Chapter 3 - role reversal

A few weeks passed, and Jared was getting the hang of the FIFO life. Early wakeup, 12 hours of work, shower, eat, gym, chill, sleep. And repeat. It was a demanding lifestyle, but he was growing accustomed to it. He did notice the tiniest bit of softness growing around his waist, but he figured he'd just cut back and work a bit harder to get rid of it. After all, everyone joked about the FIFO 5, and he wasn't anywhere near that yet.

But for some reason he kinda liked it. He couldn't stop playing with the squish. Jared felt so weird about it.. almost a tiny bit turned on? He immediately dismissed those feelings and went on with his day.

One night at the food hall, he spotted Ericka again. They started chatting and headed to a table to eat together. Jared noticed she was already looking more toned and slim. Her belly was so small now it was barely noticeable. He even felt the tiniest bit embarrassed that he had put on weight, seeing how she was able to manage to not only NOT gain weight, but to actually lose weight and look much healthier. He didn't want to comment though, because he knew girls could be a bit sensitive about their weight.

They chatted about work, then were about to finish when Ericka suggested they get dessert. Jared didn't get dessert very often, but how could he resist it when he knew Ericka wouldn't suggest something she wouldn't eat herself? She was so disciplined and getting so fit, it must be fine.

They walked over to an array of desserts, and Jared picked up some cookies and an ice cream cone. Ericka picked up a single cookie and put it in a napkin "for later." Jared wasn't about to waste any of the desserts he picked, so he finished them as they headed back to their rooms. Before they parted ways, Ericka shyly asked if Jared wanted her cookie. She said she was actually so tired she was going straight to bed and she didn't want it to get stale. Jared said sure, took it, then they headed back to their rooms. Neither of them really thought anything of it - sometimes one's eyes are larger than their stomachs. Jared felt a tiny bit guilty for indulging, but it was just a one time thing so he brushed it off.

The next day, Jared and Ericka met up again at the food hall. They were picking out what to eat, and Ericka kept suggesting things for Jared to try. Jared would never say no to food suggestions, so his plate was piled a bit higher than normal. Ericka got some vegetables and a side of bread. Mid way through their meal, Ericka offered her piece of bread, since she said she was already full. Jared accepted and they kept chatting. When it was time to go, Ericka headed out, but Jared stayed a bit longer. He wanted to take another look at those desserts. Just a little look. There were so many things that looked so good, so he took a few to go to eat in his room. It wasn't a big deal - everyone eats dessert.

Just the idea of eating more than he needed to made Jared the tiniest bit aroused. He dismissed it, blaming it on being tired and overworked, and went back to his room. On the way there he passed Matt from the airplane. Matt looked the tiniest bit pudgier than last time. Jared chuckled under his breath. They said hi, caught up a bit, but for some reason all that Jared could think about was eating the desserts he took with him. Once the conversation was over, he hurried back so he could finish all his food.