Hey as best man youve done a much better job at pre-wedding dieting than I have. Christian gave his gut a small slap and sucked in his own with a grimace. But this is a twin daddy belly
, exhaling and cradling his sizable protuberance gently. You look like you lost a lot, pretty quickly, since we saw each other in Dresden. How did you do it?
Dunno it just happened because I was so busy, on the road, had a bad cold
., I didnt really notice it until trying on my tux
. He had been vaguely aware that he had to belt pants again, or that shirts or coats were getting rather roomy. But with so much going on for him, checking on the issue hadnt seemed of any importance. When Alexa made him try on the midnight blue tux for the wedding, it had come as a not entirely pleasant surprise that it was clearly too baggy to wear for the occasion. The scale reading only 171 kilograms left him startled. Never in his life had he lost so much weight with no conscious effort.
Alexa had hugged him tight. Are you okay? Do you feel sick? Have you been skipping meals? I didnt notice youve been dieting so strictly
.
Im not. Hmmh
. Didnt have time or appetite to eat so much. Grammy made me a lot of serious health food. We both ate very little when we were sick in Berlin. Guess its a positive side effect of this crazy situation
., he shrugged, unsure what to make of his finding. Sure it was what could obviously be called diet success but he still needed to lose over 100 pounds before getting back to his old normal chubby weight.
Well you cant wear the tux like this. Wed have to get it tailored down considerably there isnt time for that
., Alexa surveyed him critically. Shall we drive via Antwerp to Alsace to get you a new one
?
Hmmmh does it have to be a tux? Do you think the suit from Carolinas baptism might fit again
? It actually did with suspenders, Alexa slightly adjusting the buttons, a new silk shirt and bow-tie leaving him maybe slightly underdressed, yet at least more comfortable than expected.
It annoyed and even saddened him that he couldnt fully concentrate on the lovely occasion of Chris and Tinas wedding given his personal in-limbo situation. Fear of making the wrong move left him incapable of moving at all while keeping his mind in constant unproductive rotation. He had noticed this on driving down with Alexa her re-explaining the tragic romance of her beloved great-aunt Isoldes life which had brought the vineyard with cottage here in Alsace into her inheritance. The heart-retching story of Aunt Isoldes fiancées Alsatian family, torn up in the wars between France and Germany, him surviving as the youngest of five brothers, having been too young to fight in World War I. Only to be court-martialed and executed by the Nazis as participant in the aristocratic opposition against Hitler, his entire estate getting confiscated. It was not until long after the war that his testate will could be carried out with Isolde being recompensed with his property committing her entire professional life to Franco-German reconciliation.
Originally it had fueled his inferiority complex towards Alexa to understand she owned a vineyard. Overtime he had come to realize the rather limited material value of the property was secondary to the emotional significance Aunt Isolde and her heritage had for Alexa and her brothers, who had all adored her far more than their own grandparents. The fate of her fiancée, keeping that memory alive resonated with him thinking of his own grandfather, who had also suffered an unnecessary way too early death in brutal times.
So coming to Alsace, getting to know Isoldes legacy in Pfaffenheim, on the wonderful occasion of Christian and Christinas wedding was actually something he had been looking forward to. Now he couldnt keep his mind on it; his own unresolved issues constantly pushing themselves in the mental foreground.
Do you have the rings? Christian asked him for the fourth time as they waited down in the old-fashioned living room.
Yes I do. Right here. And I memorized the three French phrases I have to say by heart, including the cue words. Shall I repeat them again?
No no its okay. Sorry Im just nervous. Dont really know why after all, Im doing no more than officially stating what Ive been doing daily for the past 21 years: Oui, Yes to my girl.
And here she is
., he smiled at Alexa holding open the door for Christina followed by Dagmar to join the three guys.
Aaah
, Christian embraced his bride. Youre even more beautiful than normal only I cant kiss you well with that flower bed on your head
.
Thank you my love although its not really true. Im bursting out of my dress. My bump exploded in the past week even though I waited so long with the last fitting
., Christina groused, indicating at her middle. Since she was so slender, the rounding of her abdomen was clearly visible, straining the dusky pink shiny material of her dress, poorly camouflaged by her open lace coat.
Thats exactly what makes you so particularly beautiful today, Dagmar handed her the bouquet, giving her tummy a little rub, whispering:
hopefully its contagious
.
Wheres John? He knows he needs to be here by now! Always cutting it too close
., Charlie shook his head.
A few minutes ago he texted me. The train is late hell meet us at the Mairie. Alexa explained.
I hope you made it clear to him that we dont want Sophie at our wedding
Christian snarled, letting Christina put a soothing hand on his arm.
John swore a holy oath its not Sophie but a fabulous new girlfriend.
Christian wasnt convinced. Dont know if thats any better. Dont want an untested new girlfriend catastrophe at our wedding
. as they left the house and did the short, pleasant stroll through the picturesque village together, where the parents and small wedding party was to meet them at the registry in the small town hall.
Arriving there, it was another relief to see that he knew the majority of the guests. Fritz and Abbie, holding little Dorothée on her lap. Christinas parents and her brother Sebastian with his French wife Florence, who was pregnant with their fourth child; the two older ones, Cyprian and Ludivine, excitedly playing with their flower baskets. He was surprised to see Walter Sattler with his glamorous second wife Valerie, who both gave him a cordial greeting. A very tall blonde who introduced herself as Christinas aunt and godmother Renata. Plus about 6-7 close friends of the bridal couple, 3 of whom he had met in Dresden.
Wheres John? Fritz asked sternly.
He should be here by now
, even Alexa, sexy gorgeous in muted fuchsia with a slightly crazy contraption on her head, looked a bit worried.
Well Im not going to let Monsieur le Maire wait
, Christian shook his head in irritation.
Theyre here
, Dagmar peered out the window.
Just in time is just in time
, Abbie stated brightly, getting up and handing Dorothée to Charlie.
The heavy portal opened, a beaming John entered, gently pulling a petite person dressed in peach in behind him. Mom, Papa, Chris, Tina please welcome Zoë
., shocked to realize he was looking at his little sister holding Johns hand.
All he could do was stare, noticing Alexas eyebrows go as far up as possible, tilting her head in indecision. The round of introductions was done, omitting them until Abbie chided: John you forget your sister and Alex
..
I cant introduce Zoë to them anymore
, Johns grin was deliriously devilish. Especially not to Alex hes known her since day one of her life
.. To avoid an embarrassing moment, Zoë stepped forward and hugged him, her head against his cheek murmuring: Hope youre not too angry about these news
..
Please explain a bit son
., Fritzs eyebrows mimicked Alexas.
Shes my little sister
., he hugged Zoë back out of sheer habit, not being able to come up with an instant assessment of how he really felt about this development.
What a great surprise on our wedding day! Christian enthused as smiles and nods could be seen all around. Welcome to the family Zoë!
Mesdames, Messieurs, chers fiancés
., the mayor entered and beckoned them to follow into the main hall.
Zoës appearance with its significance aggravated the jumble in his mind he couldnt concentrate for 45 seconds on anything. As they took their seats around the mayors imposing desk, his eyes kept wandering over to where she sat next to John, his big hands clasped around one of her small ones, her looking even more petite and thus fragile next to his broad frame. Never before had he seen her dressed so classy: her impeccably constructed peach dress had a matching embroidered short jacket; together with high shiny heels and one of those saucer thingy-s that screamed aristocratic dress code perched on an elegant complicated up-do. She was even wearing Ellis cherished seed-pearl and gold earrings; one of the few pieces she had saved from the war. This no longer was his baby sister, but a grown woman who conveyed the impression of being ready to turn into Lady Zoë any minute.
Admittedly, the new John&Zoë constellation was more interesting than the act officially on the agenda. He could see Alexa also constantly sneaking scrutinizing peeks from behind her hat brim over at the new two-some.
Judging by the intonation, the mayor was giving a sincere and heart-warming speech, but expressions around him mainly signaled dutiful attention except for Christ and Tina, who sat inclined towards each other in their usual aura of symbiosis. On hearing the news, Abbie had made an odd comment: Its probably good theyre having twins. Not knowing what she meant, he had asked her to elaborate: You know Chris&Tina are totally fixated on each other theyre like two halves of one. Couples who are that close often dont make the best parents, because the child always has to fight to get into their unit. So twins forming a unit of their own is a good idea in that constellation.
This discussion came to mind as he rose on Alexas cue for the exchange of the vows and their testimonial. The ceremony had a technical, rubbing-stamping feel since it was only formalizing what had been a certified item for ages. Nevertheless, there was much kissing and congratulating after the exchange of the rings and signing of all papers. Everybody was busy with either the bridal couple or Zoë, so he couldnt speak to her at all, especially not since they were in different taxi-vans during the drive up to the Schauenberg, where the celebratory dinner was planned.
Several glasses of local champagne on a rather empty stomach added another layer of buzzy confusion to his jumbled mind-set. Having to keep small-talk going with constant interruptions for pictures or toasts wouldnt let him do justice to the delicious French deli finger food, so he was decidedly tipsy by the time they sat down to eat. Seating order placed him and Alexa over the corner with Walter Sattler and his wife, making his insides churn in dread as his job situation immediately recapture the mental pole position.
To counteract the unpleasant feeling, he ate a lot, more than he had in a long time in one sitting, washing it down with a sizable quantity of the family wines. Walter did him the favor of sticking to easy-going chat topics, like the pranks of Chris and Tina as children, during the meal. Only after the main courses, as Valerie excused herself for the cheese and Abbie called Alexa over, did Walter start on the issue: Alex this isnt the occasion to talk shop. Tina indicated you have a lot on your plate right now. I just wanted to make sure you got the latest offer from our company. If you want, you can contact me any time to talk it over. Or whatever else you might like to discuss in your current job situation.
Thank you sir
., he inhaled deeply into his well-loaded stomach, watching his gut swell out into the familiar dome again. Having drunk enough to mute his inhibitions, it occurred to him that talking to Walter Sattler, an experienced but not personally involved expert, might not be a bad idea.
Recounting his current dilemma in a nutshell, Sattler let out a low wolf-whistle: Impressive. Both actually. That your case is considered to merit going on trial despite a settlement offer. And that the employer youre suing has re-visited your work and had a complete change of heart over it. Speaks tremendously in your favor.
Thank you. Doesnt make things easier.
I cant say anything on the legal case and its prospects. But what I can say is that getting management experience in a smaller company for us guys with a technical background is the best way to do it. Otherwise you often end up doing all the work for some technically illiterate dumb-ass MBA who happens to be your boss and never reap any of the laurels. I was lucky to have that chance with my second employer otherwise Id never be in the position I am today. Plus, I can understand your reservations of not wanting to take up options which come through personal contacts. Thats why I never went to work for Lothar indicating at Christinas father even though he asked several times. Didnt want to be seen only as the boss best buddy.
Im glad you understand why I was reluctant to get back to you.
Assumed it was something in that vein Alex after our first interactions. Nothing wrong with that on the contrary. Should you decide to return to FuturePowers and get that executive experience Ill surely be able to make you a much better offer in a year or two. Sattler rolled his eyes. Have to go Valerie wants something.
Thank you for your advice sir I greatly appreciate it. He got up too and walked out onto the terrace, craving fresh cool air to clear the fog from his mind. Loosening his collar, he took a few deep breaths, the chilly spring wind fanning his hot cheeks; closing his eyes intensified the spinning in his head. Re-opening them, it did seem as if everything was suddenly more focused. Walters straight talk had been a blessing for once someone had immediately given him a clear opinion. Letting fully emerge what he had subconsciously determined for days: He was not going to pursue his lawsuit.
Following Maxs advice to look into the Bosman ruling had been a deeply disturbing eye-opener: The man whose legal persistence had turned even average European league football players into multi-millionaires now lived in a Belgian rust-belt dump off disability benefits. He had never had another job in football after the ruling and had only managed to salvage his house because a few second-tier players staged a charity match which barely scraped together the sum necessary to pay off his mortgage. Meaning the equivalent of what Premier League top shots earned in a week. The professional players association hailed the ruling as the end to servitude and muzzling contracts while Bosman was left without as much as the crumbs of their spoils reaching him.
Bosman was a warning example he did not want to follow. He liked his worked and he wanted to have professional options for the decades to come. The other thing Walter had verbalized was a mental shift that had started evolving in him while still at FuturePowers. Despite his masters in Engineering Economics, he had initially replicated his fathers world view that they were the tech guys who kept things running and should leave business to the business guys. Seeing the incompetence of several of his superiors on the management side, the thought I could do that better myself had increasingly popped up. Alexa had also suggested that a management techniques training could iron out the few weaknesses he still had in the field.
Is everything okay with you? Alexa stepped out onto the terrace, sliding an arm around him to fondle one of his doughy overflowing love-handles.
Yeah Im fine. Just needed some fresh air. He pulled her against him, feeling her statuesque curves, exhaling in comfort as he felt the luscious weight of her breasts press against his chest. Mmmmh
. He buried his face in her neck, tracing her hairline with his nose-tip. Mmmh
a contented grumble was all he could utter.
Did Walter have anything interesting to say?
Apparently snuggling was not enough for Alexa. Yeah he made me see a few things clearer. Im definitely not going to court with my case.
She gave him a long, lingering, tender kiss. Im actually relieved to hear that. I honestly think its the better decision for you. A case like that in the private sector I cant see a positive outcome.
Max told me to look up the Bosman ruling not an encouraging blue-print.
Hmmh
. I had that in mind too several times
hmmmh
now Alexa wanted to cuddle, fondly exploring his side-roles and nibbling on his double-chin before resting her head on his shoulder. How do you really feel about the John Zoë item
?
Hmmmph
. ummm
. fine
. I guess
., hesitating a bit.
Same here, she gave him a twisted smile. Theres objectively nothing wrong with it I should be happy John finally found a really sweet girlfriend for himself. It
well
it just feels weird that shes your sister
Yeah thats exactly how I feel too, he grinned in relief. I honestly like John, like all of your brothers. Youve told me hes had such bad experiences with girlfriends thats not his fault. Guess Im being overprotective of my little sister. Also her boy-friends so far were such noneties
. Probably never took them seriously. So John would be a bit of a first but as that hes good Ill get used to it
., he rambled, not sure how to phrase his mixed emotions.
So will I. Actually its wonderful imagine what great things we can do as a foursome together
, Alexa gave the massive roll overhanging his waistband an energetic little shake.
Alexes cake cutting time! Charlie called them back inside.
After more toasting with red champagne they settled with their cake plates around a low table near the fireplace with John and Zoë. Youre not angry at me or us Alex are you? she looked at him with begging, worried eyes.
No not at all. Its just a real surprise
. One I need to get used to. But Im happy for both of you youre a good guy John, youre getting a very good girl with my little sis take excellent care of her.
Guaranteed, John wrapped a protective arm around Zoë.
I shouldve smelled rat when you had that weird long layover in Amsterdam Zoë, Alexa winked. I noticed there was some sort of click between you two at the Christmas markets. And I know theres that dirt cheap flight Cologne-Baltimore with the almost day long stopover
Yes
it really was love at first sight, Zoë stroked Johns cheek with shining eyes. No endless prelude like with you and Alex
ending in a kiss.
Does the family know? the question occurred to him.
Grammy does. She didnt believe I was traveling so much, so early on the job just for business and when I asked about the earrings I had to come clean
.
Momll be delighted, he could hear the sardonic edge in his voice. Not only Lady Alexandra, but also Lord John
. making them both swat him indignantly with their napkins.
Zoë gave John a calming hug and spooned him a bite of the cherry liquor wedding cake. Swallowing, he loosened his belt with a sigh. I have to start watching it again. Being so happy with Zoë has made my appetite go crazy. Dont want to know how much Ive put back on
.
You look great John. I havent seen you so happy and healthy in ages, Alexa reassured him. Yet it was obvious his cheeks were fuller and rosier and the buttons of his shirt were straining over a more prominent belly roll.
Youre my gorgeous guy, Zoë seconded, steering another spoon to his lips and caressing his midsection. At any size. Eat what you want, be yourself
Ill never say anything. Ive learned thats the most wrong thing to do
giving Alex a soulful, apologetic look.
Right now I want to eat a second piece of the second tier
. that fabulous Cognac truffle
, he heaved himself up. Anyone else? Zoë and Alexa shook heads but John signaled small piece with two fingers.
Over at the buffet, he cut himself the biggest piece which wouldnt look absurd on the small plate and a slim slice for John. But he scraped together the cuttings and crumbs and pushed the heaped spoonful into his mouth, the rich, chocolaty alcohol coating his tongue. Looking across the historic hall in the warm candle light, he felt light-headed, as if his brain was floating 2 inches over his head, a sensation only quality champagne achieved. This was what he wanted a full belly protruding unabashedly before him, a mouth full of delicious chocolate, a close-knit circle of accepting friends and family, professional peers and mentors he could respect and a perfect lady who would most willingly let herself be smothered under his bulk tonight. If he wanted to keep that, hed have to do his part, bite the bullet, take the risk of trying to cash his ticket to a better position in life.