A growing star - conclusion

Chapter 3

Two days passed before we heard back from Donnie team. Oprah was a go! To celebrate Donnie said we would go to his favourite tailor; get him some new clothes for the show and go out to eat. We hadn’t been in a restaurant for longer than I care to remember. It was so exciting. ‘What will you say if anyone recognises you?’ ‘I will tell them I get that all the time and if I were Donnie Williams would I get myself so fat? I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag until I appear on Oprah.’

‘But what about Francois, your tailor?’ ‘I have known Francois for years and trust him. I have told him to expect a surprise when he sees me. I bet he thinks I will be arriving with a wife in tow!’

‘Well. You look like you are pregnant so that is nearly the ideal family!’ we both laughed and got ready to head out.

Once we were downtown I did notice Donnie get a little shy. I could hardly blame him, the last time he was in the street he weighed about 180lb. Now he was over 330lb that was a lot of extra weight to waddle around with. He did seem to have trouble judging space and on a few occasions bumped into things. The worst was when he bumped into a tall slim guy who looked like a model. ‘Sorry.’ Donnie said as the guy was side swiped by a meaty shoulder and heavy gut. ‘Fat fuck!’ the guy replied.

I let out a laugh and looked at Donnie in case he was angry. He laughed too. I think it was the affirmation he had been waiting for. He was indeed a fat fuck and he loved it!

Donnie rang the bell at Francois’ fashion boutique. A thin pretty woman answered and asked if we had an appointment. She led us into a back area and offered us a drink. She told us Francois would be with us in a moment. After only a couple of minutes Francois appeared. He was a handsome French man in his early 30’s. As soon as Donnie saw him he stood up and held out his hand.

‘Francois, how are you? Long time no see.’ Francois stood in silence and didn’t return the handshake. Donnie laughed and when he did it was as if a light went off in Francois’ head and he then recognised Donnie.

‘Dear Lord, I had no idea who you were. Donnie, what happened to you? You’re, you’re, well huge!’ As soon as he had said the words Francois blushed. ‘Forgive me please, that was rude. I was just so shocked.’ ‘It’s ok Francois. I am huge; you are only stating a fact! ‘You look good though, it suits you.’

‘Thanks Francois, that means a lot. Very few people have seen the new me and most haven’t exactly been pleased. Oh, this is Will by the way. He is my partner.’

I held out my hand and Francois shook it. ‘Partner? But I thought you were…’ ‘Well you see, I am full of surprises today aren’t I?’ Donnie said laughing. ‘Yes you are my friend.’

Donnie explained to Francois about his life change and that he needed a suit for his appearance on Oprah and wanted Francois to make him something that didn’t try to hide the fact he was so fat. Francois took it all in and like the professional he was took notes and gave Donnie suggestions.

‘Well I think we should go with something very smart but casual. A dark grey colour to show off our size and rather than button the jacket up you should leave it open and wear braces. That way it will show off that rather large belly of yours.’ As he said it, he blushed again. Both Donnie and I exchanged glances and smiled a wry smile.

‘Well, let us get down to business. Could you take off your jacket and trousers please? You know the drill.’ ‘Yes I do.’