In Her Chair
by Undine
by Undine
Khloe sat in the back room of the salon, sipping her water and trying to erase the previous five hours from her memory. Shed dripped color on a clients expensive new jeans, spilled the twenty volume developer all over the dispensary, and had just finished a three-hour spiral perm on an extremely picky woman whose only comment on her hair was I guess its alright. She loved being a stylist, but days like this made her wish she could just crawl into a hole.
But she only had two hours until her shift was over, and she intended to take it easy. There were four other stylists at her salon, Synergy, but Khloe had been doing more clients a day than three of the other girls combined, picking up their slack for the six months shed worked there. After the day shed had, she felt like she deserved a break.
Guess what that lady just tipped me, Sami said, breezing into the break room, her blonde extensions fluttering out behind her. She flopped down into the chair across from Khloe.
Hmm. You did, what, all-over color, a full head of highlights, and then a razor cut? Three bucks.
Two. Sami groaned and sunk down further in her seat, her slim form lost in the big arm chair. She was the only stylist besides Khloe who really pulled her weight in the salon, and they got along pretty well. I swear, people tip their waiters more, and the waiters dont have to put up with them for three hours straight like we do.
You have a point.
I know. She sighed. So are you coming out tonight?
I dont know, Sami, after the crappy day Ive had, I think I just want to curl up with my cat and a book.
Oh, come on, Khlo! That guy whats his name Esteban! Ooh, he was so into you last night. He said hed be there again tonight, and hed bring friends. Friends, Khlo. That means that I get to get in on the hot Latin action, too!
Khloe snorted. He was in desperate need of a shower and an ego check, Sam. He was so greasy he didnt walk, he slid.
Oh, he did not.
Yes, he did. He was totally skeezy. And skeezy is not my type. She squeezed another lemon slice into her water with decisive force.
Not your type. Youre just being difficult. I dont understand you, you have all these incredibly hot men absolutely salivating over you, and you want nothing to do with them. Youre so damn picky, Sami complained.
Khloe shifted uncomfortably in her seat, tugging on a deep chestnut curl. I may have high standards, but it saves me from dealing with the whackos.
I dont even know what your standards are
Number one: isnt the type of guy who goes to bars or clubs to pick up women. Therefore, any guy we meet when we go out is pretty much not a keeper, Khloe countered.
Oh, come on, theyre not all disgusting.
Youre right, some of them are just plain nuts.
Okay, so what are you looking for, then? Whats your type, Miss Picky?
Dannie, one of the other stylists, saved her from having to answer. She was standing in the doorway of the break room, boredly chomping on a piece of gum. Theres a haircut up there, she stated.
And you cant take it, why? Khloe asked somewhat irritably.
Dannie made a face. Because Im leaving soon...
And by soon you mean three hours, Sami muttered.
And because I think its a guy, but hes got, like, boobs. Im not going near that with a hazmat suit, and neither will Orla or Jill.
What? Sami said, audibly. You mean he she is a transsexual? You know you cant refuse to do someone because of something like that, Dannie, well get sued.
Dannie rolled her eyes. I mean hes super-fat.
Khloe flushed and peered around Dannie to the waiting area at the front of the salon. There sat a young man in his early twenties, like her, looking around anxiously. Even at a distance, she could see that he was very attractive, with an innocent face and shaggy light brown hair. And he was very fat.
Ill do him, Khloe said suddenly.
Good, Dannie said. She turned and sauntered back up to her station, where she plopped down and began filing her nails.
I thought you were exhausted? Sami asked her, looking weirded out.
Khloe felt her cheeks grow hot as she tied her apron on. Yeah, well, I need the money.
Well good luck, Sami told her. I hope he fits in your chair.
Khloe shot her a look as she left the break room, anxiously cracking her knuckles as she walked to her station and quickly got out her shears, clippers, and combs. Her heart was beating fast, so she slowed down a bit to give herself time to calm down. Just looking at this guy sent shivers down her legs.
When she felt marginally more composed, she went over to the reception desk to check his name. Orla, who was sitting there, said, Oh, so youre doing the lard ass?
Shut up, Orla, she hissed.
The redhead rolled her eyes. Here. She handed her the clipboard where hed signed his name. Garron Riese. Here for a wash and cut. And if no one else was here, hed be getting a lot more than that she thought.
She turned to the waiting area. He was seated on the edge of the couch with his elbows on his knees, obviously trying to camouflage his size. But he couldnt hide the fact that he took up more than half of the couch, which could easily fit four people. Khloe felt her thighs tingle, prayed that shed be able to keep it together.
Hi, Garron, she said brightly.
He looked up, and she saw that his eyes were a deep blue grey, encircled and enhanced by brown-framed glasses. He gave a nervous smile as he stood, taking her outstretched hand and shaking it firmly.
Im Khloe; its nice to meet you, she gave him her friendly smile, hoping to put him at ease. She saw his smile relax just a fraction, and quickly took note of his clothing. Baggy khaki cargo pants, Converse sneakers, a slightly roomy long-sleeved t-shirt. He dressed to conceal, too. A pity, she thought. But she could still see the silhouette of his rounded frame pushing out of his clothes. The wide slope of his belly, the thickness of his thighs she even caught a slight jiggle of his midsection as they shook hands. She suppressed a shiver.
Hi, Khloe, nice to meet you, too, he replied. Oh, geez, his voice is even sexy
Come on back with me, and well talk about what were going to do. She led him back to her station, all the while feeling the heat of his presence at her back like a roaring bonfire. This is crazy I know hes hot, but my reactions are just insane. She stopped in front of her chair. Okay, have a seat right here.
She saw him hesitate before he began to lower his mass into her hydraulic chair. It was a tight squeeze, she saw his face redden in her mirror as he sat. She regretted not talking to him about what he wanted in the waiting area so he wouldnt have to stuff himself into her chair yet again after his shampoo, but simultaneously loved watching him do it, even though she knew he was embarrassed.
Okay, Garron, what are we going to do today? she asked him, trying to make eye contact in the mirror.
I need a haircut, he told her, his eyes lowered. So he was shy. Not too much off I like to keep it kind of long, but its getting in my eyes a lot.
Okay, thats not a problem. He was very tall, so she lowered the chair as far as she could to reach the top of his head. She combed out a section of hair and measured out about an inch with her fingers. His hair was soft, thick, silky, poker straight, and had gorgeous natural highlights. People paid her to give them hair like his. Youve got very nice hair, Garron. Its really healthy. About this much?
Yeah, that looks good. And thanks.
She smiled at him again, saw him give her a little smile back. She asked him a few more questions to make sure she had all the specific things he wanted down, then told him she was going to drape him. She put a towel around his neck and wrapped the cape around it, just barely closing it on the very end of the Velcro because his neck was so thick. Is that okay? she asked him. Not too tight?
He nodded.
Okay, lets go over to the shampoo bowl and get you washed. She led him over to the sinks and told him to sit, all the while taking shameless pleasure in watching the way his fat shifted beneath the cape as he sat and leaned back, wriggling around until his head was in the correct position. Let me know if the water temperature is alright. She turned on the hose and gently wet his hair.
Thats perfect, he said.
Good. Now you just close your eyes and relax, Garron. She shampooed and rinsed, then rubbed conditioner on his scalp, giving him her special massage that she usually reserved for family and friends. As her fingers circled through his hair, she watched the slow rise and fall of his belly with the rhythm of his breath. It had been that very sight ten years ago which had turned on the light bulb in the dark corner of her mind that harbored her secret desire for fat guys.
Shed been away at summer camp, and her friend had become so homesick that her mom came to pick her up early, so Khloe had been left alone in her cabin. She had never been the type who could stand being still for long, so, with no one to talk to or go around with, she began exploring on the boys side of camp during free time. She wasnt exactly looking to do anything with anyone shed already been kissed by two pretty good-looking guys since shed turned thirteen that spring and hadnt particularly enjoyed it but shed seen a guy around the camp a few times who intrigued her. Hed had spiky blonde hair, blue eyes, and a thick, heavy body with a round pooch of a belly. It wasnt really clear to her why he interested her so much: he was funny and smart, seemed nice, but he wasnt what she or her friends would call hot. So she sought him out, hoping to watch him for a bit, maybe talk to him, figure out what the deal was.
She found him sitting under a tree with a book a little ways off from the boys cabins. Khloe was not a shy girl, so she sat down next to him and struck up a conversation. His name was Nick, he was also thirteen, and from the other side of the state. They spent a few hours together before the bedtime whistle blew, and this time only served to confuse Khloe more. She knew that those feelings racing around inside her were of strong like for him, but it just wasnt making sense. He had a cute face, he was a really nice guy, but he was fat. And she couldnt like a fat guy. They hung out together every day until camp ended two weeks later, and those strange emotions only grew in intensity.
On the last night, the counselors had organized a dance for the kids. She held Nicks hand the entire time, and they danced to all the slow songs together. Afterwards, the counselors had a party of their own in the mess hall while the campers lounged back on logs around the campfire and told ghost stories. But Khloe was more interested in watching Nicks belly rise and fall. She pictured kissing him, putting her hands on his belly under the starlight. She was shocked that she wanted to kiss him, but knew that it was a definite desire.
So she grabbed his hand and led him down to the little stream that ran behind the infirmary, and kissed him. He kissed her right back, and it was far nicer than either of the kisses shed received thus far in life. She gently placed her hands on his belly, and it was like fireworks exploded in her stomach as her fingers sunk into his softness. She still remembered all the little details from that moment: the damp smell of the forest, the exact color of the starlight, how smooth Nicks lips had been, and, of course, the way his fat had felt. She remembered thinking, Huh I guess I like fat guys. Thats strange.
As she grew older, she only wished she could go back to the innocence and simplicity of that realization. Now that she knew what her desires were, she was bombarded with the societal pressures that fat was a horrible thing, that it was only normal to be thin and like thin people. Shed suffered through high school tolerating the muscular jocks who went after her, all the while secretly pining away for a fat outcast who would have never mustered up the courage to ask her out. Khloe knew that she could have asked him out any time she wanted, but shed been too afraid of the social rejection that would follow. As a girl in her circle of friends had once shown interest in a guy from the Goth crowd, the backlash had been incredible. Shed arrived at her locker the next day to find freak lover scrawled across it in permanent marker, people made comments about her wanting to suck blood and all sorts of ridiculous things, all because shed said that so-and-so was kind of cute. The name-calling had gone on their whole sophomore year, and Khloe could imagine the kinds of things theyd have called her if her fat thing, as she referred to it, was revealed. She became ashamed of her preference and tried to quash it, but it just wouldnt budge.
She decided that when she went to college she would just be herself, and anyone who had a problem with her preference wasnt worth having in her life. Since then, shed never made a secret of her fondness for chub, but she never came out and admitted it to anyone, either. Shed dated a few cute big guys in college, but nothing too serious. Most of them couldnt believe that she was genuinely attracted to them because of their appearance rather than in spite of it, that ended things rather quickly. She knew that her roommates talked about the fact that all the guys she brought home were big, but none of them ever had the courage to say anything to her face, so she ignored them. She was having enough trouble trying to remind herself that she wasnt a freak, when so many of those guys had told her she was for craving their fat bodies.
Now that she was out of both college and cosmetology school and living on her own, she didnt have to worry about explaining herself to anyone. The supply of attractive fat men in her area, however, was next to nothing. But you, Garron, have made my day. Hell, youve probably made my year, youre that gorgeous. She looked down at his face, admiring the curve of his cheeks and the soft double chin that padded his jaw. His skin was tanned, which wasnt surprising, considering they were in a beach town, but he looked like he could have been a surfer, which was surprising, given his size. She again gazed at his belly, wishing that she could have washed his hair without a cape on so her view wouldnt have been obscured. Come to think of it, if she could have, shed have asked him to take his shirt off, too. She had a brief fantasy involving her client and a too-tight wetsuit that he needed help getting out of
Khloe reluctantly rinsed him out and toweled his hair, returning the chair to an upright position. Garron opened his eyes, his face looking a bit dreamy. Wow, he said, that was incredible. Your hands must hurt like crazy at the end of the day, doing that on every client you wash.
She couldnt hold back a slightly wicked grin. Who says I do it for everyone?
He blushed, making his round cheeks look like apples.
You can go ahead back over to my chair, I just have to wipe down the sink, and Ill be right over. She watched his tubby behind as he made his way back to her station, holding her breath as he squeezed into her chair again. Watching him from this angle afforded her a spectacular view of his love handles spilling over the arms of her chair. He had to be at least 350 pounds. Hes really squished in there, isnt he? she thought with a silent giggle as she squirted cleaner on the sink and hose. She saw that the redness in his face had deepened, feeling a little ashamed for being so turned on by something that so obviously humiliated him. If he had any idea how incredibly sexy I think he is I hope he can get the hint.
She finished cleaning off the sink and returned to his side. Okay, Garron, now we can get started. She picked up a comb and began to pull it through his hair. So do you live around here?
Yeah, I live over on Ocean Avenue, actually.
Wow, youre really close to the beach that must be nice. Youre not too far away from me, either, she replied, inwardly thanking her unbelievable luck. I live on Forget-Me-Not.
Thats not too far from the beach, either. There are some really nice places on that street.
Yeah, Im really lucky to live there, I love it. So what do you do for a living? she asked as she picked up her shears and began to cut. She could have finished his cut in ten minutes, but she took it slow. She wanted plenty of time to chat.
He got a bit of a strange look on his face. Im a video game designer.
Khloes eyes widened. Seriously? What games do you work on?
Uh, Ive done Ancient Enemy I and II, City of Smoke, and right now Im working on a sequel to it.
That is so cool! Ive only played Ancient Enemy II a few times, but I love City of Smoke; its my favorite game.
He looked incredulous. You play video games?
Khloe gave him a grin. I know, I know, Im a girl! She feigned a look of shock.
I no, I just
Im only teasing. I know its sort of unusual. None of my friends play. So tell me about your job, what all do you do?
They chatted for a while about his work, Khloes questions gradually drew him out of his shell a bit. He even asked her a few questions: how long shed been a stylist, what else she liked to do. He was very polite and funny, and so sweet he even sunk down in the chair a bit without being asked when she was having trouble reaching the top of his head. As she caught him checking her out once, she mentally cheered that had to mean he wasnt gay. She hadnt thought he was, but one could never be too sure. Now, she thought, is he seeing anyone
So do you have any kids? That was usually a much safer question than, Do you have a girlfriend? Most younger people would automatically offer their relationship status when asked about their children or lack thereof.
He laughed a bit uneasily. No, no kids. Definitely not. Im only twenty-four, I dont have anybody to have them with.
Score, she thought. Ah, well, some people like to start early. I know its way too early for me. And I dont have anybody to have them with, either, she added, wanting to make sure he knew she was available. Okay, Garron, your cuts all finished. How does it feel? Go ahead, run your hands through it, make sure it feels good to you.
He lifted his hands and combed through his damp locks. Khloe couldnt resist, she lifted her own hand and accidentally brushed his fingers, sending a shock up her arm from the contact. She thought she saw him jump a little bit, too. It feels really good, he said. Much better; it wont be in my eyes now.
Great! she said, giving him another grin edged with evidence of her attraction. Is there anything else I can do before I dry it?
He said no, so she blew it dry on the low setting, taking as long as she possibly could, not wanting him to leave. But soon it was dry, there was nothing left to stall with. At least I get to take the cape off now and stare at his gorgeous body for a few minutes, she tried to console herself. She unwrapped the cape from around his neck and stood back as he pulled his soft bulk out of her chair. Her knees felt wiggly, and her thoughts were wiggling, too.
They walked up to the reception area, Khloe asking him what his plans were for the rest of the day. Orla saw them coming and made a disgusted face, then hopped out of the chair behind the desk, brushing past them on her way to the back of the salon. Khloe got behind the desk and rung him out as he told her that he was planning to just go home and hang out, maybe test the latest level of the game hed been working on.
She handed his change back to him, Thank you so much for coming in, Garron, it was really nice to meet you. She gave him another one of her low-wattage sexy smiles, not wanting to overwhelm him. She could tell that he wasnt very confident, but if he had been she would have asked him out right then. Maybe she would.
He looked at her and smiled back shyly. No, thank you, Khloe. You made this a really good experience. And your massage was fantastic. My head feels amazing. Here, he said, handing her a twenty dollar bill.
Oh, no, you dont have to do that
Yes, I do, he insisted. You did a great job, and you were really nice to me.
You shouldnt tip me for being nice to you, Garron; youre worth being nice to.
He blushed, obviously at a loss for words. Just then, a snatch of the conversation in the break room floated up to the front of the salon: didnt even fit so fat!
Khloes stomach lurched, and she saw the shame bloom in Garrons face. They were both silent for a moment. She was, for once, at a complete loss for words.
He broke the silence. Well, he said quietly, its such a rarity that I get kind of shocked when it happens and sometimes try to overcompensate. Although I dont think this is overcompensating. Please, take it, Khloe. The cut looks great, and I wont have a headache for a week.
Thank you, Garron. Here heres one of my cards. It would be really nice to see you again.
He gave a wry smile as he glanced at her card and pocketed it. Thanks again, Khloe. Have a good night.
You too, Garron. Good luck with your game. You have one definite buyer right here when it comes out.
He thanked her again and gave a small wave, as she watched his soft body quiver as he walked out the door.
Shit! she muttered. Why didnt I rebook him? Why the hell didnt I at least ask him for his number? Ugh! She quickly typed his name into the computer and hit the search button. Nothing came up of course Orla hadnt taken down his information. She wished she would have remembered to do it herself, but shed been too busy drooling over him like a puppy. And her co-workers had decided to be assholes. That had thrown her completely off balance. She, unshakable Khloe.
She wanted him so badly she couldnt even see straight as she walked back to her station to clean up. As she disinfected the counter and put her combs in the sanitizer, she replayed all the little details of the past how long had it been? She looked at the clock and was shocked to see that shed spent an hour and a half with him. Well, at least I had a good ending to my crappy day, she thought.
Then she heard the other stylists laughing in the back room, and felt her blood begin to sizzle. But thanks to them, Ill probably never see him again. She tossed her things in her bag and stalked back to the doorway, her teeth clenched. They were all still giggling as she crossed the threshold and stopped, glaring around at them. What the hell is wrong with all of you? she demanded.
Their laughter stopped. Whats your problem? Jill asked, her lip curled.
My problem is that I was doing a client out there, you were all back here saying horrible things about him. He heard you. Hell probably never come back again.
Who cares if that disgusting blob never comes back? Itll save our furniture a lot of stress, Dannie quipped.
Yeah, you were doing him, alright, Orla smirked at the same time.
Khloe felt her stomach drop down to the soles of her feet. Youre all disgusting. She turned her stare to Sami: And I expected better from you. Im leaving.
Khlo, wait! Sami called after her as she slammed open the front door.
What?
What is up with you?
I just told you. Not only was that completely unprofessional, it was really mean. There is no reason to make fun of someones appearance like that.
Okay, well, number one, he was really, really huge. Number two, it really looked like you were flirting with him. I saw you giving him your special massage. You wont even give me your special massage unless I beg you for weeks.
So whats wrong with being nice to people?
Sami gave her a look. You definitely passed the line of just nice. You were seriously working it.
Nothing gives you an excuse to talk about someone you dont even know like that, especially when he can hear you. She had reached her car and was digging for her keys in her bag.
Sami was now standing at the passenger side of the car. Khloe had been giving her a ride home for the past week while her car was in the garage. Why are you completely avoiding what Im saying? Were you flirting with him, yes or no?
Khloe ignored her, unlocked her door, and got in.
Hey! Youre still giving me a ride home, right? Samis muffled voice came through the closed passenger side window.
With a huff, Khloe reached over and unlocked the door. As mad as she was at her friend, she couldnt leave her there to bum a ride with Dannie, Jill, or Orla.
Sami got in, and was silent as Khloe turned the key in the ignition and pulled out of the lot behind the salon. She didnt say anything until they turned onto Samis street. Oh I get it. You were just being nice, right? You figured that no one would probably ever look at a tub like that, so you wanted to spice up his day a little? Give him a little pick-me-up? And you probably got a really good tip, too.
Khloe gave her a withering look as she stopped in front of Samis apartment building. Why does it matter so much to you?
Sami crinkled her nose. Because if you were really flirting with him, that would just be bizarre. And pretty gross.
Khloe shook her head. Ill see you Monday, Sami.
Youre not coming out tonight? What about Esteban?
I told you, I think hes gross. You can go pick up as many slimy men as you want, but Ill pass, thanks.
Sami sighed. Alright, sorry if I pissed you off. If you reconsider, please call me. If not, Ill see you Monday. Thanks for the ride.