Fit to Die by J. B. Stanley Read Free Book Online

journal, come in every week for counseling and weigh-in sessions, and attend at least three exercise classes a week.” Ronnie paused and clasped her hands over her flat breasts. In a dramatic stage whisper, she pronounced, “If you cheat on any of these items you will be removed from the program with NO MONEY RETURNED!” Several people began twittering amongst themselves.
    “Oh dear, no refunds?” someone behind James whimpered.
    “This is for your own good, my friends. You must place your complete trust in us. Paying us up front will motivate you to return for your required sessions.” Ronnie ran her hands over her gaunt cheeks as she surveyed her future clients. “I have two assistants I would like to introduce to you. First is Phoebe Liu. Phoebe is in charge of counseling and finances.”
    Phoebe stood up from where she sat in the front row. She was a petite Asian American with attractive, exotic looks and a demure smile. She raised a small hand and waved shyly at the crowd saying softly, “Please don’t hesitate to call me if you need any extra support during your time with Witness to Fitness. I am here to help you.”
    The sincerity of her simple statement made more of an impact on James than any of Ronnie’s cartwheels or butterfly analogies.
    “Next,” Ronnie called out, “we have Dylan Shane. Dylan is our primary fitness instructor.”
    A door in the rear of the exercise room opened and the women in the room issued a collective gasp. A man of average height with white-blonde hair, sparkling brown eyes, and limbs that looked like they were sculpted from tree trunks, offered the crowd a dazzling smile. His aquamarine workout shirt strained against his chiseled pectoral muscles and a whiff of his musky cologne drifted out into the first two rows of seats. “Hello y’all. I’m Dylan,” he boomed in a deep, manly voice. “I live over in Harrisonburg but will be commuting here every day except on Saturdays. Today is an exception, as I usually volunteer for the elderly on Saturdays.” The women turned to one another and prattled in approval.
    “How many twenty-something hunks would do that with their free time?” A woman behind James asked the man seated next to her.
    “Honey,” the man stated matter-of-factly, “I’m sure he’s gay. No one who looks that good is straight.”
    “Dylan has made you all a special snack to celebrate your decision to join our team.” Ronnie issued a wink of flirtatious collusion at her co-worker. “Dylan?”
    Dylan bounded back into the room from whence he made his original entrance bearing a tray laden with paper bowls. James smelled popcorn and immediately perked up.
    “Here’s a sample of the kind of snack you’ll be enjoying as a Witness to Fitness member,” Ronnie said as she and Phoebe helped Dylan distribute the popcorn. “It’s 98% fat free and has a butter substitute spray to give you that movie theater taste.”
    James grabbed his bowl and hurriedly stuffed a handful of popcorn in his mouth. His taste buds were disappointed by the cardboard nature of the popcorn and even though he could smell the butter-flavored spray, he couldn’t taste it at all.
    “Movie theater popcorn?” Bennett scoffed beside him. “The only way this stuff tastes like that is if she’s been eating the paper tub instead of the popcorn.”
    James laughed as Lucy chimed in defensively. “I think it’s just fine. Though it could use a bit more butter,” she added wistfully.
    “I don’t care what we have to eat as long as I get to come in here and feast my Brazilian eyes on Dylan three times a week!” Lindy announced cheerfully.
    “Amen to that, sister,” breathed Gillian who was eyeing the male fitness instructor appreciatively.
    “Now we’re going to divide up into three groups in order to discuss how many food points you’ll each be allowed.” Ronnie pointed at Phoebe. “Phoebe will take all the lovely ladies weighing between 150 and 185 pounds in this corner.