Part 3The Body Shaming of Luna

The food stall paid daily. Peach might have been right; when I started, I got $20 a night. Within two weeks, it went up to $60.

Thrilled, I Venmo'd Ryan back his pathetic $8, skipped work, and treated myself to a buffet.

Unexpectedly, I ran into Ryan.

He was with a thin, pale girl. They walked in right after paying.

Before I could hide, Ryan spotted me and stormed over.

"Luna! Are you sneaking food here?"

I crawled out from under the table, defiant. "Who's sneaking? I'm eating openly!"

My gaze shifted to the timid girl behind him. I smirked. "Yo, bringing your girlfriend out? Ryan, if I don't tell your dad you're dating, will you stop controlling my allowance?"

Ryan's dad was strict. No drinking, no staying out late, no dating before graduation. One strike and he'd break Ryan's legs.

Ryan frowned, afraid I'd misunderstand.

"Sarah is in the student council with me. Her monthly allowance is only $100. Poor thing almost fainted from low blood sugar today while helping out. As president, I'm treating her to a good meal."

"Luna, don't overthink it."

I laughed bitterly. "My allowance is less than $50. Why don't I see you feeling sorry for me?"

"Sarah only weighs 90 pounds. You're 30 pounds heavier. Can you compare?"

So what if I'm 30 pounds heavier!

My weight is in all the right places!

I put my hands on my hips, glaring at Ryan.

Sarah was thin, with a high ponytail, looking small and fragile.

She hid behind Ryan like a frightened deer, but couldn't resist peeking out to ask curiously:

"You only get $50 a month, but this buffet is $80 a person. Where did you get the money..." She covered her mouth, looking innocent. "Sorry, Luna. I was just curious, no other meaning. But your skirt... is really short."

Ryan's eyes darkened as he scanned my little black dress that didn't reach my knees.

He grabbed my hand, his voice rising sharply. "Luna, did you actually find a sugar daddy!?"