Chapter 14
October had been a blur of events for Anne and Jack. They were driving all around the Northeast Ohio area. They came, they saw, they ate.
If it wasnt pumpkin pie, it was apple, if it wasnt this microbrews octoberfest beer it was anothers. The Republicans didnt skimp on events and our protagonists were there to experience it all.
October is the home stretch for any political campaign and its really where the biggest blows are hit. Jack was a heavyweight by now and punching away.
Anne played the arm candy and relished the role. She loved going to the events and getting dressed up, even if some of those dresses from earlier in the summer were being retired to the back of the closet.
There was no denying her tummy roll now. She couldnt hide it, her pants showed a muffin top and her arms had grown soft. Her pretty face had gained a roundness to it and her butt had spread wider.
This morning that wider butt was rearing its ugly head and she attempted to get on a pair of jeans in preparation for a lunch meeting about her academic standing. Good God Ive got a fat ass now! She said as she struggled to get them up to her waist.
Once they had stretched up to her waist another problem presented itself. There was too much tummy between the gap of her button and the hole it needed to go through. This is the meaning of fml huh? She thought as she checked out her booty in the mirror.
I didnt know denim wore out. She said out loud. Putting on a new sweater that would hide her button issues, she headed out to meet with the head of her department, who was in town to discuss her doctoral dissertation.
Annie! You are looking so well! Dr. Phillips said as she stood up to greet her colleague. She noticed the fuller figure and thought Even Annie isnt immune from research weight it seems. It was a well known result of too much time in the library, lack of sleep and no time to work out.
As they ate they discussed all the work she had done. She was pleased with Annes progress and felt it was an appropriate time to defend her theory. Besides, it looks like we need to get you back to Daytons pool. She chortled as she motioned to Annes figure.
Her face reddened but she knew it must be a shock for anyone that knew her thinner. She was just happy no one could tell her pants werent buttoned.
Jack was undergoing his own scrutiny that morning. He was at the local Mens Warehouse getting fit for his 4th new suit in as many months. Well Mr. Howard, the waist is 42 now. The young clerk who always seemed to be there when he needed a new suit said.
I guess a few too many donuts. He joked lamely.
She did not laugh. This guy is totally porking out.
Jack made his way back to the office via Dunkin Donuts. Gotta support Corporate America. He mused.
Caitlin greeted him as he entered the cubicle ridden terrain.
Got anything good for energy boss? She asked expectantly.
Her party lifestyle and slowed down this month and with the election a few days away she was hurting for a beer. She had found a different fix in sugary treats and the effects showed. The blonde was filling out a pant suit exquisitely with round chubby hips that day.
Caitlin didnt mind though because she was treated to the man girth of a boss every day. She might have been tipping the scales at a little over 195 but that paled in comparison to the weight gained by Jack.
Jennifer the intern, recently promoted to a full-time staff member, was not far behind in seeing what donuts Jack had brought in. Her belly was pushing out her button down shirt as it jiggled back and forth, showing off a summers worth of indulgence in a Jack Howard office. The cheerleader body had rented out space.
She had been happy to take on her new role because it meant money and her first paycheck had gone to new professional clothes. Pants that actually fit were a luxury and Caitlin had welcomed her into this new adult realization by sharing half of her donut with the young protege.
Jack still took the cake though or what was left of the cake after he had his fill. At an imposing 62 and 250lbs, he cut a rather formidable figure now. Still broad-shouldered, his belly now stretched out in front of him as if balancing everything out.
How are the numbers looking for tomorrow? Jack asked as his team crowded around the table.
Good boss, we really got the troops out in full force, I think this will be our best showing in a few elections. Jennifer said through a mouthful of donut.
Thats good to hear, make sure we have a space prepared at the election party for a press conference, win or lose we will control the message from the get go. He said.
Sure thing. The rounder intern replied.
Before things get too crazy I want you all to know, no matter what happens, youve all been some of the best Ive worked with. Ill personally write to the national office about each of you. Youve really grown on me the past two years and Im really honored to be a part of this. Jack eloquently said.
Aw boss, we all love you too. Caitlin said as the others nodded in agreement.
Alright well, before we begin the party theres still 24 hours left in the job. Lets do our best! He said as they filed out and began their last days work.
He frowned as he looked down at the empty box of donuts. I didnt know I worked with an office of locusts when it came to donuts.
Seeing Caitlin walking away he quickly remembered his last gift. She and him had been working together from the get-go and he had gotten her something special.
Hey Caitlin, see me in my office a sec. He said as he watched his assistant turn back and walk with him.
They had both grown wider in the last 8 months or so and almost got stuck in the door as they walked side by side. Caitlin felt the press of Jacks beer gut and almost swooned. That was some of her handy work. Well, hers and Annes. Credit where credits due.
She felt her belly hang over her waist as she sat down. Cant make an omelette without breaking a few eggs. She thought. She had begun to crossfit and as hard as it was, she was feeling better about her energy level. Shed never had the work ethic to see a goal through before this job and it was affecting her life in a lot of ways. She was even considering giving up beer in an effort to fit her old jeans.
Caitlin, youve really impressed me. Weve made a good team and I wanted to thank you personally. Jack said. He reached over and pulled something out of his desk. He handed her the little box and she opened it, revealing a watch. The inscription said. Always remember what you learned here. She didnt know at the time but that watch would serve as a motivator for her in a lot of things the rest of her life.
She thanked Jack and they hugged, allowing her once again to feel his girth. His belly pushed against hers, keeping a fat space between them that had not existed in such size a few months ago.
Youve really grown on me. I put in a call to DC, you can have a job there after the new year if you want it. I know youve been stuck in Ohio your whole life so I told them I wasnt sure if youd accept but heres all the info on it. Obviously call after tomorrow. Jack said, handing her a piece of paper.
She was speechless. She knew she had been busting her ass but she didnt know it could lead to such a great reward. After thanking Jack overwhelmingly and almost to the point of happy tears, she left the office. Her life had taken a turn and she was feeling incredibly positive.
Jack had settled into his desk to fish out his secret stash of candy when Caitlin called him from her desk.
I get it Cait, you are happy but honestly I just put in a good word. He laughed.
Oh boss, its not that, Sandra is here to see you. Haywards girlfriend. She said apologetically.
Crap, cant you tell her we are busy? Me especially. He said, trying to open up his peanut m and ms.
Shes not taking not for an answer, umm shes walking in your office now. She said.
Jack looked and saw a silhouette at his door. After hearing the faintest of knocks, the door opened. Trying to hide the m and ms that had spilled onto his desk, he stood up.
Sandra! Im surprised to see you without your other...whoa. He said out of surprise.
She was dressed to the nines, in a tight dress that showed off her model thin body. She was wearing the perfect amount of make up and looked like she knew she was the most gorgeous person in the building.
Her eyes flickered to the m and ms and the large belly he had gained in one summer. She flashed her best smile.
Im sorry Jack, I know you are busy. She said as she batted her eyes and swung her hair around sexily.
She had made sure to wear her best outfit. One that showed her toned legs and tight body. She also wore her fake glasses, knowing that they made her look smarter and every CEOs dream. But she had a dream too. I cant believe Im doing this. She thought once again as her eyes looked at the round globe of a stomach Jack Howard had now. Hes got a new suit, at least he knows hes porked out then.
I have been meaning to stop by since the football game. I wanted to apologize to how Bill treated you, it was not only disrespectful but rude and inconsiderate. I embarrassed for the whole party. She said sincerely.
Ha, if Bill wanted to make an apology he should have been a man and came in person, not send his secretary, even one as close to him as you Sandra. Jack replied.
Bill didnt send me. How he acted towards you bothered me, you didnt deserve it and hes always been jealous of how the party looks at you. He knows your gonna be a higher up some day. Sandra said, laying on some charm. She smiled again.
Hes just bitter about a more attractive and younger man doing better than him. Sandra said matter of factly.
Jack frowned. Sandra, why did you really come here?
She was taken aback by the bluntness. He doesnt like to play games.
She held her hands up in mock surrender. Alright alright, you got me. I want in. You are a rising star and Ive heard through the national grapevine most of your inner circle is on the move. Hell I even heard Caitlins got an offer from DC. Haywards going nowhere and hes content where hes at. And for what its worth, I did feel bad about how hes treated you. She finished.
It was now Jacks turn to be surprised. Defections were common from political entities but he had pegged Sandra for being just another pretty face, happy to live high on the hog in a socially prominent position. Clearly, she had other intentions.
She closed the door as she was talking.
If youre about to come onto me, dont waste your time. Jack said, trying to diffuse the situation before it got out of hand.
Ohh hunny. Sandra said with a laugh. Youve seen too many political movies. I just closed the door for some privacy and besides. Her face turned to a wicked grin. Youre a little above my weight class these days.
Jacks face reddened.
Oh come now. Bill might have been an ass about it but theres no doubt about it, youve packed on the pounds, especially this summer. You could run for office if you got back to how you used to look but I think you are too smart for that. You know where the real power is and you like to pull the strings, and whats more is you are good at it. Oh yes, I know all about how you used to look. She said quickly as Jacks mouth fell open.
Ive kept a tab on you since you were a college intern. I know all about that first foray with Annie and I know this
She placed her hand on his belly and rounded it with her hand. This is a pretty new appendage. I know how to dig for dirt on people and quite frankly thats a tool you need in your toolbox. I think we can help each other.
Was that a bit of a threat? Jack asked seriously.
Of course not, dont be silly. But lets just say I know this gut wasnt all by accident and neither is Annies new body. Sandra poked her finger into his soft middle ever so slightly.
Youre a sweet kid still and very smart, some might think too smart to play with the big boys but youll get eaten alive unless you are able to learn what I can teach. She said.
Her face was very close to his now, they were practically eye to eye. She patted his belly and Jack would be lying if he said he wasnt aroused by that.
Everyone has a secret Jack, no matter how big or how small. My business is secrets and I can make you the master of those secrets if I have a place on your next team, once you get the call. And if you are unsure of my loyalty, I never told Bill why you let yourself transform from the pretty boy wide receiver to the lineman look. I never told him why Anne just up and moved from her cushy spot down in Dayton. Oh one more thing. She said.
She turned by the door and put her arms through the straps of the dress, dropping the dress down to the floor. Jack was treated to Sandras perfectly toned body in lingerie from Victorias Secret. She was 59 and could show off every bit of her 125lbs.
Dont make the mistake of crossing me ever because this just happened.
She took a selfie with her phone, making sure to get Jacks gaping face in the background.
As she got her dress back on she winked at him.
You know you are cute when you are shocked. But you need to learn how to play hardball. And this can all be yours if you ever go back to that sexy college look of yours, hell Id even train you back to that. She winked again.
Enjoy the donuts I left on your desk. She walked out without another word.
Jack looked at the white paper bag at the corner of his desk. What just happened?!
He looked in the bag, six chocolate angels, his favorite. She really did do her homework.