Chapter 3

One evening, it was approaching closing time. Jess had done a stock take earlier in the day and had a heap of chicken wings and ribs that needing using up. Each portion was big enough for a meal on its own. Lewis had polished those off before his usual (now triple) bacon cheese burger, fries, coleslaw and onion rings. He had had to unbutton his jeans before he had started on the main course as he had already eaten a lot, even by his standards, and his jeans were very tight. His gut jutted out in front of him.

He had just finished the last bite of the burger when he heard the shop door go behind him.

'Lewis - fancy seeing you in here'

Lewis felt a surge of panic race through his body. He recognised the voice immediately.

Ryan was tall hansom and addicted to the gym. He took great pride in his appearance and it was obvious that he spent a lot of time working on his body.

'I haven't seen you at the gym for a while' he said placing a strong hand on Lewis's shoulder.

Lewis was desperately trying to hold in his belly - but it was no good, he was just too stuffed. It wasn't making any difference. He flushed with embarrassment.

'Don't worry, I can see that you have been ... busy.' Ryan said looking disapprovingly at his bulging belly and the empty plates that littered the table.

'So what have you been up to other than making a complete pig of yourself and stuffing yourself stupid?' he sniggered.

Jess overheard the last part of the conversation as she walked out of the kitchen carrying a huge slab of chocolate brownie.

Ryan did a double take as she laid the plate down in front of Lewis. 'Are you sure you should be having that? You can only just fit in that shirt now - your buttons look like they could give at any minute.'

'The diet starts tomorrow' Lewis said as the guilt of the last few months of indulgence hit him like a tonne of bricks. He had made a complete pig of himself. What must she think of him? He was kidding himself that she liked his belly. He had got so wrapped up in his little world of excess that he'd clearly lost touch with reality.

Jess noticed how uncomfortable Lewis looked and quickly changed the subject. 'What can I get you?' she said turning to the unwelcome stranger.

'A chicken salad please to take out. No dressing.' Ryan replied.

'Can I tempt you to have a slice of cake too? It’s really good, and we have only got one slice left.'

'No thanks' he said lifting his shirt to reveal his six pack. 'I'm watching my weight’.

’Plus I've seen what too much cake can do to you’ he thought looking at Lewis.

'O.k. - one chicken salad coming right up'

As she walked away Ryan eyes watched her until she disappeared into the kitchen.

'Wow - I can see why you come in here now. She is very nice - I certainly wouldn't mind a piece of that'.

Lewis felt the jealousy rising inside of him and Ryan saw it written all over his face.

'Oh ... you like her??' He laughed. 'You are kidding yourself if you think that you stand a chance with her. She is way out of your league. What would she want a fat boy like you ...'' he said poking Lewis's bloated gut 'When she could have a real man like me. Watch and learn'

Jess walked out of the kitchen with the take out box and smiled as she handed it over to Ryan.

Ryan's tight T-shirt perfectly emphasised his tight firm body and thick arms. Unlike Lewis, it was his muscles and not his gut that was bulging.

'So how do you fancy going for dinner sometime this week?’ Ryan said running his fingers through his hair.

Jess blushed 'what day?'

Lewis's heart sank. He was a fool for thinking that he had a chance with her. Why would she give him a second glance? She was probably only looking at his belly because she couldn't believe how big he was getting. He couldn't compete with Ryan's perfection.

'Thursday - I'll pick you up at 7:30' he said grinning at Lewis.

'Oh I'm sorry I can't I'm busy ... I am doing something with Lewis.'

'Friday then?' Ryan spluttered.

'Sorry, then too …'

Ryan's face was a picture - girls never turned him down. Ever. He looked furious and wasn't smart enough to think of something quick witted to say. He hurried out of the eatery, slamming the door behind him, his ego clearly bruised. 'She is probably gay' he muttered under this breath.