Applause surrounded me as I lowered the photograph. Off to the side of the room I noticed Cateline speaking to another woman. A jolt of apprehension rushed through me as I remembered that Isabella was at the session. I didn’t know if the other woman was her, but if it was, had she been offended by my picture?
I handed the photograph to Max and returned to the podium to complete the session. After I answered what felt like hundreds of questions, Cateline took over the podium to close out the evening.
I was a little winded from the event. I didn’t realize how much effort it took to speak for a long period of time.
I signed a few autographs for people who hadn’t been at the earlier reading. When another book was held out to me to sign, I looked up at the woman holding it. It was the same woman I’d noticed Cateline speaking to earlier.
Cateline came from behind to stand beside me. “Samantha, this is Isabella, the owner of the bookstore in Italy which will be the next stop on the tour.”
Chapter 30
Isabella had the type of body that made me think of a statue in a museum. It was strong, regal, and rather intimidating. Her features were just as strong, with high cheekbones, wide dark eyes, and flowing thick brown hair. When she looked at me there was a hint of displeasure in her expression as if she needed to be convinced that I deserved to exist.
“Isabella, it’s nice to meet you.”
“Thank you.” She swept her eyes up and down my body and then nodded. “You look well.”
“Thank you.” I cleared my throat and tried not to show my discomfort with being scrutinized.
“You do know that in Italy we can’t have you strutting around without your clothes on, hm?” She arched an eyebrow. “It isn’t France, after all.”
“Oh sure, of course. No, I’ll be sure not to be naked ever. I mean, in public. Not that I was naked here, I was just topless. But I won’t be topless in Italy at all. Anywhere.”
She stared hard at me. Then her entire body began to shake. I thought I must have said something to upset her and braced myself for the consequences. Instead, she burst out laughing.
“I’m so sorry, I was just teasing you. I think the portrait is beautiful. I just know that you’ll have a wonderful time in Italy. I’m looking forward to showing you a few of my favorite places—you and your charming husband.” She looked past me and winked at Max.
I glanced over my shoulder at Max, who stood like a deer in headlights. I tried not to grin at his flustered expression. Yes, Isabella was one powerful force, and I was quite curious about what would happen in Italy.
“We would enjoy that, Isabella, thank you for the offer.”
“Shall we have a coffee and chat? It’s about time to close up,” said Cateline.
“That sounds great.” I handed the book back to Isabella.
“There’s a cafe around the corner. You three go ahead and I’ll meet you there once everything is locked up.”
“Alright.” I nodded.
Isabella smiled. Something about the way she looked at me still left me unsettled. I wasn’t sure if it was because her gaze was so intense, or because she saw something she didn’t like.
We walked around the corner to the cafe. Once we were settled at a table we placed our orders. Isabella focused right on me.
“You did a fine job with the question and answer session. You may find that we do things a little differently in Italy. But I think you’re going to enjoy it.”
“Differently how?”
“I’ll tell you when you arrive.” She smiled.
Cateline arrived before I could question Isabella further.
“I’ll have a coffee, black, two sugars.” She sat down between Isabella and me.
“I hate to see you go, Samantha, but I know that Isabella will show you a great time.”
I smiled. I was a little concerned about what that might mean.
“I have to say, Samantha, that as I read your book I felt it was a reflection of my own experiences. It was rather surprising. I kind of expected you to look just like me,” said Isabella.
I raised an eyebrow. I couldn’t quite understand how such a flawless woman expected me to look like her. Without knowing what to say, I only nodded.
“I’ve been so tall and so much broader than other women all of my life that I find it hard to be confident. But you, you’re delicate and beautiful. I don’t see how you had such a difficult time. Things must be very different in America.”
Delicate? Beautiful? My eyes widened. Could she really be talking about me? “Isabella, you are gorgeous—I don’t see how you could find any imperfection in the way you look.”
“Oh, thank you. You’re very kind.” She waved her hand dismissively.
“No, I mean it.”
“Isn’t that funny?” Isabella sipped her coffee. “We see each other so differently than we see ourselves.”
“It is.”
“I find that I spend more time avoiding my reflection than actually looking at it.” Cateline shook her head. “I can’t remember the last time I was satisfied looking in the mirror. That’s why your book is so powerful, Samantha. You make it clear that no matter what a woman’s personal health goal is, they’re beautiful from start to finish. If only I could find a way to get that to stick in my brain.”
“It’s not an easy journey.”
All three of us looked over at Max, his statement surprising even me a bit.
Max seemed to shift in his chair at the scrutiny. “I mean, I’ve seen what Sammy has gone through. I think the strangest thing is that no matter how much I tell her how beautiful she is, no matter how much I try to get her to see it, she doesn’t always believe me. She’s had to work hard to build her confidence and every step has been a struggle. I’m just glad that she’s been brave enough to get closer to that knowledge.”
“And that she’s helping other women to do the same.” Isabella smiled. “Maybe one day we’ll all be able to believe our lovers when they rave about our beauty.”
“I hope so.” I took Max’s hand under the table.
Isabella glanced at her watch.
“I must be going. I’ve enjoyed meeting both of you.”
“I should get going too.” Cateline wiggled her eyebrows. “I have a date.”
“I’ll let you two enjoy the rest of your time in France. Call me when you arrive in Italy, alright?” Isabella smiled at me.
“Absolutely.” I stood up, as did Max, to see them off.
As Isabella and Cateline walked away, I considered myself lucky to have met two amazing women and for all the adventures that awaited us in Italy.
Max wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me close. “How about a walk in the moonlight?”
I turned to look at him with a wicked smile. “A walk sounds nice—if it’s followed by dessert after.”
Max grinned and kissed my nose. “Now that sounds like a deal, my love.”
Dear Reader,
The Single Wide Female and B.I.G. Girls Club books are written for every woman out there who has struggled with their weight, self-esteem and any number of issues that we all face as we work to become the best versions of ourselves that we can be.
They are meant to be light-hearted and fun, but I do hope that they will inspire you—to REALLY live your life to the fullest, loving yourself completely as you do so.
If you enjoy Sammy in France, I’d appreciate it if you would take a moment to leave an honest review here:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0182FUMYS
And…
I have a FREE book for you!
Wanna know what inspired Sammy to write her bucket list? Visit my website below and get your complimentary copy of “Sammy’s Big Plan!”
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Enjoy!
Sincerely,
Lillianna
P.S. Also be sure to see the previews following this page for two additional free books that you can download at Amazon. :)
Please enjoy the fo
llowing preview for
Sammy in Italy (Single Wide Female Travels, Book 2)
Chapter 1
Memories of France swirled through my mind. With Max by my side, I’d made a few big strides, not the least of which was experiencing a topless beach. Now a brand new adventure awaited. Italy—and more specifically, Venice. I couldn’t think of a more romantic place to spend time with Max.
When I looked over at him, his nostrils flared a bit in his sleep. I couldn’t help but smile. He was cute, even while he slept. I slipped my hand from his and pulled a magazine out of my bag to look through. It featured Venice’s latest trends.
It was hard to wrap my head around the idea that these were real women on the glossy pages. From flawless skin to perfect figures to deep soulful eyes—they looked more like goddesses than mere mortals. I shifted in my seat and flipped the page. It was important to me to have an idea of what women in Italy might think of as beautiful. To my surprise, I’d discovered in France that beauty could be quite different between countries. I wanted to be sure that I could speak clearly to my audience.
After some time, the conductor of the train announced our arrival at the Venice station. With a light touch I tapped Max’s knee.
“Not on the train, sweetie.” He brushed my hand away.
I raised an eyebrow and tapped his knee again.
“Alright, fine—if you insist.” He shifted in his seat and attempted to kiss me.
“Max!” I laughed and snapped my fingers in front of his face to wake him.
He blinked a few times, then kissed me anyway. When he broke the kiss he smiled sleepily at me. “Sorry, I was having a wonderful dream.”
“We’ve arrived in Venice.” I pointed to the passengers who had begun to gather their belongings.
“Wow, I can’t believe I slept through the whole trip. Did you?”
“Not a wink.” I sighed. “I’m going to need coffee—and fast.”
“Weren’t you comfortable?” He gathered a few of our bags.
“I was. I guess I’m just too excited about Venice.”
He took my hand and led me down the aisle and off the train. The station bustled with people headed in all directions. Max snagged a luggage cart and added a few of our bags to it. “That should be everything. Any idea where we’re going next?”
“Yes.” I reached into my pocket for the itinerary, which included a voucher to rent a car. To my horror, all I found was pocket lint. “Oh no.” My eyes widened.
“What is it?” Max gripped the handle of the luggage cart.
“I must have left the itinerary on the train. I’ll just run back and get it.”
“Sammy, I don’t think that’s a good idea.” He reached for my hand, but I pulled it away before he could grasp it.
I refused to start our first day in Venice like this. That itinerary was likely tucked in the magazine, just a few steps away.
When I reached the entrance of the train, a staff member blocked my way.
“No boarding.”
“Oh, I’m not boarding—it’s just that I left something on the train.”
“Sorry, miss, the train has been cleared.”
“No, please. I just need to get one little thing. If you’ll just give me a second, I’m sure that it will only take a minute.”
“I’m sorry, no one can board after the train has been cleared.”
“Couldn’t you make an exception just this once?” I looked into his eyes. “I will look like such a fool if you don’t.”
He sighed and pulled out a walkie-talkie. “Security.”
It shocked me that he would summon security so fast. Now, not only was I going to look foolish in front of Max, I might even be reprimanded by security. I decided I couldn’t let that happen.
“What’s that over there?” I pointed down beside the train. “Is that someone’s pet?”
He looked down. I was fairly certain that what I saw was someone’s wig, but he didn’t know that.
While he took a closer look, I hopped right onto the train. I just had to get back to my seat and then back off the train quickly. Everything would be fine.
The only problem was, I couldn’t remember which seats we’d been in. They weren’t marked well, and I didn’t pay much attention when we’d left the train. One by one, I checked the seat pockets of each seat I passed. Finally, I felt the glossy pages of the magazine. I flipped it open to find nothing inside.
“No!” I groaned.
“Miss!” The staff member who had blocked me from the train stood at the end of the aisle. I gasped and turned the other way. A security officer stood at the other end. There was no way out.
“Oh dear, I got a little turned around. I’m sorry.” I gulped as the security officer began to walk toward me.
“Please remain calm.” He held up one hand in front of him.
“I’m trying.” I frowned. “Please, I just made a little mistake.”
“Where are you traveling from?” The security officer frowned.
“I’m on a tour.”
“What kind of tour?” He raised an eyebrow.
“A book tour.”
“I knew it!” The man behind me shouted. I jumped and inched closer to the security officer.
“Single Wide Female, right?” He grinned.
“Uh—yes.” I looked between the two men.
“My wife loves your books.” The staff member clapped her on the shoulder. “She told me you might be on board and begged me to try to get your autograph.”
“Oh well, I’d be happy to do that. Maybe off the train?”
“Sure. Come right along.”
He led me off the train. The security guard followed after us. I could hear his heavy footsteps. Would he arrest me?
When I reached the bottom of the steps, Max held out his hand to me.
“Sammy.” He shook his head, but before he could say more, the security guard held out some papers to me.
“These are yours.”
I braced myself for what the consequences might be. The worst part was I hadn’t even found the itinerary.
Chapter 2
My hand trembled as I took the documents from the security guard. Once I had them in my hand, I looked down to see that it was a full copy of my itinerary and car rental voucher.
“How did you get this?”
“I called security to bring some replacement documents,” the staff member said. “I would have told you, but when I turned around you were gone. Now about that autograph?”
“Thank you so much for your help. Here.” I signed the paper he held out to me. “Tell your wife if she wants to attend any of my sessions, she’ll be welcome.”
“She’ll be ecstatic that I met you! The car rental is over there.” He pointed me in the right direction.
I gripped the papers tightly as I walked toward the rental.
Max caught up with me, tugging the luggage cart behind him.
“What was all of that about?”
“I thought I could find the papers.”
“But you could have been arrested. We’re in different countries now—you can’t always get away with things like that.”
“Ah, but I did.” I winked at him and paused at the counter.
Max rested the cart against the counter and turned toward me. “Listen, if you’re going to do something like that, at least fill me in first, okay?”
“Okay.” I smiled at him and kissed the tip of his nose. “Sorry I worried you.”
He opened his mouth to say more, but an attendant walked up to the counter.
“Is there something I can help you with?”
“We have a rental reservation.” I slid the papers to him.
“Ah, yes. Oh.” He frowned. He typed something into the computer, then looked up at me. “I think there may have been a mix-up.”
“I’m sorry?” I frowned. “What kind of mix-up?”
“What we have reserved for you is a motorbike.”
“Not a car?�
� I shook my head. “I don’t think that will do.”
“I’m sorry. It’s all we have left at the moment. I could call you a taxi instead…”
“No, it’s fine.” Max smiled and reached out for the keys. “We’ll take it.”
“What are you talking about, Max?” I looked over at him.
“I’m sure it’s temporary. Isabella will get it all straightened out.”
“But I can’t drive a motorbike—and what will we do with our luggage?”
“I can drive it, and I’m sure we can have our luggage delivered to the hotel. Right?” He looked back at the attendant.
“Absolutely—right away.”
I hesitated. I didn’t like when things didn’t go as planned.
Max grinned. “What’s wrong? Don’t trust me?”
“Of course I trust you.”
“Then let’s ride, baby.” He swept his arm around my waist and tugged me toward the parking lot.
I tried to think of a few different excuses to make him change his mind. It wasn’t that I didn’t trust Max, I just wasn’t sure that riding around a new country on a motorbike was the best idea.
Another attendant met Max in the parking lot with two helmets.
“Make sure they’re fastened well.”
“Not a problem.” Max smiled and pushed the helmet down on top of my head. He tugged the chinstrap tight. “How’s that?”
“Snug.”
“Perfect.” He donned his own helmet. “Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.” I looked from him to the motorbike. It looked more like a dirt bike to me—much smaller than a regular motorcycle. “This is for both of us? How are we going to fit?”
“Well, that’s the best part.” Max met my eyes. “You’re going to have to get in close to me and hold on tight.” He hopped on and patted the seat behind him.
Sammy in France (Single Wide Female Travels #1) Page 10
