The Big, Not-So-Small, Curvy Girls Dating Agency (Plush Daisies: BBW Romance)

by Catori, Ava

  “Besides, I don’t even want a relationship. I just want to know what makes a guy like that tick. I’m trying to run a business, remember?”

  “You know what makes a guy like Reed Amwell tick? A hot girlfriend,” she sighed.

  “Yeah,” Becky joined in on the pity sigh. She wasn’t the kind of girl that made him tick, and that was seriously depressing. Pushing the bag of chips away, she tossed it on the coffee table. “These are so salty, I need to stop.” Diet starts tomorrow. But how many times had she said that? How many times had she lost a few pounds only to lose her momentum and put it all back on plus a few more? Becky’s hips needed their own zip code as far as she was concerned, but starting tomorrow…okay, maybe Monday. She’d give herself the weekend to have her favorite stuff, but absolutely come Monday she was making changes.

  The weekend was spent gathering details for Plush Daisies, and planning a vendor booth for community day at the park. It actually wasn’t a bad idea and would get her name out there. She’d need to put together some stuff, and figure out a great giveaway to encourage people to leave their names and fill out applications. She figured if she got gift certificates for the market, and maybe one for the local spa it would be enough reason for people to leave their names and email addresses. It’s not like she had a fortune to spend, but it might be just what she needed for a little more visibility.

  Monday came way too soon, and life was back to its regular schedule of boring, bland, and beige. Headless co-workers lacking personality, and mundane tasks filled her time. She needed this business to work, because there was no way she could spend the rest of her existence in this “cubicle of limbo”.

  When she got the message that her photos were done, Becky smiled remembering the experience with Reed. What had started off as an embarrassing moment turned into laughter, and a new comfort level between them. It made the second half of the photo shoot fun. Becky crinkled her nose and giggled remembering his tale of woe to make her feel better. She’d die if she ever farted at the doctor’s office. She’d have to find a new doctor, no two ways about it.

  Crack kitty was sprawled across the floor, lounging with her legs wide open. She’d had a wild flinging affair with the catnip mouse, and was now worn and relaxed. Bathing herself momentarily, she collapsed back on the carpet. She swore she saw the cat humping that little catnip mouse, but let’s face it at least one of them was getting some action – because Becky certainly wasn’t.

  Picking up her phone, she dialed Reed’s number to work out a time she could pick up the pictures. She was nervous to see them, but excited to meet with him again. When he didn’t answer, she stuttered trying to figure out what to say. His voice was smooth and deep on the answering machine, and as her heart sped up, she realized how silly it was. She felt like a school girl listening to his voice, and had the insane need to dial back their number a few times to keep listening. Damn caller ID, it took away all her fun. He’d know she redialed eighteen times, so she kept the thought to herself.

  When he finally got back to her, he told her he could meet her the following night at the coffee shop if she was available. He kind of wanted to see her again, and didn’t even know why. If she showed up to his doorstep, he’d simply hand over the photos and that would be it, and he wouldn’t get to spend time with her. At least this way they could talk for a couple of minutes, maybe even think of new business ideas. There was nothing wrong with that, right?

  Setting up their meeting, you couldn’t really call it a date, because let’s face it, he was engaged, and Becky wasn’t interested, and well…it was just two people getting coffee and exchanging an envelope, right? Whatever it was, Becky was pleased that she’d get to see him one more time.

  “…so you’re thinking about setting up a vendor’s table,” Reed said, sipping his coffee. “Very clever, maybe I should do that for my photography business. I’m trying to pick up a few more clients.”

  “It was Sam’s idea,” she said, fondling her cup between her hands. “Brilliant, right? She thinks I should have a giveaway, but I’m still torn on what to give away. I have possible ideas, but I’m not sure what would draw in men. I mean, I could totally do spa for the women, but what do men want? I was thinking generic gift cards to the grocery store would be an easy option.”

  “Men want women,” he laughed.

  “Yeah, but I need them to want to date the women in my dating agency, so I can build my database.”

  “What guy doesn’t want to meet new girls?”

  “There’s one tiny thing I didn’t mention, and it’s sort of an important part of my business.”

  “What?”

  Becky looked down, “It’s for plus sized women,” she spoke softer. “And not a lot of guys want to date chubby girls.”

  “I see,” he said. He seemed stuck. “Right, I guess some guys see that as an issue, but not every guy does.” He looked at her longer than he should have.

  Becky blushed, and took a sip of her coffee.

  “I should be going, thanks so much for the conversation,” he needed to get out of there. He was enjoying talking to this girl way more than he should be.

  “The head shots are great; you’re a genius with the camera. Thanks again,” she said. “I’ll give you a shout when I’m ready to book pictures for my girls.”

  “I’d like that,” he said collecting his things. “It was a pleasure,” he gave her a soft smile and then walked out of the little coffee shop.

  Oh my gosh, he totally looked at me longer than he should have, but he totally froze up when I mentioned chubby girls. Mixed signals, she sighed. He’s engaged regardless.

  Chapter 5

  “Look,” Samantha pointed to her competition, a shiny white van sitting on the other side of the park. “Can you believe it, they signed up too.” She scowled. “That’s it; I’m going to have to talk to the owner. They’re moving in on my territory.”

  “So you think dog grooming is a monopoly business?”

  “Come on, be supportive.”

  “Sam, you can’t run every dog groomer out of town.”

  “Fine,” she sat back down, throwing her head into her hands dramatically, and pressing her elbows into the card table that Becky set up for her small vendor’s area.

  The booth had little interest at first, but as the day wore on, they collected a few names. Potential clients were potential clients. Each new person meant Becky and Plush Daisies had more people to work with.

  A sandy-haired guy with brown eyes made his way over. “Nice giveaway,” he said reading the sign. “Mind if I sign up?”

  “Sure,” Becky smiled, putting on her best entrepreneur face. “Have you considered joining our dating agency? I don’t see a ring on your finger,” she said, hoping that didn’t sound too forward.

  “Not married,” he said filling in the details of the form, and then dropping it into the small bowl they were using to collect names.

  “You should consider letting Plush Daisies set you up, we have an expanding database of women, and you might meet a great girl.”

  “I don’t date fat chicks,” he shrugged. “Sorry.”

  As he walked away, Becky lowered her voice, “Tear up that asshole’s entry, no way is he going to win.”

  Samantha was looking at her.

  “What?”

  “Let me show you how it’s done,” Sam gloated, as a slender guy headed towards the table.

  “Okay, Princess, more power to you.”

  “Hi, my name is Samantha, and you are?” She stuck her hand out, greeting the man as he made his way over.

  “Brady,” he said, sticking out his hand.

  “You must be here to sign up for Plush Daisies, a dating agency that can help you meet a great girl, and hopefully help you find your very own happily ever after.” Her voice was oozing with charm.

  “Umm, actually I just wanted to drop my card off with everyone working community day. I just started a new business and I’m trying to get some exposure.” A
s if in slow motion, he turned to point to his van, “Pristine Pooches Mobile Grooming”. “I tried putting flyers up, but somebody keeps taking them down.”

  Samantha’s mouth shut. Becky’s eyes opened wide. Taking over before Sam could blow her cover, “Thanks for the card, I don’t have a dog, but feel free to enter our giveaway.”

  “Hey, thanks. If you know somebody, maybe you could pass the card along.”

  “Yep, will do,” Becky bit her cheek, stifling the need to burst out that she was sorry, she was guilty, but her friend Sam made her do it.

  As he walked away, “So that went well,” Becky said sarcastically, her voice going up.

  “Damn, he’s cute.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “I wanted to not like the guy, but he’s cute.”

  “Oh boy, here we go.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Might I mention Charles, Matt, and Randy?”

  “So I have a past,” Sam said playfully. “All losers might I add,” she groaned.

  “All I’m saying is that you see a cute guy, and you jump, giving no consideration as to who he might actually be.”

  “You sound like my mother,” Sam said, rolling her eyes. “When you were all swooning over Reed, I didn’t lecture you.”

  “I did not swoon over Reed,” Becky said, trying to change the topic. “Anyway, isn’t this the business you want to take down?”

  “Yeah, I guess. Ooh, sleeping with the enemy, a new tactic.”

  “Samantha!”

  “What, he’s just cute is all I’m saying. I should maybe go talk to him,” she said turning away, “introduce myself, you know, in case he’s new to the biz, and wants some grooming tips.”

  “Are you kidding me?”

  She shrugged, “Cute guy takes priority,” she answered, and then she was off.

  Chapter 6

  When Reed showed up to Becky’s booth she cringed, feeling a little embarrassed. Her booth consisted of a basic card table with a homemade poster taped to it. On it there was simply a clear fish bowl with names in it for the drawing to win two gift certificates she was giving away, a clip board with a sign-up list to collect email addresses, and a few blank applications. Suddenly felt like a child doing a science experiment. The poster was childish; she should have invested more money in making the booth look more professional.

  “Becky, how nice to see you here,” he smiled, looking at the table. “How are things working out for you today?”

  “Good,” it was as if her tongue had swollen to three times its normal size, and talking took effort. It’s not that she didn’t want to talk to Reed; she simply got all gooey inside. “Feel free to enter the giveaway,” Becky mumbled, embarrassed her community day space wasn’t more impressive.

  She showed up a moment behind him, “I grabbed a brochure,” she walked up to his side, wrapping her arm in his, “oh, why are you stopping here?”

  “This is Becky, this is the woman I was doing pictures for the other day.”

  “Oh, right. Hi,” her enthusiasm was flat.

  Becky froze, not sure what to say. It didn’t help that she felt practically breathless every time she looked at the guy, but with his girlfriend standing there, she knew no matter what she said, it would fall flat.

  “So what’s this,” she said reading the sign, and then laughing. “Plush Daisies? Is this a dating service for plus size women? Are you serious? Oh goodness, what a clever idea,” she said, more poking fun than being sincere. She eyed up Becky, and felt sorry for the big girl with the small idea.

  “If you know anybody who would be interested, please let them know,” Becky croaked out, wishing the horrible woman would leave, but hoping Reed would stay.

  “We should be moving on,” Reed said, sensing Becky’s discomfort. “Good luck today.” He was genuine.

  “Thanks,” she meekly pushed out, wishing Reed’s girlfriend would spontaneously combust. Okay, so maybe not something so violent, she didn’t have to combust, maybe she could just melt and dissolve right into the ground, disappearing forever, she wasn’t picky.

  As Reed and his fiancée walked past, Becky couldn’t help but stare at them. They were gorgeous together, and it was obvious what Reed saw in the girl. She was a knock-out, like seriously beautiful, the kind of woman you look at and instantly think she must model on the side. Becky felt two sizes fatter after the woman showed up. It didn’t matter that she hadn’t actually gotten any bigger, next to somebody like that, she immediately felt less attractive. She hated how she let those thoughts swirl in her brain, but there they were, and it’s not like she could ignore them no matter how much she wanted to.

  Samantha finally found her way back, “I gave him some tips, and we’re going to try to work out some territory boundaries so we don’t step on each other’s toes too much. He’s actually a pretty nice guy. He’s going to work the area more west of the highway, since I have a lot of customers here in-town and to the east.”

  “Wow, all that from one conversation,” Becky said, stunned.

  “I get right to the point,” she smiled.

  “Do you think he’ll actually do that, just stick to the west side?”

  Sam shrugged, “It couldn’t hurt to ask; besides we can talk about it more over dinner. We’re going to grab a bite to eat and share horror stories and clients to avoid.”

  “Dinner? Seriously, how do you do that so fast?”

  “What?” She laughed.

  “It’s just that you’re so comfortable talking to guys. Why do you want me to set you up, you have no problem meeting people.”

  “I don’t need you to set me up; I just want you to set aside any good potential guys for me to date first, before passing them on to other girls if I’m not interested.”

  “Ah, so like a priority list. You get first dibs?”

  “Exactly.”

  Becky laughed, “You’ll scare away all of my clients before I get off the ground.”

  “Oh nice, Becks, I’m not that bad.”

  “No, you’re right, everybody goes zero to sixty in four seconds.”

  Sam grinned, “I know what you’re saying, but I can slow down if I want to.”

  “I’d love to see you try,” Becky challenged. “Hey, Reed and what’s her face came by earlier.”

  “Oh yeah, your kissy face boyfriend. You’re in love,” she teased, her voice playful. “Did you gush all over him?”

  “You’re a child.”

  “That’s why you love me.”

  Becky rolled her eyes.

  “How much longer are you going to stay?” Sam settled back into the chair alongside her friend.

  “I think it goes until three. I’m going to stick here until the end. I’ve got nothing to lose, just time. I don’t think it’s going very well, but at least I got a handful of names.”

  “You’ve got to start somewhere, Becks, it doesn’t happen overnight.”

  “I know,” she sighed, “but I desperately want out of my other job.”

  “Who can blame you? I’d rather poke myself in the eye with a fork than work a cubicle job.”

  “Do you think I could ever get a guy like Reed?”

  “Sure, why not?”

  “I don’t know, I’m just not feeling very pretty right now.”

  “Becky, you’re adorable, and there’s so much more to you. You’re sweet and funny, you’re smart, and you have good taste in friends,” she grinned. “No seriously, I hate how you think you can’t get certain guys. You really limit yourself, because you have this wall around you that screams insecure sometimes.”

  Sucking in her cheek, Becky looked at Sam. “You think it’s obvious, or is it because you know me?”

  “Look at your body language, your arms are all tight to your chest, you’re closed off.”

  Becky quickened loosened her arms, “I’m not closed off.”

  “You sort of are. You’re afraid something good might happen.”

  “That’s ridiculo
us; I want something good to happen.”

  “You say you do, but your actions say something else.”

  Becky looked at her friend, “I’ve been hurt, I can’t help that I shut down. Jeremy used to tell me how I’d gotten fat,” before she could finish, Sam cut her off.

  “Jeremy was two years ago,” she soothed. “It’s time to let go of that pain, hon.”

  Becky nodded. “You’re right.”

  “You’re letting some asshole’s words rot in your brain. Stop letting some guy that isn’t even important in your life make you feel bad about who you are. For the record, he’s a jerk. You are a viable, smart, sassy woman. Now start acting like one.”

  “Thanks, Sam. I needed that today.”

  She nodded in understanding.

  When Reed came back, sans fiancée, Becky was surprised.

  “Hi,” she said, his smile radiating perfect teeth. It was almost as if the sun was gleaming off of them. Could the guy get any better looking? She was amazed how every single time she saw him, her heart raced and she felt breathless. She’d never been so attracted to a guy before.

  “Reed!” Becky was surprised to see him returning to her booth. “Can I help you with something?”

  “I was actually thinking I might be able to help you.”

  “How so?”

  “Do you have a website for your new business yet?”

  “Not quite, but I hope to put one up soon.” She had no idea how to do it actually. She’d either have to pay someone, and didn’t have the spare cash, or she’d have to learn to do it herself. She’d stared at tutorials, and gotten nowhere fast. Clearing her throat, trying to sound like she put more thought into it, “I didn’t want to advertise it before I had enough people in my database.”

  “I do web design, nothing fancy mind you, but I’d be able to help you get set up if you’d like.”

  “Wow, that’s so nice of you. I don’t have much of a budget, unfortunately. I was going to maybe get one of those quickie free pages.”

  “Nonsense, I can help you put up a simple, professional site, and help you get started.”

  “You’d do that?”