chapter 2

But the excitement that Jamie felt for her new position was short lived because with all that extra responsibility came a ton of extra work. She had to admit the first week was rough because her workload had almost doubled and she was given a ton of new assignments. She was still able to make it to her bridal boot camp sessions, but she definitely felt guilty that she had to sandwich them in between lunches, dinners, and tastings at all of the newest and best restaurants around the city. Although she set strict orders for herself to only sample the food and drink presented to her. But this lifestyle was still new to Jamie. Her culinary style up until this point could only be described as cautious and restrained, she very rarely allowed herself any indulgences. She was definitely a slave to her waistline, counting calories and blasting away the most miniscule hint of extra padding or any loss of definition by doubling her gym time. She had to applaud her willpower though, it had been so long since she had gotten to savor flavors like this, every dish she tasted was better than the last and it became increasingly hard to stop at one or two bites per dish. But she did it, and the scales were the same at the end of the week as at the beginning and despite her 50 to 60 hour work week, she managed to not miss one gym session.

"Phew." Said Jamie, breathing a sigh of relief as she stared at the big red 125 on the scale. "I'm positive I can keep this up for the next 3 months." She mused, running her hand across her taut abs as she pulled on a pair of jeans. It was a long week but it was finally the weekend and a chance to relax, if only for the day, with her best friend. She was looking forward to the bridesmaid's dress fitting and getting to spend the afternoon with her girlfriends. The dress store was a pretty crazy scene with all of the other bridal parties running around, but the dress Amy selected was absolutely stunning. Jamie modeled the powder blue two piece set like an absolute model, it featured a beautiful skirt made from layers of taffeta so that it flowed gracefully and appeared almost weightless and a slightly loose matching crop top that managed to appear elegant even though it showed a sexy peek of belly. After the girls got their measurements taken and placed their orders they decided that cocktails were in order. Luckily, Jamie knew just the place, an amazing tapas spot only a few blocks away that she reviewed just a few days prior. It was the perfect way to unwind after a long week, sipping sweet cocktails with a group of your good friends. Halfway through her second drink Jamie looked around the room, as she moved from bridesmaid to bridesmaid she had to admit that they were one attractive group, all 6 women including Jamie and Amy were radiant, thin, and just generally beautiful. Feeling a little buzzed, Jamie lifted her glass "I would like to propose a toast to my best friend Amy, I'm so glad that she has found love and happiness, and I'm really looking forward to the engagement party next weekend!" everyone clinked their glasses together happily "Also we have got to put in an order for a couple dishes here, I'm telling you, the food is absolutely divine." The drinks continued to flow and the group of women who were accustomed to counting calories were now uninhibited by the buzz of alcohol. They all indulged to an amount that would have made them guilty in any other circumstance, but they chalked this one indiscretion up to celebration. By the time they settled the check everyone was stuffed and content.