MsCezanne's Odyssey

Matt exhaled very slowly. These were the largest pair of pants that Annie had bought him, and they were snug. More to the point, they were the only pair of pants that still fit, and the last thing he wanted to do was blow a button with a big breath.

It was time to join the gym.

He walked to the door, slowly. Not too much exertion, not too much strain on that one poor little button. He stepped out and the phone rang. Saved by the bell, he grinned. He turned back, trying to get to it quickly, but without hurrying.

It was Annie. "Going the gym," she said after a moment, "better let me come with you."

Matt winced. He just wasn't comfortable with that thought at all. He didn't really want her to see how tight his clothes were now, much less have her there if he had to weigh in at the gym.

"No, really, you need me there," she answered his feeble protests. "People always sign up for the wrong thing at the gym. Having someone else there helps you get what you need, not what the gym wants to charge you for."

Matt never could say no to her. She was so cute, and a guy like him was so lucky to have her. Besides, having someone else there probably would help him save a few dollars.

He pulled up at her place, glad to find her already waiting at the curb. It had taken a few minutes to glide into the car without popping his button, he didn't really want to repeat the performance for her.

"I'm STARVED," she announced. "Let's eat first."

He tried to just order a salad, but Annie insisted he have something with carbs too. She pointed out he'd have to do a fitness test, and would need his energy. She ordered a big plate of food for herself, as always. Matt ate quickly, including half of Annie's sandwich and most of her fries. Annie ordered dessert, Matt declined, though ended up 'tasting' about half of hers anyway.

He felt a tad ridiculous, as he was trying to get up slowly, but not so slowly that Annie would notice, but slow enough that his button would retain its miraculous hold. He noticed that his belt was joining in the fight, and he felt a little more secure, if somewhat pinched in the waist.

They walked slowly out to the car, Annie exclaiming how she ate so much, and Matt sort of wishing he'd eaten more, even though he never would with Annie there. Getting into the car he finally felt the button give way on his pants. He was thankful the belt would hold his pants more or less in place for the rest of the day, but he would have to buy some new pants to wear to work on Monday.

On the way to the gym Annie gave an excited shout, "Look, they're having a sale! I love their clothes, they look SO good on you. Go, go, I want to get you something nice." He needed the clothes, and wasn't sure when he'd get the time to go. Hopefully she wouldn't see what size he was buying.

In the store she pointed out several styles of pants and shirts she'd like him to try on. Luckily she kept her distance as he picked out the sizes. He thought about going up one size, but decided to try on a variety of sizes. He eventually settled on going up three sizes. The pants were loose, too loose, really, but if he gained another few pounds they'd suit him well, and when he lost weight, he still had plenty of smaller clothes to wear.

Halfway through the parking lot she spotted another sale, this time at a women's clothing store. Without a word they headed for the other shop. He waited while she went through everything, trying endless dozens of clothes. Matt had always hated shopping with girlfriends, it was just interminable, and now he was just hoping no one would see that his pants weren't buttoned.

Finally they were on their way. "Off to the gym," Matt offered with a false enthusiasm.

"Oh, do you have gym clothes to wear? They'll make you do a fitness test." Matt shook his head no. "Okay, then let me just get something for you. Pull over here."

A few minutes later Annie was back in the car with a bag containing grey sweatpants and a matching tshirt. Matt hoped they'd fit okay.

"Finally," Matt was finding it hard to fake the enthusiasm, "off to the gym!"

"Oh, Matt, it's late, you won't be able to join now. Instead, let's go to your place. I can model my new clothes for you, and then we can get dressed up and go some place nice for dinner!"

He couldn't really argue with that.