Fat Cats: Chapter 6

Joe, Guy, and two other partners exited the elevator into the office. Their noses were red from the cold and their stomachs distended from lunch. Guy led the pack with a slow waddle, his belly hanging heavy between suspenders. He looked worn out- they all did. Joe was the last to step off the elevator. He was developing a slight waddle himself as his body had continued to spread out in every direction.

Joe was out of breath and fighting off a cramp just from climbing a few stairs into the building. It was nearly his one year anniversary at the firm and he looked nothing like the man he was when he started. His overhang thickened by the month and now completely eclipsed the waistband of all his clothes. His double chin pressed against the collar of his shirts. His pecs were growing round with fat. Despite the base of muscle he’d developed in the gym, he was still exhausted hauling around all that extra blubber. The warmth of the office made him sweat.

He felt so fatigued from lunch that he didn’t even glance at Justin as he headed to his office. With a sigh of relief he lowered himself into his big leather desk chair. It was nearly Christmas and his desk was covered with sugary treats. Despite feeling full enough to burst, he popped a butter cookie in his mouth as his computer started up.

Meanwhile, Justin was in his office brimming with anxiety and anger. Joe was constantly having lunch with the partners now. Justin was jealous. Jealous of what they got up to, jealous he wasn’t invited. He was nervous that Joe was cheating yet could hardly blame him if he was. Justin couldn’t deny that he wouldn’t turn down the opportunity either. And why wasn’t he ever invited? Justin had the same merits as Joe. They were hired simultaneously and given equivalent titles after all. Justin nervously scratched at the stretchmarks on his belly and wiped the sweat from his brow before authoritatively standing up and marching to his husband's office.

“What’s wrong?” Joe immediately asked as Justin slammed the door.

“Christ, Joe what do you think?”

Joe stared at his husband stupefied.

“Are you and Guy fucking?” Justin went straight for the kill.

“Are you kidding? He’s our boss, Justin. If you’re jealous you don’t get invited to lunch just fucking say so, but don’t accuse me of cheating.”

Joe hit right at Justin’s insecurity, setting him off. Their back and forth became heated as voices rose and emotions flared. Justin was losing control of the feelings he’d kept bottled up for so long, while Joe felt insulted by baseless accusations. Outside, staff were exchanging dramatic looks while trying their best to eavesdrop.

A loud knock at the door silenced the couple. It was Guy’s assistant who demanded they report to the big man’s office immediately. Of course they did as they were told. Walking side by side, Justin’s gains looked impressive. His belly was nearly the size of Joe’s now, which was considerable given his smaller frame. All the guys in the office watched the two men with lustful and curious eyes. J&J didn’t know it, but they had become the object of everyone’s desires since their bulk took the online gainer community by storm.

The couple looked at Guy nervously as they stepped into his office and closed the door.

“Boys,” Guy began. “We cannot have these marital troubles in the office. You must play nice under this roof.” Guy took a slurp of Coca-Cola from a large glass. “Now, I understand the nature of your concerns, Justin.”

Justin was startled to hear his name. His heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come next.

“However, rest assured there has been no infidelity on Joseph’s behalf. At least, not with myself or any of our colleagues as far as I am aware. Our lunches are simply that, a time to eat and be merry. We all like to eat. I can tell you do too,” Guy winked at Justin.

“Then why’d you go to the sauna in October?” Justin shot back.

Joe was taken aback and looked at his husband with surprise.

“Sometimes I take my employees to the sauna after a long week. Joe has been working very hard and that is the only thing you should be jealous of. My lunch invitations are dispensed on merit and merit alone, so please don’t insult me with any further accusations.”

This final statement was a shot in the heart to Justin. He wasn’t being cheated on, he just sucked at his job. This didn’t make him feel any better.

“Now,” Guy continued, “I suggest you both take the rest of the day off. Work it out, have compassion for one another. We need you two in good spirits for our annual retreat coming in two months. We’ve rented a lodge in the mountains, so I suggest you both invest in some insulation, if you catch my drift.”

Justin and Joe turned and headed for the door.

“Oh and Justin?” Guy beckoned once more.

Justin turned around nervously.

“Next time your imagination is running wild, save it for the retreat,” Guy finished with yet another wink.