like it? Some men like it super-sized, and readers will love this print collection of big, beautiful heroines who prove love has no size limit!
Fontainebleau Resort and Spa, Miami Beach, Florida
"Remember, this is a team effort. Your roommate will be your lifeline when the chocolate calls. Don't let her fail you. The team that loses the most on the Body Mass Index at the end of the month will be awarded the spokesperson's contract worth upwards of forty thousand dollars," said the trim boot camp diva of ceremonies with legs of steel. She had her audience riveted.
Crystal couldn't have cared less about becoming an infomercial diva. She wanted a new life. As she looked around at controlled applause in the sea of pink skirt suits in subtle shades from cloud to fuchsia, she finger-combed her long, mousy brown hair and squirmed, tugging on her size 1X stretch jeans, to make her thighs and crotch comfortable. Giving up, she flicked a tiny dandruff flake off her black ribbed tank top and tucked her errant white bra strap back underneath.
One other soul stood out. Seated in the rigid conference chair next to her was her Scottish e-pal Rosaleen Dalrymple, who'd talked her into this retreat. Bespectacled, frizzy redheaded Rosaleen wore an ankle length, blue plaid jumper, dingy grey tee shirt with armpit stains, and plastic flip flops. Crystal shook her head. Had she any idea how Roslaeen dressed, perhaps she would have treated her to a new outfit or two.
"As you'll see on page forty-one, along with a strict ten carbohydrates per day diet, the exercise component is straightforward. Activity, ladies. The best and safest way for you Sofa Sherries to begin is walking. The valet will not release your Mercedes until after graduation. Cabs will not carry you, the busses will not shuttle. Don't even think of renting one of those cute little motorized scooters you see models zipping around on. Use your large muscles, ladies. Build endurance. Increase your aerobic capacity."
The women applauded again.
Crystal was on board. Yes. I can walk. Yes, if my meals are prepared, I can adjust to a restricted carbohydrate diet. All of the support will be fun. Just like college. Or what my impression of college is like from books. A wave of shame tried to overtake Crystal. Everybody here probably has at least a bachelor's degree. And a fabulous career.
"You will be assigned a canteen. Keep it filled and with you at all times. Optimum water intake is twelve eight-ounce servings per day. Strive to hit that target exactly. No more, no less. And subsequently, ladies, you need to feel free to pee. With two hundred women on the same schedule, the designated restrooms at this conference center will prove inadequate. Do not waste time in line. Guard the door of the men's room and take turns. A body waiting in line for a toilet is not a body in motion burning fat. If you stand in line for five minutes every time nature calls this month, you will be two pounds heavier. It's not worth it, ladies."
Uproarious laughter and nods filled the room.
No wonder I'm fat. Wow. I had no idea. Yes, absolutely I'll use the men's room. All right then, two pounds guaranteed weight loss. Check.
"Turn to page forty-eight. Tomorrow's itinerary: Breakfast in the Palm ballroom from five-fifteen to five thirty-five. Feel free to mingle and meet the other ladies. Most of you are sales consultants with the Patty Unger Cosmetics Company. Enjoy chatting with your counterparts from other states and territories. After breakfast, you all have a rigid list of activities to achieve before lunch at high noon, back in the Palm ballroom. You and your roommate are responsible for each other's successful completion. Don't be a weak link."
The ladies applauded yet again. Crystal turned to Rosaleen. The friends smiled and nodded in unison.
Crystal skimmed the activities. This sounded fun. A sunrise stretching period on the beach. Power walking in the saltwater pool. A four-minute restroom break. Thirty-six minutes on the cardio machines. Sweat a few pounds off in the sauna. Power Pilates. Thirty minutes to shower and dress for lunch.
"Our afternoons are for spiritual growth. We will meet for a prayer session on the beach, in front of the first lifeguard stand to the left of the steps. We will rotate through the world's great religions. Deeply contemplate the messages. Open your heart to your maker. Accept Him in different forms through the hearts of your peers."
Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever. At least we'll get to relax.
"At one PM, you will break off into groups for barefoot beach walking. Please arrive in a suitable bathing suit with ample sunscreen, SPF 50 or higher, sunglasses, and sun bonnets. Each group will receive a unique novel to read while walking. Yes, ladies. We will learn to integrate exercise seamlessly into our lives. You can, and will, walk and read a book. Be prepared for a pop quiz at breakfast each morning, on the previous day's book."
Is she kidding? I'm supposed to read and walk and finish the book in one day? And not collapse of heat exhaustion? Miami in July. What was I thinking, signing on for this? Crystal turned to Rosaleen, who had an alarmed expression on her blotchy face.
The boot camp commander continued, "For our first week's reward, we have arranged to have a mixer with the Homeland Security First Responders Conference. Cocktail dresses are required. Don't forget hose, a minimum three-inch heel, and full make up."
Cocktail dress? Sausage casings and lip balm? Great. Homeland Security First Responders? Oh, don't they sound like a fun bunch? Crystal envisioned a group of fat, balding fifty-somethings so uptight they dance you suspiciously through metal detectors.
"All right, ladies. Retrieve your luggage from the holding area. Please form a line, two across with your roommate. Heads up, breasts high. Walk proudly through the hotel and out into the night to our dormitories at the Jesuit school."
Dormitories? Jesuit school? "Rosaleen, what's she talking about? I thought we were booked here at the hotel."
"Only for the meetings, meals, and spa services. We are rooming in the dorms to keep us away from temptation."
"In other words, they want to keep us from ordering room service."
"Exactly."
©2007, 2008 Sammie Jo Moresca
For Adults Only! Complete novella contains graphic love scenes.
Great Excerpt. Over my lifetime, I've probably lost over 200 pounds...and gained 300! LOL I am the diet queen. I can't wait to read the rest of the story.
Thanks for the giggle, Cyndi. I think most women (and some men) can relate to your experience.
I so understand. Sometimes it seems too complicated to lose weight or workout. Whatever your're doing is always the wrong thing, according to people around you.
Exactly what Mary said. Everyone seems to be a nutritional and fitness expert and no matter what you are doing, you are always doing it wrong in their eyes.
The low carb diet was the only thing that worked for me for five years. Of course I'd go right back to my bad eating habits and gain some of it back.
I finally decided to eat as many fruits and vegetables as I wanted, plus modest portions of protein and dairy. After a couple of weeks of this, my clothes fit comfortably again, so now I'm just trying to maintain and gradually work in some good exercise.
I remember in nursing school,(having spent my entire life pleasantly plump and dieting always), that my nutrition instructor told us the secret to losing weight.
Less calories. You can eat l,000 calories a day. One banana split or three conservative meals, it's all about calories. Of course banana splits are not nutritious, but you get the idea. If you eat less calories than you need, your body starts to use your fat reserve. Now I am glad I never tried one of those diet camps.
Nurses give logical advice, Mary. Pleasantly plump is happier than dieting and grumpy, I say.
When I was in the hospital after the birth of my daughter, my nurse told me many times we mistake hunger for thirst. If we'd just drink water first, we might be thinner.
Love that one about the water. Never worked for me. Like trying to fool a chocolate craving by eating an apple. My body only needed a little chocolate but after I used several "healthy" snacks to fool the chocolate urge, my body wanted way more chocolate!
Thanks. As a plus size babe, I love to read anything that reflects luscious women in a positive manner.
Mary,
I hear you about the chocolate craving not being squelched by healthy snacks.
I've been reading that really all we need to do is TASTE our craving. Four bites, while savoring it. Instead of gobbling a huge portion.
Hi Pamela!
I love writing stories about REAL heroines, many of whom are big girls. There are plenty of hunky heros who love them just the way they are :)
My heroine in Type Dirty to Me is also a Big Beautiful Woman, and boy does she have a hunk chasing her...